This image is Johann Wenzel Peter’s 18th-century depiction of the Garden of Eden. He shows the beauty of the unspoiled garden and the closeness between animals and humanity.
Often, when we read the Genesis account in the Bible, we long for the days of Eden. God created a paradise for people and deemed it very good. That’s got to be pure, unspoiled, and marvelous beyond belief.
It’s natural to long for something so beautiful and perfect. Yet, I don’t believe that God was content for humanity to live in the Garden of Eden.
How can I say that?
Follow my logic. God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent(present everywhere). He is also infinitely merciful, loving, and just.
That means that long before Eden was ever created, God knew that the serpent would tempt Adam and Eve and humanity would fall. Now we can speculate why He allowed it, but He hasn’t given us His reasons.
He knew from before the first sin that He would send Jesus to pay the penalty and redeem us from sin, to make us heirs with Christ, and adopt us into the family of God.
The Lord knew that what would follow for believers would be better than what they had and even better than the Garden of Eden.
Revelation 21 and the first part of Revelation 22 describe in some detail what the New Heaven and Earth will be like. It’s hard to imagine.
Then Revelation 22 goes on to say:
No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:3-5 ESV
We will be in paradise forever, present with the Lord. Every other believer will also be there to worship and fellowship with. No sin, no sorrow, and no shame. Better yet, no possibility of those things ever again.
It will be like Eden but better.
I can hardly wait to see it in all its fullness. What about you?
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin