REVELATION 22:1-21
THE EXTRAVAGENCE OF JESUS
Lesson 5
When the Bible opens in Genesis we find ourselves transported back to the
Garden of Eden, and see a place of perfection and beauty.
When the Bible closes in Revelation 22 we are transported forward to the fringes
of eternity and step out again into the very Paradise of God, another Garden,
again perfect and beautiful.
Please join me in Eden for a few moments. To realize how glorious Heaven will
be, we need to go back and meet the 1st two humans on Earth. We need to listen
to the inspired, accurate and divine recounting of their experience in the Garden
of Eden.
Try to think with me of life as a perfect human and imagine what it was like in the
dawn of creation. Your first memory would be waking up in God’s Garden, Eden.
You would remember a comfortable world with no extremes of hot and cold, no
storms, no disasters to fear. A secure home with no pestering bugs, no
poisonous snakes, no deadly spiders. Just the continual beauty of fragrant and
color filled flowering orchids hanging from the verdant green trees. Blooms that
never fell off, never yellowed or wilted. Full, juicy fruit that just hung ripe on the
branches but never fell off and rotted.
Even more, you would remember when you had a body that never ached, a
digestive system that never rebelled, an eyesight that needed no correction, ears
that heard the sweet sounds of life all around. No pains, never a sorrow, not even
a fear. No weariness, just peace filled living.
In God’s perfect Garden it was paradise living. Everyday was an adventure – new
colors, new fragrances, and new symmetry in flowers, butterflies and all the
wonders of a perfect animal world. There were no predators, no scavengers, and
no carnivores. Just placid and magnificent creatures reflecting the majesty of
God. Around every corner of towering and graceful trees each perfectly planted
by God – were flocks, herds and gatherings of exquisite living animals.
Best of all your memories would be remembering the sweetness of the sound of
the voice of the Lord. About suppertime each day a gentle breeze would whisper
by and then you would hear the voice of God. The Gardener and Planner of the
Universe was walking amongst His creatures in the cool of the day. He was
seeking fellowship with you His best friends whom He had made to look just like
Him. And your ears that He created would hear the sweetest sound of all, the
Voice of Jesus who created them! But then entered the bad guy to Paradise, The
Dragon serpent, Satan. But he is no more. God has sealed him with those who
refused to stop following him in the Lake of Fire. But we who listened to and
followed Jesus are here in the Garden of God.
How unlike the 1st Adam is this last Adam. “The Devil challenged the first man.
The Last Man challenged the Devil. The Devil ruined the first Adam. The Last
Adam spoiled the Devil. The First Adam involved the Race in his defeat. The Last
Adam included the Race in His victory. The First Adam stood as the head of the
race and falling, dragged the race down with him. The Last Adam stood as the
Head of the new race, and being victorious, lifted that race with Him.
THE CITY IS COMFORTING REVELATION 22:1-5
In Revelation 22:1–5, we discover that our Heavenly Home the Celestial City is
like a beautiful garden. Like we saw a few moments ago it seems like the Garden
of Eden. Some differences are, there were four rivers in Eden (Gen. 2:10–14),
but God has only one river in His Celestial city. When Ezekiel saw a river for
cleansing and life, it was flowing from under the altar of the Millennial Temple
(Ezek. 47); but this river of life flows from God’s Throne. The Lord God Almighty
is the source of all true purity.
In Eden humans were prohibited from eating of the tree of the Knowledge of
Good and Evil, and of the Tree of Life (Gen. 2:15–17; 3:22–24). But in God’s
Garden we will have unhindered access to the Tree of Life. As we ponder this
heavenly scene we realize that the river and the tree are not only literal, but also
they symbolize the abundant life we inherit in this glorious Celestial City.
When John writes, “no more curse” he is reminding us of the dark days of
Genesis 3:14–19 when the curse began. It is also remarkable that even the Old
Testament closes with the warning, “Lest I come and smite the earth with a
curse” (Mal. 4:6). But with Jesus comes hope, life and liberation from the curse.
