Better yet, why need access to the Tree of Life if we already have eternal life? And why exclude others from it? And if we don't eat of it, will we die? Do those in the Lake have the "Tree of...
never mind.
This proof verse raises more questions than it answers, if one is willing to ponder it. Or maybe it just means that only those written in the boo of life are left alive, and thus have access to the city. There aint no one else.
Metaphor for simple human minds to comprehend about those who practice wickedness that want to enter into the kingdom of God.
Jesus told us that there would be 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' in reference to those wicked who will not be allowed to enter the Kingdom, right before they are cast into the lake of fire.
Better yet, why need access to the Tree of Life if we already have eternal life? And why exclude others from it? And if we don't eat of it, will we die? Do those in the Lake have the "Tree of…
You hit the tradition square in it's weak spot. Atheists are very keen to nail this 'contradiction' that they assume proves the bible nothing but a fairy tale.
We have no access to Eternal Life due our sins that have cut us off and condemned us to eternal death, except through Christ who paid that penalty in His own blood that we might be saved from that death.
For even Jesus after death, awaited The Father to resurrect Him to Life after 3 days and 3 nights in the tomb. Jesus showed us our future if we would be but faithful, by His own resurrection.
Without a resurrection, there is no life - only the Second Death - permanent death; cessation of existence with no consciousness.