*Revelation 22:1-21
John describes a new heaven and new earth, the New Jerusalem, with the tree of life and the river of life, where God dwells with his people.
- The River and Tree of Life:
- The angel shows John a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.
- On each side of the river stands the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
- No More Curse:
- There will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him.
- They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Night will be no more; they will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.
- Reign Forever:
- They will reign forever and ever, marking a period of eternal peace and divine governance.
- Affirmation of the Prophecy’s Trustworthiness:
- The angel assures John that the words of the prophecy of this book 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.
- Behold, I am Coming Soon:
- Jesus declares, “Behold, I am coming soon!” Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
- John is instructed not to seal up the prophetic words of this book, for the time is near.
- Final Exhortations and Warnings:
- The text presents a contrast between the righteous and the wicked: 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.
- Invitation and Warning:
- Jesus reiterates His imminent return, promising to bring His recompense with Him to repay each person according to what they have done.
- He declares Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
- Blessings and Open Invitation:
- 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.
- Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
- Final Prayer and Benediction:
- The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” and let those who hear say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
- John concludes with a warning not to add to or take away from the words of the book of this prophecy.
- The book closes with a benediction: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”