There is an eternal relationship between Christ and His Church, and there is a role for the church in the eternal city as described in the book of Revelation. In this city the church is cared for, owned, and reigns with Christ. The church is cared for by the divine Christ through both a river and tree of life. The river flows through Zion from the very throne of grace to give abundant life refreshing the church for all eternity. The sin of Adam bared man from access to the Tree of Life in the garden, but in eternity the Tree finds its true place in the church so that man can have eternal life and life abundantly. Jesus Christ is the tree under which the church may sit to feed for all eternity. In addition to caring for the church, Christ also takes ownership of the church calling for His people to worship Him free from sin. But, this worship will be face to face with the Lord in this eternal city. In taking ownership of His people, Christ places his name upon the heads of his people marking them as His own demonstrating the value He places upon his redeemed. Also in eternity, the church is said to reign with Christ as He gives the light of his glory to the city. His people are given the promise of becoming co-heirs as they reign in the heavenly city. |
