Revelation Chapter 22

Revelation 22:1-2

The River Of The Water Of Life

In the opening verses of (Rev_22:1-21) additional facts are given about the New Jerusalem. The angel showed John the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. While this may be a literal river, its symbolism is clear. Out of the throne of God will flow pure water, symbolic of the holiness and purity of God and the city. This reference to a river should not be confused with similar millennial situations such as those in Eze_47:1, Eze_47:12 and Zec_14:8. These refer to literal rivers flowing from the temple and from Jerusalem and will be part of the millennial scene. The river in Rev_22:1 will be part of the New Jerusalem in the new earth. The water flows down the middle of the great street of the city. This apparently refers to a main thoroughfare in the New Jerusalem coming from the throne of God with the river being a narrow stream in the middle of the street. The KJV attaches the phrase “in the midst of the street” to the next sentence rather than to the river "Pure River of Water of life." In one final glimpse into the future, John sees this river flowing from the throne of God. It is the source of eternal life that emanates from God. Even in heaven, we will drink water and eat food, probably not out of necessity for our health, but because of the pleasure and fellowship it will give us. This is symbolic of eternal life.

Jesus told the woman at the well if she drank of the water He gave her, she would never thirst again, John 4:14. This is the "water" He was talking about here. This "water" possessed life giving powers. The Source is the Father and the Lamb. This "water" springs up into everlasting life. In our day of pollutions, it is hard to visualize water this clear. When the soldier pierced Jesus' side, water and blood gushed forth, John 19:34. This is the water of life.

Just like everything else in the New Jerusalem, the river was clear as crystal so that it could reflect the glory of God as it cascades down from the throne of God and of the Lamb in a dazzling, sparkling never ending flow of everlasting life from God's throne to His people.

 The Tree Of Life

As John contemplated the heavenly city, he saw the tree of life, bearing 12 crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. Interpreters have puzzled over this expression that the tree of life is on each side of the river. Some take this is as a group of trees. Others say that the river of life is narrow and that it flows on both sides of the tree. The tree of life was referred to in the Garden of Eden (Gen_3:22, Gen_3:24), where it was represented as perpetuating physical life forever. Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat of the fruit of this tree. Earlier in Revelation (Rev_2:7) the saints were promised the “right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

While the literal and the symbolic seem to be combined in this tree, there is no reason why it could not be an actual tree with literal fruit. The practical effect would be to continue physical life forever. While the verse does not state that the fruit can be eaten, this is presumably the implication.

The tree’s leaves… are for the healing of the nations. Based on this statement some have referred this situation back to the millennial times when there will be sickness and healing. However, another meaning seems to be indicated. The word “healing” (therapeian) can be understood as “health-giving.” The English “therapeutic” is derived from this Greek word. Even though there is no sickness in the eternal state, the tree’s fruit and leaves seem to contribute to the physical well-being of those in the eternal state. Here at the close of the Bible we are reintroduced to the tree of life, which has not been mentioned in the Bible since Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Paradise is restored in the eternal state. All that was lost in the fall is redeemed by the lamb. The leaves of this tree will be used to heal the relationships of the nations toward each other so that we might live equitably and fairly in eternity.

The tree bears twelve kinds of fruit that yields its fruit every month suggesting the infinite variety that will fill heaven.

Monthly, since time exits no more, emphasizes the expression of the joyous provision of eternity using familiar terms of time.

Nations: meaning the people that are in heaven. Sickness will no longer be, so the healing doesn't imply illness. The leaves therefore will be to promote general health or another way of stating that would be: life in heaven will be fully energized, rich and exciting continuously.

The scripture also doesn't tell us if we will eat the leaves or the fruit. Angels ate food on earth with Abraham and Sarah as did Jesus after the resurrection with his disciples. The saints in heaven will eat for enjoyment and not out of necessity.

It is significant also that the Lamb is pictured on the throne (mentioned also in Rev_21:3). This makes it clear that 1Co_15:24, which states that Christ “hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power,” does not mean that Christ’s reign on the throne will end but that it will change its character. Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords (cf. Rev_17:14; Rev_19:16) for all eternity. Revelation chapter 22 contains God's Last Message to Humankind - Rev. 22 verses 6 to 9 takes us back to the early part of this book, when the faithful and true witness told us that He would send His angel to convey His message concerning the things that must come to pass.

