This closing chapter of the Book of Revelation continues our thrilling "sightseeing tour" of the New Jerusalem, and reaffirms the fact that only those who possess the righteousness of Christ are granted admittance and residence.
The first two verses of chapter 22 establish the fact that, in our new glorified bodies, we, as inhabitants of the Holy City, will continue to enjoy the habit of eating.
Why not?
When we see Jesus, we shall be like him (1 John 3:2). Since He ate in His glorified body (see Luke 24:43), why wouldn't we?
Our text also describes the best drink we will ever enjoy- pure, refreshing water direct from the throne of God. Think of it! Distilled or chemically treated water is no longer necessary, for pollution has become nonexistent!
Not only do we have crystal clear water to drink, but we also enjoy delicious health-producing fruit. In fact, the tree of life bears twelve manner of fruits and produces them monthly.
This is interesting.
When Adam and Eve sinned by partaking of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17), God drove them out of the Garden of Eden. He then stationed an angel before its entrance in order to keep them from eating the fruit of the tree of life, lest they eat and live eternally in their sinful state.
Now a new day has arrived.
The saints are in the very presence of God, and may eat of the tree of life to their heart's content. Undoubtedly this tree plays a part in promoting one's endless existence, for even the leaves contain healing or health for the nations living under, or in the light of, the city.
The word health is the proper translation, not healing. Since there is no sorrow, sickness, or pain, healing is unnecessary because eternal health is for all. In the heavenly city, doctors and nurses are permanently retired. Hallelujah!
The curse, which originated in the Garden of Eden and was partially removed during the Millennium, is now obliterated forever.
Think of it!
We will observe the beauty of our Saviour's countenance daily as we live in His presence forever and ever.
When we look at the One who is altogether lovely and He, in turn, looks at us, He will observe His name indelibly inscribed upon our foreheads. This is our seal of eternal ownership! Oh, how wonderful to belong to Jesus!
Because Christ, in all His glory, illuminates the city and its inhabitants-those who walk in the light of the city-no other type of natural or artificial lighting is required. Even the sun which warmed the former earth for so many centuries is no longer necessary. The warmth of the love of God shines upon His people for the ages of ages in this land of eternal day.
At this point the angel tells John the reason God has allowed him to experience this vision of the revelation.He says, "The God of the holy prophets who is truth and cannot lie, sent me to tell you that the things you have heard and seen must come to pass speedily."
In verse 6, our Lord told John that the things written in this Book of Revelation must shortly be done or "come to pass speedily." Then He adds in verse 7, Behold, I come quickly [or speedily].
The term speedily is not used in relationship to hours, days, months, or even years. Rather, it speaks of a series of events happening in rapid succession once they begin. In other words, when these things begin to come to pass (see Luke 21:28), the signs and events will fall into place so speedily-one after another-that a state of preparedness should be maintained.
Hence, the admonition: Blessed [or happy] is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.Revelation 22: 8-9Such an individual will be ready for the Lord's return.
Poor mortals never learn!
John had already made the mistake of bowing before an angel and being rebuked in chapter 19, verse 10. Now he does it again!
Fortunately, we have a God of love. He is willing to forgive the same mistake seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22). Only by His grace, love, compassion, and forgiveness are any of us able to continue.Thank you, Lord Jesus!
Following God's revelation to Daniel, the prophet was told to seal the book [until] the time of the end (Daniel 12:4).
John, however, is forbidden to seal the Book of Revelation because the time is at hand, or has come. In the Greek, the word time is kairos, and means "opportune moment" or "correct season."Thus, the angel is saying, "The time for the revealing of prophetic truth has come. People are to be made aware of the future. They must learn the history of the churches and the plan of the ages. Then, as they live in these periods of time, they will understand God's program. They will also realize that, once the events begin, they will speedily come to pass. Knowing this, they will prepare. Therefore, do not seal the prophecy of the sayings of this book."
Our study of the Book of Revelation has revealed that the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the Great White Throne Judgment will soon come to pass.
As a result, some will realize that little time is left and will ask Christ to save them. Others will continue to harden their hearts.
The decision is every individual's to make.One's acceptance or rejection of God's truth and the Lord Jesus Christ as one's personal Saviour will determine where one spends eternity and what one will be forever.Hence, the next statement...
Choose this day what you shall be eternally!
God's prophetic time clock is ticking, and every event will certainly and speedily come to pass.
God is saying, "When I come, I will finish the work of redemption which I began, for I am the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of [the] faith (Hebrews 12:2)." If you receive the gospel invitation, you will be happy for...
According to Dr. C. I. Scofield, a better rendering of verse 14 is, "Blessed are they that wash their robes that they may have right to the tree of life."
If one is seeking rights to the tree of life by commandment-keeping, he is planning to arrive in the eternal state by his works. This, of course, is impossible as we have learned through Titus 3:5, Romans 4:5, and numerous other texts.
Dr. A. C. Gaebelein, Dr. H. A. Ironside, Dr. J. A. Seiss, and practically all noted Bible scholars also translate the verse, "Blessed are they that wash their robes (in the blood of the Lamb) that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Those who reject the message of the blood and salvation by grace through faith in the completed work of Christ (see Ephesians 2:8, 9) are reminded:
This is the crowd pictured in Revelation 21:8. The dogs are identical to the abominable of chapter 21. The abominable never lived it (see Titus 1:16), and the dogs went back to their dirt-their old sinful habits (see 2 Peter 2:22).
Both verses speak of individuals who lack the "new birth" experience-the one and only way a person can become a new creation in Christ Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).
There is absolutely no doubt about the destiny of those who reject God's message and the truthsrevealed in the Book of Revelation, for...
The message of the revelation is true because Christ inaugurated and guarantees it.
Who would dare question Him?
In this verse, the Lord also calls himself the root and offspring of David. As the root, He is David's Lord-the preexistent God (see Psalm 110:1). As his offspring, He is David's son, the incarnate Christ (see Matthew 22:41-46).
This is a beautiful picture of the God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is also the bright and morning star. In fact, Peter calls Him the day star (2 Peter 1:19).
Now listen intently, for this is deeply moving. God so loves sinners that His compassionate heart must extend the gospel call one last time before the book closes. Oh, that modern-day ministers were as evangelistic as the Heavenly Father! Hear Him:
In this text, God compassionately declares, "Believe in Me; come to Me. Invite Me into your heart and life. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Everyone and everything is pulling for you:(1) the Holy Spirit is, (2) the bride of Christ is, (3) everyone who hears and believes is, (4) the glorious city in which the Bride dwells is saying, 'Don't you want me for your eternal home?' Finally(5) your own spiritual thirst is crying out, 'I want to be satisfied."'
Why not come and drink? The water of life is free. It is without cost or obligation for everyone, and whosoever will may come!
If you have rejected this invitation, if you have considered the message of the Book of Revelation unimportant, or if you are among those who believe that the Book of Revelation is not part of the canon of Scripture-that it is but a collection of riddles, simply a symbolic hoax perpetrating a myth-beware! For God himself warns one and all...
What a strong judgmental warning!
What a serious admonition from the Almighty to take the Book of Revelation seriously!
God means what He says and says what He means.One is not to meddle with or handle lightly the truths which mean so much to the God of heaven and earth, for...
God's last promise as the Book of Revelation closes is, Surely, I come quickly.
When one sees the beginning of these events and the rapid succession of signs following speedily, Jesus will come quickly- or suddenly.The response of His people is: Amen.
This expression literally means, so be it (Jeremiah 11:5). And then they immediately add, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
The final message to the Church is that our Lord will return.
Until this glorious event takes place and He calls us to himself in the twinkling of an eye, my prayer for every born-again child of God reflects the benediction of this blessed book:
