Reviews and Views

Book of Revelation – Chapter 22

We are at the closing chapter of the Book of Revelation. Only those folks that repent of their sins, expressing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternity, will be admitted into the new Jerusalem. 

From verses 1 & 2: We read of a pure river of water of life, clear as a crystal, flowing out of the throne of God and the Lamb. Its very transparency allows for the reflection of the glory of God. The river flows pure and unobstructed, symbolizing everlasting life’s constant flow from God’s throne to God’s people. It seems to flow down the center of the street with the tree of life on either side of the river bearing 12 types of fruit with a fresh yield each month. Hence, there will be an infinite variety that will fill heaven. Even with glorified bodies, we can enjoy the habit of eating. We will enjoy the best drink possible – the pure, refreshing water direct from the throne of God. There is no pollution with this water. The full delights of glory remain unrevealed until the right moment. The leaves of the tree of life are for the health of the nations. Life in heaven will be fully energized and exciting. 

In verse 3, there is no more curse on humanity. This curse started in the Garden of Eden, was partially removed during the Millennium, and is now permanently obliterated. It means the end of sorrow, pain, and especially death – the most terrible aspect of the curse (Genesis 2:17) – forever. 

In verse 4, we will observe the beauty of our Savior’s countenance daily as we live in His presence forever and ever. There we will spend all eternity carrying out the infinitive variety of tasks that the limitless mind of God can conceive. There is nothing beyond His face in terms of bliss once we have seen Him (John Phillips commentary, page 257).

Then in verse 5, there is no night to experience there in heaven (the new Jerusalem). You will not need a candle, nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God gives the residents light, and they shall reign forever and ever. It is the glory of Christ that illuminates the city and its inhabitants.

Now comes the closing remarks as the Book of Revelation concludes with verses 6 through 21.

In verse 6: God-breathed. Everything written, said, and shown was to show God’s servants and believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that these things must happen shortly. The angel proceeds to tell John why 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.” So, “we see that God’s Word is accurate and its truths have been transmitted, recorded, arranged, and preserved exactly as God had in mind.” (John Phillips commentary, page 258).

In verse 7: Now, Jesus speaks, “Behold, I come quickly,” indicating that once a series of events start, they will proceed in rapidly increasing succession. Van Impe adds, “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.”

What should we do then to be ready? To be prepared for the Lord’s return, an individual “should keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Meaning: we are to long for Christ’s return and our eternal fellowship with Him. “After reading Revelation, Christians should love Christ more, seek to be more like Christ, hope for their resurrection bodies, and anticipate their eternal rewards.” John MacArthur, Because the Time is Near, page 330.

Again, John falls before the angel in verses 8 & 9 to worship him in light of all these revelations. He shouldn’t, nor should we worship anyone or anything but God only! The angel sets John straight again on this issue.

From verse 10, we read that the angel speaks to John once more, saying, “Don’t seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” Therefore, neither should we seal the prophecy of the sayings of this book. 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 times, 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 be prepared. 

In verse 11, there is a choice to be made. Each individual must choose what they shall be; unjust and filthy in hell or righteous and holy in heaven. We are to choose wisely! A person’s response to the exclamation of the prophecy of Revelation will fix their eternal destiny.

In verse 12, the prophetic time clock is ticking, and every event will certainly and speedily come to pass as written. The Lord says, “When I come, I will finish the work of redemption which I began.”

In verse 13, God says, “For I am the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of the faith.” (Hebrews 12:2).

Verse 14: 

• “Blessed are they that wash their robes that they may have right to the tree of life.” Dr. C. I. Scofield.
• “Blessed are they that wash their robes in the Lamb’s blood that they may have the right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city.” Dr. A. C. Gaebelein, Dr. H. A. Ironsides, Dr. J. A. Seuss

From verse 15: a list of those not allowed into the city: dogs (people of a vile & harmful character), sorcerers (those that practice occult activities and those who use drugs), whoremongers (those engaged in illicit sexual activities), murderers, idolaters (people who worship false gods), liars (people who love and practice lying). Listed are those who lack the “new birth” experience and who love and habitually practice any such sins above and continually refuse Christ’s invitation to repentance and salvation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Notice this crowd is also listed in Revelation 21:8.

In verse 16, the message of the Revelation is valid (true) because Christ inaugurates (initiates) and guarantees it. God extends the gospel call one last time before the book closes. Jesus is the root and offspring of David and the bright & morning star. 

“COME” is the call in verse 17. The Holy Spirit and the Bride plead, “COME!” If you hear this call, let your voice join the chorus. God compassionately declares, “Believe in Me; come to Me. Invite Me into your heart and life.” The first part of verse 17 is a prayer addressed to Christ for Him to “Come” by the Holy Spirit and the Church. The second part of the same verse is addressed to unbelievers to come to faith in Christ. It is the last call for unbelievers to repent.

Verse 18 and 19: We are to take the Book of Revelation seriously. One must not meddle with or handle lightly the truths that mean so much to the God of heaven and earth. God’s wrath abides on those who tamper with His Word, cutting out the parts that offend them and adding their own ideas to it. 

The final message to the Church is that our Lord will return. In verse 20: Surely I come quickly. With Revelation’s promises given over 2,000 years ago, the history we trace seems like a long time. When you see the beginning of these events and their rapid succession of signs following speedily, Jesus will come soon or suddenly. Remember, it has only been two days since Christ left to prepare a place for us and His promised return (refer to 2 Peter 3:8). The response of His people is AMEN (or so be it). 

Verse 21: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all as an expression of God’s grace toward fallen humanity. The Lord of glory offers heaven to those who accept His glorious invitation and return to Him in light of His inevitable return. AMEN.                                             

FINAL COMMENTS:

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Book of Revelation. I hope you have received encouragement about the future and that your faith has increased in His promises. I recommend that you read the Book of Revelation for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to understand His word. May you find courage in living a faithful life before Him.

April 21, 2024 - Posted by Bill Wyler | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | Bible, Consequences, Future, GOD, Truth