The last verses of chapter 20 have shown us the terrors of the eternal judgement and the fate of those who chose not to follow God or keep His commandments. This is the end of history for a sinful godless world as the sinful have disappeared into their final state in the Lake of Fire
If the Revelation story had ended here we would have been looking at a terrible ending for the human race but this is not the end, the best part is still to come. Mercifully, God has lifted the curtain and revealed to John, and therefore to us, what becomes of mankind after the judgement. He has revealed to us the glorious final destiny of the righteous man.
In my study of these last 2 chapters I came upon an interesting contrast between different commentaries as where the New Jerusalem will be located. I’ll let Matthew Henry explain:-
Some are willing to understand all that is said in these last two chapters of the state of the church even here on earth, in the glory of the latter days; but others, more probably, take it as a representation of the perfect and triumphant state of the church in heaven.
Full Matthew Henry Commentary – Online Bible.
Some commentaries put up strong cases for this last dwelling place being on a new earth where those faithful to God will live an everlasting life in perfect harmony with both God and one another. Other commentaries take the view of this city being in heaven. While it is difficult to put either idea forward as being correct it is important to remember that either way we are looking at a world very different to the one we know today, both physically and spiritually. Rather than pressing for details we cannot possibly answer let’s enjoy John’s vision of a glorious city far beyond anything our finite minds can imagine.
The Final State
1) The New Jerusalem. Rev 21:1-8.
Rev 21:1 A New Heaven and a New Earth.
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away…”
“passed away” – ‘were departed,’ ‘went away,’ ‘fled away.’
The old physical world is gone in this vision. It is not a picture of renovation of this earth, but of the disappearance of this earth and sky (not heaven where God dwells). It is a glorious picture here in Rev 21:1-8 in sharp contrast to the lake of fire in -15. The symbolism in neither case is to be pressed too literally, but a stern and a glorious reality exists behind it all.
Peoples New Testament Notes – Online Bible.
The scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments point to the destruction of the old earth when the Lord comes for the final judgement.
2 Peter 3:10-13 “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”
Verse 12:- “….the heavens will be destroyed by burning and the elements will melt with intense heat.”
Verse 13:- “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which the righteousness dwells.”
This happens just before the Judgement when Jesus appeared on the great white throne.
2 Peter
This idea is also found in the Old Testament.
Isa 65:17-25; Isa 66:22-24.
“There is no longer any sea.”
Which sea is this?
a) The Sea of Glass
Remember this is the sea like glass that separated Christians from God. “The sea is no more” means now Christians have direct fellowship with God. The context of the whole of these last two chapters points to this.
b) The Sea on Earth.
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it,” This idea carries the view of a world without oceans viewing oceans as dividing mankind.
c) The Sea of Humanity
The sea of humanity, this is from where Satan called the two beasts of Rev 13. In Rev 13:1 it was this restless sea that allowed the sea beast to rise. In Rev 21:1 the picture is one of a humanity united in their worship of one God, therefore the sea no longer exists.
We must consider point ‘a’ as it best fits with the idea of a separation between God and mankind being removed which is a major theme of this chapter.
Following the Judgment scene at the end of the previous chapter, the eternal destiny of the redeemed is now revealed. The motif of a new heaven and new earth, along with the New Jerusalem, is used to provide great hope and comfort to Christians. This is certainly nothing new, for both the Old and New Testaments provided similar pictures to increase anticipation of the future (cf. Isa 65:17-25; 66:22-24; Heb 11: 10,13-16; 13:14; 2 Peter 3:13). In each case, the eternal destiny of God's faithful is described in terms that provided the greatest meaning and encouragement to the people of that dispensation. Here we see the destiny of the redeemed in terms depicting fellowship with God and protection by God.
John first sees all things made new. There is a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and first earth are no more (cf. ). He sees the holy city, New Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. A loud voice from heaven declares that God will dwell with His people and be their God. God, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, will comfort His people by removing all that causes pain, and provide the fountain of the water of life freely to him that thirsts. While those who overcome inherit all things and enjoy the blessings of being God's children, the wicked and unfaithful have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone (cf. Rev 19:20; 20:10, 14-15) which is defined as the second death (1-8).