Because of Calvary God announces, “And there shall be no more curse!” For the
Prince of Death, Satan will be consigned to Hell; The Prince of Life our Lord
Jesus has liberated all of creation, and made it new; and in Heaven we see that
for ever the curse of sin will be gone.
PROBATIONARY WORLD (Genesis)- ETERNAL WORLD (Revelation)
Division of light and darkness (1:4)- No night there (21:25)
Division of land and sea (1:10)- No more sea (21:1)
Rule of sun and moon (1:6)- No need of sun or moon (21:23)
First heavens and earth finished (2:1-3)- New heaven & earth forever (21:1)
Man in a prepared garden (2:8.9)- Man in prepared city (21:2)
River flowing out of Eden (2:10)- River flowing from God’s throne (22:1)
Tree of life in the midst of the garden (2:9)- Tree of life throughout the city (22:2)
Gold in the land (2:12)- Gold in the city (21:21)
God walking in the Garden (3:8)- God dwelling with His people (21:3)
The Spirit energizing (1:2)- The Spirit inviting (22:17)
Garden accessible to the Liar (3:1-5)- City closed to all liars (21:27)
Man in God’s image (1:27)- Man in God’s presence (21:3)
Man the probationer (2:17)- Man the heir (21:7)
CURSED WORLD (GENESIS)- REDEEMED WORLD (REVELATION)
Cursed ground (3:17)- No more curse (22:3)
Daily sorrow (3:17)- No more sorrow (21:4)
Sweat on the face (3:19)- No more tears (21:4)
Thorns and thistles (3:18)- No more pain (21:4)
Eating herbs of the field (3:18)- Twelve manner of fruits (22:2)
Death and Returning to the dust (3:19)- No more death (21:4)
Coats of skins (3:21)- Fine linen, white and clean (19:14)
Satan opposing (3:15)- Satan banished (20:10)
Drive From Garden Kept From The Tree of Life
(3:24)-Access to the tree of life (22:14)
Banished From The Garden (3:23)- Free entry to the city (22:14)
Redeemer promised (3:15)- Redemption accomplished (5:9,10)
Evil continually (6:5)- Nothing that defileth (21:27)
Seed of the woman (3:15)- Root and offspring of David (22:16)
Cherubim guarding (3:24)- Angels inviting (21:9)
So, the end of history and the beginning of history belong together. The last
leaf of the Bible corresponds with the first. Holy Scripture begins with Paradise
(Gen. 1:2); with Paradise it ends (Rev. 22)
But the conclusion is greater than the beginning. The Omega is more powerful
than the Alpha. The future Paradise is not only the lost and regained, but also
above all the heavenly and eternally glorified Paradise.
* IN THE LOST PARADISE THERE WAS DANGER: “On the day on which
you eat thereof you will die the death” (Gen. 2:17); in the glorified Paradise
full security reigns. “There shall be no more curse” (Rev. 22:3).
* IN THE LOST PARADISE, THE SERPENT SAID: “You will become as God”
(Gen. 3:5); IN THE GLORIFIED PARADISE IN SCRIPTURE ITSELF SAYS:
“His name shall be on their foreheads” (Rev. 22:4).
* IN THE LOST PARADISE STOOD A TREE OF KNOWLEDGE (Gen. 2:9); in
the glorified one it is no longer required (Rev. 22:1-5); for the perfected
behold with direct vision the face of God (Rev. 22:4).
* THE LOST PARADISE HAD AN END THROUGH THE DEFEAT OF MAN
(Gen. 3:24); the glorified Paradise abides eternally for the overcomers (Rev.
2:7). “They shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 22:5).
So the celestial city is comforting and glorious as we await that day, but –
THE CITY IS CALLING REVELATION 22:6-21
* GOD’S WORD IS OUR PRIORITY (vv. 6–11, 18–19). KEEP THE WORD
* GOD’S WORK IS OUR FOCUS (vv. 12–14). SERVE GOD
* GODLY PURITY IS OUR GOAL (vv. 15–16). STAY PURE
* CHRIST’S RETURN IS OUR HOPE (vv. 17, 20–21). WATCH FOR JESUS
Heaven is more than a destination; it is a deeply moving call to action from God
in Heaven, for us on Earth. Our Heavenly destiny should make a difference in our
lives here and now. When the Old Testament saints learned of their Heavenly
City it challenged them to walk with God and serve Him (Heb. 11:10, 13–16).
