Chapter Twenty-Two
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To consider the eternal destiny of the redeemed, in terms depicting provision from God
2) To note that things revealed in this book were soon to take place
3) To heed the promises and warnings given as the book concludes
SUMMARY
In the previous chapter John described the glory of the New Jerusalem as the eternal destiny of the redeemed was revealed. In the first six verses of this chapter, John's vision of the glorious future for the people of God is completed with a brief description of the river of life, the tree of life, and the throne of God and of the Lamb. With the river of life proceeding from the throne, and the tree of life bearing fruit every month along with its healing leaves, the picture is one of provision from God. Eternal fellowship with God, stressed in the previous chapter (cf. 21:3-4,7), is emphasized again with the promise of seeing His face and having His name on one's forehead. With no more curse (cf. Gen 3:17-19), the redeemed shall serve God and the Lamb on the throne. There is no night nor need for the sun, for the Lord God gives them light (cf. 21:23). The redeemed will also reign forever and ever (1-5).
The remainder of this chapter contains the grand conclusion of this wonderful book. The angel who showed John the holy city stressed that the events described in this book were soon to take place, such that John is not to seal the book (cf. 22:6,10; contrast this with Dan 8:26). Jesus Himself states three times that He is coming quickly (cf. 22:7,12,20), which I take to refer to His coming in judgment as described throughout this book (cf. 3:10-11). With a reminder of the blessedness of those who do His commandments, Jesus, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star, declares that He sent His angel to testify of these things to the churches. The Spirit and the bride join in with an invitation to let those who thirst come to drink of the water of life freely. The book ends with a fearful warning not to add to or take away from the book, a final promise of the Lord's coming, and a two-fold prayer calling for the Lord Jesus to come, and for His grace to be with all the brethren (6-22).
OUTLINE
I. THE RIVER, THE TREE, AND THE THRONE (1-5)
A. THE RIVER OF LIFE (1) 1. John sees a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal 2. It proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb
B. THE TREE OF LIFE (2) 1. On either side of the river was the tree of life 2. The tree bore twelve fruits, yielding fruit every month 3. The leaves were for the healing of the nations
C. THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB (3-5) 1. There shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it 2. His servants shall serve Him a. They shall see His face b. His name shall be on their foreheads 3. There shall be no night there a. They need no lamp nor light of the sun b. For the Lord God gives them light 4. They shall reign forever and ever
II. THE GRAND CONCLUSION (6-21)
A. THE TIME IS NEAR, DO NOT SEAL THE BOOK (6-11) 1. John is told by the angel that these words are faithful and true a. The Lord God has sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place b. The Lamb proclaims: "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." 2. John attempts to worship the angel a. He falls down at the feet of the angel who showed him these things b. The angel forbids him 1) The angel is his fellow servant, and of his brethren the prophets and of those who keep the words of this book 2) John is to worship God 3. John is told not to seal the words of the prophecy of this book a. For the time is at hand b. Let he who is unjust be unjust still, the filthy be filthy still c. Let he who is righteous be righteous still, the holy be holy still
B. THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS (12-17) 1. His first declaration: a. "Behold, I am coming quickly" b. "My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work" c. "I am the Alpha and the Omega" d. "The Beginning and the End, the First and the Last" 2. The promise: a. Blessed are those who do His commandments (or wash their robes) 1) That they may have the right to the tree of life 2) That they may enter through the gates into the city b. Those outside the city 1) Are dogs, sorcerers, sexually immoral, murderers, and idolaters 2) Whoever loves and practices a lie 3. His second declaration: a. "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches" b. "I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." 4. The invitation: a. The Spirit and the bride say "Come!" b. Let him who hears say "Come!" -- Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely
C. A WORD OF WARNING (18-19) 1. Do not add to the words of this book, or God will add to him the plagues that are written in it 2. Do not take away from the words of this book, or God will take away his part from: a. The Book (or Tree) of Life b. The holy city c. The things written in this book
D. CLOSING PROMISE, FINAL PRAYERS (20-21) 1. The promise of Him who testifies to these things: "Surely I am coming quickly." 2. John's two prayers: a. Concerning his Lord: "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" b. Concerning his brethren: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
And So It Is----Just One Persons Opinion. Search The Scriptures For Yourself |