Revelation Chapter 22
(Rev 22:1-2) A river called the water of life proceeds out of the throne of God and of the Lamb
He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
The river of the water of life (22:1): This pure river of life, though it may be a real and material river, is likely also symbolic of the abundance of spiritual life that will characterize those who are living in the eternal city. The stream seems to symbolize the perpetual outflow of spiritual blessing to the redeemed of all ages, now basking in the full glow of eternal life. What spiritual blessedness the eternal state will bring.
From the throne of God and of the Lamb (22:1): God Himself is the source of this wondrous water and wondrous blessing that accompanies it. Notice that the Lamb and God the Father are on the throne. This is as it should be, for Christ is absolute deity (John 1:1; 8:58; 10:30; 20:28) as well as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14; 19:16).
The tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit (22:2): The tree of life is first seen bestowing continuing life in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24). When Adam and Eve sinned, death entered the universe, and God assigned cherubim to guard the tree of life so that Adam and Eve could no longer partake of it.
This, of course, was an act of God's grace. How awful it would have been for Adam and Eve to eat of the tree of life and live forever in a state of fallenness and sin. Death was a blessing in disguise, for it limited the time God allowed His fallen creatures to suffer in a state of sin.
In any event, paradise was lost. In the book of Revelation, however, paradise is restored, and we again witness the tree of life in the glorious eternal state. The leaves on the tree are for the healing of nations. This should not be taken to mean that sickness and disease will be a part of the eternal state (see 21:4). The Greek word for healing (therapeia) carries the idea of "health-giving." It is from this Greek word that we get the English words "therapy" and "therapeutic." The leaves on the tree promote health and have a therapeutic effect. (Ron Rhodes)
(Rev 22:3-5) There will be no curse any more . . . They will see His face
There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no night, and they need no lamp light or sun light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.
There will be no curse any more (22:3): Today, we may use the word ‘curse’ simply to mean bad language. However, the original meaning was much more severe. A curse meant a serious promise that God (or a false god) would act against someone. A person only declared a curse if he wanted someone else to suffer a very terrible punishment. However, often that was just an angry reaction which people later regretted.
Curses are important in the Bible. It was God himself who spoke the first curses (Genesis 3:14-19; Genesis 4:10-12). These curses were acts of judgement because people had chosen to do evil things. However, at the same time, God also showed his kindness.
The first curse was against the devil, who persuaded the first people not to obey God (Genesis 3:14-15). God showed no kindness to him; he will certainly suffer his punishment (20:10).
God also declared a curse against the ground, because of people’s evil deeds (Genesis 3:17-19). The ground would produce weeds, so that people must work hard for their food. However, he also showed his kindness. Someone from the woman’s family would defeat the devil (Genesis 3:15); that person was Christ. He defeated the devil’s power by his death (Hebrews 2:14-15).
At his death, Christ suffered God’s curse, so that people could be free from the curse (Galatians 3:13-14). People must turn from their evil deeds and they must trust Christ (Galatians 3:22). Then, they will be God’s people, and they will receive the benefit of God’s promises (Galatians 3:29).
These promises are very wonderful. In the New Jerusalem, there will be no more curse. God’s people will live there always, and God will be with them there. He will establish his throne (his royal seat; the place of his government) among them. His rule will never end.
(Keith Simons)
They will see His face (22:4): Moses was an extremely important servant of God. With him, God spoke ‘face to face’ (Numbers 12:8). That phrase means ‘as a man speaks with his friend’ (Exodus 33:11). In other words, Moses heard God’s words clearly. However, even Moses did not see the face of God.
In Exodus 33:18, Moses asked to see God’s glory (the splendid beauty of God’s perfect character). God’s reply was that he would permit Moses to see the glory of his back. God would cause all his goodness to pass in front of Moses. God would declare his holy name to Moses. However, God would still not permit Moses to see his face (Exodus 33:18-23). No person can see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20). In other words, if Moses saw God’s face, he would die. God’s face was too wonderful even for Moses to see.
