Preterists: Where is the Tree of Life?

Not to speak for a full Preterist, but I think they might say that Jesus came in Judgment of his people (Jews) and not in an end of the age kind of comming....... Maybe this is a partial preterist.......I know some one will correct me.

Originally posted by edpobre
Preterists believe that the events described in the book of Revelations has been fulfilled with the COMING of Christ in 70 AD.

They ask Futurists: If there is no longer death, sickness, pain and sorrow  in the new heavens and new earth, why is it that Rev. 22:2 says that there will be two trees of life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations?

Futurists in turn ask Preterists: If this prophecy has already been fulfilled in 70 AD, where is this TREE now? Don't Preterists in "all the nations" experience sickness now?

Ed

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Hi Ed,

As for all the events being fulfilled in the 1st century, that's not accurate of every preterist, since many preterists believe Rev 20-22 is yet to be fulfilled.

Also, I think Rev 22:2 heavily implies more than one 'tree of life':

the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations (Rev 22:2)

By the way, I don't take this very literally meaning that there is a literal tree of life.  I see it as a spiritual reality of the gospel being available to anyone who wishes to drink of the free living water (Rev 22:17).

Of course it was available to anyone prior to the fall of Jerusalem, but from a covenant perspective, I think it stresses the fact that the New covenant blessings are a full reality since the old covenant was done away (Gal 4:21-31, Heb 8-8-13, Jer 31:33). 

It's also interesting to see similar 'covenant language' used in Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10 and Rev 21:3.

God bless!

-Jason

Can't find the tree of life?
Better check your glasses!

Jesus Christ is the tree of Life!

Jesus Christ is the Living water!

Only in Jesus Christ can you find the true fulfillment of these images.

Jesus was the tree from the beginning, and he was nailed to a tree for the healing of the nations.

Futurist, ask yourself:
Do I have full access to "Living waters" through Christ right now today, or are the "living waters"now available through Christ a mere "type" of some yet future "Greater" more powerfull, literal "living waters" I will have to "Literally" drink from?

Christ said one drink and ye shall never thirst again.

Futurist, have you had yours yet?

Christ is the water, Christ is the tree.
The tree and water are not things Chirst "Provides", they are things Chirst is.
Failure to recognize this fundamental fact will doom anyones eschatology (futurist or preterist) to failure.

Originally posted by edpobre
Then, why do Preterists ask: If there is no longer death, sickness, pain and sorrow &nbsp;in the new heavens and new earth, why is it that Rev. 22:2 says that there will be two trees of life whose leaves are <I>for the healing of the nations?</I>

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Simple,
It's because futurists teach that the everlasting gospel has a "use by" or "expiration" date. In Contrast, Preterists affirm there is no end to the saving power of the everlasting Gospel. Sinners will always be able to enjoy the gift of forgiveness of their sins ,if they so choose to accept it.

Preterists understand the contradiction of the futurist doctorine that one day God will shut the door on salvation, and therefore ask the futurist to explain why, if that were true, does the tree continue to heal the nations forever, if everything has already been healed?

And if Jesus IS the "tree of life" why are there TWO trees of life, one on each side of the river and another in the middle of the street?

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So you believe Jesus can't be in more than one place at the same time?
Please show this from scripture.

Oh, and BTW Ed, have you drank from Christ's Living waters yet? or are you still waiting to do that too?