Revelation 22:1-21
Q.1. What are the unique features of our new home? What will sustain us? Will many join us there? What will transform our relationships? What will provide light? What activities will we enjoy? – (Rev.22:1-5 c.f. Gen.2:9; 3:22-23; Ezk.47:1; Jn.4:14; 7:37-38)
The Lord had told John – Behold, I am making all things new (Rev.21:5). Everything will be brand new, and most of it like nothing we have experienced – 18 The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone (Rev.21:18-19). Heaven will be an expression of the glory of God (Rev.21:11). There will be no more sea, but there will be rivers with plenty of water (Rev.22:1 c.f. Rev.21:1). We will be sustained by – 1 … a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations (Rev.22:1-2). The source will be God Himself. The tree of life grows on each side of the river of life (Gen2:9; 3:22). God’s family was described in terms of nations – so it will be large. God the Lamb reigns from His glorious throne – and His bondservants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads …and they will reign with Him (Rev.22:3 & 5). We will be secure, yet busily engaged in managing the universe under the direction of the Lord of glory.
Q.2. Who is responsible for the prophecies of the Bible? With what attitude should we anticipate the Endtime events? What difference will heeding the prophecy of Revelation make? To whom does worship belong? – (Rev.22:6-9)
All the Biblical prophets of God operated under the Lord’s direction – the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev.22:6 c.f. Rev.19:10; 2 Pet.1:20-21). Therefore, we must look for Christ in all the Scriptures since He is the way by which God chose to reveal His character and purpose to fallen humanity (c.f. Lk.24:44-46; Jn.5:20-23). The angels and the prophets were called to unveil God’s plan for the ages (Rev.22:7). The angel rightly rejected John’s worship, since they are all servants of the living God, and worship belongs to God alone – … Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book worship God (Rev.22:9). There is a clear reason and motivation for each succeeding generation to keep an attitude of watchfulness, with regard to end-time events – behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book (Rev.22:7). Jesus highlighted that to hold to the immanency of His second coming will keep our faith and hope strong (c.f. Lk.21:34-36; 2 Pet.3:11-12; 1 Jn.3:2-3).
Q.3. Why was John told not to seal up the prophecies? Can anyone escape God’s final reward? Do all fear God’s judgment to come? What promise is made to the righteous? (Rev.22:10-15)
The Old Testament prophets, as was Daniel, were told to seal up their prophecies, because they pertained to a future time (c.f. Dan.8:17 & 19; 10:14; Hab.2:2-3). However, what John was shown is for this age – And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near (Rev.22:10). When these events take place, Christ will reward every person, both the living and the dead – Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done (Rev.22:12). Our commitment to Christ, or lack of it, will stand and be locked forever in place (Rev.22:11). It is a fearful thing to undervalue Christ, for He is – … the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end (Rev.22:13). What a difference there will be between the blood-bought, and those who have lived independently of Him – Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates into the city (Rev.22:14).
Q.4. Why was the message given to the churches? What will be the response of grateful believers to the climax of the ages? What warning was given about maligning the message of this Book? What was God’s closing written Word? – (Rev.22:16-21)
Staying alive spiritually is more likely for those churches that maintain a balance between focus on the Gospel and on the Lord’s return (Rev.2:7, 11,17; 3:5,12,21). Those who neglect the challenge of Christ’s coming, run the risk of falling asleep. We must never forget that the Head gave the message to all the churches – I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star (Rev.22:16). The dominant thinking for those who have embraced the Gospel, is not only that Jesus will soon return, but that they yearn for Him to do so – The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes would take the water of life without cost … Amen. Come Lord Jesus! (Rev.22:17 & 20). God’s written revelation to man ended with a solemn warning not to tamper with – the words of the prophecy of this book (Rev.22:18-19). We are neither to add to, nor take away from God’s Word. John concluded with an oft repeated benediction. But Christ’s final words are – He who testifies to these things says, “YES, I AM COMING QUICKLY” (Rev.22:20). How well do you know Him? How much do you show that you love Him?