However in the New Jerusalem, John says that God’s people will see his face. Paul seems to say the same thing in 1 Corinthians 13:12. God will be among his people, so they will see him constantly. They will see his glory and nothing will separate them from him (2 Corinthians 3:18). It will not hurt them and they will not die. That is so because God’s Holy Spirit gives life to them. The Holy Spirit is like a river that flows constantly from God to them (John 7:37-39; Revelation 22:1-2). In Ezekiel 47:1-6, the river increased as it flowed.
As God’s people see God’s glory, they reflect it. The effect is constantly to make them more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:7-18; 1 John 3:2).
God’s name upon their heads is a declaration of their relationship to him (see Revelation 14:1 and contrast Revelation 13:16). It is a great honour for them that God is their master. Their greatest joy is to serve him. (Keith Simons)
There shall be no more night there (22:5): Heaven will be a place where the darkness of this age will be forever gone. The light is not artificial, even from the sun – God Himself is the light.
(David Guzik)
They shall reign forever and ever (22:5): Heaven will be a place where God’s people enjoy an eternal reign, in contrast to the limited duration of the Millennium. It will never end.
i. “As the Bible opens with the story of ‘Paradise Lost,’ so it here closes with the story of ‘Paradise Regained.’ ” (Erdman) We see the return of Paradise in the ideas of a river, a tree of life, revocation of the curse, intimacy restored, and reigning resumed. It is a perfect consummation:
No more curse Perfect Restoration
Throne in their midst Perfect Administration
Servants shall serve Perfect Subordination
Shall see His face Perfect Transformation
Name on foreheads Perfect Identification
God is the light Perfect Illumination
Reigning forever Perfect Exultation
(Rev 22:6-7) Behold, I am coming soon!
He said to me, "These words are faithful and true. The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must happen soon." Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
Then he said to me: In these last few verses of the Book of Revelation, we hear parting words from a variety of persons. It isn’t always easy to know who is speaking, but the themes make sense no matter who speaks: verification, invitation, and warning.
These words are faithful and true: The angel that showed John all this reminds John that it isn’t too good to be true. John is assured that it is in fact faithful and true.
The things which must shortly take place... I am coming quickly! As John reminds us of the suddenness of these events, Jesus Himself breaks in with a reminder to all that He is coming quickly. Why does it seem that it has been so long? Was Jesus wrong here?
The word quickly in the ancient Greek isn’t exactly the same as our word for “quickly.” (David Guzik)
“The word ‘quickly’ might with accuracy be rendered ‘suddenly.’ ” (Morgan)
Still, the early church expected Jesus’ return soon – were they just wrong, or did Jesus mislead them? Not at all; they were not wrong and they were not misled by Jesus. God wants to keep all generations expectant, watching, and ready for His return.
(David Guzik)
We are not rushing towards a distant brink of the consummation of all things; we are running parallel along the edge of that brink, and have been since the time of the apostles. “Thus the time has always been at hand. The tension of imminence is endemic to that span of redemptive history lying between the cross and the parousia.” (Mounce)
Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book: This blessing reminds us that prophecy gives us a word to keep, not merely material for interesting discussions and debates. The main intent of prophecy is to lead us to trust and obey God, and apply His truth to the way we live. (David Guzik)
(Rev 22:8-9) Worship God
Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. He said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."
The tremendous impression given to John by these transcending revelations finally overwhelms him, and he records, “And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.” John’s response is natural, but he is rebuked by the angel who informs him, as he did on previous occasions, that he is John’s fellow servant who should be classified with the prophets, John’s brethren, and with others who keep the sayings of the book (cf. 19:10). It should be noted here as in 19:10 that the one speaking, though an angel, is declared to be a fellow servant and related to human servants of the Lord. The angel’s command is direct and to the point: “Worship God” (aorist imperative ); in all acts of worship, worship God only. (John Walvoord)
(Rev 22:10-11) Don't seal up the words of the prophecy of this book
He said to me, "Don't seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still."