Here at the close of the Bible we are reintroduced to the tree of life, which has not been mentioned in the Bible since Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Paradise is restored in the eternal state. All that was lost in the fall is redeemed by the lamb. The leaves of this tree will be used to heal the relationships of the nations toward each other so that we might live equitably and fairly in eternity.
The picture of eternal life in these verses indicates that we will be busy serving God for all eternity. We will both serve Him (v.3) and reign with Him (v.5). Since He is an infinite God, we can be sure He will have infinite things for us to do as we reign there forever. The phrase, "they shall see his face," means that, as believers, we will be granted an audience with the King on a regular basis.

Revelation 22:3-4

 The Throne Of God

As if to remind the reader that healing as such is not necessary, John added, No longer will there be any curse. As the curse of Adam’s sin led to illness requiring healing and death, so in the eternal state there will be no curse; therefore no healing of illness is necessary. The effects of the post-Edenic curse (Gen. 3:14-19) will be totally gone forever. There will be no more curse.  God's saints will serve him (Rev. 7: v.15) and reign with Him forever  (Dan 7: verses 18 and 27).

The picture of eternal life in these verses indicates that we will be busy serving God for all eternity. We will both serve Him (v. 3) and reign with Him (v.5). Since He is an infinite God, we can be sure He will have infinite things for us to do as we reign there forever. The phrase, "they shall see his face," means that, as believers, we will be granted an audience with the King on a regular basis.

Here we see "throne of God" and on his right hand is "the Lamb" These "servants" that shall serve him are us. We Christians have been bought and paid for with the blood of the Lamb. We will be with the Lamb and the Father, but we will not be their equal. We will be their servants.

As mentioned earlier, God and the Lamb are in the new city (Rev_21:22-23; Rev_22:1). The New Jerusalem will be the temple of God (Rev_21:22), and the throne of God will also be in it. Then John wrote, His servants will serve Him. The highest joy and privilege of the saints in eternity will be to serve their blessed Lord, even though it is true that they will also reign with Him (2Ti_2:12; Rev_5:10; Rev_20:4-6). They will have a privileged place before the throne for they will see His face. The implication is that they are under the Lord’s good favor and in His “inner circle.” This intimacy is also indicated by the fact that His name will be on their foreheads (cf. Rev_2:17; Rev_3:12; Rev_7:3; Rev_14:1). Their freedom to be in the presence of God indicates that they will then be in their glorified bodies (cf. 1Jn_3:2). The greatest blessing of eternity is that they shall see his face (Matt. 5: v.8; Heb. 12: v.14). Though this is now impossible for an unglorified human being (Exodus 33: v.20), it will occur in the eternal state. The name of God in their foreheads shows ownership and consecration (Rev. 3: v.12; 13: v.16; Exodus 28: verses 36 to38).

Throughout the Bible, we have been taught that you could not look upon the face of God and live. Even Moses, who was so close to God, wanted to see God, and God told him no. He put His hand over Moses and passed by him, and Moses saw his back side, Exodus 33:22. There we will be in his presence all the time and can look in his face anytime we want to. We are sealed with the Lamb's seal.

The saints in New Jerusalem will see God's face. Being perfectly holy and righteous, they'll be able to endure the blazing, glorious light from God's presence without being consumed. That was impossible for mortal men.

Revelation 22:5

 The Saints’ Reign With God

Once again John wrote that the glory and light of the New Jerusalem will be the presence of God, with no artificial illumination (cf. Rev_21:23-24). And once again the statement is made that the servants of God will reign with Christ forever (cf. Rev_20:6). Since in the New Jerusalem God is always present, His glory makes all other sources of light unnecessary (Rev. 21:23; Isaiah 60:19, 20; Zech. 14:7).

We have talked so much about our Lord Jesus being the Light. He is the source of all Light. When the Light is on full power, you certainly do not need a candle. The sun has no more purpose any more either. This presence of this Light is all they need. This Kingdom has no end. It is for all of eternity.

As a final word describing the saint's heavenly experience, they are told it once again that it will never end. They shall reign forever and forever.

