Revelation Chapter 22:
Revelation 22 continues the description of the New Jerusalem. The last verse of the previous chapter, along with the first two verses of this chapter, reminds us of the Trinity, Who will ever be present in the heavenly city. The Lamb’s book of life depicts the Son; the water of life, the Holy Spirit; and the tree of life, God, the Father.
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There is a pure river, clear as crystal, that will proceed out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. With all of men’s efforts, they have not been able to keep the rivers in this world free from pollution, but this river will be pure, clean and beautiful! That is because its source is God and the Lamb.
Verse two reminds us of the Garden of Eden. The first two chapters in the Bible give God’s description of creation and the beautiful garden that God prepared for man. The last two chapters give a description of the heavenly city that God has prepared for His people. Everything in between tells of man’s rebellion and God’s great grace in continuing to draw us unto Himself in order that we can enjoy His presence and love for eternity. Because of man’s disobedience, sin entered the world, causing God to banish man from the Garden of Eden so that he could not eat of the tree of life and live forever. In the heavenly city, the tree of life will be available to all of its inhabitants, for they have already partaken of Christ, Who is eternal life (1 John 5:11-13).
There will evidently be many fruit trees in this city which will bear a different kind of fruit each month. “The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” This reminds me of Song of Solomon 2:3: “As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.” Since there will be no need for healing of nations in the New Jerusalem, this must refer to the nations on the earth that will benefit from the New Jerusalem in the heavens. Verse 3 again assures us that there will be no more curse in this beautiful city, as Satan brought into the Garden of Eden, for sin cannot enter where God and the Lamb are.
The great multitude of chapter 7: 15 is at least some of the ones who will be serving God, although no doubt many of those in heaven will also serve Him, being right in His presence and having His name in their foreheads. This shows that they belong to Him and are accepted by Him (compare Exodus 28:36-38). Again, we are told that there will be no night there. We will never grow weary nor have need of rest, and there will be only light, the marvelous light of the Lord Jesus Christ that will surround His saints as they reign with Him forever and ever.
Verses 6-10 take us back to the first chapter of Revelation. The meaning of the word, “faithful,” is “worthy of confidence, that on which we may rely.” There is not much in this world in which we can have complete confidence, but the Word of God is faithful and true! God desires that we have understanding of these things which must shortly come to pass—that is, they will speedily be done when it is God’s timing for them to begin. Compare verse 7 with chapter 1: 3. This book begins and ends with a promise of blessing to those who keep, or observe, the words of this prophecy. Jesus Himself mentions three times in this chapter that He is coming quickly. He also told the Philadelphia church in chapter 3: 11, “Behold, I come quickly.” How important it is for us to ever keep this hope before our minds and hearts.
John was overwhelmed with all that he had seen and heard, so he fell down to worship the messenger who showed these things to him. However, he was again told that the messenger was his fellow servant, one of God’s saints, and John should worship only God. This demonstrates that it is wrong for us to worship anyone but God.
When God gave Daniel the prophecy of his book, God told him to “seal up the words of this prophecy, even to the time of the end.” In contrast, John is told just the opposite— “Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” The time has been “at hand” since Jesus’ death and resurrection. Therefore, we know it is God’s will that we understand the writings of this book, which is a “Revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Verse 11 shows the unchangeable character of the eternal state. Then Jesus states the second time that He is coming quickly. As we mentioned before, the word “quickly” does not have the thought of “soon,” but rather, “suddenly, swiftly, with haste.” It has the thought of promptness, or on time. God has an appointed time for the coming of His Son, and when that time comes, Jesus will promptly return. At that time, He will reward every man according to his work. In 1 Corinthians 3: 12-15, we read that we will be rewarded or suffer loss according to our work. Also, note 2 Corinthians 5:10; Mathew 16:27; 2 Timothy 4:8. These verses speak of our rewards. Note the last reference in which the Apostle Paul speaks of which awaits him because he has finished his course and kept the faith—then he says this same reward awaits all those also who “love His appearing.” If we love Christ’s appearing, if this hope is ever before us, guiding us in our daily decisions, we also will receive a crown of righteousness, which will be given to all those who have overcome. Jesus describes it in chapter 3:21: “To him that overcometh, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne.”
Once again in verse 13 Jesus tells us that He is “Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” (Note chapter 1: 8, 11; 21:6). Jesus is all-inclusive. I believe John 1: 1-3 is an apt description of His being Alpha and Omega.