The angel gave John three words of counsel: do not worship angels; worship God; and do not seal up the Revelation. The prophet Daniel was commanded to seal his book (Dan. 12:4), because the time was not yet ready. John’s book was an “apocalypse,” an unveiling (Rev. 1:1), and, therefore, it must not be sealed. Once again, the Holy Spirit is reminding us of the living unity of God’s Word. We have seen in our study how John, led by the Spirit, reached back into the Old Testament and used many of the images found there, including Daniel’s prophecy. Scripture is its own best interpreter.
Does Revelation 22:11 suggest that God does not want men to repent and change their ways? No, because that would be contrary to the message of Revelation and of the gospel itself. The angel’s words must be understood in light of the repeated statement, “Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 22:7, 12), as well as his statement, “For the time is at hand” (Rev. 22:10). Jesus Christ’s coming will occur so quickly that men will not have time to change their characters. Revelation 22:11, therefore, is a solemn warning that decision determines character, and character determines destiny. Suffering believers might ask, “Is it worth it to live a godly life?” John’s reply is, “Yes! Jesus is returning, and He will reward you!” (Wiersbe)
(Rev 22:12-14) My reward is with me
Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.
“My reward is with me” implies that God is mindful of our sufferings and our service, and nothing will ever be done in vain if it is done for Him. At the judgment seat of Christ, believers will be judged according to their works, and rewards will be given to those who have been faithful. Throughout church history, there have been those who have (to use Dwight L. Moody’s words) become “so heavenly minded that they were no earthly good.” They quit their jobs, sold their property, and sat and waited for Jesus to return. All of them have been embarrassed, of course, because it is unbiblical to set dates for His coming. It is also unbiblical to become careless and lazy just because we believe Jesus is coming soon. Paul faced this problem with some of the believers in Thessalonica (2 Thess. 3). No wonder John added, “Blessed are they that do his commandments” (Rev. 22:14). If we really believe that Jesus is coming soon, we will watch and be faithful (Luke 12:35ff.). Revelation 22:13 is a great encouragement to anyone who seeks to serve the Lord. Whatever God starts, He will finish, for He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last (see Phil. 1:6; 2:12–13) (Wiersbe)
(Rev 22:15-16) I am the root and the offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star
Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies (churches). I am the root and the offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
The contrast here is between those who do God’s commandments and enter the city, and those who reject His Word and are excluded from the city (see Rev. 21:8, 27). It is not likely that those who “do His commandments” are a special or an elite group of saints. The phrase is similar to “them that overcome” and characterizes all the people of God. Obedience to God’s Word is a mark of true salvation. Our Lord’s titles in Revelation 22:16 are most interesting. The “root” is buried in the ground where no one can see it, but the “star” is in the heavens where everyone can see it. In “the root and offspring of David” we have Jesus’ Jewish, national name, but in “the bright and morning star” we have His universal name. One speaks of humility, the other of majesty and glory. As “the root … of David,” Jesus Christ brought David into existence. As “the offspring of David,” Jesus came into this world, born a Jew from David’s line. Both the deity and the humanity of Jesus are evident here. For a parallel, see Matthew 22:41–46. The “morning star” announces dawn’s soon arrival. Jesus Christ will come for His church as “the Morning Star.” But when He returns to judge, it will be as “the Sun of righteousness” in burning fury (Mal. 4:1–3). Because God’s people look for their Lord’s return, they keep their lives clean and dedicated to Him (1 John 2:28–3:3). (Wiersbe)
(Rev 22:17) He who is thirsty, let him come
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" He who hears, let him say, "Come!" He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.
This final invitation of the Bible urges “whosoever will” to come to Christ. The water of everlasting life is freely available to all who thirst for God and His righteousness. There is no need for anyone to go to hell, but salvation is given only to those who will to come. Then, those who have come in answer to the invitation, the Bride, through the indwelling Spirit, join in the invitation, but in addition will cry out for Christ to come. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). (Henry Morris)
(Rev 22:18-20) Warning to those who would add or take away from the words of this book
I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book. If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. He who testifies these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."
Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus!
