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Revelation 22

By: Rich Puckett

Revelation 22: (v. 1-5) A description of the heavenly state, under the figures of the water and the tree of life, and of the throne of God and the Lamb.

(v. 6-19) The truth and certain fulfilling of all the prophetic visions, The Holy Spirit, and the bride, the church, invite, and say, Come.

(v. 20,21) The closing blessing.

A description of the heavenly state, under the figures of the water and the tree of life, and of the throne of God and the Lamb

By our faith in God and his son Jesus we have life forever more.

Rev 22:1: Verses 1-5. All streams of earthly comfort are muddy; but these are clear, and refreshing. They give life, and preserve life, to those who drink of them, and thus they will flow for evermore. These point to the quickening and sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit, as given to sinners through Christ. The Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, applies this salvation to our souls by his new-creating love and power. The trees of life are fed by the pure waters of the river that comes from the throne of God. The presence of God in heaven, is the health and happiness of the saints. This tree was an emblem of Christ, and of all the blessings of his salvation; and the leaves for the healing of the nations, mean that his favour and presence supply all good to the inhabitants of that blessed world. The devil has no power there; he cannot draw the saints from serving God, nor can he disturb them in the service of God. God and the Lamb are here spoken of as one. Service there shall be not only freedom, but honour and dominion. There will be no night; no affliction or dejection, no pause in service or enjoyment: no diversions or pleasures or man's inventing will there be wanted. How different all this from gross and merely human views of heavenly happiness, even those which refer to pleasures of the mind!

This is surely the same tree of life told to Adam and Eve. At what time it came to rest in heaven is not known for sure but most would agree at the time of the flood. I think it is important to note it had 12 kinds of fruit, so much for it being a apple, and the leaves were for the healing of the nations. Heaven will be untied at one, as it was meant to always have been. Through there are many different church groups who have differing ideals on how to interpret the Bible we are of one family, one true church, the body of bride for Christ.

I think the name in their foreheads is saying he is always on our minds, in our hearts. The bible says we are to be constant in prayer, he should always be on our hearts and minds now.

Rev 22:6: Verses 6-19. The Lord Jesus spake by the angel, solemnly confirming the contents of this book, particularly of this last vision. He is the Lord God faithful and true. Also by his messengers; the holy angels showed them to holy men of God. They are things that must shortly be done; Christ will come quickly, and put all things out of doubt. And by the integrity of that angel who had been the apostle's interpreter. He refused to accept religious worship from John, and reproved him for offering it. This presents another testimony against idolatrous worship of saints and angels. God calls every one to witness to the declarations here made. This book, thus kept open, will have effect upon men; the filthy and unjust will be more so, but it will confirm, strengthen, and further sanctify those who are upright with God. Never let us think that a dead or disobedient faith will save us, for the First and the Last has declared that those alone are blessed who do his commandments. It is a book that shuts out form heaven all wicked and unrighteous persons, particularly those who love and make lies, therefore cannot itself be a lie. There is no middle place or condition. Jesus, who is the Spirit of prophecy, has given his churches this morning-light of prophecy, to assure them of the light of the perfect day approaching. All is confirmed by an open and general invitation to mankind, to come and partake freely of the promises and of the privileges of the gospel. The Spirit, by the sacred word, and by convictions and influence in the sinner's conscience, says, Come to Christ for salvation; and the bride, or the whole church, on earth and in heaven, says, Come and share our happiness. Lest any should hesitate, it is added, Let whosoever will, or, is willing, come and take of the water of life freely. May every one who hears or reads these words, desire at once to accept the gracious invitation. All are condemned who should dare to corrupt or change the word of God, either by adding to it, or taking from it.

We are expected to understand the Bible and it's impact on our lives. This book was written so that we could see the power and glory of God, so we would understand the importance of his reward as well as his wrath. To seal in our hearts that indeed he is coming back for those that believe in him and serve him. This book fills in many gaps left else where in the Bible and also brings us to the end of the world as we know it. Its words are true and nothing can change the course of the events written here. I have said before and do so again, anyone who says they fully understand and know all the answers to this wonderful book or even the Bible as a whole is fooling themselves. 1 Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. One day we will know all the answers even as God knows us. This book and its message was not for any one time in history it is for us to day as those in the past. If we look for the right things we can see Christ, wonderful and magnificent how he left us and is coming again.

This book was not wrote for generations that were down the road, but the time was then and is now. The events recorded here had begun to unfold in that day and are still unfolding around us.

Every man shall receive according to his work, can't blame our failures on the church, or wife or husband or parents, we stand accountable. I have often heard it said we don't need works we are saved by our faith alone, I think this verse is very plain everyone shall answer and be judged by the works.

If you are to make it in and have part in eating from the tree you must have works and faith that is acceptable to God. There is no other way in but though the gate.

Manuscript readings favoring the translation of "do His commandments" are inferior and highly questionable on theological grounds. The better manuscripts are also theologically consistent with the scriptural teachings of salvation by grace appropriated by faith, and read "blessed are those who wash their robes" (NU wash their robes). The washing of robes refers to the cleansing by the blood of Christ to which the believers submit.

No sin will make it in to heaven.

Appropriately, the Revelation of the Lord concludes with an invitation. Indeed, the book was not written merely to comfort suffering Christians, as some interpreters say; but, like the Bible as a whole, the book was written with a view to the conversion of the lost. The last hymn of appeal features a trio consisting of the Spirit, the bride or the church, and those who hear, as they all issue an appeal to come and "take the water of life freely." Even in a book weighted with awesome judgments, the merciful and loving heart of God manifests itself in this concluding invitation to lost men.

I stand in fear to day for my self and others that we be careful not to do just this thing. The problem with us trying to interpret Gods word is that we do not change any of its meaning by adding our ideal or taking away from his words. I believe that many will not make it in who were good men and thought they were right but was wrong. We must know the truth and teach the truth.

(vv. 18,19) Early Christian writers understood these verses as warnings to false teachers who would tamper with or alter the content of the Apocalypse. Such individuals by their actions reveal their unregenerate state and, therefore, are cursed with judgment (v. 18) and excluded from heaven (v. 19).

Here as so often in this book and others we see it is possible for through you were once saved and had faith and did so many good works to be lost in the end.

The closing blessing

Rev 22:20: Verses 20-21. After discovering these things to his people on earth, Christ seems to take leave of them, and return to heaven; but he assures them it shall not be long before he comes again. And while we are busy in the duties of our different stations of life; whatever labours may try us, whatever difficulties may surround us, whatever sorrows may press us down, let us with pleasure hear our Lord proclaiming, Behold, I come quickly; I come to put an end to the labour and suffering of my servants. I come, and my reward of grace is with me, to recompense, with royal bounty, every work of faith and labour of love. I come to receive my faithful, persevering people to myself, to dwell for ever in that blissful world. Amen, even so, come, Lord Jesus. A blessing closes the whole. By the grace of Christ we must be kept in joyful expectation of his glory, fitted for it, and preserved to it; and his glorious appearance will be joyful to those who partake of his grace and favour here. Let all add, Amen. Let us earnestly thirst after greater measures of the gracious influences of the blessed Jesus in our souls, and his gracious presence with us, till glory has made perfect his grace toward us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I have done my best to help give you a place and direction to start in your study of this wonderful Book. I encourage you to enter all of your studies with prayer, and willing to search and seek out the truth. Men such as I are just men, we pray, we study and we think, we try to live according to his word and walk in the Spirit of God, yet we do err for we are human. Sometimes our understanding changes as we grow older and as we study more. You must decide for your self those things in which you will believe. I close with these wonderful words which say so much from that great man of God, Paul. 2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.