Revelation Notes by Mark Copeland, pg89
Rev 21:2 The Holy City
Gal 4:21-31
In Galatians Paul compares the old and new Jerusalem
a) | Hagar the Bondwoman | = | Mount Sinai. | |
Ishmael | Old | |||
b) | Sarah the freewoman | = | ||
Isaac | New Jerusalem. |
Notice Gal “But the Jerusalem
Where Ishmael (The old Jerusalem
“The holy city, new Jerusalem” "The New Earth must have a new metropolis, not another Babylon Jerusalem Jerusalem
Robertson’s NT Word Pictures – Online Bible.
See also Heb 11:10, 13-16; Heb 13:14.
“Coming down out of heaven”
We can see from the text that this is the heavenly Jerusalem Jerusalem new city
“made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.”
This is a similar scene to that seen in Rev 19:7, only here the figure of bride is not the people of God as in Rev 19:7, but the abode of the people of God, the holy city the New Jerusalem as in Rev 21:19.
Rev 21:3 “and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying ‘Now the dwelling place of God is with men and He will live with them’.”
a) God is among men.
b) He shall dwell with them.
c) He shall be their God and they shall be His people.
Lev 26:11-12; Jer 31:33; Ezek 37:27.
Here is the perfect and direct fellowship that is symbolised in verse one by the sea being removed. God is no longer hidden from mankind. Men can see Him, talk with Him and be in fellowship with Him.
“The Tabernacle of God”
The tabernacle, alluding to the tabernacle of God in the wilderness. The dwelling place, the place where God can be found.
Rev 21:4
a) He shall wipe away every tear.
b) No more mourning.
c) No more crying.
d) No more death.
e) No more pain.
Here are more examples of what things will be like in this final state of mankind. All the bad things in life are gone. Here again we see God directly interacting in the lives of His people.
Rev 21:5-6 “I am making all things new.”
It must be God as no other has the power to totally create all of creation all over again. Only God created the old heaven and the old earth so only God is able to create the new heaven and the new earth.
“these words are faithful and true.”
These are the words of God.
Rev 19:9; Rev 22:6.
Also we see the words that made Jesus the faithful and true witness.
Rev 1:5; ; .
“I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end.
Rev 1:8; .
A statement God uses to describe Himself.
Rev 21:6-7 A promise.
“he that thirsts, I will give the water of life.”
The promise of living water that we see in .
Also see the “river of the water of life” from Rev 22:1
“He that overcomes will inherit these things.”
This is one of the blessings of God. See Rev 21:3.
“I will be his God and he shall be My son.”
Again this underlaying theme of perfect fellowship with God.
“Those who do not overcome”
See the list given. These will be part of the lake and fire and brimstone, the second death.
2) John’s View of the Holy City
Re 21:9
An angel:- This is one of the seven angels who poured out the seven bowls of wrath.
a) Carried John in the spirit. ; Rev 4:2.
b) To the top of a high mountain.
John was carried to the top of a “great and high mountain.” Ezekiel was taken to the top of a great mountain to view a great city in Ezek 40:2. The devil took Jesus to the top of a mountain to view all the nations of the world in Matt 4:8. Here in Revelation we have a similar viewing place although in a new world as we saw established in verse one we can not be sure whether this is actually a real mountain.
c) The angel spoke:-
“Come here, I shall show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
This is an idea we have already seen in our study of the book of Revelation. In Rev 19:7-10 we saw the marriage feast of the Lamb. Now in Rev 21:2 we see the bride adorned ready for her husband.
“He carried me away in the spirit.” He seemed to be stationed on a high mountain and there to see a mighty city descending out of heaven. The angel said, "I will show thee the Bride" Rev 21:9, and he showed him a beautiful city. The harlot of Rev 17:3-5 was a great, wicked city, "Mystery, Babylon Jerusalem
Peoples New Testament Notes – Online Bible.
