Two Gardens
Jarrod M. Jacobs

The Bible describes two gardens for us. Though these gardens are separated by location and centuries, there are still several comparisons and contrasts that can be made between them. God described these gardens for our learning (Rom. 15:4), and they teach us much. Let us take a moment to compare and contrast two Bible gardens and see what truths are found there.

Eden (Gen. 3)

1. A place of sorrow (Gen. 3:16-17).

2. A place of willing choices (Adam and Eve were not forced to sin, Gen. 2:16-17, 3:1-6).

3. God’s word was spoken here (Gen. 2:15-18, 3:8-19).

4. The guilty were expelled from this garden (Gen. 3:24).

5. The actions in this garden resulted in souls lost (Gen. 2:17, 3:3; Rom. 5:12).

6. Though paradise, spiritual death resulted from the actions taken in this place (Gen. 3:3; Rom. 5:12, 6:23).

7. Those in this garden were living (I Cor. 15:45).

Gethsemane (Matt. 26; Mk. 14; Lk. 22)

1. A place of sorrow (Mk. 14:34; Lk. 22:45).

2. A place of willing choices (Christ was not forced to die, Matt. 26:53-54; Jn. 18:6-9, 10:17-18).

3. God’s word was spoken here (Matt. 26:38-38, 41-42, 44, 50-56; Jn. 18:6-9).

4. The Innocent was led from this garden (Matt. 26:57; Jn. 18:13).

5. The actions in this garden resulted in souls saved (Rom. 5:8-9; Matt. 20:28; Heb. 2:9).

6. Though a place of sorrow, spiritual life resulted from the actions taken in this place (Jn. 10:10, 20:31; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 6:22).

7. The One in this garden was life-giving (I Cor. 15:45).