Podcast Episode 34 (Condensed)
The day has arrived! We’re at the end of our series! The Book of Revelation bible study has truly been an eye-opening series (at least for me). Can you relate? This series has brought out a lot of emotions for me.
Some chapters revealed the wrath of God that many preachers and teachers don’t shed light on. Christianity today likes to focus majority on just the loving, kind, long-suffering, and forgiving side of God. The Book of Revelation also reveals the consuming-fire side of God. Even the judgement side of God during the end times as well. Some chapters frightened me a bit when I thought about unsaved loved ones. Other chapters were shocking and extremely graphic. Then, there were some chapters that were refreshing, comforting, and reassuring for believers of Christ.
Maybe you experienced some similar emotions as well while studying Revelation. Regardless, the bible will be fulfilled and in totality. That means that what the Book of Revelation state, it will come to pass. So, if you’ve stuck with me on this journey to unpacking, breaking down, and understanding the Book of Revelation, I just want to say thank you. It is not an easy read, but it is a necessary read.
Today, we’ve diving into our final chapter, Revelation 22. I will be referring to the NLT primarily (that’s my favorite). So, let’s begin! It’s time for us to end this series with a bang.
Revelation 22:1-2 NLT states, “Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations”.
So, the river symbolizes the nature of God and the Lamb. Both rivers flow through the power of God. As for the tree, it evokes images of the Garden of Eden. This was where God originally placed mankind with the tree of life. The medicine produced in the leaves represents life in the Millennium where death will no longer exists and paradise is forever. Remember Revelation 20:14.
Revelation 22:3-5 says, “No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. 4 And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever”.
When Adam sinned, God told him in Genesis 3:17-18 NLT, “the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns and thistles for you…” And it continued. But in Revelation 22, the curse is broken for eternal life. Hallelujah!
God’s people will be able to serve Him in perfect bliss with no warfare or attacks to come their way. John 1:18 declares that “No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us”. Oh, but we can shout for joy because a time is coming when every eye will see that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Those whose name is written in the Book of Life will certainly see Him face to face and live in eternal paradise with Him. Praise God! This level of intimacy will be something we’ve never seen or even imagined before. God’s name on our forehead (not the counterfeit 666 mark of the beast which represents Satan’s property) will indicate that we are marked with grace for life. Our trademark by God will signify that we belong to Him forevermore.
Even better, the brilliance of God will illuminate us all. God will be upon us forevermore. Think about how when nighttime falls and darkness surrounds the atmosphere. Criminals take advantage of the night skies and commit horrendous crimes. We will never have to be cautious anymore because darkness will never evade the skies again. Thank you Jesus!
As the chapter continues, verse 7 says, “Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon”.
The good news about the Book of Revelation is that God reveals enough about the end times for us to be prepared. Day by day we should be on guard—never coming down from our post! Each day as we wait, we must live with expectancy and a heart of readiness for the Lord to return at any time. We must serve God diligently in truth and spirit.
Continuing, Revelation 22:7-10 NLT states, “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.” 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. 9 But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”
We may not understand everything written in the book of Revelation, but we will find clarity through studying the Word and obeying it. Asking God to give meaning to the scriptures we read is very important. The Lord calls us blessed for being obedient and following His Holy word, so it’s vital we abide by it. Verse 8 leaves a lot of questions about John the Revelator. Whether he was shocked or greatly amazed by the glory of God (probably both reason), he fell down ready to worship the angel who showed him the prophetic visions. This isn’t the first time John has attempted to worship an angel, but we read that he was corrected not to do so again. Remember, Apostle Paul rebuked the worship of angels in the Colossian church in Colossians 2:18. I encourage you to read that scripture.
Verses 10-11 of Revelation 22 says, “Then he instructed me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.”
Unlike Daniel, whose words were “shut up and seal until the end of time” as Daniel 12:9 states, John the Revelator was instructed not to seal the words of the prophecy. This prophetic word we’re learning about in Revelation 22 is a warning to the lost but also a message of hope for those whose faith is rooted in Christ. Of course, no one knows when the Lord will return as Matthew 24:36 says. But the rapture can happen any moment in time. The rapture will occur within a blink of an eye. Although some theologians, scholars, and bible teachers argue that “the rapture is not explicitly written in the bible” or that “the rapture is not biblical”. As for me, I believe that 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is in reference to the rapture. Now, don’t get a religious spirit and allow a difference of opinion to cause division or hostility. I do not think that whether you believe in the rapture or not will forfeit our opportunity of going to heaven. So, we I’ll leave that there.
Moving along, verse 11 isn’t written to encourage wrongdoing, but to remind us about the freedom of choice. Regardless of what choices we make in life, God will not change His Holy Word or change His plans in the bible. This is a dire warning. If a person dies unsaved, their eternal destination is doom and hellfire. I cannot sugarcoat that. No one gets a second chance after death. When a person dies, there is no longer a need to pray for their salvation. Therefore, it is important for us believers to stand in the gap for unsaved loved ones, co-workers, friends, and family members now while they still have breath in their lungs.
Jesus will return and reward the righteous. The rebellious, wicked, and unsaved will be punished by God. Daniel 12:10 reminds us how many people will purify themselves, but the wicked will act wickedly. I paraphrased the scripture, but I encourage you to read it for yourself.
One day it will be too late for many. Don’t let it be too late for you. Hebrews 3:15 makes a critical statement: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
As Revelation 22 continues, verses 12-14 states, “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 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. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. 15 Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie.”
