A Serpent and Two Trees

Humanity is firmly planted in the Garden, but why is there a serpent there? Is this a divine setup? Who or what is this serpent figure, anyway? Why would God put a tree there that they couldn't eat from? And what is the deal with the Tree of Life? Is humanity created to be mortal, immortal, or something else?

Today, I take a closer look at all these questions out of the first portion of Genesis 3, and attempt to give some responses that don't hurt either your head or your heart. 

Article about elohim/the gods (Fr. Stephen DeYoung)

Article about s/Satan and the serpent (Dr. Michael Heiser)

Against Heresies (Irenaeus)

Against Autolycus (Theophilus of Antioch)

Tree of Life video (Bible Project)