Lesson: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

 Most Holy Father God,

We are grateful for this online seminar today. We ask for Your blessing so that we may enjoy the kingdom of heaven. May everyone who joins us come before You and receive salvation.
We thank You, Father, and we pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Welcome and Opening Prayer

To all pastors, seminarians, and congregation members joining us for this testimony on the revelation of the Old and New Testaments, I extend a warm welcome.

Greeting and Acknowledgment

I am honored to serve as your president for today's seminar. First and foremost, we give thanks and glory to God for allowing us this opportunity to delve into His will and purpose as revealed in the 66 books of the Bible.

Purpose of the Seminar

In this seminar, we will testify about God's work and order as recorded throughout the Bible, utilizing the five W's and one H. We are in a time when the secrets of heaven are being revealed clearly, and we are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecies according to the scriptures. I pray that we can all open our hearts and listen attentively.

Prayer

With a sincere desire to fully understand the secrets of heaven and the meanings hidden in each chapter of the Old and New Testaments, let us pray together to our Father God.

Most Holy Father God,
We are grateful for this online seminar today. We ask for Your blessing so that we may enjoy the kingdom of heaven. May everyone who joins us come before You and receive salvation.
We thank You, Father, and we pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Testimony of the Word: Lesson 17

Today's lesson will focus on the reality of the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. These concepts are familiar to many believers, as they are prominently mentioned in Genesis. In the Garden of Eden, God said that eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil would result in death, while the tree of life holds the promise of eternal life. Understanding these trees is crucial for those who hope for eternal life.

Introduction to the Instructor

We will now welcome the instructor from Tongju Church of Thadius Tribe, who will deliver today's lesson.

Lesson: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

Key Biblical References

The lesson today will cover:

• Genesis chapters 2 and 3
• Daniel chapter 4
• Revelation chapter 22

These passages contain references to the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Many pastors around the world struggle to provide definitive answers about these two trees. At this time, we will listen to the explanation from Shinshanki regarding these trees to uncover their true meanings.

Main Reference: John Chapter 15

We will also look closely at John chapter 15, which consists of 27 verses and covers the true vine, the branches, and their fruits, as well as the persecution of those who belong to God.

Let's read John 15:1-8 and summarize its content:

John 15:1-8 (NIV)

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1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Explanation and Interpretation

• True Vine and Branches: Jesus is the true vine, and we are the branches. To bear fruit, we must remain in Him. Branches that do not bear fruit are cut off and burned, while fruitful branches are pruned to be even more fruitful. The fruits represent believers born of the word of truth (James 1:18).
• Remaining in Jesus: To bear fruit, we must remain in Jesus, and His words must remain in us. Our prayers will be answered, and by bearing fruit, we bring glory to God.

Jesus distinguishes Himself from the "fake gentile wild vines" of Isaiah 5 by calling Himself the true vine. The true vine and the wild vine symbolize a tree belonging to God and a tree belonging to Satan, respectively. These are figuratively written as the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

• Persecution: Believers who do not remain in Jesus and bear fruit will be like branches thrown away and burned.

Conclusion

By understanding the reality of the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, we can receive the blessing of eternal life. Let us listen attentively to the instructor from Tongju Church as they deliver the word today.

May God bless us all as we seek to understand His truths more deeply.

Importance of Becoming One with Jesus and Bearing Fruits

Spiritual Trees in the Bible

In understanding the true vine, we must recognize the figurative use of trees in the Bible. There are two primary spiritual trees mentioned:

1. The Tree of Life: Grants eternal life (Genesis 3:22).
2. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: Brings death upon consumption (Genesis 2:17).

The significance of these trees lies in their representation of life and death. Understanding these trees is crucial for comprehending the path to eternal life.

Hidden Secrets Now Revealed

The inability to understand these trees until now was because God had hidden their meanings. It is at the time of the second coming and the fulfillment of Revelation that these secrets are being revealed clearly.

• Tree of Life: Represents a tree grown from God’s seed of life.
• Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: Represents a tree grown from Satan’s seed of death.

Parables of the Trees

• Tree of Life: Grown from God’s seed and represents the kingdom of heaven, the true pastor born of God’s seed, his organization, and the Holy Spirit’s presence. Jesus, at His first coming, was the reality of the tree of life, as seen in John 14:6.
• Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Wild Vine): Grown from Satan’s seed and represents the kingdom of Satan, false pastors, and their organization. The King of Babylon, in Daniel 4, is an example of this tree, symbolizing a large tree providing shelter to evil spirits.

