Of course now we can understand what this death really signifies. If the fruit represents the holiest of holies or the truth that gods do not exist, then to die would be seen as becoming atheist – a spiritual death. Only by accepting this Truth can a worshipper be made dead (become atheist) which of course is not only dead to god but also dead to delusion and misconception. Therefore to be made dead in this fashion is actually to be raised to a newness of life; one free from misconception and delusion. They become as gods knowing truth and are above sin. Jesus says exactly this.
Ro:6:7: For he that is dead is freed from sin.
What is meant by this is that to be dead to worshipping gods is to be free of sin. An atheist sees no sin. Jesus’ whole ministry was aimed at making people free and forgiving Sin. It is not the physical death of the body but the spiritual death of misconception. Adam partook in the tree of knowledge of good and evil and became as gods knowing that there are no such things as gods.
Hab:1:14: And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?