The Bible starts with creation and ends with re-creation. Genesis 1:31a tells us: “God looked at everything he had made, and he was very pleased.” This did not last very long, as Adam and Eve did not listen to God. They ate from the tree of knowledge, so he had to send them away from paradise. God’s beautiful creation became a broken creation, but in Revelation, God promises to restore his creation to its former state.

 

In Genesis, we read about the creation of the sun, moon and stars to give light to the world. In Revelation, these lights are not necessary as “the glory of God shines on it and the Lamb is its lamp”. Genesis describes a lost paradise with a closed gate and an angel with a fiery sword. Revelation describes a regained paradise where, according to Revelation 21:25, the gates will stand open the whole day and there will be no more night.

 

In Genesis, we read the terrible story about people hiding from God, because they were afraid of him. In Revelation 21:3, we read these wonderful words: “Now God’s home is with people! He will live with them, and he will be their God.” Genesis tells the story of the tree of life that became forbidden, while Revelation 22:14 tells us that those whose sins have been washed away, “have the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life”.

 

The contrast is very clear. The first creation is ruined, and broken by man’s greed and selfishness. The new creation is beautiful, pure and holy. There will be no more tears, no more grief, no more sorrow, pain or death. The old things have disappeared and God has made all things new.

 

Do we have to wait till we get to heaven to enjoy all of this? No, these things are already available to every believer. It may not be as perfect yet as it would be in heaven, but the gate to paradise is already opened by the death and resurrection of Jesus, and we have full access to the tree of life.

 

Prayer: Lord, we confess our guilt before you. We are all guilty of the broken paradise, but thank you that you forgave all our sins and created a new home where we will live with you forever. Amen