One of the clearest teachings in Scripture is that death is an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26).[1] Death was not a part of God’s original plan, but was introduced when Adam and Eve sinned against God. Death is the penalty for sin (Romans 6:23) and it is now a “natural” part of life. Currently, every human being has died and has remained dead (except for one). However, something is interesting about death that is brought up in Genesis 3:24.

In this verse, we learn that after God banished Adam and Eve from the garden “he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” This is information that most readers either overlook or simply do not give much thought.

There is some very important information in this little verse. It is said that God guarded the Tree of Life after humanity sinned. By keeping us from eating the fruit of the tree and sentencing man to die, God has actually blessed humanity. This blessing comes in two parts. First, by allowing us to die, man is not forced to live in a sin-cursed world forever. This is why the tree was guarded! Since we are forced to die it allows mankind to have a second chance at the true life (1 Timothy 6:19) that awaits us in heaven where sin and death will be no more (Revelation 21:4; 22:3).

The second part of the blessing is that death allows us to be redeemed by Jesus Christ, who died for our sins (Romans 4:25; Hebrews 4:15; 9:13-14). If there was no death, then Jesus would not have died for us, thus condemning us to eternal damnation.

In these two ways, death is actually a blessing (in a way). Although it is the enemy and was not supposed to be a part of our existence it allows us a chance to be free from sin forever.

What do you think? Have you ever thought of death in this way before?

[1] This essay was updated on June19, 2024.