What is the significance of the tree of life in scripture?

The tree of life in scripture serves as a powerful symbol of eternal life and sustenance from God. In the Garden of Eden, the tree represented the divine gift of life and the intimate fellowship Adam and Eve had with their Creator. After their fall, access to the tree of life was barred, demonstrating their loss of communion with God and the need for redemption. However, the tree of life reappears in Revelation 22, illustrating the restoration of believers to eternal fellowship with God through Christ. As the New Testament describes Jesus as the source of life (John 14:6), the imagery of the tree of life encompasses both physical and spiritual nourishment, highlighting the believer's connection to Christ as the fountain and sustainer of life (Psalm 36:9).