Overview
In Genesis 3:22, after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, God puts a Flaming Sword at the entrance to the Garden of Eden. This flaming sword is meant to keep them away from the Tree of Life. Basically, it’s there to stop them from living forever.
But the meaning behind the flaming sword is two-fold, it also relates to God’s plan of salvation today.
From the New Testament scriptures we will look into the spiritual meaning behind the flaming sword and how we can use this truth to help us better understand the salvation God set up for us before the foundations of the world.
The dual meaning of the sword and the tree
John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
Ephesians 6:17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”
Jesus states that the messages in the old testament testify about Him.
So when we think about the story of the Flaming Sword of Eden, and how it relates to Jesus, we begin to see how vast God’s purposes can be.
This is also true of the Tree of Life. If you’ve studied the scriptures, you know that life is through Jesus Christ and Him alone.
Not only is the Flaming Sword of Eden a literal event that happened, but also a symbolic representation of Jesus Christ and Gods plan of salvation through Him.
Symbology of the Flaming Sword
The sword brings death
Hebrews 11:6 “All who come to God must believe that He is and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.”
Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Luke 9:23 “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Romans 6:6 “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Once we begin to seek eternal life, we are brought to the sword of Eden which guards the way to the tree of life.
Our Choice:
- There is only ONE way to attain eternal life; through the flaming sword.
- We must allow the flaming sword to fall upon our lives. Luke 9:23
How does this happen?:
- We must come to God, by faith in Christ, with a repentant heart.
- Once we have done this, the bible is clear, our old man is put to death. Romans 6:6
- By faith in Christ we are crucified with Christ. Galatians 2:20
(More on this exchange below)
The flame purifies
Leviticus 13:52 “He shall therefore burn that garment in which is the plague, whether warp or woof, in wool or in linen, or anything of leather, for it is an active leprosy; the garment shall be burned in the fire.”
2 Corinthians 7:1 “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
1 John 3:3 “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
Now, you’d think that death by this sword would be adequate. But God in all His wisdom includes fire to the work of the sword.
We are not only killed, but purified.
The need for fire is another picture of the terrible effects of sin. It not only causes death but also acts like a plague.
If you question the above statement, you need only remember the fall of Adam and Eve. One sin plunged all of humanity into a plague.
So, it’s not enough to put off the clothing, they must also be burned to prevent further spread of the disease.
In summary, the flaming sword does it’s work in administering death so that we might gain access to eternal life. Also, the flames that engulf the sword represent the purifying work that happens when death is administered.
Now lets look at the life-giving exchange that takes place after the sword has does it’s work.
Two results of the Swords work
1. Crucified with Christ
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Spiritual death signifies a relinquishing of our old selves, allowing Christ to live within us.
Just as Christ’s death satisfied the penalty of sin, our spiritual death frees us from its bondage, leading to new life in Him.
2. Transformation
Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Colossians 3:5 “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Transformation through Christ:
- In Colossians 3:5, we see the transformative power that takes place only after our commitment to Christ has been made.
- This fiery blade of the Word of God convicts us, and WE therefore begin to cut away our old, sinful selves, enabling spiritual renewal and growth.
- Through Christ, we experience a radical transformation, shedding negative attitudes and behaviors to embrace new life in Him.
Salvation and renewal come through a steadfast belief in God and embracing the transformative power of Jesus Christ. When we let go of our old selves and accept the guidance of Christ’s Word, we undergo a profound change, leading us into a new life that is holy and obedient.
Symbology of the two trees
The Tree of Life=Jesus
JESUS WAS ALWAYS GOD’S PLAN! From before we even sinned, Jesus was God’s plan for fellowship with His creation.
- Reflecting on God’s eternal plan, it becomes evident that Jesus Christ was always the central figure.
- His life, death, and resurrection serve as the gateway to salvation and renewal, fulfilling God’s redemptive purpose for humanity.
The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil=Sin
We know that Adam and Eve chose the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But this was never the plan God had for them. Nevertheless, the choice has been made for them, as well as every person born thereafter.
It is true that we have life, BUT NOT ETERNAL LIFE (John 17:3). Our souls will never die(Mark 9:44-48), but that does not mean that we have eternal life. Instead, we’ve all inherited eternal condemnation since birth.
This is the reason why God in so many places in scripture it tells us to “RETURN to the Bishop of our souls.” 1 Peter 2:25
If we return somewhere, we had to have already been there at some other time, right?
So now God implores each and every person to RETURN TO LIFE BY JESUS CHRIST, repent and believe and you will be saved and brought back into right relationship with God the father, Amen!
The Path to the Tree of Life
John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”
The unique nature of the Sword’s path to eternal life is underscored in John 10: Jesus himself proclaims to be the door, exclusively offering access to salvation. As the Flaming Sword guards the Tree of Life, Jesus guards the entrance to eternal life— offering redemption and reconciliation to all who enter.
This exclusivity reflects the uniqueness of Christ’s sacrifice and demands faith in return for salvation. The Sword reminds us that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ— who offers it as a free gift to all who believe.
Conclusion
The Flaming Sword of Eden is discovered to contain layers of meaning that are far above the ancient narrative: reminding us of the fall, and God’s protective decree, pointing forward to Jesus Christ as the only exclusive way whereby man can have spiritual renovation and eternal life.
While we take a hold on the transformative power of the Flaming Sword of the Spirit upon our lives, may we find this hope in salvation through none other than Jesus Christ. Responding to the call of repentance, giving up our lives unto the One who grants redemption and renovation, leading us back unto the Tree of Life forever.
