(Revelation 22:1-5) – Eden Restored
22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
(Revelation 22:6-11) – John and the Angel
6 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”
7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 9 But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”
10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”
(Revelation 22:12-21) – Epilogue: Invitation and Warning
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you[a] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
BIBLE STUDY & DEVOTIONAL MATERIAL FROM REVELATION 22
The Promise of Eternal Life (Revelation 22 verses 1-5)
These verses give all believers in Christ the assurance, and hope of eternal life with God in heaven. In eternity with God, there will be no pain, weeping, sorrow or any sort of darkness. This assurance should strengthen our faith in Christ and make God our anchor forever, no matter the challenges and troubles we face in this world. The river and the tree of life signifies the abundance and eternal life that all believers in Jesus Christ will enjoy in the New Jerusalem.
The Return of Christ’s is Sure (Revelation 22 verses 6-7, 12, 20)
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ assures us of His definite return to take away His Saints to His Kingdom. “Behold, I am coming soon” He says and this statement should make all the Brides of Christ to be expectant and rapture conscious, and to remain faithful in His service. Being ready for the coming of Christ always, in holiness and service, and focusing on matters of eternal consequence should be our watch ward and song.
We are called to Obedience and Holiness (Revelation 22 verses 10-11, 14-15)
Obedience to the word of God is the evidence of believer’s true faith in Christ. Our love for God should be a reflection of our choices in life and our day to day interactions with people, whether believers or unbelievers in Christ. The Bible emphasizes that only those who keep the commandment of God have the right to the tree of life, while the disobedient ones will be cast out of God’s presence forever.
The Invitation to Salvation (Revelation 22 verse 17)
God has continued to reconcile sinners back to himself through Jesus Christ, His Son because His mercy is fully available to all who cares to receive it. We as believers in Christ has been commissioned to share the gospel of Christ, and invite sinners to the mercy and love of God that was made manifest to the world through the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. The Holy Scripture states “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” This is a call for all people, and nations to receive the free gift of salvation provided by God through Jesus Christ, His Son.
God Warning Against Changing His Word – (Revelation 22 verses 18-19)
The Word of God is inspired by the Holy Ghost, and is Complete in all aspects you may look at it. It has no limitations or error that should warrant amendment or correction by anyone or any being. It is expected of all persons or beings to fully respect and uphold the truth of the Word of God, being careful not to distort or misinterpret it. There is full repercussions for altering the Word of God irrespective of who your person or position.
The Final Blessing and Encouragement ((Revelation 22 verse 21)
The God of grace is able to sustain those who come to Him through Jesus His Son. We as believers should rest our hope on the promises of God which never fails. When we trust in the faithfulness of God in the face of the difficulties of this life, it shall be well with us. We know that the ultimate victory belongs to God Almighty, and the gift of eternal life proceeds from Him through Christ His Son, and we as His children are to remain obedient and faithful to Him in all our ways. He has promised that He will not leave or forsake us, and we know that His promises are sure. Amen!