Before we explore the Tree of Life, we must remember where our story began—long before we ever took our first breath on earth.

When Satan tempted Eve, she partook, and Adam also. They were cast out of the Garden—separated from the Tree of Life.

But this was not the end; it was part of God’s plan. The Fall of Adam and Eve brought mortality, the ability to experience joy and sorrow, and the power to have children. Through their own choices, Adam and Eve could now make covenants with God to help lead them back to the Tree of Life.

The iron rod represents God's teachings from scriptures and current prophets. He watches as beloved sons and daughters of God press forward, clinging to that rod, yearning to partake of the fruit that is pure, dazzling, and sweet beyond all description.

Later, Lehi’s son, Nephi, desired to know the interpretation of the Tree of Life.

He learned from God that The Tree of Life points directly to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. He, who would descend below all things, who would walk the lonely path of Gethsemane and Golgotha, who would give His life for each of us. The Tree stands as a witness of His infinite love, His redeeming sacrifice, and His invitation to come unto Him and be healed.

What Is the Fruit of the Tree of Life?

The fruit is the joy of becoming clean and pure through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and becoming born again—becoming His sons and His daughters, and to have the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit of God.  King Benjamin talks about this:

In Mosiah 5:7, King Benjamin reveals something extraordinary: "And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters."

When we are born again, we receive forgiveness and become clean and pure. Our spiritual heritage shifts from Adam’s fallen legacy to Christ’s divine lineage. With Christ as our new Father, we receive a new heart: Christ blesses us with a desire to do good continually, replacing our natural, worldly inclinations. This is not mere behavior change, but a transformation of our very nature, enabling us to reflect His love, patience, and devotion to the Father.

How does making a Covenant Get Me Closer to the Tree of Life?

I will explain this by using the story in Matthew 14:28–31 about Jesus walking on the water:

… And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And Jesus said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

The key point that I am trying to make here is that Peter asked Jesus to “Ask me come unto thee” because he knew that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. And so it is with covenants. When God makes a covenant with us,  implicit is the fact that God will create a way for us to accomplish our part of the agreement,  even if we should lose faith and flounder, if we pray for help, he will help us.

In Moses  6:1-66, we read: And the Lord spake unto Adam, saying: …I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children, saying: That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory.

And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water.

And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man. (Moses 6:64-65)

Choosing the Tree of Life Today

Dear people, the invitation to choose the Tree of Life and come unto Christ  is not ancient history—it is a living call for you and me today.

Choose to trust in Jesus Christ. Speak to your Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. Pray humbly with real intent, and listen for Heaven's answer.

Choose to share this joy with others—the fruit of the Tree of Life is sweetest when you share it.

If you have not yet entered the waters of baptism, choose to hear and accept the Lord’s invitation through His missionaries from His Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, your sacred companion who will give you the strength to keep your covenants and become an amazing son or daughter of Christ.

Choose to covenant with God to keep His commandments, even when it is hard, because Christ will prepare a way to enable you to keep His Commandments. One way that he does this is through the sacrament. At church, partake of the sacrament with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and renew your commitment to Christ. Christ will give you His Holy Spirit to remind you to keep your commitments.

Choose to attend the temple, the house of the Lord, where covenants will bless you and your family and help you grow, and where your prayers are answered.

Choose to hold fast to the iron rod—the word of God. This means to feast upon the scriptures and listen to the leaders of the Church. This will help keep you on the right path and lead you to the Tree of Life.

When the world mocks, choose to keep your eyes fixed on the Savior.

Choose to forgive. Heaven will include some annoying people. Get used to forgiving us now.

And finally, always choose kindness. Choose to love and serve others. Pray for the gift of love, the greatest gift from God.