“The holy city, Jerusalem
The Glory of God.
“brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper”
a) The body, which illumined the city, was like a precious stone. This is light radiating from God, the glory of God. Remember how John viewed the throne scene of Rev 4:3, “like jasper stone, like sardius, like emerald.”
b) The radiance that played over the city was like the glitter of jasper.
c) This idea is further enlarged upon in -24:- “No need of sun or moon….Illumined by the glory of God.”
3) The Walls Rev 21:12-21 See also Ezek 48:30-35.
a) Great and high.
; ; ; -20
The meaning here is a very safe and secure place. Throughout history walls have been used around cities for protection. A walled city offered safety and security.
b) Twelve Gates.
Just as in other parts of our study of Revelation where we have taken the number 12 to be symbolic of organised religion we must also do so here. Keep in mind that we are not considering a literal city but rather a view of the final state of the church or God’s people.
i) An angel guards each gate.
ii) Each gate is named after one of the tribes of Israel
iii) There are three gates on each side of the city.
The city is laid out in a square or cube.
c) Twelve Foundation Stones.
12 foundation stones, each named after one of the Apostles. Again the idea here is organised religion. With both the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles being included we can be sure that rather than this city just being the church, this is a view of all those people who are related to God, whom God calls His own.
“The wall of the city had twelve foundations.” The twelve apostles of the Lamb are foundations of the Church, Jesus Christ being the chief corner-stone Eph 2:20.
Peoples New Testament Notes – Online Bible.
d) The Angel Measured the City. Rev 21:15-17
The City. (Note – a stadion equals about 600 ft.)
The Length - 12,000 stadion - about 1,500 miles.
The Width - 12,000 stadion - about 1,500 miles.
The Height - 12,000 stadion - about 1,500 miles.
Again, notice how the city appears to be laid out as a cube.
The City Walls. (Note – a cubit = about 18 inches.)
The Height - 144 cubits - about 72 yards.
144 cubits – 12 x 12 symbolic of religion.
(See Rev 7:4-8 The number sealed.)
The idea of measuring the city of Jerusalem Jerusalem
“And he...had a golden reed to measure the city.” The reed is a divine measure and the city is to correspond to the measure. In Rev 11:1 the church is measured with a reed. Both the earthly and the heavenly church must agree with the divine plan.
Peoples New Testament Notes – Online Bible.
e) The Materials it was built out of. Rev 21:18-21
i) The Walls – Made of Jasper.
ii) The City – Made of pure gold like clear glass.
iii) The Foundation Stones – Adorned with precious stones (list given).
iv) The Gates – Each made of a pearl.
v) The Streets – Made of pure gold like transparent glass.
These materials are the most precious that were known in John’s day. The meaning is not riches but rather it is reflecting the splendour or glory of God.
4) Inside the City. – Rev 22:5.
a) No Temple
i) No temple.
There was no need for a temple because God and Jesus were there in person.
ii) No sun or moon.
We have seen in that the city was illuminated by the glory of God. Jesus is also included in this “it’s lamp is the lamb.”
“all the nations shall walk by its light,” .
In this city it will always be daytime and the city gates will never close “for there is no night there.”
b) Who Will Not Be There?
To end this chapter to show who will live in this city we have another view of those who will not have apart in this city.
i) “Nothing unclean.”
ii) “No one who practices abomination or lying.”
iii) “only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
c) River of Life
Gen “Now a river flowed out of Eden
The first place we see the River of Life
Ezek 47:1-12 The river flowed from the sanctuary and everywhere it went it brought life.
John 4:1-26 The Samarian woman who Jesus met at the well. See verse 10. “Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, “Give me a drink,” you would ask Him and He would have given you living water.”
John 7:37-39 Jesus said, “If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.”
Jesus talked about living water that gave life so men would never be thirsty. Here He was talking about the work of the Holy Spirit that flowed out from God to bring true life to everyman He touched
Rev 21:6 “I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.”
The living water is promised to all those who seek it. It is life-giving water that gives life and gives it eternally. This is the river that flows through this wonderful city. The River of Life
“water of life” Infinitely superior to the typical waters in the first Paradise Gen 2:10-14; and even superior to those figurative ones in the millennial Jerusalem Ezek 47:1,12; Zech 14:8, as the matured fruit is superior to the flower. The millennial waters represent full Gospel grace; these waters of New Jerusalem represent Gospel glory perfected. Their continuous flow from God, the Fountain of life, symbolizes the uninterrupted continuance of life derived by the saints, ever fresh, from Him: life in fullness of joy, as well as perpetual vitality. Like pure crystal, it is free from every taint: compare Rev 4:6, "before the throne a sea of glass, like crystal."
Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Commentary.
“as clear as crystal”
This reminds us of the clearest mountain stream. So pure and clean that the water takes on the appearance of crystal. The source of this water is the throne, not just the throne of God, but the one he shares with The Lamb.
Chapter Twenty-Two
d) The Tree of Life. Rev 22:2 “In the middle of the street and on either side of the river, was the tree of life.”
Be careful how we view the beginning of this verse. The phrase “in the midst of its street,” refers to the river mentioned in the previous verse rather than the tree of life. In there is only one street mentioned within this city and it appears that a river that flowing from the throne of God divides this street. On either side of this river are the tree of life. It is hard to know whether there is one tree on either side or a row of trees on either side of the river.
Gen “lest he stretch out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat and live forever.”
“the tree of life...yielding its fruit every month.” The thought is that it is always fruitful, not limited to certain seasons of fruit bearing.
Peoples New Testament Notes – Online Bible.
There are two ideas as to the meaning of “12 kinds of fruit.” First there is the idea that the Tree of Life produced a different fruit for every month. Although on trees as we know them it is impossible to get 12 different kinds of fruit, with God anything is possible. The second idea comes out of the following phase “yielding its fruit each month.” Again with ordinary trees this is impossible but of course we are dealing with no ordinary tree here. The meaning here is that the fruit is continually available and the supply of this life giving fruit never runs out.
Here is yet another Revelation idea that comes from Genesis. The eating from the tree of life means that a person will live forever.
“The leaves of the tree were for the healing,” The leaves of this tree were not for the healing of diseases as we are considering a city where disease and death has been banished. The purpose of these leaves is for spiritual healing.
We cannot fail to notice the connection between The Garden of Eden and this city the New Jerusalem. There was "a river that went out of Eden Eden
The river and the tree are symbols of the life bestowed by the grace of God. The river flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. The river flows from the fountain where eternal life and immortality comes from. The tree yields its fruit at all times, so that the supply fruit or should we say eternal life, never fails. Everything about the tree is healthful. Even the leaves are for the healing of the nations so sin does not return to mankind.
There is a Book of Life, a River of Life
Here is an important lesson for us; the key to eternal life is Christ. It is His blood that saves us and it is His power and on-going grace that continues to save us. We must realise that we are dependent on Christ for everything. Just as the song says ‘Without Him we would be nothing,’ and we would be facing a terrible eternity without God.
e) No Curse Any More. Rev 22:3
Gen 3:14-19 The curse of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve were forced to leave the garden because of sin. For that curse to have been removed then sin will have been removed.
f) God and Christ on the Throne. Rev 22:3-5
i) “His bond-servants shall serve Him.”
ii) “They shall see His face.”
Perfect fellowship with God and Jesus.
iii) “His name shall be on their foreheads.”
The seal of God, Rev 7:1-8
iv) “The Lord God shall illumine them.”
; Rev 21:23-26.
v) “They shall reign forever and ever.”
Eternal Life.
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls (cf. Rev 15:7; 16:1) then carries John to a great and high mountain, to show him "the bride, the Lamb's wife". This is none other than the great city, the New Jerusalem, which is seen descending out of heaven from God. It is a city having the glory of God, and the bulk of the chapter describes its prominent features. A great and high wall surrounds the city. Standing about 72 yards high and made of jasper, the wall has twelve pearly gates upon which are the names of the twelve tribes of, with an angel at each gate. The wall has twelve foundations, made of precious stones, upon which are the names of the twelve apostles. The city itself, made of pure gold like clear glass, is 1500 miles in length, breadth, and height. The street of the city is also pure gold, like transparent glass (9-21). Israel
The glory of the holy city is described further by noting that there is no temple, for God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. There is no need for the sun or moon, for the glory of God and the Lamb illuminate the city. Its gates are never shut, there is no night there, and the nations of the saved along with the kings of the earth bring their honour and glory into it. Only those written in the Lamb's book of life enter this glorious city, ensuring that it remains free from any abomination and defilement (22-27). Revelation Notes by Mark Copeland, pg89
Overview – The Story So Far.
In -15 we saw the final judgement. Everyone was judged by the Book of Life. Those found lacking were cast into the lake of fire.
We then asked the question:- What about the righteous? What happens to them?
In Rev 21:1 – 22:5 we see their reward.
1) They are viewed as a city.
In Rev 21:2 they are viewed as a city of happy, smiling people. They have perfect security, with no fear of invasion or death.
2) The measurements.
The measurements and the description of this city tell us that it is God’s covenant related people. Notice the names of the gates and on the foundation stones that tie in the Old and New Testaments.
3) Perfect fellowship with God.
Those that live in this symbolic city are in direct fellowship with God. He provides the light by which they walk, along with all of their other needs. They wear the seal and the name of God on their foreheads showing that they belong to God.
4) They have eternal life.
“they shall reign forever and ever.” Rev 22:5
The harmonious unity of Scripture is herein exhibited. The Fathers compared it to a ring, an unbroken circle, returning into itself. Between the events of Genesis and those at the close of the Apocalypse, at least six thousand or seven thousand years intervene; and between Moses the first writer and John the last about one thousand five hundred years. How striking it is that, as in the beginning we found Adam and Eve, his bride, in innocence, in Paradise, then tempted by the serpent, and driven from the tree of life, and from the pleasant waters of Eden, yet not without a promise of a Redeemer who should crush the serpent; so at the close, the old serpent cast out for ever by the second Adam, the Lord (Jesus Christ) from heaven, who appears with His Bride, the Church, in a better Paradise, and amidst better waters Rev 22:1: the tree of life also is there with all its healing properties, not guarded with a flaming sword, but open to all who overcome Rev 2:7, and there is no more curse.
Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Commentary.
So the Revelation story is complete. We have seen the destruction of the forces of evil lead by the dragon (Satan), and then we saw the victory of Christ.
We saw the struggle between Rome
Then came the final judgement where those who followed Satan were cast with him into the lake of fire and those who followed Christ now reign with Him in that beautiful city, the New Jerusalem.
The final verses of chapter 22 are a conclusion where John and Christ summaries the Revelation message and encourage us to heed it.
Conclusion.
The Visions of Revelation have now ended. What remains is intended to emphasize the "sayings" of the preceding chapters. In his conclusion John allows Jesus to speak directly to us as well as adding extra of his own words, again guided by the Holy Spirit.
1) The Angel Speaks. Rev 22:6-7.
a) “These words are faithful and true”
Rev 21:5-6; Rev 1:5; ; .
This is the third time this statement is made, (Rev 19:9; Rev 21:5.) The reason is that we have just seen a view of a most amazing city where things are so new, so incredible and so different to anything every seen before. Jesus wants to make sure we understand that this amazingly beautiful city is going to be our home for eternality.
Also keep in mind that although this phase applies directly to the Vision of the New Jerusalem, it also indirectly applies to the rest of Revelation, for that matter the whole Bible as well.
b) Sent by the Lord, God via an angel.
This is referring to the chain of Revelation of Rev 1:1.
To His bond-servants, see Rev 1:1; Rev 22:3.
“the Lord God of the holy prophets” The "Lord" God is the Lord Jesus Christ, as appears by comparing this with Rev 1:1 and this is a very glaring proof of the deity of Christ, since he is not only called the Lord God, but the Lord God of the holy prophets.
