Since humanity’s expulsion from Eden, we’ve carried a deep longing for restoration. The garden, once the perfect dwelling place for humanity and God, became a distant memory marred by sin. Every generation has felt the ache of that loss. But Revelation 22:1-5 gives us a glimpse into God’s ultimate plan: a paradise not just restored but gloriously redeemed. This passage, which concludes the biblical narrative, reveals the final chapter in God’s plan of redemption. It is a vision of hope, showing how God will reverse the curse and fulfill His promise of eternal life in the New Jerusalem. Let’s explore how the Bible’s story—from Genesis to Revelation—reveals God’s plan to restore Eden.

Paradise Lost: The Tragedy of Eden

To understand paradise redeemed, we must first revisit paradise lost. In Genesis 2, God created a perfect garden, Eden, where Adam and Eve enjoyed unhindered fellowship with Him. It was a place of harmony, abundance, and direct communion with their Creator.

But we know what happened next. Sin entered the world. Adam and Eve disobeyed God resulting in the curse of Genesis 3:14-19. This act of rebellion resulted in humanity’s expulsion from Eden and separation from the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:22-24). To guard the way back to the garden, God stationed an angel with a flaming sword, signaling that paradise was lost. The fall brought pain, toil, and death, marring the beauty of creation and humanity’s relationship with God.

Yet, even in judgment, God offered hope. Genesis 3:15 foretells a Savior who would crush the serpent’s head, hinting at the ultimate redemption to come through Christ. This promise marked the beginning of God’s unfolding plan to restore what was lost and redeem humanity.

Paradise Prefigured: Echoes of Eden

Throughout Scripture, God provides glimpses of paradise, prefiguring its ultimate restoration. These echoes remind us of what was lost and point forward to what will be redeemed.

The Promised Land

The land of Canaan, described as flowing with milk and honey, was a reflection of Eden (Deuteronomy 8:7-10). It was a place where God’s people could dwell with Him. Canaan was designed to remind God’s people of Eden and point them to something even greater. However, like Eden, it was marred by sin and never fully realized its potential. Hebrews 11:16 reveals that Abraham and others looked forward to a heavenly city—a better country prepared by God.

The Tabernacle and Temple

The tabernacle and temple were designed to reflect Eden. These places were where God’s presence dwelled among His people, though access was limited. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and he could only do so once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2-34). This sacred space, separated by a thick veil, reminded the people of the barrier sin had created between humanity and God.

The decorations, such as palm trees, flowers, and cherubim, symbolized the garden’s beauty (Exodus 26; 1 Kings 6). These artistic elements were not merely ornamental but deeply symbolic, serving as reminders of humanity’s lost home in Eden and their future hope of restoration. The palm trees evoked images of life and abundance, the flowers reflected the vibrant beauty of God’s creation, and the cherubim symbolized God’s presence and protection, much like the cherubim who guarded the entrance to Eden (Genesis 3:24). Each detail pointed to what was lost through sin but also foreshadowed the redemption to come.

For worshippers entering these sacred spaces, the imagery served to reignite their longing for the paradise God promised to restore and reinforced the hope that His presence could once again dwell fully among His people.

Ezekiel 47:1-12 takes this further with a vision of a river flowing from the temple, bringing life and healing. This imagery points to the New Jerusalem in Revelation 22, where the river of life flows from God’s throne.

The Tree of Life Prefigured

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they lost access to the tree of life. God placed cherubim with a flaming sword to guard the entrance to Eden, preventing humanity from eating its fruit and living forever in their fallen state (Genesis 3:22-24). This separation underscored the devastating effects of sin and humanity’s need for redemption. 

However, God didn’t leave His people without hope. Throughout the Old Testament, we see symbols prefiguring the Tree of Life, reminding Israel of what was lost and pointing to future restoration. One significant symbol was the golden lampstand, or menorah, in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-40).

