FINAL REVELATIONS AND EXHORTATION

REV. 22

Lesson 28

As we began our study of this Book it opened with the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ.  As our study closes it ends with a prayer that His grace might be with those who have witnessed what God has foretold.  Before us is what we shall experience in the glorious future God has prepared for the family of God. The New Jerusalem is the glorious home of the Bride of Christ, the Church.  We noted in chapter 21 its size, a 1342-mile cube.  We looked at its costly building materials and the angel honor guard at the gates of pearl, which shall always remain open. We know the glory of God will provide the light in a city that will never know any darkness.

         I.      Final revelation of the New Jerusalem (Vs. 1-5)

a.       The river of life (Vs. 1)

1.       It proceeds from the throne of God and the Lamb.

a)    Throughout the Word of God much is said about water, streams and rivers as pointed out in Ps. 23.

b)    Heaven isn’t going to be a dry dusty place, but it will have its own river. (I believe this in a literal sense.)

b.       The tree of life (Vs. 2)

1.       From Gen. 3:23, 24 we learn that the tree of life was in Eden.

2.       After Adam and Eve sinned angels protected the tree.

3.       These trees line the streets of the New Jerusalem and bear twelve manners of fruit.

4.       It seems we shall enjoy picking fruit and eating in heaven.

5.       The healing leaves mean “therapeutic” as in health giving.

6.       We might say the leaves promote the enjoyment of life in the New Jerusalem.

c.       Seven wonderful things God has in store for the child of God in the New Jerusalem (Vs.3-5)

1.       No more curse - perfect restoration

2.       The throne of God and the Lamb - perfect Administration

3.       His servants shall serve Him - perfect subordination

4.       They shall se His face - perfect transformation

5.       His name shall be on their foreheads - perfect identification

6.       There shall be no night - perfect illumination

7.       Shall reign forever and ever - perfect exaltation

       II.      Final series of exhortation (Vs. 6-9)

a.       The Words that have been spoken can be trusted, for God has sent His Holy Angels to bring the message.  (God reminds us that we can trust what is written and its importance is seen in the way it has come.)

b.       The return of Christ is a sure thing. (Vs. 7)

1.       “I come quickly” (Titus 2:13 and I Thess. 4:13-18)

2.       Blessing upon those who keep the sayings of this Book (It’s interesting to note that the final Book in God’s Word so long neglected has a special blessing for those who read and study it.)

c.       The effect upon John (Vs. 8,9)

1.       As Godly as a man John was, he was humbled by in the insight of this prophecy.

2.       John is reminded to worship God, for He alone is worthy to receive worship and praise. (Vs. 9)

3.       Remember Colossians was written to correct an error of angel worship.

      III.      A command to reveal Christ and reveal the future (Vs. 10-16)

a.       A command to proclaim prophecy

1.       “Seal not” for the time or “proper season” is at hand.

2.       Daniel in chapter 12:4 was told to seal up his prophecy.

3.       If prophecies of this Book will not change man’s heart no message will.

4.       Neutrality is impossible.

b.       Blessed Hope and rewards (Vs. 12)

1.       I Cor. 3:12-18 reminds us of the rewards to be determined in the future.

2.       The Lord Himself will hand out the rewards.

c.       The eternal character of Christ (Vs. 13-16)

1.       First and last (Vs. 13) – His eternal character

2.       Blessed are they that wash their robes that they might have the right to approach. (Vs. 14)

3.       The Blood of Christ gives one access to the city of God and its resources.

4.       Earmark of those who will not be in heaven (Vs. 15) ( God still hates sin.)

5.       Our Lord makes a special note that this Word is from Him. (Vs.16)

a)    For the first time since chapter 3, the term “Church” or “Ecclesia” is used.

b)    Christ uses titles given to Him through out the Word of God to give strength and leave little doubt as to who is speaking. (Vs. 16)

    IV.      The closing series of exhortations (Vs. 17-21)

a.       Last call of the gospel (Vs. 17)

1.       This refers to the Holy Spirit and the Bride of Christ, the Church.

2.       The invitation to come is URGENT.

b.       The final testimony of Christ (Vs. 18-20)

1.       A warning as to seriousness of tampering with the Word of God. (Vs. 18-20)

a)    What a warning this should be to the critic or anyone else that attempts to tamper with this Book

b)    Deut. 4:2 and Prov. 30: 6 also speak to this issue.

c)    Beware of those arrogant, self-confident people who tamper with the Word of God.

2.       Notice the judgment upon those who dare pervert the inspired record.

3.       Unbelief is at the root of any attempt to change the Bible

c.       The final word (Vs. 20-21)

1.       Again, we are reminded of the coming of the Lord Jesus, and that it will be accomplished quickly.

a)    The final message of God’s Word mentions the return of Christ.

b)    I believe the return of Christ should occupy an important place in my thinking, my living, and the daily practice of my Christian life.

2.       “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all” makes it clear that God’s blessing is upon the saints and is not upon the wicked. Amen – So be it