Revelation 22:6-7

The final word from God

The Certainty Of The Return Of Christ 
 

Confirming both the truth and possibility of comprehending the prophecies previously given, the angel told John that the words of this book are trustworthy and true. The purpose of these communications is not to bewilder and confuse but to reveal many of the things that must soon take place. Verses 6-21 form a conclusion or summary to the book. They emphasize two themes: (1) the authenticity of the book as a revelation from God; and (2) the imminence of the return of Christ.

These sayings refer to the entire Book of Revelation. They are authenticated as genuine by the angel whom God sent to give them through John to His servants, that is, the members of the churches (Rev. 1: verses 3 and 11).

Here is just a reassurance that all of this is not to be taken lightly. This is the absolute truth. The prophets such as Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah (to name just a few), have all spoken of this special time in history. We even read this in the 24th chapter of Matthew and in the 21st and 22nd chapter of Luke. It is the same information, regardless of who pens it, because the author is God.

The angel's words reinforce an important truth: Everything John saw in Revelation will come to pass. John's words are not mystical and the Apocalypse is not a record of his bizarre dreams or the result of an over active imagination. Further it is not an allegory (a form of translation) from which readers can find hidden meanings of their own concoction. It is an accurate description of events and persons that are yet to come.

Verses 6 to 9 takes us back to the early part of this book, when the faithful and true witness told us that He would send His angel to convey His message concerning the things that must come to pass.

This directly contradicts the point of view of many scholars that the Book of Revelation is an imponderable mystery for which no key is available today. This book is the Word of God and not the vague imaginations of John. In addition it is intended to describe future events. When taken in its literal, ordinary meaning, this is exactly what it does, even though much of Revelation is written in symbolic form. The Word of God was not given to be obscure. It was given to be understood by those taught by the Spirit.

The theme of Revelation is stated again in Rev_22:7 : Behold, I am coming soon! (cf. Rev_1:7; Rev_22:12, Rev_22:20) Also He is coming quickly. The Greek word tachy may be translated “soon” (NIV) or “quickly” (NASB, ASV), and from the divine standpoint both are true. The coming of Christ is always soon from the standpoint of the saints’ foreview of the future, and when it occurs, it will come suddenly or quickly. Accordingly a special blessing is pronounced on those who believe and heed the prophecy of the book. As stated earlier, this last book of the Bible, so neglected by the church and with its meanings confused by many expositors, contains more promises of blessing than any other book of Scripture. This reference to blessing is the sixth beatitude in the book (the seventh is in Rev_22:14). The first blessing (in Rev_1:3) is similar to this one in Rev_22:7. This is Jesus speaking when He says, "Behold, I am coming soon".

Three times we find this expression in the last verses of this book. Some have been confused about the literal meaning of the expression because it was uttered almost 2000 years ago. It is more accurately translated, "Behold, I come suddenly." This saying does not refer to an appointed time soon to come but means that His coming will take place suddenly and without warning. Significant details are given in association with each of these three promises of our Lord.

1. Verse 7 contains the promise, "Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." This may be a reference to the Rapture of the Church. "Happy are those" who are sufficiently aware of the prophecy of this book to be ready when that Day arrives.
2. "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done". (Rev. 22 v.12) Added to Christ's promise of his second coming, this verse proclaims a reward by way of judgment, a standard part of the state of believers after the Resurrection.
3. On the basis of this reward we will reign with Christ forever.

There is a scripture that speaks of tiring of waiting and going back in sin, Hebrews 12: verses 3 and 4. We must not do this. We must watch and wait for we know not at what hour He cometh. Matt. 24: v.36. "Blessed is he that keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book". Rev. 1 v.3: This is referring to the Book of Revelation.

But how in the world can you keep the sayings, if you don't know what these sayings are? Most people avoid Revelation like the plague, but if we must keep the sayings, then we must read and understand what they are.

Believers are called to guard or protect the book of Revelation. To defend against detractors who deny its relevance, against those critics who deny its veracity and authority as well as against confused interpreters who obscure its meaning. They are called to not only guard Scripture, but also to obey it.

You might ask, what does it mean to obey the book of Revelation? Think of it as a general command to long for Christ's return and our eternal fellowship with Him. It calls believers to desire heaven, to desire holiness, to desire to see Christ vindicated and for Him to triumph over His enemies, to desire the end of the curse and to desire the glories of Christ's earthly kingdom and the new heaven and the new earth.