John Gill’s Expositor – Online Bible.
c) “spirit of the prophets” This is a link to Rev 1:1-2, where John tells us the Revelation message came to us via an angel.
d) “things which will shortly take place”
Here is the message we found in Rev 1:1 & 1:3. This is not something far into the future but something not far off
e) “I am coming quickly.”
We see these words again in and . It is the coming of Christ that is meant here. There are two possible meanings to His promise. First it may be a reference to his coming to work out "the things which must shortly be done" Rev 1:1, or secondly he may be referring to His final coming, which was not far away according to divine measure.
“Behold, I come quickly,” These are the words not of the angel, but of Christ, as is manifest from Rev 22:12,16,20 and which are to be understood not of Christ's coming in his power to destroy Jerusalem, for this was past when John had these visions, and wrote this book; but of the second and personal coming of Christ to judgment, as is clear from Rev 22:12 which though it will not be sooner than the time appointed, yet will be as soon as that time is come, and sooner than is generally expected by men.
John Gill’s Expositor – Online Bible.
f) “Blessed is he who heeds the words of this book.”
To heed or keep the words of prophecy of this book means to read them taking notice of what they say, meditate upon them, and take them into your life carefully observing instruction, directions and cautions given by these words. A life lead in this way will be blessed and that person will share in the first resurrection entering into the holy city of The New Jerusalem
2) John Speaks. Rev 22:8-9
In verse 8 John continues by claiming he is a witness of what he saw and heard.
"I fell before his feet to worship him."
It seems that John was so overcome with emotion, gratitude or adoration that he again fell down on his face to worship the angel after having been told not to do this in Rev 19:9-10. It is not clear whether John intended to worship the angel or God but either way the angel would not allow it. The reason is because the angel describes himself as a fellow servant of those who worship God.
By the integrity of that angel who had been the apostle's guide and interpreter in these visions; this integrity was such that he not only refused to accept religious adoration from John, but also once and again reproved him for it.
Full Matthew Henry Commentary – Online Bible.
3) Jesus Speaks. Rev 22:10-17.
“Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.”
To help us find the meaning here we must consider what Daniel was told to do with the prophecy and visions given to him.
Dan “Conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time.”
Dan For it pertains to many days in the future.
a) Is Daniel’s vision said to be at some distance in the future?
b) Is John’s vision said to be at some distance in the future?
c) Daniel’s vision was fulfilled approximately 400 years after it had been written.
d) Why should John’s vision take 2,000 years before it was fulfilled?
Answer:- Because John’s vision has for the most part already been fulfilled.
At least seven times within Revelation we find statements concerning the short time to come.
a) “Things which must shortly take place”
Rev 1:1; Rev 22:6.
b) “For the time is near.”
Rev 1:3; .
c) “I am coming quickly.”
; Rev 22:7; ; .
Surely “I am coming quickly” etc. can’t mean 2,000 years when Daniel’s “many days” meant approx 400 years.
Christ’s intention was to have the things that John saw, heard and had written down, made public, sent as an open book, to the churches so they may be seen and read by all. We may learn from this that the Scriptures in general are not to be locked up and concealed from the common people, but rather be open, and read by all. In particular, this book of Revelation is not so dark and obscure as it is commonly thought to be.
By the order given to leave the book of the prophecy open, to be perused by all, that they might labour to understand it, that they might make their objections against it, and compare the prophecy with the events. God here deals freely and openly with all; he does not speak in secret, but calls every one to witness to the declarations here made, .
Full Matthew Henry Commentary – Online Bible.
a) Every one will receive their reward.
This passage reflects the attitude of men. It is based on two Old Testament passages from Daniel and Ezekiel.
Dan “the wicked shall do wicked.”
Ezek “He that will hear, let him hear and he that will refuse to hear, let him refuse.”
Let all of those who want to sin remain in their sin means that the time is now too late, sinners will be judged for their sins.
Jesus will reward.
Every man will be rewarded according to what he has done. This refers to the Final Judgment of -15.
It will be Christ's rule of judgment at the great day; he will dispense rewards and punishments to men according as their works agree or disagree with the word of God; and therefore that word itself must needs be faithful and true.