The correct rendering of verse 14 is, “Blessed are they that wash their robes…” In order to have the right to the tree of life and to be able to enter into the gates of the city of God, we must have our robes washed in the blood of the Lamb. We will be rewarded according to our works, but our works have nothing to do with our entering into heaven. The way of salvation is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, acknowledging that He died for our sin and rose again for our justification. When we believe on Him and accept Him as our Savior, we become a son of God and have the right to enter into this beautiful city of God. Outside of this city are all sinners—those who have refused God’s great salvation, and will therefore spend eternity in the lake of fire.
Churches are mentioned in verse 16 for the first time since chapters 1-3 where Jesus spoke to the seven churches of Asia. These seven churches represent the New Testament church, or body of Christ, which will be complete by the time the seven years’ Tribulation begins. Jesus sent His messenger to testify of these things in the churches, so we can understand what is going to come to pass.
Jesus is the Root and Offspring of David, that is, He was before David and then was born of the lineage of David. This is how He is known to Israel. The Bright and Morning Star is how He is known to the Church (Revelation 2:28). It is always a blessing to see the morning star in the heavens just before dawn, assuring us that the night is gone and the day will soon appear. It is a star of hope, and Jesus certainly is our Hope of a bright new day.
Verse 17 again gives an invitation for salvation. Have you noticed how many times these last two chapters have held out this hope to all who will hear? The Holy Spirit and the bride of Christ are in agreement in inviting all who will to come to the Lord. What a beautiful invitation to all who are thirsty to partake of the water of life which is without charge. This salvation cost our Lord so much, His very life, yet it is offered freely to all who believe.
Verses 18 and 19 are solemn warnings to everyone who hears the prophecy of this book. We are not to add to or take away from the words of this prophecy. The Apostle Paul said, “Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8, 9) Also, Proverbs 30:5-6: “Every word of God is pure… add thou not unto His words lest He reprove thee and thou be found a liar.” Satan added to the Word of God when he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he still attempts to deceive people in the same way. It is this kind of deception to which these verses refer. To add to or take from the words of this prophecy is to reject God.
Jesus Himself is a witness of these things, and He concludes the words of this prophecy by affirming for the third time in this chapter, “Surely I come quickly.” John hastened to add, “Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus.” Is that the cry of your heart? “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13) Jesus is coming soon—it could be today! Let us watch that that day will not take us unawares!
.
There is a pure river, clear as crystal, that will proceed out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. With all of men’s efforts, they have not been able to keep the rivers in this world free from pollution, but this river will be pure, clean and beautiful! That is because its source is God and the Lamb.
Verse two reminds us of the Garden of Eden. The first two chapters in the Bible give God’s description of creation and the beautiful garden that God prepared for man. The last two chapters give a description of the heavenly city that God has prepared for His people. Everything in between tells of man’s rebellion and God’s great grace in continuing to draw us unto Himself in order that we can enjoy His presence and love for eternity. Because of man’s disobedience, sin entered the world, causing God to banish man from the Garden of Eden so that he could not eat of the tree of life and live forever. In the heavenly city, the tree of life will be available to all of its inhabitants, for they have already partaken of Christ, Who is eternal life (1 John 5:11-13).
There will evidently be many fruit trees in this city which will bear a different kind of fruit each month. “The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” This reminds me of Song of Solomon 2:3: “As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.” Since there will be no need for healing of nations in the New Jerusalem, this must refer to the nations on the earth that will benefit from the New Jerusalem in the heavens. Verse 3 again assures us that there will be no more curse in this beautiful city, as Satan brought into the Garden of Eden, for sin cannot enter where God and the Lamb are.
The great multitude of chapter 7: 15 is at least some of the ones who will be serving God, although no doubt many of those in heaven will also serve Him, being right in His presence and having His name in their foreheads. This shows that they belong to Him and are accepted by Him (compare Exodus 28:36-38). Again, we are told that there will be no night there. We will never grow weary nor have need of rest, and there will be only light, the marvelous light of the Lord Jesus Christ that will surround His saints as they reign with Him forever and ever.
Verses 6-10 take us back to the first chapter of Revelation. The meaning of the word, “faithful,” is “worthy of confidence, that on which we may rely.” There is not much in this world in which we can have complete confidence, but the Word of God is faithful and true! God desires that we have understanding of these things which must shortly come to pass—that is, they will speedily be done when it is God’s timing for them to begin. Compare verse 7 with chapter 1: 3. This book begins and ends with a promise of blessing to those who keep, or observe, the words of this prophecy. Jesus Himself mentions three times in this chapter that He is coming quickly. He also told the Philadelphia church in chapter 3: 11, “Behold, I come quickly.” How important it is for us to ever keep this hope before our minds and hearts.
