Revelation 22:2

2 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.

A. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had access to the Tree of Life. (Genesis 2:9) Eating of this tree would allow them to live a physical life forever. Now, the Tree of Life offers spiritual life for eternity.

B. What does the Tree of Life represent? I make two observations.

1. Christ is our Tree of Life. Christ is represented by several different symbols in the book of Revelation. He is the Lion of Judah, the Lamb of God, the Alpha and Omega, the morning star, and the Tree of Life. Each of these symbols, and several others, are used to emphasize a different aspect of our Lord.

2. This tree is in the church. This Tree of Life is present now - in the church. Notice these points.

 The number 12 represents organized religion. This tree yields 12 fruits. As people obey the gospel the tree is producing fruit.

 The leaves were for the healing of the nations. If John is describing our eternal state in Heaven, how can it heal the nations? The nations will end when this world ends at the second coming. The healing of nations must take place while the nations still exist. The leaves of this tree represent the healing power of the gospel in individual lives and in the nations of the world.

 The Tree of Life is Christ. He is healing the nations. He is yielding fruit for God as people obey the gospel. This tree is described in Ezekiel 47:12.

C. Today, right now, we have access to the Tree of Life. We can drink of the water of life. We, the faithful Christians, are on this street (the narrow way that leads to life) and we have access to the water and tree.