There is an almost unquestioned assumption in Christian circles that, in the beginning, mankind was created immortal. For some reason this idea is so ingrained in us that it’s just never questioned. It’s common knowledge that everyone “knows” to be true. It is oft repeated that Adam and Eve’s immortal bodies were changed and corrupted by their sin. Allegedly, Adam and Eve became mortals when they disobeyed. What does the Bible say?
It is true that Adam and Eve forfeited their immortality, but not in the way many people think. You see, God did not create Adam and Eve with immortal bodies! What God did was provide a means of immortality and it was up to Adam and Eve to take advantage of it. This is the very thing they failed to do.
Why would immortal people need a tree of life?
“And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Gen. 2:9 NKJV)
The implication is that Adam and Eve were created mortal and eating continuously from the Tree of Life would sustain their bodies in such a way that they would not die. Even after their disobedience, even in their fallen state, this tree would have sustained their bodies which is why they were expelled from the garden.
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