The end of the story is like its beginning

As Adam Miller was publicly reading Revelation 22 this morning, I saw again that the end of the story of the Bible [recreation] is like its beginning [creation] -- only better in Christ.

1. We begin with creation. [Genesis 1.1]
We end with recreation. [Revelation 21.1]

2. We begin with darkness over the face of the deep. [Genesis 1.2]
We end with no need of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. [Revelation 22.5]

3. We begin with a river flowing out of Eden. [Genesis 2.10]
We end with a river of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. [Revelation 22.1-2]

4. We begin with a serpent. [Genesis 3.1]
We end with the Serpent-crusher. [Revelation 22.21]

5. We begin with the first man Adam's sin. [Genesis 3.6-7]
We end with the second man Adam's salvation. [Revelation 22.14]

6. We begin with sin's curse. [Genesis 3. 14-19]
We end in a place where no longer will there be anything accursed. [Revelation 22.15]

7. We begin with God driving the man from the garden. [Genesis 3.23]
We end with the Spirit and the Bride saying, "Come." [Revelation 22.17]

8. We begin with the tree of life guarded by a cherubim and flaming sword. [Genesis 3.24]
We end with the tree of life with 12 kinds of fruit, its leaves for the healing of the nations. [Revelation 22.2]

9. We begin with the destruction of the world. [Genesis 7.11-12]
We end with the construction of the new world. [Revelation 22.3]