When Jesus needed to be encouraged as He faced the Cross, it was the hope of
returning to His Father in Heaven that strengthened Him. (Heb. 12:2). Our
Heavenly Home is an anchor of our soul. It pulls us ever upward, Heavenward,
Homeward and Godward.
First, GOD IS CALLING FOR US TO MAKE HIS WORD OUR PRIORITY.
So, we need to KEEP THE WORD v. 6-11, 18-19
What does it mean to “keep the sayings of the prophecy of this Book”? (Rev.
22:7) Jesus told us if we obey His Word we love Him. To love Him thus entails a
hunger of His Word, a diligent interaction with His truth and a yielded ness to His
Holy Spirit to bring us more and more into conformity with Jesus
REMEMBER THE BLESSINGS OF REVELATION?
1. CHRIST’S WORD IS A BLESSING. Blessed readers, hearers and keepers
[1:3] Emphasizes the importance of the Word of God. Revelation 1:3 Blessed
is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep
those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
2. CHRIST’S GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE IS A BLESSING. Happiness of the dead
who die in Lord [14:13] Emphasizes blessing of eternal life. Revelation 14:13
Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead
who die in the Lord from now on.’ “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest
from their labors, and their works follow them.”
3. CHRIST’S COMING IS A BLESSING. Enviable status of those watching and
keeping their garments white. [16:15] Emphasizes the Lord’s return.
Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches,
and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
4. CHRIST’S PRESENCE IS A BLESSING. Blessed delight of those invited to
the Lamb’s supper [19:9] Emphasizes the joy of Christ’s presence. Revelation
19:9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the
marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true
sayings of God.”
5. CHRIST’S ASSURANCE IS A BLESSING. Blessed participants of first
Resurrection [20:6] Emphasizes deliverance from death. Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the
second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ,
and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
6. CHRIST’S SERVICE IS A BLESSING. Joy of heeding this Book [22:7]
Emphasizes the obedience to the Word of God. Revelation 22:7 “Behold, I am
coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this
book.”
7. CHRIST’S HOME IS A BLESSING. Happy result is a clean robe and access
to the Tree of Life [22:14] Emphasizes eternal sustenance. Revelation 22:14
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.
Does Revelation 22:11 suggest that God does not want men to repent and
change their ways? No, because that would be contrary to the message of
Revelation and of the Gospel itself. The angel’s words must be understood in
light of the repeated statement, “Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 22:7, 12), as well
as his statement, “For the time is at hand” (Rev. 22:10). Jesus Christ’s coming
will occur so quickly that men will not have time to change their characters.
Revelation 22:11, therefore, is a solemn warning that decision determines
character, and character determines destiny. Suffering believers might ask, “Is it
worth it to live a godly life?” John’s reply is, “Yes! Jesus is returning, and He will
reward you!”
The warnings in Revelation 22:18–19 do not suggest that people who tamper
with the Bible will be brought back to earth to suffer the Tribulation’s plagues, or
that they will lose their salvation. Nobody fully understands the Bible or can
explain everything in it; and those of us who teach the Word sometimes have to
change our interpretations as we grow in knowledge. God sees the heart, and He
can separate ignorance from impudence and immaturity from rebellion. It was
customary in ancient days for writers to put this kind of warning at the close of
their books, because the people who copied them for public distribution might be
tempted to tamper with the material. However, John’s warning was not
addressed to a writer, but to the hearer, the believer in the congregation where
this book was read aloud. By analogy, however, it would apply to anyone reading
and studying the book today. We may not be able to explain the penalties given,
but we do know this: IT IS A DANGEROUS THING TO TAMPER WITH THE
WORD OF GOD. The one who guards the Word and obeys it will be blessed; the
one who alters it will be disciplined in some way.
