The Revelation of Jesus Christ is not just the last book of the bible. It is the entire bible, and all it reveals. This includes the original story in Genesis 3 with the Fall from Eden and mankind’s banishment from eternity. Let’s compare these two passages, as a String.

A Place of Revelation

Genesis says, “Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil.” Mankind has seen something, good and evil, like a light of revelation. “The man,” in this case Adam, has become like God.

Unlike Genesis, the story of Revelation points to Jesus. “The man,” Jesus has become like God, though he already was God, knowing good and evil. But interestingly, Jesus has also become like mankind, knowing good and evil. And, having defeated evil.

Unlike Adam and Eve who are kicked out of eternity, Jesus takes it back. When Jesus says all authority is given to him in heaven and on earth, this is where it begins.

Tree of Life

Here, I believe, is the invisible part. Now Adam might reach out his hand, and “take from the tree of life, eat and live forever.” The parallel to Revelation 1 suggests the tree of life is invisible. Or, in other words, something spiritual. Something that is quite real, yet not readily seen or understood.

Jesus, the one who is Faithful and True, the invisible God, offers the tree of life to all who seek him.

Angels Sent

In the next part of the String, the connection is unmistakable. An angel’s sent to make something known to the servants of God.

In Genesis, mankind is sent out from the garden of Eden, and made to “till the ground.” Here again, the original language for “till” actually means, “to serve.” Just as the angel of Revelation was sent to the servant, John.

Guarded

This is where things get interesting. Mankind is driven out of the Garden. In the Fall from Eden, a strange, angel-like creature called the cherubim is placed at the entrance, with a flaming sword. It guards the way back into eternity.

In the bible, swords typically symbolize words. Jesus has a “sword of his mouth,” which is the word of God. The cherubim with the flaming sword connects to the idea of God’s word and testimony. Or, more likely its opposite. Because this creature seeks to keep us out of eternity, not bring us back.

Together, the two passages suggest the word and testimony of Jesus opens the door of eternity. A strange angel-like creature seeks to do the opposite.

Conceived

The next parallel is subtle. Blessed are those who read and hear the words. The name Eve means life. Perhaps those who read and hear the words of the prophesy, which words become part of them, receive the promise of life within them. Eve conceives. Like words, implanted.

Unlike the story of the Revelation, the child Eve gives birth to is Cain, who will soon murder his brother, Abel. This, to me, is very much the opposite of the story of the Revelation. One leading to new life. Another, leading to the very first murder.

Brotherhood

Cain, I believe, represents the physical. His brother, Abel, represents the spiritual. The name “Abel” means “breath.” As in the spirit of God. Eve gives birth to Cain’s brother, Breath.

I believe we are made like brothers of the Spiritual God. The one who is invisible, and whose kingdom draws near.

Revelation of the Risen God

 The story returns to the place it began. A gift is sent to the seven churches of rising. Again, Abel means, “breath.” The breath of God, the Spirit of God, is in the words of the Revelation, given to Christ to show to us.

The Fall from Eden passage in Genesis says Abel is a keeper of sheep, but the original word for “keeper” is actually “shepherd.” Like Jesus, the Shepherd who watches over his church, his kingdom and all who seek him. Forever and ever, in a Kingdom without end.

A Place Prepared

I’d like to share one last example, the famous, “I am the way, the truth and the life” passage of John 14. Click the right arrow, or the link below to take a look.