I’ve written before concerning the Olive tree.  Because like many things in Scripture there does not seem to be complete agreement concerning it; it therefore has a mystic about it.  

This tree is held forth in Scripture supposedly being seen based upon Paul’s writings as representing all of Israel during the days prior to the coming of Christ, and then it suddenly no longer representing Israel, but instead having came to represent the Church.  This following the death and resurrection of the Lamb, the Christ.  But then somehow these same Theologians see another transition from the Church back to Israel.  This final transition they state is to occur at the time of the Rapture of the Church.  Much of this has to be seen as speculation, for it is not true to the actual context. 

Other Theologians therefore, see this tree representing Gods people, all of whom have lived down through this age of mankind.  

How does Paul represent the tree?  He seems to allow for us through what he says to come to understand that the tree has always somehow contained only a people of faith toward God.  Paul seems to suggest this when explaining the remnant of those with faith in God, who are chosen of God  and who were the faithful in their belief toward Him.  This remnant of which Paul speaks suggests that not all in Israel were men and women of faith.   Or at least they were not such at all times during Israel’s history. 

We in the faith today also seem to understand that not all of us today, who are called by the name Christian are true to Christ or are in Him and thus in His Church, which seems also represented in this tree.  Thus just as all of Israel’s body was not contained in this tree throughout her history, as seen within the remnant, so too, not all from Christianity are in the tree, but only the faithful. 

In fact, it could be said that this tree, at any given time throughout man’s history, has only represented those of mankind, who are alive on this earth and who make up the faithful, who are actually here at any present time.  For, once man passes out of this life, he will go from the Tree to paradise, which is the holding place for the righteous souls.  As for those not in the tree, they will go to hell, which is the established holding place for all of mankind who die outside of Christ. 

It then seems right to see the Olive tree as containing only those with whom God is currently and actively involved on the earth at any given time.  The tree seems to be made up of those here and alive in Him at what would be considered the present lifetime for each.  

The Tree is seen as being actively cultivated by God (as in pruned). It is continually being grafted into, and it is having branches to be cut off should they cease in their belief.  This seems to be how Paul sees it. 

The tree thus stands as a symbol from God of the dynamic presence on earth of the body of God’s own, who are contained there within the promised Christ.  Represented in the tree is the endurance or lack thereof, of each branch under the shaping of the hand of God. The tree itself survives the pruning and the side burning of its dead branches.  It is a living organism that is ever changing.  Its nourishment for life itself comes through its root, who is the Christ.  He as God is the only provision for life and nourishment for those in the tree.  

It would further make sense to see  the book of life to be the record keeping document for those having been in this tree.  For the book of life would necessarily contain all who have passed life abiding in this tree. Considering that the book of life also contains names which have been blotted out, would these not then represent those having been cut off from the tree due to their unbelief?  

These are just some thoughts. Are they correct?   Likely we will still have much to learn. Perhaps you would like to add your own thoughts.