Chapter 17 – The Revelation Perspective – The 6:1 Ratio for All Eternity

The last chapter of Revelation is a fulfillment of the many promises of God to provide for His people through all eternity. Access to the tree of life you’ll notice, (Rev. 22:14) is presented; this is the vehicle God uses to provide the gift of eternal life. Many may have imagined just what that tree would look like, maybe even pictured themselves standing around that tree picking from its branches the life sustaining fruit.
The beginning of chapter 22 is an extension of 21 providing additional information concerning what to expect when we reach the other side.

The tree of life is highlighted in the opening verses, pictured as spanning the river of life that proceeds from the very throne of God. Considering there will be a great multitude that will be accessing the tree at various times, its size must be considerable, unlike anything thing we have ever seen. When the Bible says, “in the middle of its street” (Rev 22:2 the Greek word Pla-ta-a) means the broad way. Not only is the tree coming up from the midst of the river of life, but is pictured on each side of it as well. It makes sense that such a tree would not only need an abundance of water and possess an incredible root system, connected perhaps directly to God’s throne, but also, boast some kind of amazing trunk.

Another interesting anomaly about this tree is that each month it bears fruit, but not the same fruit, twelve differing fruits come from this one tree. As we look around at nature today we see many trees of all varieties. One thing that seems to be present with all of them is that one trunk sprawls into many branches. This is what we would come to expect in nature and perhaps how we imagine the tree of life. However, on our fruit trees we typically always get only one type of fruit.

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Rev. 22:2) The text seems to suggest that two trunks immerge from the riverbank, one for each side of what must be a rather wide river.

These two main trunks support the numerous branches needed to facilitate the multitudes that will enjoy its fruit.

The twelve different kinds of fruit is not only a possible literal depiction, but is most obvious a representation of the twelve tribes from the Old Testament and the twelve apostles from the new. These two are also depicted in the construction of the New Jerusalem city itself, the twelve foundations and the twelve gates. So, there is a real possibility of another 6:1 ratio being established here.

These two main trunks connected to the main root system, provide two main components enabling the 12 varieties of fruit (a 6:1 ratio) and benefits for the redeemed.

“Must we wait until we are translated before we eat of the leaves of the tree of life? He who receives into his heart the words of Christ know what it means to eat the leaves of the tree of life…. The knowledge that comes from God is the bread of life. It is the leaves of the tree of life which are for the healing of the nations. The current of spiritual life thrills the soul as the words of Christ are believed and practiced. Thus, it is that we are made one with Christ. The experience that was weak and feeble becomes strong. It is eternal life to us if we hold the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end.”

The tree itself becomes a symbol of redemption, being a 6:1 ratio for all eternity, as we will never suspend our growth in knowledge and spiritual development. We will study God’s wonderful plan and His character for all eternity.