Full Matthew Henry Commentary – Online Bible.
Blessing to the Saints.
“Those who wash their robes.” .
They have the right to the tree of life.
Gen 3:22; Rev 22:2.
They may enter by the gates Rev 21:12 into the holy city.
The New Jerusalem – the holy city. Rev 21:1-2.
Outside are the sinners.
“Dogs” see Phil 3:3; Pa 22:16.
See also -15; Rev 21:8; .
b) Jesus qualifies Himself.
“I sent my angel” Rev 22:6; Rev 1:1 “to testify to you these things for the churches.”
The seven churches Rev chapters 1, 2 & 3.
This also means the whole church.
“I am the root” Rev 5:5
This is a reference to Isa 11:1.
“The offspring of David” Rev 5:5.
Isa 11:1 David was the son of Jess.
“The bright morning star”
Num 24:17 “a star shall come forth from Jacob.”
All of these are links to Messianic Prophesies.
c) The Great Invitation.
“The spirit” - Jesus Christ.
Rev 2:7,11,17,29; Rev 3:6,13,22; .
“The bride.” - Christ’s bride is the New Jerusalem, the church.
Invitations:-
i) “Come” – means that Christ and His church (bride) wish all to join in and accept what he offers.
ii) “Let him that hears say ‘Come’”
Every Christian is a missionary. He who finds Christ must find others who will also share Christ.
iii) “All who wish are invited to drink of the water of Life.”
Rev 21:6; Rev 22:1.
4) John Speaks. Rev 22:18-21. (See An Introduction – Before We Begin.)
Two Warnings.
a) “Don’t add to this book.”
Why? “God will add to him the plagues of this book.”
b) “Don’t take away from this book.”
Why? “God will take away his part of the tree of life.”
Coming quickly.
a) Once again we are reminded that Jesus is coming quickly.
b) “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.”
Rev 1:4 Grace – undeserved gifts from God.
Rev 1:7 Amen – So let it be.
In the previous chapter John described the glory of the New Jerusalem as the eternal destiny of the redeemed was revealed. In the first six verses of this chapter, John's vision of the glorious future for the people of God is completed with a brief description of the river of life, the tree of life, and the throne of God and of the Lamb. With the river of life proceeding from the throne, and the tree of life bearing fruit every month along with its healing leaves, the picture is one of provision from God. Eternal fellowship with God, that was stressed in the previous chapter (cf. Rev 21:3-4, 7), is emphasized again with the promise of seeing His face and having His name on one's forehead. With no more curse (cf. Gen -19), the redeemed shall serve God and the Lamb on the throne. There is neither night nor need for the sun, for the Lord God gives them light (cf. ). The redeemed will also reign forever and ever (1-5). The remainder of this chapter contains the grand conclusion of this wonderful book. The angel who showed John the holy city stressed that the events described in this book were soon to take place, such that John is not to seal the book (cf. Rev 22:6,10; contrast this with Dan 8:26). Jesus Himself states three times that He is coming quickly (cf. Rev 22:7, 12, 20), which I take to refer to His coming in judgment as described throughout this book (cf. -11). With a reminder of the blessedness of those who do His commandments, Jesus, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star, declares that He sent His angel to testify of these things to the churches. The Spirit and the bride join in with an invitation to let those who thirst come to drink of the water of life freely. The book ends with a fearful warning not to add to or take away from the book, a final promise of the Lord's coming, and a two-fold prayer calling for the Lord Jesus to come, and for His grace to be with all the brethren (6-22). Revelation Notes by Mark Copeland, pg94.
Overview - The Conclusion.
The Final Message.
1) Comes from Jesus Christ.
2) Sent to:- All who read this book.
3) An Invitation.
4) A Promise.
5) A Warning.
6) A Blessing.
See An Introduction – Before We Begin.
In the book of Ecclesiastes the Preacher, the son of David, king of Jerusalem
“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. Because God will bring every act to judgement, every thing which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecc 12:13-14
