The Spring and the Lake

A spring forms when water flows from an underground water source or aquifer to the surface, evidence of a greater source of water. The biblical metaphor of the spring also points us toward the source of eternal life.

The Bible’s description of the new heavens and earth reveals that a very different order will replace the old creation. One surprising feature will be a change in geography: the new earth will no longer have any sea (v. 2). This may have symbolic significance. The sea is sometimes associated with God’s enemies in the book of Revelation. The beast who symbolizes the Antichrist comes from the sea as the dragon (Satan) stands on the shore (Rev. 12:17–13:1). The great prostitute Babylon “sits on many waters” (Rev. 17:1; 18:19).

But the disappearance of the sea does not mean that there will be an absence of water in God’s newly created world. God promises to give to the thirsty “water without cost from the spring of the water of life” (Rev. 21:6). There will also be the “river of life,” which flows from the throne of God down the great street of the city that comes down from heaven (Rev. 22:1).

This image conveys more than a promise of fresh water—it is a promise of eternal life. Jesus is the source of this life (John 7:37–38). In the new order of God’s creation, all the vestiges of sin will be removed, with no more sorrow, death, crying, or pain (v. 4). All aspects of the curse of sin will be removed.

One alarming feature is included in John’s description of the new heavens and new earth. There will be “a fiery lake of burning sulfur,” which is further described as “the second death” (v. 8).

Pray with Us

Moody Radio’s WGNR reaches a potential audience of 2.2 million people in Indianapolis and Central Indiana. May the staff, Ray Hashley, Darcey Christianson, Kelly Thompson, Nancy Graves, Steven Hocker, and Tom Winn, serve with wisdom and inspiration.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.