Before Apostle Paul was executed, he anticipated receiving a crown of righteousness from God. 2 Timothy 4:8 tells us that “all who love Jesus will receive a crown of righteousness”. James 1:12 and 1 Peter 5:4 also mentions crowns and the promises for the faithful few. Read those scriptures for more clarity. 2 Corinthians 5:10 discusses how true, believers will be awarded at the Judgement Seal of Christ.
To provide further context of the verses, see the word breakdowns below.
Washing robes = purification from uncleanliness (sin)
The city = new heaven and earth; New Jerusalem
In former times (Genesis 3:24), eating from the tree of life was forbidden until now. In Revelation 22, we will be able to eat from the tree of life. Hallelujah! God banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and placed a cherubim with a flaming sword that flashes back and forth to guard the entrance to the tree of life. Read Genesis 3 for further understanding. The point is that we will have access to it and that is worthy of praising God for! What the devil meant for evil, God turned it around for good. He unlocked the tree of life for such as time as this to reward His faithful servants. Thank you Lord!
Now, the purpose of verse 15 of Revelation 22 is clear. Inaming those who will not inherit the Kingdom of God is so that it is clear who does not place in paradise with Him. Now, this doesn’t mean that if a sin is not listed in Revelation 22:15 that it is possible for a person to still inherit the new heaven and earth. It is not stated in the bible that this list of prohibited spirits is “absolute “and “only”. I believe that the list is simply to show how those who choose a life of rebellion will be separated from God with no chance of eating from the tree of life. There will be no chance of embarking on a journey to see God and be in constant communion with Him.
Verses 16-17 says, “16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.” Just as the morning star appears before the sun rises, so will Jesus come for the church before He returns to restore Israel Himself. In verse 17, the final invitation for sinners to come to Christ is offered. All unbelievers, backsliders, and lukewarm people are urged to let Jesus quench their spiritual thirst. Salvation is a free gift as Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us.
In John 4:13-14, Jesus asked a woman for a drink of water. He chatted with her and told her how Jacob’s well would lead to thirst again, but His well would offer salvation and quench her thirst forever. This is summarized, so I encourage you to read the scripture for yourself.
Ultimately, the ending of Revelation 22 is a warning but also a beautiful closing. Revelation 22:18-22 states, “18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. 20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.”
In other words, don’t add to the bible, twist the meaning, or insert fleshly opinion that is opposite of God’s opinion in the bible. Also, don’t try to censor the bible. Anyone who does this will be punished by God. We must all have a Holy fear of the Lord.
Proverbs 30:5-6 reminds us how every word of God proves true. Proverbs 30:6 says, “Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.” God’s Word is perfect and true. He needs no additions from us because we’re mere humans. So, we should never play with God or His Word. If we take from His Word, He will take from us the opportunity to spend eternity with Him. Living in the Holy city (New Jerusalem) is a dream come true for believers. Don’t forfeit the opportunity for that. The ability to eat from the tree of life will be refreshing. Don’t allow Satan to trick you out of that privilege one day.
After all, scripture is God-breathed. Remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The wonderful thing about grace is that it abolishes every human tendency to bask in pride or self-glory. Grace causes us to give God all the glory for what He has accomplished in our lives.
As we wrap up this chapter, it may seem like the end, but it is not. Revelation 22 is a to-be-continued chapter. Do you know why? Because our stories and testimonies matter. There is still much work left to do because we (God’s believers) are still on earth! We can’t give up. We can’t throw in the towel yet. If we’re breathing, our assignment is not done yet. Hallelujah! The bible says that in Ecclesiastes 7:8 that the “end of a thing is better than its beginning. The end of our lives on earth is only the start of a beautiful beginning in eternity with God. An eternity where we can commune with God, walk, talk, laugh, and enjoy the presence of God awaits us. We get to worship, honor, and praise Him forever. We can live in the light forever because Jesus is the light. We can eat from the tree of life and walk through the Garden of Eden with ease. No more violence, world chaos, destruction, racism, evilness, crimes, and all other sinful behaviors will dwell among us. We’re safe all the time because God is our ultimate protector.
If you’re not saved, backslidden, or lukewarm, and you want to partake in this eternal paradise, say this prayer after me:
Dear Lord,
I repent of all my sins. I ask you to cleanse me, deliver me, and set me free. I believe that you sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins and rise on the third day. I surrender my life and will to you today. I want to spend eternity with you in paradise. For my remaining time on earth, help me to live a life that pleases you. Everything that is not like you in me, strip it away. Help me to be disciplined and consistent in my relationship with you. Help me to use my time wisely and never skip a day of honoring, praising, and thank you for all you’ve done. I love you and thank you for being Alpha and Omega. Lord, you are King of kings and Lord of lords. May I never return to my old sinful habits again. I decree and I declare that every word spoken is sealed in the blood of Jesus. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
If you said that prayer with all sincerity, I believe that you just made it right with God. Rejoice now for your newfound freedom and walk with Christ. Look forward and never backwards. Cling onto to the Word of God.
If you keep your soul anchored in Jesus, you will one day spend eternity with Him in the New Jerusalem. This will afford you the freedom to eat from the tree of life and experience a closeness and intimacy with God like never before.
Thank you so much for sticking with me throughout this year-long series on the Book of Revelation. I am thankful for my small tribe of supporters. If you’re new to my blog, I encourage you to start with Revelation 1. The YouTube video and Podcast episode is available as well. You won’t regret studying the end times prophecy in the bible.
More info about my new series will come soon. God is shifting me in a different direction for the season I have stepped into. I hope that you stick around a while longer. I appreciate all the support. More details coming soon. Until next time, with Wytinsea Writes! Sending love and virtual hugs your way!