To see God's face, to see an end of the Babylonian Harlot and the corrupt commercial and political system, to look forward to a life of peace and happiness.

Thus the purpose of Revelation is not to provide entertainment and to merely satisfy the curiosity of believers about the future but to reveal the glory of God's Son and call believers to live godly, obedient lives in light of His soon return.

Revelation 22:8-9

The Worship By John 
 

As this tremendous revelation was given to John, he once again fell down to worship… the angel. Again he was rebuked and reminded that angels should not be worshiped because, like the saints, they are fellow servants. John was commanded to worship the Lord, not angels (cf. Rev_19:10). Several times in Revelation, we see John overwhelmed by the presence and the power this angel shows him. He, being overcome by the magnitude of it all, starts to worship this angel. Some people have false doctrine centered on angel worship. We must not worship angels. They are created beings. We must worship the Creator. We are warned over and over not to worship angels. John is told several times here in Revelation not to worship this angel. The angel quickly reminds the apostle that he too, was a created being by his declaration. Not only his, but also of John's brethren the prophets, and of all believers that are defined here as "Them which keep the sayings of this book."

Then the angel commands John to worship God as God alone is the only acceptable Person to worship. The bible forbids the worship of anyone else including angels, saints, the Virgin Mary or any other created being.

Revelation 22:10-11

The Command To Proclaim The Prophecy Of The Book

Daniel was told that his prophecies would be “sealed until the time of the end” (Dan_12:9). But John was told not to seal up the words of these prophecies for the time to open Daniel’s prophecy is at hand. Again it should be emphasized that the viewpoint of some scholars that the Book of Revelation is an impenetrable puzzle is expressly contradicted by this and other passages. Revelation, both via its plain statements and its symbols, is designed to reveal facts and events relating to the second coming of Christ. The command not to seal this prophetic message is quite different than what the lord told Daniel, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end" (Dan 12:4). The reason for the difference in the instructions is simply stated, "the time is at hand." Until the death and resurrection of Christ, the time for this prophecy had not come. Since Jesus already opened the seven seals prophetically (Rev. 5 and 6) to reveal the future, it is only appropriate that the entire book remain open for us to read as well.

In contrast with Daniel, who was told to "seal" up his book of prophecy (since the end was still in the distant future, but here John is told to leave his book open (Seal not). The Messiah had come, His second coming is imminent, and thus now the time is at hand.

The reason for the difference in the instructions is that one lived after the time of Christ's crucifixion, the other before. In John's day it was possible to see the unfolding of the events prophesied; in Daniel's day they were a long way off.

The exhortation which follows has puzzled some. Those who do wrong and are vile are encouraged to continue to do so, and those who do right and are holy are encouraged to continue to do so (Rev_22:11). The point here is not to condone what is evil, but to point out that if people do not heed this prophecy, they will continue in their wickedness. Verse 11 is not a command, but rather a statement of fact and a warning. Character tends to become fixed and unchangeable, determined by a lifetime of habitual action. The arrival of the end will prevent any change of destiny.

Those who hear the truth but continue to do wrong will by that hardened response fix their eternal destiny in hell. Conversely, those who continue to practice righteousness and keep him himself holy give evidence of genuine saving faith.

When Christ returns, the deliberate choice of each person will have fixed his eternal fate.

We cannot cover up from God. God sees into the heart. If you are a sinner, He already knows it. You do not have to tell Him. If you belong to Jesus, He knows that, too. Whatever you are down deep, Jesus already knows.

On the other hand those who do heed the prophecy will continue to do what is right. Relatively speaking, the time of the Lord’s return is near and no major changes in mankind’s conduct can be expected.

Revelation 22:12

The Coming Judgment And Reward

The words with which this verse begins: Behold, I am coming soon! are the same as those at the beginning of Rev_22:7. In connection with His return, which will be “soon” (cf. Rev_22:7, Rev_22:20), a reward is promised to His saints for what they have done for Christ. The reference is to the judgment seat of Christ (2Co_5:10-11). The final judgments of both the wicked and the righteous will be judgments of works. This is the joyous expectation of those who are faithful and the fear of those who have not been faithful. Again Christ declares the imminence of His return. This is in red in the Bible, so this is Jesus speaking directly here. All Christians should be watching the eastern sky for In a moment when you think not, the eastern sky will open, the trumpet will blow, and Jesus shall shout. At that time, we will be called to heaven to be with Him forever.

