The Bible actually makes numerous references to the garden of Eden, Adam, Eve, and the serpent.* But the error of a few scholars pales in comparison to a much larger, more pervasive one. By discrediting the Genesis record of the garden of Eden, religious leaders and Bible critics are actually launching an all-out assault on the Bible. How so? Understanding what happened in Eden is essential to understanding the rest of the Bible.
For example, Gods Word is designed to help us find answers to the most profound and far-reaching questions that humans face. Again and again, the Bibles answers to those questions relate to events that took place in the garden of Eden. Consider some examples.
Why do we grow old and die?
Why does God allow wickedness?
What is Gods purpose for the earth?
Why Was Jesus Christ Crucified?

*See, for example, Genesis 13:10; Deuteronomy 32:8; 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 1:1; Isaiah 51:3; Ezekiel 28:13; 31:8, 9; Luke 3:38; Romans 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:13, 14; Jude 14; and Revelation 12:9.

Why does God allow wickedness?
In the garden of Eden, Satan called God a liar who withholds good from his creatures. (Genesis 3:3-5) He thus called into question the rightfulness of Jehovahs way of ruling. Adam and Eve chose to follow Satan; so they likewise rejected Jehovahs sovereignty and, in effect, asserted that man can decide for himself what is good and what is bad. In his perfect justice and wisdom, Jehovah knew that there was only one way to answer the challenge properlyallow time to pass, giving humans the opportunity to rule themselves as they choose. The resulting wickedness is due, in part, to Satans continued influence and has gradually revealed a great truth: Man is incapable of governing himself without God.(read Jeremiah 10:23)

What is Gods purpose for the earth?
In the garden of Eden, Jehovah set a standard of beauty for the earth. He commissioned Adam and Eve to fill the earth with their offspring and ''subdue it,'' in order to bring the same measure of beauty and harmony to the whole planet. (Genesis 1:28) So Gods purpose for the earth is that it be a paradise inhabited by a perfect, united family of the offspring of Adam and Eve. Much of the Bible is about Gods means of fulfilling that original purpose.

Why Was Jesus Christ Crucified?
The rebellion in the garden of Eden brought a death sentence upon Adam and Eve and all their offspring, but God lovingly supplied hope. He sent his Son to the earth to provide what the Bible calls a ransom. (Matthew 20:28) What does that mean? Well, Jesus was the last Adam; he succeeded where Adam had failed. Jesus maintained his perfect human life by remaining obedient to Jehovah. Then he freely gave his life as a sacrifice, or ransom, providing the means for all faithful humans to receive forgiveness for their sins and eventually attain the kind of life that Adam and Eve enjoyed in Eden before they sinned. (1 Corinthians 15:22, 45; John 3:16) Thus Jesus guaranteed that Jehovahs purpose to turn this earth into an Eden-like paradise will come true.

Gods purpose is not vague, nor is it some abstract theological concept. It is real. Just as the garden of Eden was a real place on this earth with real animals and real people, so Gods promise for the future is a certainty, a reality soon to come. Will it be your future, your reality? Much of that is up to you. God wants that future for as many people as possible, even for those whose lives have gone wrong.1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

As Jesus was dying, he spoke to a man whose life had taken a terrible turn. The man was a criminal; he knew that he deserved to be executed. But he turned to Jesus for comfort, for hope. Jesus response? ''You will be with me in Paradise.'' (Luke 23:43) If Jesus wants to see that former criminal thereresurrected and blessed with an opportunity to live forever in an Eden-like paradisedoes he not want the same blessing for you? He does! His Father does! If you want that future for yourself, do all that you can to learn about the God who made the garden of Eden.

source: January 2011 Watchtower Magazine