John was overwhelmed with all that he had seen and heard, so he fell down to worship the messenger who showed these things to him. However, he was again told that the messenger was his fellow servant, one of God’s saints, and John should worship only God. This demonstrates that it is wrong for us to worship anyone but God.
When God gave Daniel the prophecy of his book, God told him to “seal up the words of this prophecy, even to the time of the end.” In contrast, John is told just the opposite— “Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” The time has been “at hand” since Jesus’ death and resurrection. Therefore, we know it is God’s will that we understand the writings of this book, which is a “Revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Verse 11 shows the unchangeable character of the eternal state. Then Jesus states the second time that He is coming quickly. As we mentioned before, the word “quickly” does not have the thought of “soon,” but rather, “suddenly, swiftly, with haste.” It has the thought of promptness, or on time. God has an appointed time for the coming of His Son, and when that time comes, Jesus will promptly return. At that time, He will reward every man according to his work. In 1 Corinthians 3: 12-15, we read that we will be rewarded or suffer loss according to our work. Also, note 2 Corinthians 5:10; Mathew 16:27; 2 Timothy 4:8. These verses speak of our rewards. Note the last reference in which the Apostle Paul speaks of which awaits him because he has finished his course and kept the faith—then he says this same reward awaits all those also who “love His appearing.” If we love Christ’s appearing, if this hope is ever before us, guiding us in our daily decisions, we also will receive a crown of righteousness, which will be given to all those who have overcome. Jesus describes it in chapter 3:21: “To him that overcometh, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne.”
Once again in verse 13 Jesus tells us that He is “Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” (Note chapter 1: 8, 11; 21:6). Jesus is all-inclusive. I believe John 1: 1-3 is an apt description of His being Alpha and Omega.
The correct rendering of verse 14 is, “Blessed are they that wash their robes…” In order to have the right to the tree of life and to be able to enter into the gates of the city of God, we must have our robes washed in the blood of the Lamb. We will be rewarded according to our works, but our works have nothing to do with our entering into heaven. The way of salvation is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, acknowledging that He died for our sin and rose again for our justification. When we believe on Him and accept Him as our Savior, we become a son of God and have the right to enter into this beautiful city of God. Outside of this city are all sinners—those who have refused God’s great salvation, and will therefore spend eternity in the lake of fire.
Churches are mentioned in verse 16 for the first time since chapters 1-3 where Jesus spoke to the seven churches of Asia. These seven churches represent the New Testament church, or body of Christ, which will be complete by the time the seven years’ Tribulation begins. Jesus sent His messenger to testify of these things in the churches, so we can understand what is going to come to pass.
Jesus is the Root and Offspring of David, that is, He was before David and then was born of the lineage of David. This is how He is known to Israel. The Bright and Morning Star is how He is known to the Church (Revelation 2:28). It is always a blessing to see the morning star in the heavens just before dawn, assuring us that the night is gone and the day will soon appear. It is a star of hope, and Jesus certainly is our Hope of a bright new day.
Verse 17 again gives an invitation for salvation. Have you noticed how many times these last two chapters have held out this hope to all who will hear? The Holy Spirit and the bride of Christ are in agreement in inviting all who will to come to the Lord. What a beautiful invitation to all who are thirsty to partake of the water of life which is without charge. This salvation cost our Lord so much, His very life, yet it is offered freely to all who believe.
Verses 18 and 19 are solemn warnings to everyone who hears the prophecy of this book. We are not to add to or take away from the words of this prophecy. The Apostle Paul said, “Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8, 9) Also, Proverbs 30:5-6: “Every word of God is pure… add thou not unto His words lest He reprove thee and thou be found a liar.” Satan added to the Word of God when he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he still attempts to deceive people in the same way. It is this kind of deception to which these verses refer. To add to or take from the words of this prophecy is to reject God.
Jesus Himself is a witness of these things, and He concludes the words of this prophecy by affirming for the third time in this chapter, “Surely I come quickly.” John hastened to add, “Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus.” Is that the cry of your heart? “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13) Jesus is coming soon—it could be today! Let us watch that that day will not take us unawares!