Our rewards will be for the things (treasures) we have stored in heaven. Rewards are always based on works done by believers based on their faithfulness in serving Christ in this life. Their works will be tested and only those with eternal value "will be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." (1 Cor. 3 v.13)

The rewards believers will enjoy in heaven will be capacities for serving God. The greater their faithfulness is in this life, the greater will be their opportunity to serve in heaven, not to mention the crowns believers will receive.

Having knowledge that Jesus could return at any moment shouldn't lead Christians to a life of idle waiting for His coming. Instead it should produce diligent, obedient, worshipful service to God, and urgent proclamation of the gospel to unbelievers.

Try looking at it this way. By telling everyone you meet now about the good news of Jesus but they don't listen to you, then suddenly the Rapture happens, those people will then remember every word you said to them. That is why I personally believe that right after the Rapture, more people will begin immediately seek the truth about Jesus and that will begin the largest soul harvest the world has ever known.

Revelation 22:13

The Eternal Christ

Once again Christ is described as the Alpha and the Omega (first and last letters of the Gr. alphabet), the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Christ is before all Creation and He will continue to exist after the present creation is destroyed. He is the Eternal One (cf. Rev_1:4, Rev_1:8, Rev_1:17; Rev_2:8; Rev_21:6). The three designations of verse 13 are virtually equivalent in meaning.

1. Alpha and Omega
2. The beginning and the end
3. The first and the last

By applying them to Himself, Christ claims unlimited, eternal equality with God (Rev. 1: v.8 and 17; 2: v.8; 21: v.6).

These three designations express Christ's infinity, eternity and boundless life transcending all limitation. These descriptions describe the completeness, timelessness and sovereign authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:14-15

The Coming Blessing And Judgment

The last of the seven beatitudes of Revelation is bestowed on the saints, those who wash their robes. They have access to the New Jerusalem and its tree of life (cf. Rev_22:19). The other six beatitudes are in Rev_1:3; Rev_14:13; Rev_16:15; Rev_19:9; Rev_20:6; Rev_22:7. In the manuscripts followed by the KJV, the expression “those who wash their robes” is translated “that do His commandments.” In both cases the words accurately describe the righteous. These closing verses of the Bible make it perfectly clear that salvation is a matter of the will - whoever wishes may come. This clearly implies that whoever wills not to come is lost. This teaching abounds throughout the Scriptures. In contrast to those who reject Christ, we encounter the state of the blessed described here in verse 14. Those who have washed their robes in the righteousness of Christ have a right to the Tree of Life and thus are entitled to live forever.

He describes their state as "blessed," meaning "happy". Every individual wants happiness. The way to eternal happiness is to receive Christ as Lord and Savior, which entitles you to entrance into the Holy City, access to the Tree of Life, and the marvelous blessings of a loving God. If there is any question in your mind as to whether or not you have received the living Christ, I urge you, on the basis of His challenge, to change your will and receive Him as your Lord and Savior today.

They that do his commandments are believers John 14:15: If ye love me, keep my commandments. See (Rev. 12: v.17; Rev. 14: v.12; Matthew 7: verses 13 to 21; 1 John 3: verses 6 to10).

The tree of life indicates immortality and divine blessing (Rev. 2: v.7 and 22: v.2). To be able to enter in through the gates into the city is to have heavenly citizenship in the eternal dwelling place of God and redeemed mankind.

All unbelievers are without (outside) the city, i.e. in the lake of fire. See Rev. 21: v.8 for a list of the type of sins that exclude people from heaven that was given to John. Also read Rev. 21 verse 27.

In James 1:22 we read, "But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

You see, we are to be about the Father's business. If we truly are sold out to God and have made Jesus the Lord of our lives, the desire of our hearts will be to do His Commandments. The Jews were the natural branches of the tree. We Christians (when we are born again), are grafted into the Tree of Life, who is Jesus Christ our Lord.