Explanation of Parables

1. Mustard Seed Parable (Matthew 13:31-32):

   • The mustard seed represents the kingdom of heaven, growing into a large tree where birds perch. This signifies a true pastor and his organization, with the Holy Spirit descending upon them.

2. True Vine (John 15:1-8):

   • Jesus as the true vine, believers as branches, and the necessity of bearing fruit through unity with Jesus. Fruits represent believers born of the word of truth.

3. King of Babylon (Daniel 4):

   • The king represents a large tree (wild vine) providing shelter for evil spirits, symbolizing a kingdom under Satan’s influence.

Reality of the Trees

• First Coming:

  • Tree of Life: Jesus and His twelve disciples.
  • Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: False pastors (Pharisees and Sadducees) and their followers.

• Second Coming:

  • Tree of Life: The promised pastor and his organization, chosen by Jesus.
  • Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: False pastors and their organizations influenced by Satan.

Revelation Chapter 22: The Tree of Life at the Second Coming

• Revelation 22:1-2:

  • The tree of life bears 12 crops of fruit, representing the twelve tribes of believers born of the word of life. This symbolizes the new spiritual Israel and the new kingdom created through the "him who overcomes."

• Spiritual Meaning:

  • The fruit of the tree of life is the revealed word of truth, the physical fulfillment of Jesus’ promises. Believers born of this word are the true fruits, embodying the new covenant.

Conclusion

• Tree of Life: Represents God, the true pastor, and his organization, with the Holy Spirit.
• Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: Represents Satan, false pastors, and their organization.

At the time of the second coming, the promised pastor, through whom Jesus works, is the reality of the tree of life. The new kingdom, represented by the twelve tribes of Shincheonji, fulfills the prophecy of bearing the twelve crops of fruit, demonstrating the true understanding and realization of God’s eternal plan.

Importance of Becoming One with Jesus and Bearing Fruits

Spiritual Trees in the Bible

In understanding the true vine, we must recognize the figurative use of trees in the Bible. There are two primary spiritual trees mentioned:

1. The Tree of Life: Grants eternal life (Genesis 3:22).
2. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: Brings death upon consumption (Genesis 2:17).

The significance of these trees lies in their representation of life and death. Understanding these trees is crucial for comprehending the path to eternal life.

Hidden Secrets Now Revealed

The inability to understand these trees until now was because God had hidden their meanings. It is at the time of the second coming and the fulfillment of Revelation that these secrets are being revealed clearly.

• Tree of Life: Represents a tree grown from God’s seed of life.
• Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: Represents a tree grown from Satan’s seed of death.

Parables of the Trees

• Tree of Life: Grown from God’s seed and represents the kingdom of heaven, the true pastor born of God’s seed, his organization, and the Holy Spirit’s presence. Jesus, at His first coming, was the reality of the tree of life, as seen in John 14:6.
• Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Wild Vine): Grown from Satan’s seed and represents the kingdom of Satan, false pastors, and their organization. The King of Babylon, in Daniel 4, is an example of this tree, symbolizing a large tree providing shelter to evil spirits.

Explanation of Parables

1. Mustard Seed Parable (Matthew 13:31-32):

   • The mustard seed represents the kingdom of heaven, growing into a large tree where birds perch. This signifies a true pastor and his organization, with the Holy Spirit descending upon them.

2. True Vine (John 15:1-8):

   • Jesus as the true vine, believers as branches, and the necessity of bearing fruit through unity with Jesus. Fruits represent believers born of the word of truth.

3. King of Babylon (Daniel 4):

   • The king represents a large tree (wild vine) providing shelter for evil spirits, symbolizing a kingdom under Satan’s influence.

Reality of the Trees

• First Coming:

  • Tree of Life: Jesus and His twelve disciples.
  • Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: False pastors (Pharisees and Sadducees) and their followers.

• Second Coming:

  • Tree of Life: The promised pastor and his organization, chosen by Jesus.
  • Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: False pastors and their organizations influenced by Satan.

Revelation Chapter 22: The Tree of Life at the Second Coming

• Revelation 22:1-2:

  • The tree of life bears 12 crops of fruit, representing the twelve tribes of believers born of the word of life. This symbolizes the new spiritual Israel and the new kingdom created through the "him who overcomes."

