God’s purpose for designing and creating the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
For eternity (past - as some would explain it) the knowledge of certain characteristics of God was hidden (not revealed). He decided to devise a plan to create a way in which these attributes could be known, not just as a theory (a contemplative and rational type of abstract or generalizing thinking about a phenomenon) but as a proven, by evidence, reality or truth.
Some of these characteristics, attributes, traits or qualities are forgiveness, mercy, grace, longsuffering, compassion, reconciliation, tolerance, sympathy, patience to name a few were concealed within God. So, in order for Him to be fully known by the principalities and powers, the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, angels and demons, He created this creation and in the middle of it placed a tree, a unique tree, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The focal point in all of His creation was planet Earth. And in the middle of this planet was the Garden of Eden as we know it. In the middle of this garden, He placed a distinctive and particular tree of note (The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”)
Why was this Tree so important to be given extra, special attention? Because through this tree God was going to introduce for the first time EVER, Himself as NEVER seen before. This Tree was going to be the means of beginning a process that would arrive at a pinnacle (possibly the greatest, of many **) when God came to this planet in human form, lived, died, was resurrected and received back from where He came. This process was the unveiling of the GOD Who created all things. The main participating audience being the principalities and powers, the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, the angels and demons. Wow, what a blockbuster movie this would be, with such an incredible script!!
Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things (including the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil). 10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose ** that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We are the most blessed who have come to know more fully this GOD through experiencing His characteristics, attributes, traits and qualities. Yes, us the Church, the Body of Christ are the focal point, as Paul said, For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. Oh what a privilege to be counted worthy to participate in the revelation of GOD be it in life or death. May we in life reveal Him greatly. May we in death reveal Him even more.