Revelation 22

Revelation 22 serves as the concluding chapter of the Bible's final prophetic book. It wraps up the visions of the Apostle John with a picturesque description of the New Jerusalem and a renewed paradise where God and the Lamb dwell among their people. This chapter reiterates the promises of Christ's return, offers final blessings, and issues a warning about the integrity of prophecy. The chapter is a comforting closure for believers, emphasizing the hope of eternal life and the importance of faithfulness.

Revelation 22:1-2 (NKJV)
1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 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.

John describes a river, clear and pure, flowing directly from God’s throne, symbolizing the abundant life and eternal sustenance provided by God. The tree of life, bearing a different fruit each month and leaves that heal, represents continual nourishment and healing available in God's kingdom, emphasizing God's provision and restoration for all nations.

Revelation 22:3-5 (NKJV)
3 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.
4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
5 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.

The removal of the curse is a return to the pre-fall state, where direct communion with God was possible. Seeing God’s face and having His name on their foreheads signifies intimate fellowship with Him and ownership. The absence of night and the unneeded artificial or natural light reflect the complete and everlasting presence of God, illuminating the city and signifying eternal rule and kingdom.

Revelation 22:6 (NKJV)
6 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.

This verse reaffirms the reliability and truth of the prophecies within Revelation. The phrase "must shortly take place" emphasizes the imminence of the events to the original audience and to all readers, urging preparedness and vigilance in anticipation of Christ's return.

Revelation 22:7 (NKJV)
7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

This verse contains a direct promise from Jesus, declaring, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” This emphasizes the certainty and urgency of Christ’s return, urging believers to remain faithful and watchful. The phrase “I am coming quickly” does not necessarily mean immediate fulfillment but rather that His return is imminent and certain, and when it happens, it will be sudden. The blessing is given to those who keep the words of the prophecy, meaning they take the message of Revelation seriously, obey its instructions, and remain faithful in anticipation of Christ’s coming. This verse serves as a final call to perseverance, reminding believers that God’s promises will be fulfilled and that those who remain faithful will be rewarded.

Revelation 22:8-9 (NKJV)
8 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.
9 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."

These verses describe John’s overwhelming response to the glorious vision he received, leading him to fall at the feet of the angel in worship. The angel immediately rebukes him, saying, “See that you do not do that! For I am your fellow servant… Worship God.” This emphasizes that supreme worship belongs to God the Father alone, and no created being, not even an angel, should receive such reverence. The angel identifies himself as a fellow servant alongside the prophets and those who keep God’s word, reinforcing that all true servants of God direct worship only to Him. This passage highlights the distinction between different types of worship—supreme worship for the Father, divine worship for Jesus as the Son of God, and honorary reverence shown to kings or respected figures. Unlike the angel, Jesus accepts worship throughout Scripture, confirming His divine nature and rightful place alongside the Father.

Revelation 22:10-11 (NKJV)
10 And he said to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
11 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."

This passage contains a solemn declaration about the finality of human choices as the time of Christ’s return approaches. The angel instructs John, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand,” meaning that unlike Daniel’s prophecies, which were sealed until the time of the end (Daniel 12:4,9), the message of Revelation is meant to be understood and proclaimed immediately. The statement, “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still… he who is righteous, let him be righteous still,” signifies that a time will come when everyone’s destiny is fixed—probation will close, and there will be no more opportunity for repentance. This emphasizes the urgency of choosing righteousness now, as those who persist in sin will remain in their condition, while those who remain faithful will receive eternal life. It serves as a warning that when Christ returns, He will find people in the state they have chosen, and their fate will be sealed forever.

Revelation 22:12-13 (NKJV)
12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

These verses present Jesus’ final assurance of His imminent return and His role as the sovereign ruler over all creation. He declares, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work,” emphasizing that His coming will be sudden, bringing both judgment and reward. Every person will receive either eternal life or final destruction, based on their choices and faithfulness. Jesus further affirms, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last,” signifying that He is the author of creation, in full control of history, and the One who will bring everything to its perfect conclusion. As He began creation in perfect harmony, He will also bring it to its ultimate fulfillment, restoring order and righteousness in the new heaven and new earth. This passage highlights His divine authority and the certainty of His promise to return and establish His eternal kingdom.

Revelation 22:14-15 (NKJV)
14 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.
15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

This passage delineates the rewards for the faithful—access to the tree of life and the holy city. Conversely, it outlines the fate of the wicked, who will remain outside the New Jerusalem. This exclusion from the divine presence underscores the consequences of unrepentant sin and the ultimate separation between the redeemed and the unredeemed.

Revelation 22:16 (NKJV)
16 “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.”

This verse contains Jesus’ final testimony, affirming His divine authority and role in fulfilling prophecy. He declares, “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches,” confirming that the message of Revelation is divinely given and meant for all believers. By calling Himself “the Root and the Offspring of David,” He emphasizes that He is both the source (through God’s plan) and the descendant of David, fulfilling the Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 11:1,10). As the Root of David, He is the foundation of David’s kingship, the one who existed before him and gave purpose to his throne, fulfilling God’s promise of an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-13). He also calls Himself “the Bright and Morning Star,” signifying that He is the light of the world, the source of hope, and the fulfillment of God’s promises, bringing the dawn of a new, righteous era. This verse reaffirms Christ’s identity, His authority over history, and His role as the promised Savior who will soon return.

Revelation 22:17 (NKJV)
17 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 is a final invitation of grace, calling all to accept the free gift of salvation. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”—signifying the united call from the Holy Spirit and God’s people, urging all to receive eternal life. Those who hear are also told to say, “Come,” showing that everyone who accepts the gospel should share the invitation with others. The promise is given that whoever thirsts may take of the water of life freely, emphasizing that salvation is offered to all who desire it. This reflects Isaiah 55:1, where God calls people to receive His life-giving blessings without cost. The water of life represents the eternal satisfaction and spiritual renewal that only Christ can give (John 4:14). This verse highlights God’s mercy, reminding humanity that the opportunity for salvation is still open, but they must choose to accept it before it is too late.

Revelation 22:18-19 (NKJV)
18 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;
19 And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will 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 warn against altering the prophetic messages contained in Revelation. Adding or removing content not only distorts the divine message but also carries severe divine penalties, including exclusion from the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem. This underscores the sacredness of scripture and the seriousness with which it should be treated.

Revelation 22:20-21 (NKJV)
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

The final verses concludes the Bible with Jesus’ final promise and a closing blessing. Jesus affirms, “Surely I am coming quickly,” emphasizing the certainty and imminence of His return, urging believers to remain faithful and watchful. John responds, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” expressing the deep longing of God’s people for Christ’s return and the fulfillment of His kingdom. The book ends with a final blessing: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” This highlights the love and favor extended through Jesus, the Son of God, who provides salvation and intercedes for His people. It serves as a reminder that His sustaining grace will strengthen believers until He returns. This passage reassures all who trust in Him that His promises are true, and the faithful will soon experience eternal joy in His presence.