Revelation 22:1 - Meaning and Application

The heavenly state described earlier as a city, the new Jerusalem, is now shown as a paradise. This points back to the earthly paradise lost through the sin of the first Adam, the first man, and it shows another paradise restored through the second Adam, Christ. It is like a paradise in a city, or even a whole city inside a paradise. In the first paradise, only two people could enjoy its beauty and pleasures. In this second paradise, whole cities and nations will find rich delight and full satisfaction.

I. The river of paradise. The earthly paradise was well watered, and no place can be pleasant or fruitful without water. This river is described in two ways. First, by its source, the throne of God and the Lamb. All our springs of grace, comfort, and glory are in God, and all flow to us through the mediation, that is, the work of Christ as our go-between. Second, by its quality, it is pure and clear as crystal. The streams of earthly comfort are often muddy, but these are clear, healing, and refreshing. They give life and keep life to those who drink them.

II. The tree of life in this paradise. There was such a tree in the earthly paradise (Genesis 2:9), but this one is far greater. Notice, first, where it stands, in the middle of the street and on either side of the river, or, better, in the space between the terrace-walk and the river. This tree of life is nourished by the pure waters that come from the throne of God. The presence and goodness of God supply all the glory and happiness of heaven. Second, notice how fruitful this tree is. It bears many kinds of fruit, twelve kinds, suited to the refined taste of all the saints. It bears fruit all the time, giving its fruit every month. It is never empty or barren; there is always fruit on it. In heaven there will be not only many pure and satisfying joys, but also a lasting supply of them, always fresh. The fruit is not only pleasant, but also health-giving. The presence of God in heaven is the health and happiness of the saints. There they find in him a cure for all their former weakness and a continued state of strength and perfect well-being.

III. The complete freedom of this paradise from everything evil (Revelation 22:3). There will be no more curse, no one under a curse, no serpent there as there was in the earthly paradise. This is one of the greatest glories of this paradise. The devil will have no place there. He cannot turn the saints away from serving God and bring them under his power, as he did with our first parents. He cannot even trouble them while they serve God.

IV. The highest joy of this paradisaical state. There the saints will see the face of God, and they will enjoy the beatific vision, that is, the full and blessed sight of God. God will claim them as his own, with his name and seal on their foreheads. They will reign with him forever. Their service will be more than freedom, it will be honor and rule. All of this will be joined with full understanding and joy. They will be filled with wisdom and comfort, always walking in the light of the Lord, and this will continue forever and ever.