Monday June 07, 2004 01:00:58 PM -0400
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CHAPTER 22
This closing chapter 22 in the book of revelation continues our thrilling sightseeing tour the New Jerusalem and reaffirms the fact that only those who possess the righteousness of Christ are granted admittance and residence. Verses 1 & 2 “ and he showed me a ……” These first two verses of chapter 22, establishes the fact that in our new glorified bodies, we as inhabitants of the holy city will continue to enjoy the habit of eating. Why not? When we see Jesus, we shall be like him. 1st John 3 v 2, since he ate in his glorified body, Luke 24 v 43, why shouldn’t we? Our text also describes the best drink we will ever enjoy, pure refreshing water directly from the throne of God. Distilled or chemically treated water, is no longer necessary for pollution has become non existent. Not only do we have crystal clear water to drink but we also have delicious health producing fruit. In fact the “Tree of Life” bears12 manner of fruits and produces them monthly. In Genesis 2 v 17 when Adam and Eve sinned by partaking of the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, God drove them out of the garden of Eden. He then stationed an angel before its entrance to keep them from eating from fruit of the Tree of Life lest they would eat and live eternally in their sinful state. Now a new day has arrived, the saints are in the presence of God and may eat of the Tree of Life to their hearts content. Undoubtedly this tree plays a part in promoting ones endless existence. For even the leaves contains healing or health for the nations living under or in the light of the city. The word HEALTH is the proper translation not HEALING. Since there is no sorrow, sickness or pain, healing is unnecessary because eternal health is for all. Verse 3 “ and there shall be no more curse……” The curse which originated in the Garden of Eden and which was partially removed during the millennium, is now obliterated forever. Verse 4 “ and they shall see his face…….” Think of it, we will observe the beauty of our savior’s countenance daily, as we live in his presence for ever and ever. When we look at the one who is all together lovely and he in turn looks at us, we will observe his name indelibly inscribed upon our foreheads. This is our seal of eternal ownership. Verse 5 “ and there shall be no night there …..” Because Christ in all of his glory, illuminates the city and its inhabitants and those who walk in the light of the city, no other type of natural or artificial lighting is required. The sun which warmed the former earth for so many centuries is no longer necessary. The warmth of the love of God shines upon his people for ages upon ages in this land of eternal day. Verse 6 “ and he said unto me these sayings are faithful….” At this point the angel tells John the reason God has allowed him to experience this vision of the revelation. It is the God of the Holy Prophets who is truth and cannot lie, sent me to tell you, that the things you have heard and seen must soon take place. Verse 7 “ behold I come…..The term speedily is not used in relationship to hours, days, months or years. Rather, it speaks of a series of events happening in rapid succession once they begin. In other words when these things began to come to pass Luke 21 v 28, the signs and events will fall into place so speedily one after the other, that a state of preparedness should be maintained. Hence the admonition “Blessed or happy is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” Such an individual will be ready for the Lord’s return. Verses 8 –9 “ and I John saw these things…..” Again John makes another mistake of falling before the angel, similar to what he did in chapter 19 v 10. Fortunately we have a God of love, he has a God who is willing to forgive the same mistakes seventy times seven. Matt 18 v 22, only by his grace, love compassion and forgiveness are any of us able to continue. Thank you Lord Jesus. Verse 10 “ and he said unto me…..” Following God’s revelation to Daniel the prophet was told to seal the book and it’s content, until the time of the end, Daniel 12 v 4, John however is forbidden to seal the book of the revelation because the time has come. In the Greek the term “TIME” is Korus it means opportune moment, or correct season. The angel is saying to John that the time for the revealing of the prophet truth has come, people ought to be made aware of the God’s future plan, they must learn the history of the churches and the plan of the ages. Than as they live in these periods of time, they will understand God’s program. They will also realize that once the events begin, they will speedily come to pass. Knowing this they will prepare. Therefore “do not seal the prophecy or the sayings of this book”. Our study of the book of Revelation has shows that the Rapture, the Tribulation and the Great White Throne