The menorah’s design strikingly resembled a tree, with its central shaft and six branches adorned with almond blossoms, buds, and flowers. This tree-like structure served as a powerful reminder of Eden’s Tree of Life. Positioned in the Holy Place, it served as a reminder of God’s presence—and evoked the memory of Eden, where the tree of life was central to humanity’s relationship with God.

The tree of life’s return in Revelation 22 signifies a complete reversal of sin’s effects. In the New Jerusalem, the tree flourishes, bearing fruit in every season and offering healing to the nations. No longer barred, God’s redeemed people are invited to partake freely, symbolizing their restored relationship with Him and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

Paradise Redeemed: The New Jerusalem

Revelation 22:1-5 brings the story full circle. The New Jerusalem is a redeemed and glorified Eden, where God dwells with His people forever. Let’s explore its key features:

The River of Life

In Revelation 22:1, we see a crystal-clear river flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb. This river echoes the river in Eden, but it’s even more magnificent. It flows directly from God’s throne, symbolizing His life-giving presence. Jesus’ promise of living water in John 4:13-14 is fulfilled here, offering eternal refreshment to all who drink.

The Tree of Life

Revelation 22:2 describes the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and providing healing for the nations. This tree, once lost in Eden, now stands as a symbol of God’s complete restoration. Once barred from humanity, this tree is now freely accessible to all of God’s people. Galatians 3:13 reminds us that Christ bore the curse of sin, making this redemption possible.

No More Curse

Revelation 22:3 declares that there will be no more curse. The curse that entered the world through sin in Genesis 3 is now completely removed. Isaiah 11:6-9 envisions this harmony, where creation is restored to perfect peace. Christ’s redemptive work ensures the curse’s effects are gone forever. Paradise redeemed is a place of perfect harmony with God.

Seeing God’s Face

Revelation 22:4 promises that God’s people will see His face. This fulfills the longing expressed throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, seeing God’s face was impossible due to sin (Exodus 33:20). But now, redeemed humanity enjoys perfect communion with Him. His name on our foreheads signifies belonging and eternal security.

Reigning Forever

Finally, Revelation 22:5 describes God’s people reigning with Him forever. This fulfills humanity’s original purpose in Genesis 1:26-28—to rule and steward creation. Romans 8:17 affirms that we are co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His glory for eternity.

The New Jerusalem: A Better Eden

The New Jerusalem is more than a restoration of Eden; it is Eden glorified. In Eden, Adam and Eve experienced the presence of God, but their relationship was disrupted by sin. In the New Jerusalem, sin is no more, and God’s people will dwell in His presence forever, with no barriers. Where Eden had one tree of life, the New Jerusalem has a tree of life that flourishes, offering abundant fruit and healing to the nations (Revelation 22:2). The curse, which brought pain, toil, and death, has been completely removed, replaced with eternal joy and peace (Revelation 22:3).

Furthermore, the New Jerusalem fulfills the purpose for which Eden was created. Humanity’s mandate to steward creation and reflect God’s glory is realized in perfection. The redeemed will reign with Christ forever (Revelation 22:5), not as fallen caretakers but as glorified co-heirs.

The New Jerusalem also reflects the culmination of God’s redemptive work. It is the final dwelling place of God and His people, a city where every longing is fulfilled and every tear wiped away (Revelation 21:4). Unlike Eden, which was vulnerable to sin’s intrusion, the New Jerusalem is eternally secure, a place of unending worship and communion with God.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Homecoming

What does this vision mean for us today? First, it gives us hope. In a world filled with brokenness, the promise of a redeemed paradise reminds us that restoration is certain. Second, it calls us to live as ambassadors of this future reality, reflecting God’s glory in our daily lives. Finally, it inspires us to share the gospel. Revelation 22:17 invites all to come and take the water of life without price. Until paradise is fully realized, we have the privilege of inviting others into His redemptive story.

Paradise redeemed in Revelation 22:1-5 isn’t just a happy ending – it’s the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan. It’s Eden restored and perfected. It’s the ultimate homecoming for God’s people.