By contrast, judgment is pronounced on those who are unsaved (dogs refers to people; cf. Php_3:2): those who practice magic arts (cf. Rev_9:21; Rev_18:23; Rev_21:8), the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. As in the similar description of the unsaved in Rev_21:8, Rev_21:27, the wicked works which characterize the unsaved are described. The dogs are impure and malicious people or someone with a low character. The first time blatantly impure sinners were called dogs is in Deut. 23: verse 18. This is where male homosexual prostitutes were in view.

Sorcerers are those who practice occult or witchcraft. Greek Pharmakos is the root of the English word pharmacy which often accompanies those practices.

Whoremongers are those who practice all kinds of sexual immorality. Greek pornos is the root of the English word pornography.

Murderers: means pre-meditated murder. This has nothing to do with accidental killing or killing in war. They are included in the list given in Rev. 21 v.8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Idolaters are just those who put anything ahead of God which includes manna (money) or the love of everything which takes one's attention off serving God. Someone once said: Show me someone's calendar and checkbook and I'll tell you where their heart lies. Think about that. Idolaters are also those who worship false gods or worship the true God in an unacceptable matter.

Maketh at Lie: Everyone sometimes during their life has lied as It's human nature. Some tell little white lies, even some Christians. But all lies are acts of deceiving and can be very harmful to others. Simply withholding some of the truth when asked a question is in itself lying.

Consider carefully how you answer and instead of a white lie or withholding a part of the truth, find another way. I would rather be told the truth no manner how bad it is rather than find later I had be deceived. Those who "loveth and maketh a lie" has to do with hurting someone else. Any time we hurt someone else, it is sin.

It is not all who have ever committed any of these sins listed above that will be excluded from heaven. But it is those who love and habitually practice these sins and stubbornly cling to them and refuse Christ's invitation to salvation who will be the ones cast into the lake of fire.

 Though some saints have been guilty of these same practices, they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and are acceptable to God. But those who refuse to come to the Lord receive the just reward for their sins. Though the world is excessively wicked, God will bring every sin into judgment. And the time for Christ’s return may be drawing near, when this will be effected.

Revelation 22:16-17

The Invitation Of The Spirit And The Bride

The entire Book of Revelation was delivered by Christ through His angel and is for the churches. Christ described Himself as the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. Historically Christ comes from David (Mat_1:1; cf. Isa_11:11; Rev_5:5). Prophetically His coming is like the morning star, the beginning of a bright new day. "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify." This is the first time that the words "I Jesus" appear in the bible. It establishes that this final invitation in Scripture is not a human invitation, but a divine call issued personally to sinners by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

This verse is Jesus' seal of approval on the whole book of Revelation. It marks the first use of the word "church" since chapter three. Why is there no reference of the Church during the time of tribulation on earth described in chapters 6 through 18? Because the true Church has been raptured to heaven, and will not be on the earth.

How can Jesus be "the root and the offspring of David" both? In the Flesh this is impossible. David, in the flesh, was the ancestor of Jesus. In the Spirit, Jesus was David's ancestor. Jesus was David's God.

We read in II Peter 1:19 "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"

You see, it is not unusual in a symbolic way to speak of Jesus as a star. Here is our Bright Star. Until we receive this Star into our life, we are full of darkness.

  The Holy Spirit joined with the bride, the church, in extending an invitation to all who heed. Those who hear are encouraged to respond and also to extend the invitation to others. The wonderful promise is given that all those who are thirsty may come and will receive God’s free gift. The Lord's Last Invitation to Humankind -The Lord Jesus Christ, ever concerned for the souls of the lost, closes His great revelation with a challenge for individual people to call on His name. He indicates that there are two who invite us to come to Him: the "Spirit" and the "bride". In addition, He will even use "him who hears."

God the Holy Spirit will use the printed page as well as those who are just repeating what they have heard but may not even believe what they are saying. He also uses the "bride", which indicated that the primary ministry of the Church of Christ during the entire Church Age is to tell others about the Savior. All Christians everywhere should be engaged in saying to their fellow human beings: "Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." Jesus Christ, of course, is the water of life.

