The tree of life is in the New Jerusalem to signify the restoration of what was lost in Eden and to provide continual spiritual nourishment, healing, and fellowship with God. Its presence confirms the completeness of redemption and the eternal life granted to the redeemed in Christ.
Revelation 22:1–2 describes the tree’s location:
“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
This tree is not merely symbolic. It first appeared in the Garden of Eden as a real tree that granted eternal life:
“And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow… The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
(Genesis 2:9)
After Adam sinned, access to the tree of life was restricted:
“Then the Lord God said… now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever… He drove out the man… and placed cherubim… to guard the way to the tree of life.”
(Genesis 3:22–24)
This was not punishment only, but mercy, preventing man from living eternally in a fallen state. Redemption through Christ restores access to what was lost.
In the New Jerusalem, the tree is not hidden or guarded. It is in the open, available to all who dwell in the city. Its continual fruit-bearing shows that eternal life in Christ is not static but abundant and satisfying. The “twelve fruits” likely represent variety, sufficiency, and provision for all seasons of eternity.
The statement that “the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” does not imply sickness or disease in eternity. Rather, it indicates wholeness, peace, and ongoing life flowing from God. The nations, once divided and deceived, are now united and healed through the presence of God and the Lamb.
Revelation continues:
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.”
(Revelation 22:14)
Access to the tree is a reward for obedience through faith. It confirms full reconciliation with God. The curse of sin is gone:
“And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.”
(Revelation 22:3)
The tree of life in the New Jerusalem is the final bookend to Scripture. What was lost through disobedience in Genesis is restored through Christ in Revelation. It is the eternal reminder that life flows from God alone and is granted without end to those who dwell with Him.
