The Tree of Life in the Book of Revelation

Continuing on with the discussion of the four kingdoms (three of glory, and one not of glory), let’s discuss the Tree of Life in the Book of Revelation. With the understanding that the New Testament Books are not in chronological order, it is interesting to note that the Bible begins with the Tree of Life in Genesis, and ends with the Tree of Life in the Book of Revelation.

We see the image of the water with the source being God and Christ, which is associated with the Tree of Life:

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 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.” [Revelation 22:1-2]

We see that the tree (the leaves) was for the “healing of the nations.” And, in the next verse we see this is all somehow associated with the removal of the curse that was put upon man in the Garden of Eden at the fall. This is the healing of all the wounds of mortality (the role of the Anointed from the pre-earth life Plan of Salvation) .

In verse 11 and 12 we read:

“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

Or, four divisions of men:

1.) Holy
2.) Righteous
3.) Unjust (the description of telestial beings)
4.) Filth (Son’s of Perdition)

“Filthy still” is a perfect description of the Son’s of Perdition.

“And another trump shall sound, which is the fourth trump, saying: There are found among those who are to remain until that great and last day, even the end, who shall remain filthy still.” [D&C 88:102 also see 88:35]

There is no getting around it, whether we are reading from the Old or New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, or the Peril of Great Price, a major theme is the Tree of Life, and the kingdoms of glory.

This imagery is the icon of salvation and sanctification (like a symbol to the entire plan of salvation). Understanding this will bring many other parts of the scriptures alive.