The Bible opens with man in the garden of Eden with God. There were four rivers in Eden mentioned in the book of the beginnings (Genesis 2:10-14). The Bible closes by telling the saved we will be with the Lord in a place of perfection and peace just like Eden before the fall of man. Again, we see that just like Eden there is a river that differs from the other four named in Genesis. This river is of water of life according to the text.
It is a paradise to say the least according to his description of it. Everything was made new. There was no more sea, no more tears, no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying and no more pain.
As we focus our study on this river, we know from Revelation chapter 21, John has already seen a new heaven, a new earth and a new Jerusalem. It is a paradise to say the least according to his description of it. Everything was made new. There was no more sea, no more tears, no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying and no more pain. The capital city, New Jerusalem, was foursquare like a cube that was 12,000 furlongs (Revelation 21:16). Think about a city 1,500 miles in length, height and depth. The walls were 144 cubits which is 216 feet high and made of jasper, and the city was pure gold (Revelation 21:17-18). The foundation was garnished with all manner of precious stones (Revelation 21:19-20). There were 12 gates made of 12 pearls with three on the east, three on the west, three on the north, and three on the south and they were never shut (Revelation 21:13;21; 25).
Many times, the question arises why were there 12 gates? Some would have you believe it is symbolic that there are different ways to enter Heaven, but they are wrong! There is only one way, and that is Jesus (John 14:6).
The trials of life do not save us, but many have sought Christ for salvation because the storm showed them they needed a Savior.
Through study, it is my feeling it represents two things. First, it is inclusive of our compass of the entire world, meaning people from all across the globe will come into Heaven. Jesus will save anyone from any place in the entire world. Salvation does not hinge on our location but on Jesus and His completed work.