The Tree of Life
“And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” -Genesis 2:9
In the Garden of Eden it is said there were two very important trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The fruit of the tree of good and evil is a representative of the impulsive or reflexive submission to God’s law vs the endowment of moral autonomy (Genesis 3:22). It is the ability to choose and discern good from evil autonomously. By contrast, the the tree of life represents God’s love through Christ.
Grace and Works
“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” -Romans 11:6
Last week we discussed mitzvah and sacrament. We discovered God wants us to hear Him, to watch and worship Him, to remember the mitzvah (the instructions He has given us), receive ordinances, and study and live the Torah. And we do all these by grace. Yet there are still those that think there is a difference between grace and works.
Growing in Grace
“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” -2 Peter 3:18a
You’ve learned that there is a God. You’ve come to God with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. You’ve moved through the steps of teshuvah, repented and have been restored. You’re looking for a denomination to be baptized into, or have been baptized, and you’re looking to have the physical manifestation (laying on of hands) to receive the Holy Ghost (baptism by fire). What’s next?