Revelation #33: Revelation Chapter 22 The Last Message from the Bible

Revelation #33: Revelation Chapter 22 The Last Message from the Bible

Introduction

The final chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22 , brings us to the climax of God’s divine message to humanity. This chapter, filled with rich imagery and prophetic significance, marks the end of the biblical narrative and opens a vision of eternal life and restoration. In this final revelation, we transition from the present world into eternity, where sin, death, and all forces opposed to God are permanently eradicated.

Delivered by Michel Bohrer in 2024, this message emphasizes the significance of these closing verses and their profound implications for all believers.

A Permanent Joy in the New Jerusalem

The first five verses of Revelation 22 offer a vivid picture of the New Jerusalem. John describes a place of eternal joy and peace, free from sin and death:

Revelation 22:1-5: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”

This passage highlights three critical elements of the New Jerusalem:

1. The River of Life: Flowing from the throne of God, this symbolizes the fullness of eternal life that flows directly from God’s presence.
2. The Tree of Life: This tree, bearing fruit every month and offering leaves for the healing of the nations, symbolizes eternal vitality and well-being.
3. The Throne of God and the Lamb: Central to the New Jerusalem, the throne represents God’s eternal reign and the intimate relationship His people will have with Him.

A beautiful illustration of this eternal reality is a story of a young girl looking at the starry night sky with her mother. Her mother explained that God placed the stars in the heavens. The girl responded, “Mommy, if the wrong side of heaven is so beautiful, how much more wonderful must the right side of heaven be!” This innocent yet profound statement echoes the reality of the New Jerusalem—a place far beyond the beauty we experience here on Earth.

As the famous evangelist Billy Graham once remarked, “If in a world cursed by sin, God has made so many beautiful things, how much more beautiful will be the home where there is no sin to mar His work?”

Redemption and the End of the Curse

The curse of sin that has tainted the Earth since Adam and Eve will no longer exist in the New Jerusalem. This theme of redemption is a core message throughout the Bible. As Galatians 3:13 reminds us, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…” Likewise, Romans 6:23 underscores the consequences of sin but offers hope: “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In the New Jerusalem, the redeemed will enjoy complete and eternal fellowship with God. They will see His face, and His name will be upon their foreheads, signifying a perfect relationship with Him, something humanity has longed for since the fall in Eden.

Serving God in Eternity

Interestingly, Revelation 22:3 tells us that the servants of God will continue to serve Him in eternity: “His servants will serve him.” This indicates that heaven will not be a place of idle rest but of fulfilling and meaningful service. The Greek word used for “serve” here is latreuō, which implies worship and devotion. Serving God in eternity will be the highest honor, as we, His beloved children, will share in His eternal glory.

The Final Word from God

From verse 6 to the end of the chapter, we enter the epilogue of the Book of Revelation and, indeed, the Bible. It is here that Jesus makes His final promise of His imminent return.

Revelation 22:6-7: “The angel said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.’ ‘Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.’”

Three times in this chapter (verses 7, 12, and 20), Jesus repeats the promise, “I am coming soon.” But what does “soon” mean? The Greek word for “soon” (taxu) conveys the idea that when these events occur, they will happen suddenly and without delay. Jesus’ second coming is imminent, and believers must always be prepared.

This urgency is further emphasized in Matthew 24:37-39, where Jesus warns that His return will come unexpectedly, just as the flood came during the time of Noah. For those who are unprepared, it will be too late. This serves as a solemn reminder for all to heed the call of repentance and be ready for the Lord’s return.

A Call to Worship God Alone

In verses 8-9, John falls down to worship the angel who has shown him these things, but the angel rebukes him, saying: “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” This emphasizes that God alone is worthy of worship. Even angels, as mighty as they are, are simply servants of the Creator.

The Blessing of Eternal Life

Verses 14-15 highlight the contrast between those who are redeemed and those who are lost:

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”

Those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb will have access to the tree of life and will live forever in the New Jerusalem. However, those who remain unrepentant will be cast out, separated from God for eternity.

The Final Invitation

In verses 16-17, Jesus extends a final invitation: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” This is an open invitation to all who seek eternal life. Jesus is the source of this living water, and He offers it freely to all who come to Him.

A Warning and a Promise

The chapter closes with a serious warning against adding or taking away from the words of the prophecy (verses 18-19), and a final promise: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (verses 20-21).

As we await the return of Christ, we are reminded to hold fast to His word and live in anticipation of the day when we will see Him face to face.

Conclusion

Revelation 22 is not just the conclusion of a book; it is the conclusion of God’s message to humanity. It reveals the glorious hope of eternal life, the final defeat of evil, and the promise of Christ’s return. The invitation is clear: all who thirst for righteousness are called to come and drink from the water of life..

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer