The book of Revelation is the last book of the New Testament of the Bible and contains the apostle John’s prophetic visions of the end times. In chapter 22 we find a description of a holy city, New Jerusalem, and accompanying symbols such as the River of Life and the Tree of Life.
The River of Life is mentioned in Revelation 22:1-2 as “a river of water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb”. The river flows through the middle of the city’s main street and is fed by the presence of God. The Tree of Life is also described as “in the middle of the main street, on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bears twelve fruits, yielding its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2).
Both the River of Life and the Tree of Life are symbols of blessings and eternal life that God promises to those who follow and love him. The Tree of Life was first mentioned in the book of Genesis, in the Garden of Eden, but after the fall of man, entry into the Garden was forbidden and the possibility of eating the fruit of the Tree of Life was denied (Genesis 3:22 -24). However, with the promise of redemption in Christ, access to the Tree of Life is again open to those who believe in Jesus.
The River of Life and the Tree of Life are powerful symbols that represent the promise of eternal life for those who are faithful to God. Access to eternal life is through faith in Jesus, as He said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” These symbols are a reminder that despite the struggles and challenges of this life, there is greater hope in eternal life with God. The promise of eternal life is a gift from God to those who trust in Him and follow His ways.
In summary, the River of Life and the Tree of Life in Revelation 22 symbolize God’s promise of eternal life and blessing to those who believe in Jesus. These symbols remind us that despite the difficulties of this life, there is greater hope in eternal life with God. Through faith in Jesus, we can gain access to eternal life and enjoy the blessings God has promised His children.
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
205. What happens to our body and our soul after death?
121. What happened in the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane?
263. What are the effects of Baptism?
289. When does the Church oblige her members to participate at Holy Mass?
201. Why does the Church have the power to forgive sins?
73. How should we understand the reality of sin?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What is the example of faith that the poor widow gives us in Luke 21:1-4?
What is the importance of humility and repentance according to the book of Baruch?
What was David’s attitude toward Mephibosheth, and what can we learn from this story?
What is the message of redemption present in the book of Abdias, specifically in Abdias 1:17?
What is the example of perseverance in the faith that Paul set in 2 Timothy 4:7?
What does the phrase “we live by faith, not by sight” in 2 Corinthians 5:7 mean?
What is the importance of faith in the healing of blind Bartimaeus, described in Matthew 20:29-34?