Judgment will soon come to pass. As a result some may realize that they need to make a decision for Christ, others will continue to harden their hearts. That decision is for every individual to make. Ones acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ at ones personal Savior, or ones rejection will determine where one spends eternity. Hence the next statement. Verse 11 “he that is unjust…” choose this day where you shall be eternally. Verse 12 “behold I come quickly…….” God’s prophetic time clock is ticking and every event will certainly and speedily come to pass. Verse 13 “ I am the Alpha and the Omega…….” God is saying when I come, I will finish the work of redemption which I began, for I am the author and finisher of the faith. Hebrews 12 v 2 . If you receive the gospel invitation, you will be happy because Verse 14 “ Blessed and happy are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city”. Listen carefully according to Dr. C.I. Schofield, a better rendering is “blessed are they who have washed their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life. If one is seeking rights to the tree of life by commandment keeping, then he is planning to arrive in the eternal state by WORKS, this of course is impossible, because we have heard through Titus 3 v 5 and Romans 4 v 5 and numerous other texts. Many noted bible scholars translate the verse as follows “ Blessed are those who have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb (Christ) that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gate into the city. Those who reject the message of the blood and salvation by grace through faith in the completed work of Christ, Ephesians 2 v 8 & 9 are reminded verse 15 “that outside, without heaven are dogs and sorcerers, and …….” This is the crowd pictured in Rev 21 v 8, the dogs are identical to the abominable, of chapter 21. The abominable never lived it, Titus 1 v 16 and the dogs went back to their old sinful habits. 2nd Peter 2 v 22. Both verses speak of individuals who lacked the new birth experience. The ones and only way a person can become a new creation in Christ Jesus. 2nd Cor 5 v 17. There is absolutely no doubt about the destiny of those who reject God’s message and the truths revealed in the book of revelation. Verse 16 “I Jesus have set my angels to testify……..” The message of the revelation is true because Christ, inaugurated it and guarantees it. In this verse the Lord also calls himself the root and offspring of David. As the root he is David’s Lord, the pre-existent God, Psalm 110 v 1, as his offspring he is David’s son, the incarnate Christ, Matt 22 v 41-46. This is a beautiful picture of the God-Man the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is also a bright and morning star, in fact Peter calls him the day star, 2nd Peter 1 v 19. God so loves sinners that his compassionate heart must extend the gospel one last time before the book of Revelation closes. Verse 17 “ and the spirit and the bride……” In this text God compassionately declares, “come to me, invite me into your heart and life, you have everything to gain and nothing to loose. Everyone and everything is pulling for you. 1. The Holy Spirit is. 2. The Bride of Christ is. 3. Everyone who hears and believes is. 4. The glorious city in which the bride dwells is saying “don’t you want me for your eternal home”. 5. Your own spiritual thirst is crying out “I want to be satisfied.” The water of life is free, it’s without cost or obligation for everyone, and who so ever will, may come. If you have rejected this invitation, if you have considered the message of the book of revelation unnecessary, or if you are among those who believe this book is not part of the cannons of scripture that it is but a collection of riddles and is simply a symbolic hoax, then Beware! Beware! For God himself warns one and all. Verse 18- 19 “ I testify unto everyone…….” What a strong judgmental warning. What a strong admonition from God Almighty to take the book of Revelation seriously! God means what he says, and says what he means. One should not handle lightly the truths which mean so much to the God of Heaven and earth. Verse 20. “ He who testifies……” God’s last promise as the book of revelation closes, surely I come quickly” When one sees the beginning of these events and the rapid succession of signs following speedily, Jesus will come quickly or suddenly. The response of his people is Amen! This expression literally means “so be it” Jeremiah 11 v 5. And then they immediately adds “even so come Lord Jesus” The final message to the church is that our Lord will return, until this glorious event takes place, and he calls us to himself in the twinkling of an eye, the prayer to every born again child of God reflects the benediction of this blessed book of Revelation. Verse 20 “ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all”.
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