REVELATION 22

THE RIVER OF LIFE + RETURN OF JESUS 

In his vision, John is shown the river of life. The water flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb, through the middle of the new Jerusalem. On either side of the river, is the tree of life, which yielded twelve tribes of fruit. The fruit of the tree that God protected Adam and Eve from eating was now freely available to all of His people (See Genesis 3). The leaves of the tree provide healing for the nations, giving God’s people eternal unity and peace. God reverses every curse that occurred in Eden!

John is instructed to write down what he saw, showing God’s words as trustworthy and true. This vision was sent to John to show what would soon take place. John hears that Jesus is coming back soon and the ones who trust in the words of God’s prophecy will be blessed.

When John hears this and sees these things, he is overcome with worship. John is instructed to worship God alone and share the prophecy of this book. The time is near for Jesus’s return and John is taught to pursue truth, righteousness, and holiness.

As Jesus’s return nears, John teaches that those who wash their robes in the righteousness of Jesus will be blessed. Jesus offers payment for our sins through trusting in Him. Those who believe in Christ as the payment for sin will be welcomed into eternal life.

The Holy Spirit and the Church welcome others to come to Jesus, inviting all who are thirsty to drink the living water. This invitation is similar to the words of Jesus talking to the woman at the well. He invited the woman to drink from the well that never runs dry, which is the same invitation for all believers (See John 4).

John warns readers not to add or subtract their own words to God’s Word. Despite the complexities of this book, John reminds readers to discern what God has clearly revealed and not make their own assumptions.

John ends this letter of prophecy, and the entirety of Scripture, by telling of the victory and return of Jesus. “Come, Lord Jesus!”