1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
“What is eternal life like?” In John’s vision, we get a glimpse of it. He was shown “the river of the water of life” by the angel that does not contain water but life. As there is no sea on the new earth because the phrase is used to symbolize eternal life. The “river of life” described, “as clear as crystal” reflected God’s glory that is flowing down from the throne of God and of the Lamb from the middle of the street of the city of God. The pure, unobstructed flow symbolizes the constant flow of everlasting life from God to His saints. Thus, life here is abundant and continuous flowing from the Giver of Life since it is eternal.
“The tree of life” is said to be the counterpart of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. This tree was taken away from us after the fall. The Jews understood the tree to be a blessing of life. It yields twelve kinds of fruit each month. The term “month” does not refer to the time in a month since time does not exist in eternity. Maybe more as twelve seasons bearing different kinds of fruits. Or possibly expressing the abundance of God’s provision in eternity in a familiar term for the readers to understand.
The river and the tree imageries remind us of the tree in Psalm 1 that is firmly planted by the river bearing “fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:3). Illustrating the righteous man as like a tree planted in the river that is fruitful. This is what we are to be liked here on earth as well, firmly planted in the river of life so we can be fruitful.
John observed that “The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” just as the psalmist said its “leaf does not wither.” A better translation is, it is “life-giving” or “health-giving.” In Greek, “healing” can mean “therapeutic.” Thus, as God’s people on earth, we must build and heal not “kill or destroy.” Thus, eternal life will be fruitful and healthy.
John noticed that life in eternity is perfect. Three things that will make it perfect. First, “No longer will there be anything accursed.” The curse of sin is removed thus all sorrow, pain, and death will be gone. This means that there will be no sin or sinners, no wickedness, and death to condemn or destroy us. Second, though there is no temple in the New Jerusalem, “The throne of God and of the Lamb” will be in the city. The Lord will be present there as its sovereign Ruler with His people who will serve Him forever in eternity. There is no one to persecute those who serve Him. Third, we will become God’s personal possession as “His name will be on their foreheads.” This is how we are identified differently from those who are in the lake of fire.
There is no doubt that we will belong to God and not be condemned like those who do not belong to Him. For no one is able to accuse or charge us for anything.
John repeats an earlier description of the magnificence of heaven. “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” There is no need for created light like the sun or moon for Jesus is the true light. In the eternal city, New Jerusalem will be bright as God’s glory is shining here. It will be an indescribable place of beauty. We will share in this glory and rule with Him forever.
The believers will not just be residing in a new place, but they are in a perfect state of physical glorification. Paul called it a “glorified body.” Glorification is a theological term in this final stage of our salvation. There are three stages in God’s salvation plan. At conversion, the justification by the blood of Christ and followed by the process of sanctification to become like Christ. And finally, the last stage of glorification where we are made perfect at Christ’s return.
Meanwhile, here on earth, though we are affected by sin we must not let sin affect us in our Christian life. We must determine in our hearts to live a holy life for the Lord.
The ermine is a small animal living in the forest of northern Europe. It is hunted for its snow-white fur. The ermine’s instinct is to protect its white coat from becoming soiled. So, the hunters capitalize on this. Instead of setting a mechanical trap to catch them, they find the ermine’s home that is made in the cleft of a rock. They spread tar on its entrance and then chase the frightened animal towards its home. When the ermine arrives to find the entrance to its home covered with dirt, rather than soil its white fur, it turns around courageously to face its hunters. To the ermine, purity is dearer than life itself. That’s a character!
We too must be determined to live a pure life for God even if it means we must face the risks of losing our job, a promotion, or being hated by others. Are you willing to live such a pure and holy life for God? Will we be willing to do so?