• Spiritual Meaning:

  • The fruit of the tree of life is the revealed word of truth, the physical fulfillment of Jesus’ promises. Believers born of this word are the true fruits, embodying the new covenant.

Conclusion

• Tree of Life: Represents God, the true pastor, and his organization, with the Holy Spirit.
• Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: Represents Satan, false pastors, and their organization.

At the time of the second coming, the promised pastor, through whom Jesus works, is the reality of the tree of life. The new kingdom, represented by the twelve tribes of Shincheonji, fulfills the prophecy of bearing the twelve crops of fruit, demonstrating the true understanding and realization of God’s eternal plan.

Reality of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil at the Second Coming

To understand the reality of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil at the second coming, we turn to Revelation 17 and 18, which describe Babylon, the great prostitute, and her association with Satan.

Revelation 17: The Great Prostitute and Babylon

Revelation 17:1-6 (NIV):

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1 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters.
2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.
4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries.
5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery: Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth.
6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.

Revelation 18: Babylon’s Fall

Revelation 18:1-3 (NIV):

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1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor.
2 With a mighty voice he shouted: “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
3 For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”

Babylon as the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

In these passages, Babylon represents Satan’s kingdom, making all nations fall with her adulterous wine, which symbolizes false doctrines and teachings. This parallels the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which brings spiritual death through deception and falsehood.

• Prostitute and Babylon: Symbolize the false church and its corrupt teachings.
• Wine of Adulteries: Represents false doctrines (Deuteronomy 32:33 describes it as the poison of snakes and the venom of cobras).
• Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns: Represents the political and religious systems supporting false teachings.

Babylon, the prostitute, and her organization are the embodiment of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil at the second coming. They have allied with Satan, received his spirit, and spread false doctrines, deceiving nations.

Judgment and Disappearance of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

In Revelation 22, we do not see the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This absence signifies its judgment and eradication. Babylon’s fall represents the destruction of false teachings and the triumph of God’s truth.

Revelation 22: The Tree of Life

Revelation 22:1-2 (NIV):

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1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

The tree of life stands alone, symbolizing the true teachings of God and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus and those who overcome. It signifies the eternal life and truth that come from God.

Call to Action

We are called to perceive the reality of the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. By recognizing the false teachings and coming out from all nations deceived by them, we can belong to the twelve branches of the tree of life, receiving salvation and eternal life.

Summary of John 15:9-17

Let us now summarize the teachings of John 15:9-17, focusing on remaining in Jesus' love and the command to love one another, which is essential for bearing fruit and staying connected to the true vine.

John 15:9-17 (NIV):

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9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
17 This is my command: Love each other.

Key Points:

1. Remain in Jesus' Love: Obey His commands to stay in His love.
2. Love One Another: The greatest commandment, reflecting Jesus' love for us.
3. Bearing Lasting Fruit: Chosen by Jesus to bear fruit that endures.
4. Friendship with Jesus: Knowing His teachings and commands, not as servants but as friends.

By remaining in Jesus' love and loving one another, we stay connected to the true vine, bear lasting fruit, and fulfill God’s purpose.

The Reality of the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

In exploring the reality of the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil at the time of the second coming, we must delve deeper into the scriptural references and interpretations provided. The passages and explanations center around understanding these trees as symbolic representations of spiritual realities rather than physical entities.

John 15:9-17 - Remaining in Jesus' Love and Bearing Fruit

John 15:9-17 (NIV):

vbnet
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
17 This is my command: Love each other.

Key Points from John 15:9-17

1. Remaining in Jesus' Love: By keeping Jesus' commands, we remain in His love, as He remained in the Father's love through obedience.
2. Command to Love Each Other: Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving one another, demonstrating the greatest love by laying down His life for His friends.
3. Friendship with Jesus: Those who obey His commands are not merely servants but friends who know His teachings and God's will.
4. Chosen and Appointed: Jesus chose and appointed His disciples to bear lasting fruit and spread His teachings, which is central to evangelism and rearing God's children.

Persecution and Belonging to God (John 15:18-27)

John 15:18-27 (NIV):

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18 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.
22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.
23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well.
24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.
25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’
26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.
27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

Key Points from John 15:18-27

1. Hatred and Persecution: The world hates and persecutes those chosen by Jesus because they do not belong to the world, mirroring the persecution Jesus faced.
2. Reason for Persecution: The world’s hatred stems from its ignorance of God and rejection of Jesus, despite the miracles and teachings He provided.
3. Role of the Advocate (Holy Spirit): The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus, and the disciples must also testify, having been with Jesus from the beginning.

