Nephi's vision of the tree of life begins in chapter eleven, and is described differently than Lehi's dream. Lehi may very well have had the same dream, but the interpretation is known to be the same. The love of God was represented by a tree of life, and the love of God is Christ (1Ne11:25). Before Nephi even begins the vision the angel asks him if he knows about the "condescension of God", and Nephi response is negative, but that he knows that God "loveth his children" (1Ne11:17). What a beautiful and appropriate commentary, especially how the angel then explains that the condescension of God is the love of God, which is Christ Jesus.
When one examines a tree, the symbolism of Christ becomes clearer. A tree is shade, and refuge in the desert. Cherubim guarded this tree with flaming swords, for it was the power of life eternal, and the guilty cannot taste of it (Gen.3:22). Only the sinless one could pass the flaming sword, the justice of God, and like Lehi lead His family to its fruits. It provides fruit and substance for life. Though a tree can be empty of leaves and have the appearance of death, in the summer it will be resurrected. And is Christ not the first fruits of the resurrection? (See 1Cor15:20) Then we have a description of the tree of life in Revelation 22:2 that describes a tree that bears fruit in all seasons, for in the celestial sphere death is done away and has no more claim.
Revelation also describes the tree as bearing "twelve manner of fruits", or the tribes of Israel, and/or the symbol of the priesthood. Both Israel and the priesthood are the Christ's, the Holy One of Israel, and are for the "healing of the nations" as seen in the Abrahamic Covenant and the Atonement (Rev.22:2). When Nephi is describing the fruit of the tree to his brothers, he says that it was "most precious and most desirable above all other fruits" as well as being the "greatest gift of God" (1Ne15:36). In D&C 14:7 the Lord describes "eternal life" as being the "greatest of all the gifts of God". Eternal life is more than salvation, it is exaltation-the highest degree in the Celestial Kingdom. This can only come to us when come to Christ, when we come to the temple to make covenants, and when we come before our Father with clean hands and a pure heart. We are to become like Christ.
To become like Christ, who is the tree of life and makes life possible and eternal life desirable, we must become like the tree of life that is planted by the living waters. This beautiful process is described in Alma chapter 32. There are faith is like unto a seed which can grow to be "a tree springing up unto everlasting life" (Alma32:41). But we must nourish our faith, for though it may swell and sprout it is not perfect knowledge. And even when our minds expand and we gain light and it becomes "real", it is still not perfect knowledge or a tree of life (Alma32:35). This would also be advantageous to note here that the tree of life is a tree of knowledge, but more perfect and pure and true than the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, it is a knowledge of godly things.
But if the tree grows and takes root (the root of Christianity being Christ and the Atonement[1]) then can we partake of the fruit of the tree of life (Alma32:40). And this fruit we should "feast" on, that we will neither hunger or thirst-being the same as if one partakes of the waters of life and the bread of life (Alma 32:42). Then the prophet Alma adds to the symbolism of man becoming his own tree of life, of becoming like Christ and the Father, as he explains that we shall wait "for the tree to bring forth fruit" unto us (Alma32:43). If we have followed after Christ and kept the commandments, and even partaken of the fruit, then why must we wait for our own trees to bring forth fruit meant for us? What wonderful symbolism of exaltation and eternal families! For when we become like the Father we will be eternal fathers and mothers, we will bring forth fruit/posterity and the continuing of the glory and gift of God. No wonder the tree is a symbol used in scripture and the temple, it is perfect knowledge and understanding of the nature of God, His love in dealing with His children (condescension/atonement of Christ), and the sacred nature of covenant peoples.
Works Cited
[1] Boyd K. Packer,“The Mediator,” Ensign, May 1977, 56
1Nephi 11, 15
Alma 32
Revelation 22
Genesis 3
1 Corinthians 15
Doctrine and Covenants 14
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7 comments:
You have some really interesting insights about the symbolism as Christ as a tree. You use great scriptures to support. I really enjoyed reading this essay.
I really like your focus on the symbolism of the tree in the scriptures. You have good details and interpretations. Some ideas need a bit more polish for the reader to get the point. For example, this sentence has a logic problem because you use "the same dream" and then you use the conjunction "but", implying a contrast or contradiction. Can you clarify what you mean there?
Lehi may very well have had the same dream, but the interpretation is known to be the same.
I liked your point about how we do not have a perfect knowledge. We need to continually be working to achieve such knowledge but it is not something that will happen all at once.
I love how at times you were able to bring scriptures in without actually quoting them...impressive. Maybe a little bit stronger close? Great post.
This essay really shows how well you understand the symbolism between Christ and the Tree of Life. Many of the relationships that you described I have never really thought about before. Great job!!
You really supported your arguements well with the scriptures, I am really impressed. My favorite was how you said the tree was a symbol of the knowledgeo of godly things. I know that I often look at the tree as a gift of eternal life but I forget that eternal life is to know of God and His glory.
Very powerful post. Made me realize a lot of connections that have not surfaced to my awareness before.
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