Revelation 22
Revelation 22 concludes the book of Revelation and the entire Bible. It describes the beauty and perfection of the New Jerusalem, the eternal state of those who are faithful, and the final invitation to partake in God's salvation. The chapter reinforces the hope of eternal life and serves as a reminder of Christ’s imminent return, calling all to heed His words.
Revelation 22:1 (NKJV)
"And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb."
This verse introduces the imagery of the water of life, symbolizing the eternal and refreshing life that God provides. The river is pure and clear, highlighting the perfection and holiness of the life that flows from God and Christ (the Lamb). The imagery echoes the description of Eden, signifying a restoration of creation and the eternal life believers receive from God’s throne.
Revelation 22:2 (NKJV)
"In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
The tree of life, once guarded after humanity’s fall in Genesis, is now fully accessible to those in the New Jerusalem. Its twelve fruits symbolize abundant and continual provision, and its leaves bring healing, signifying the complete restoration of all things. The nations, once divided, are united and healed, emphasizing God's redemptive work for all peoples.
Revelation 22:3-4 (NKJV)
"And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads."
In this perfect, renewed creation, the curse of sin is entirely lifted, and God's throne will be central. His people will serve Him in pure devotion, and they will have the privilege of seeing His face, something that was denied due to sin. Having God's name on their foreheads signifies belonging, purity, and complete dedication to Him.
Revelation 22:5 (NKJV)
"There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever."
God's presence will fully illuminate the New Jerusalem, making artificial light or even the sun unnecessary. The absence of night signifies the end of darkness and evil. The saints will share in God’s reign eternally, reflecting the original plan for humanity to rule in harmony with God over His creation.
Revelation 22:6-7 (NKJV)
"Then he said to me, 'These words are faithful and true.' And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. 'Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.'"
The angel affirms that the words of this prophecy are trustworthy and will be fulfilled. Jesus’ declaration, “I am coming quickly,” emphasizes the urgency and certainty of His return. Those who faithfully keep the teachings of Revelation will be blessed, reinforcing the call to obedience and vigilance.
Revelation 22:8-9 (NKJV)
"Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, 'See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.'"
John, overwhelmed by the revelation, mistakenly attempts to worship the angel, but the angel corrects him, reminding John that worship belongs to God alone. The angel identifies himself as a fellow servant, emphasizing that all beings, even angels, are called to worship God and God alone, not His messengers.
Revelation 22:10-11 (NKJV)
"And he said to me, 'Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.'"
Unlike some earlier prophecies that were sealed for future times, this message is meant to be openly proclaimed because its fulfillment is near. The call for individuals to remain as they are indicates that when Christ returns, there will be no more time for change. Each person’s moral and spiritual state will be fixed at the moment of His coming.
Revelation 22:12-13 (NKJV)
"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."
Jesus declares that His return is imminent and that He will reward people based on their deeds, reflecting both justice and grace. His titles, "Alpha and Omega," signify His eternal nature, as the beginning and the end of all things. He is the source and fulfillment of creation and redemption.
Revelation 22:14-15 (NKJV)
"Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie."
Those who faithfully follow God’s commands will have the privilege of entering the New Jerusalem and partaking of the tree of life. In contrast, those who persist in sin—symbolized by the list of transgressors—will be excluded from the holy city. This separation underscores the finality of judgment and the purity required to dwell with God.
Revelation 22:16 (NKJV)
"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
Jesus personally affirms that He sent the angel with this revelation, indicating its divine authority. His reference to being both the Root and Offspring of David connects His messianic identity to the Davidic covenant. As the Bright and Morning Star, Jesus symbolizes the dawn of a new eternal day, heralding hope and restoration.
Revelation 22:17 (NKJV)
"And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
This verse offers a universal invitation to all who are spiritually thirsty to come and receive the water of life, which is freely available. The Holy Spirit and the bride (the church) extend this invitation, highlighting God’s open and generous offer of salvation to everyone who seeks it.
Revelation 22:18-19 (NKJV)
"For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
These verses contain a solemn warning against altering the words of Revelation. Any tampering with this prophecy—either by adding or subtracting from it—results in severe consequences. This underscores the sacredness of God’s revelation and the need to preserve its integrity.
Revelation 22:20-21 (NKJV)
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
Jesus again declares the certainty and nearness of His return, and John responds with a heartfelt prayer for Christ’s swift coming. The final verse extends a blessing of grace to all readers, leaving them with the hope and anticipation of Christ’s return and the eternal life He offers.