The Holy Spirit, since the beginning, has been saying "Come". Unless the Holy Spirit of God woos you, you can forget being saved. It is God's wish that all should be saved. I really believe what this is saying, in this particular instance, is that the Spirit and the believers are saying, "Come quickly Lord Jesus". Salvation is open to whosoever will.

Everyone has a hungering and thirsting for God. Some do not know what they are hungering for. It is so simple just to give in and let Jesus bring you salvation, peace, joy, and life that lasts forever. When we take of this Water of Jesus, it brings Eternal Life. The water, Spirit, and blood testify for us and assure us of a heavenly home, John 5:8.

This is the wonderful invitation extended to every generation up to the coming of Christ. Those who recognize their need and realize that Christ is the provider of salvation are exhorted to come while there is yet time before the judgment falls and it is too late. As the Scriptures make clear, the gift of eternal life (here called the water of life; cf. Rev_22:1; Joh_7:37-39) is free. It has been paid for by the death of Christ on the cross and is extended to all who are willing to receive it in simple faith.

Revelation 22:18-19

The Final Warning

While on the one hand an invitation is extended to those who will listen, a word of warning is also given to those who reject the revelation of this final book of the Bible. A dual warning is given against adding to it or subtracting from it (cf. Deu_4:2; Deu_12:32; Pro_30:6). How great will be the judgment of those who despise this book and relegate it to the mystical experiences of an old man, thereby denying that it is the inspired Word of God. Rejecting the Word of God is rejecting God Himself. And those who deny His promises of blessing and subtract from His truths will receive His judgment and will have no part in the tree of life or access to the holy city (cf. Rev_22:14). The speaker who testifies to the authority and finality of the words of the prophecy of this book is the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Severe Warning to the Detractors From This Prophecy - I (Jesus) warns everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

This is one of the most awesome challenges in the Word of God against tampering with Holy Writ. Far too many today glibly ridicule, detract from, and cast disparaging remarks on Holy Scripture. This is their day of opportunity, but their judgment will come upon them swiftly in God's good time. It is a fearful thing to disbelieve God, and it is unbelief that causes someone to detract from His Holy Word.

 Revelation 22:20-21

 The Final Prayer And Promise

One further word of testimony was then given: Yes, I am coming soon (cf. Rev_22:7, Rev_22:12). To this John replied in a brief prayer, Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. As previously stated, the translation is "surely I come suddenly", when lest expected. The cry of every Christian should be "come quickly Lord Jesus", as I said before. My cry, as I go through the land telling people of my Savior and Lord, is "JESUS IS COMING".

John speaks for all true believers when he writes, "Come Lord Jesus", since Christians are those "who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4 verse 8). Scoffers may mockingly ask, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation" (2 Peter 3 verse 4). But things will not continue forever as they are. Jesus will return, just as Revelation predicts. If the certainty of Christ's return to judge sinners does not motivate people to repent, then nothing will.

"Amen" means so be it.

 With this tremendous revelation completed, a final word of benediction was pronounced. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. This scripture is an expression of God's grace toward fallen humanity.

The Lord of glory, as He promised in Scripture, offers heaven exclusively to those who accept His gracious invitation. Without the "grace of our Lord Jesus" none of us would be saved.

 This expression, so common in other New Testament books, brings this final word from God to an end. For those who believe that Christ in His first coming provided salvation, there is the wonderful promise of His coming again to bring full and final deliverance. As the book began by introducing a revelation of Jesus Christ so it ends with the same thought that He is coming again.

Probably no other book of Scripture more sharply contrasts the blessed lot of the saints with the fearful future of those who are lost. No other book of the Bible is more explicit in its description of judgment on the one hand and the saints’ eternal bliss on the other. What a tragedy that so many pass by this book and fail to fathom its wonderful truths, thereby impoverishing their knowledge and hope in Christ Jesus. God’s people who understand and appreciate these wonderful promises can join with John in his prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Although this is not a reference to Bible believing commentators of the Word who mistakenly translate some passage and inadvertently minimize it. The Lord's warning here is addressed to those who engage in deliberate falsification or misinterpretation of Scripture, those who Paul denounces as peddlers of the Word of God, (2 Cor. 2 v.17.

Still it does serve as a soul stirring challenge to those who have taken in hand to write and preach on this marvelous book.