The urgency of the final command is supported by the solemn testimony of Christ Himself in verse 18 concerning the sacred character of the prophecy which has been given. Warning is extended that if any man add to these things, God will inflict upon him the plagues written in the book, and if any man take away from the prophecy of the book, God will take away his part out of the book of life and from the things written in the book including the holy city. Though frequently in the Bible there are other warnings against tampering with the Word of God, this is among the most solemn (cf. Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 1:3). No one can dare add to the Word of God except in blatant unbelief and denial that the Word is indeed God’s own message to man. Likewise, no one should dare take away from the words of the Book, since to do so is to do despite to the inspired Word of God. What a solemn warning this is to critics who have tampered with this book and other portions of Scripture in arrogant self-confidence that they are equipped intellectually and spiritually to determine what is true and what is not true in the Word of God. Though not stated in detail, the point of these two verses is that a child of God who reveres Him will recognize at once that this is the Word of God.
To use these verses, however, as a proof that a child of God once saved and born into the family of God can lose his salvation is, of course, applying this passage out of context. This passage assumes that a child of God will not tamper with these scriptures. It is the contrast of unbelief with faith, the blinded, fallen intellect of man in contrast to the enlightened Spirit-taught believer. Although the true child of God may not comprehend the meaning of the entire book of Revelation, he will recognize in it a declaration of his hope and that which has been assured to him in grace by his salvation in Christ.
The final testimony of the book is yet another repetition of the promise of Christ’s soon return: “Surely I come quickly.” In contrast to the other announcement in this chapter (vv. 7, 12) this announcement adds the word surely (Gr., nai) a particle used to enforce an affirmation. It is followed by the word amen (Gr., amen) often translated “verily.” The announcement “I come quickly” is therefore buttressed before and after by words used to emphasize the certainty of it. With the word amen, however, John begins his own prayer of response to this announcement: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Though the book of Revelation concerns itself with a broad expanse of divine dealing with men including the time of tribulation, the millennium, and the eternal state, for John the important event is the coming of the Lord for him at the rapture of the church. For this his heart longs, not only because he is on the bleak Island of Patmos in suffering and exile but because of the glorious prospect which his eyes have beheld and his ears have heard.
Seiss pictures the church as a young lady waiting for her lover to return:
Fiction has painted the picture of a maiden whose lover left her for a voyage to the Holy Land, promising on his return to make her his beloved bride. Many told her that she would never see him again. But she believed his word, and evening by evening she went down to the lonely shore, and kindled there a beacon-light in sight of the roaring waves, to hail and welcome the returning ship which was to bring again her betrothed. And by that watchfire she took her stand each night, praying to the winds to hasten on the sluggish sails, that he who was everything to her might come. Even so that blessed Lord, who has loved us unto death, has gone away to the mysterious Holy Land of heaven, promising on his return to make us his happy and eternal Bride. Some say that he has gone forever, and that here we shall never see him more. But his last word was, “Yea, I come quickly.” And on the dark and misty beach sloping out into the eternal sea, each true believer stands by the love-lit fire, looking, and waiting, and praying and hoping for the fulfillment of his work, in nothing gladder than in his pledge and promise, and calling ever from the soul of sacred love, “EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS.” And some of these nights, while the world is busy with its gay frivolities, and laughing at the maiden on the shore, a form shall rise over the surging waves, as once on Galilee, to vindicate forever all this watching and devotion, and bring to the faithful and constant heart a joy, and glory, and triumph which nevermore shall end.
(John Walvoord)
(Rev 22:21) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.
As John closes this remarkable book of which he is the human author, he uses the phrase so familiar in Paul’s epistles, a benediction that the grace of the Lord will be upon his readers. The expression “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all” is probably rendered more accurately, according to the best manuscripts, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints.” Nothing is clearer in the book of Revelation than that God’s blessing is on the saints but not on the wicked.
This final book of the Scriptures which began with the revelation of Jesus Christ ends with a prayer that His grace might be with those who have witnessed the scene through John’s pen. Probably no book in the Bible presents in more stark contrast the grace of God as seen in the lives and destinies of the saints as compared to the righteous judgment of God on the wicked. In no other book are the issues made more specific. The book of Revelation is the presentation in the Word of God of what the saints will witness and experience in the glorious consummation of the ages. With John we can pray, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (John Walvoord)