The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

Tree of Life

• Symbolizes God, Jesus, and True Believers: The tree of life represents God, Jesus, and the true believers who remain in His word and bear fruit.
• Bearing Fruit: The fruit of the tree of life is the revealed word and those born of God’s truth.

Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Tree of Grenival)

• Symbolizes False Pastors and Doctrines: The tree of the knowledge of good and evil represents false pastors, their false teachings, and those who follow these deceptions.
• Babylon and the Prostitute: In Revelation 17 and 18, Babylon and the great prostitute symbolize the false church and corrupt religious systems that lead people away from God through false teachings and spiritual adultery.

Harvest and Separation

• Time of Harvest: The time of harvest is the period of separating those born of God’s seed from those born of Satan’s seed.
• Judgment of Babylon: Revelation 18 describes the fall of Babylon, representing the judgment and eradication of false teachings and the triumph of God’s truth.

Call to Action

1. Perceive the Reality: Understand the symbolic meanings of the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
2. Remain in Jesus' Love: Obey His commands, love one another, and bear lasting fruit.
3. Testify to the Truth: Spread the teachings of Jesus and the revelations of the New Testament.
4. Join the True Vine: Separate from false teachings and join the twelve tribes of the tree of life to receive salvation and eternal life.

Conclusion

By recognizing the symbolic meanings of the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, we can discern the true path to eternal life. Remaining in Jesus' love, obeying His commands, and bearing fruit are essential for staying connected to the true vine. As we testify to the truth and join the true church, we fulfill God’s purpose and receive the promise of eternal life.

create a realization and best things i learned?

Realizations and Key Learnings

Realizations

1. Spiritual Symbolism in Scripture: The realization that the trees in the Garden of Eden, particularly the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, are not just physical trees but hold deep spiritual meanings. This understanding adds a profound layer to biblical study, encouraging us to seek the underlying messages within scripture.

2. The Importance of Obedience and Love: Emphasizing the importance of following Jesus' commands and remaining in His love. This realization highlights that our relationship with Jesus and our adherence to His teachings are fundamental to our spiritual growth and connection with God.

3. Persecution as a Sign of Belonging to God: Understanding that persecution and hatred from the world are indications of being chosen by God and not belonging to the world. This perspective helps to frame difficulties and opposition in a positive light, as signs of alignment with God’s will.

4. Distinguishing True and False Teachings: Realizing the critical need to discern between true teachings from God and false doctrines propagated by false pastors. This discernment is crucial for spiritual health and for remaining connected to the tree of life.

5. The Role of the Holy Spirit and Evangelism: Acknowledging the significant role of the Holy Spirit in testifying about Jesus and the responsibility of believers to spread the true gospel. This reinforces the mission of evangelism and the sharing of God’s truth.

Best Things I Learned

1. The Dual Nature of the Trees:

   • The tree of life represents God, Jesus, and true believers who follow His teachings and bear good fruit.
   • The tree of the knowledge of good and evil symbolizes Satan, false pastors, and their misleading doctrines.

2. The Concept of Spiritual Harvest:

   • The process of spiritual harvest involves separating those born of God’s seed from those born of Satan’s seed. This metaphor highlights the importance of spiritual readiness and alignment with God’s word.

3. Jesus’ Command to Love:

   • Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us is central to Christian life. His ultimate act of love, laying down His life for His friends, sets a powerful example for believers.

4. End-Time Revelations:

   • The fulfillment of prophecies in the Book of Revelation, particularly the fall of Babylon and the establishment of God’s kingdom, provides a roadmap for understanding end-time events and the ultimate triumph of God’s truth.

5. Practical Evangelism:

   • The practical aspect of evangelism includes being chosen and appointed by Jesus to bear lasting fruit, and the duty to spread His teachings with integrity and faithfulness.

Reflective Summary

In reflecting on these realizations and learnings, it becomes clear that a deep and nuanced understanding of scripture is vital for spiritual growth. Recognizing the symbolic meanings behind biblical narratives enriches our faith and equips us to live out our calling with greater clarity and purpose. Obedience to Jesus' commands, discerning true teachings, enduring persecution, and actively participating in evangelism are foundational practices for a vibrant and effective Christian life. These insights not only deepen our relationship with God but also empower us to contribute meaningfully to His kingdom.