The Bible commences with the narrative of a lost paradise. This monumental loss is revealed in the book of Genesis. Scripture concludes, however, with the amazing reality of paradise restored. The awe-inspiring book of Revelation unveils the divine explanation for this profound phenomenon. All believers in Christ are headed for what we might call a “grand reversal.”
It is truly fascinating to compare the book of Genesis with the book of Revelation. A magnificent reversal of circumstances unfolds before our eyes that deserves our utmost admiration and contemplation.
In Genesis, God, in His boundless glory, undertook the extraordinary task of creating the heavens and the Earth (Gen. 1:1). In Revelation, we witness God creating a new heavens and a new Earth, ushering in a realm of unimaginable beauty, splendor and wonder (Rev. 21:1-2).
In Genesis, the radiant sun and moon were established as “two great lights” to illuminate our world (Gen. 1:16-17). In Revelation, however, the glory of God brilliantly radiates throughout the eternal city (the “New Jerusalem”), making the need for such earthly luminaries obsolete (Rev. 21:23; 22:5).
In Genesis, God orchestrated the duality of day and night (Gen. 1:5). But in the book of Revelation, the heavenly realm is perpetually bathed in divine light, obliterating the concept of night (Rev. 22:5).
In Genesis, God created vast and majestic seas (Gen. 1:10). But in Revelation, the new Earth is unveiled, devoid of any vast bodies of water (Rev. 21:1).
In Genesis, humankind fell victim to Satan’s insidious temptations through the serpent (Gen. 3:1-4). In Revelation, however, Satan’s nefarious reign ends and he is eternally quarantined away from the redeemed, unable to torment God’s people any further (Rev. 20:10).
In Genesis, the first man and woman succumbed to the weight of sin (Gen. 3). Yet, in Revelation, redeemed humanity rejoices in their release from the clutches of sin, finding solace in a perfectly holy environment (Rev. 21:1-2).
In Genesis, the consequences of sin were severe, as God pronounced a curse (Gen. 3:17). In Revelation, however, the eternal state is characterized by a blissful absence of any curse or affliction (Rev. 22:3).
In Genesis, paradise was tragically lost when the first man and woman were banished from the idyllic Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:23-24). In Revelation, however, paradise is gloriously restored for the redeemed, offering them a serene haven of joy and blessedness (Rev. 2:7; Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 12:3). Never again will they be deprived of its joys!
In Genesis, access to the tree of life was denied to humankind as a result of sin (Gen. 3:22-24). In Revelation, however, redeemed human beings are restored to the tree of life to partake of its abundant blessings forever, never to be deprived again (Rev. 2:7; 22:2,14,19).
In Genesis, sorrow, death and mourning entered the human sphere (Gen. 2:17; 29:11; 37:34). But in Revelation, tears, death and mourning are forever abolished in the radiant realm of the redeemed (Rev. 21:4).
In Genesis, a Redeemer is promised (Gen. 3:15). In Revelation, we are given a magnificent portrayal of the victorious Redeemer, Jesus Christ, whose reign symbolizes triumph over all (Rev. 20:1-6; 21:22-27; 22:3-5).
In Genesis, a bride was lovingly presented to the first Adam (Gen. 2:18). In Revelation, we witness the Bride of Christ, the Church, marrying the Last Adam, Jesus Christ Himself. It is breathtaking beyond words (Rev. 19:9).
The great news is that believers can experience all of this because of what Jesus has done for us in salvation. It is not something we can earn through our own efforts or by striving to be “good enough.” It is impossible to make ourselves deserving of such magnificent grace. No, it is given freely to each of us, fallen sinners though we may be, granting us full participation in this awe-inspiring reversal of fortune, all because of the salvation bestowed upon us by our Savior, Jesus Christ, who took our punishment on the cross (Eph. 2:8-9).
A comparison of Genesis and Revelation documents the wonder of it all.
Let us never forget the monumental sacrifice and triumph of Jesus Christ:
• We are saved in Christ (Heb. 7:25).
• We are forgiven in Christ (Eph. 1:6‑7).
• We are justified in Christ (1 Cor. 6:11).
• We are reconciled in Christ (Col. 1:19‑20).
• We are redeemed in Christ (Eph. 1:7).
• We are made alive in Christ (Rom. 6:11).
• We are brought near in Christ (Eph. 2:11‑13).
• We have eternal life in Christ (Rom. 5:20‑21).
How great a Redeemer we have in Christ!
How great a salvation we have in Christ!
How great an eternal future we have in Christ!
Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.. (Rev. 1:5-6)