Secondly, GOD IS CALLING FOR US TO MAKE HIS WORK OUR FOCUS.
So we need to SERVE GOD v. 12-14
WE SERVE GOD BY SPEAKING OF JESUS
The early preachers were supremely concerned with exalting the name of Jesus
Christ. It was in that name that they baptized (Acts 2:38) and healed (Acts 3:6,
16; 4:10). Even the church’s opponents recognized how central the name of
Jesus was in apostolic preaching (Acts 5:40). Philip preached the name of Jesus
(Acts 8:12), as did Paul (Acts 9:27). The Jerusalem council commended
Barnabas and Paul as “men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26), and Paul expressed his willingness to die for that
name (Acts 21:13).
The Bible refers to our Lord by many names—by some estimates more than 200.
They include such familiar ones as Alpha and Omega (Rev. 22:13), Beloved
(Eph. 1:6), Bread of Life (John 6:48), Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16),
Firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:18), Holy One (Acts 2:27), Immanuel (Isa. 7:14),
Lamb (Rev. 5:6), Light of the World (John 8:12), Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev.
5:5); Lord (John 13:13), Lord of lords (Rev. 17:14), Lord of the Sabbath (Matt.
12:8), Man of Sorrows (Isa. 53:3), Mighty God (Isa. 9:6), Prince of Peace (Isa.
9:6), Righteous Judge (2 Tim. 4:8), Root of David (Rev. 5:5), Savior (Luke 2:11),
Servant (Acts 3:13), Shepherd (John 10:11), Son of God (Mark 1:1), Son of Man
(John 5:27), and Word of God (John 1:1; Rev. 19:13). But of all the names of our
Lord, the most common is Jesus, which appears more than 800 times in the New
Testament.
Thirdly, GOD IS CALLING FOR US TO MAKE HIS PURITY OUR GOAL. So we
need to AVOID SIN v. 15- 16
By whatever name He is called, the testimony of Scripture is that Jesus Christ is
the only person who can provide salvation. All spiritual blessings come through
His name, including
* Adoption as God’s children (John 1:12),
* Salvation (Acts 4:12),
* Forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43),
* Answered prayer (John 14:13–14),
* The Holy Spirit (John 14:26).
* It is at His name that every knee will bow (Phil. 2:10).
* Believers are to do everything in His name (Col. 3:17), so
* That His name will be glorified (2 Thess. 1:12).
* Those who name His name must turn away from sin (2 Tim. 2:19).
Peter was the first to preach in the name of Jesus, and all who truly preach the
gospel stand in the tradition deriving from him. On the Day of Pentecost, against
the backdrop of the Spirit’s coming, he preached His first sermon in the church’s
history. The theme of that sermon was Jesus Christ.
Finally, GOD IS CALLING FOR US TO MAKE HIS SON’S RETURN OUR HOPE.
So we need to WATCH FOR JESUS v. 17-21
WHILE WE WATCH GOD’S MERCY IS WAITING
Three times in this closing chapter John wrote, “I [Christ] come quickly” (Rev.
22:7, 12, 20). But He has “delayed” His return for nearly 2,000 years! Yes, He
has; and Peter tells us why: God wants to give this sinful World an opportunity to
repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:1). In the meantime, the Spirit of God, through
the church (the bride), calls for Jesus to come; for the bride wants to meet her
Bridegroom and enter into her home. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).
WHILE WE WATCH OUR HEARTS LONG FOR JESUS
Revelation concludes with the promise of Christ’s soon return, an offer to drink of
the water of life that flows through the great street of the New Jerusalem, and a
warning to those who read the Book (22:12-21). May we pray with John, “Even
so, come, Lord Jesus! For our responsibilities and opportunities may well
increase beyond all imagination. We shall see His face and this will be our
highest glory.
Our Lord’s last promise is, “Surely I am coming quickly.” It is interesting to note
how the Word concludes with:
* An assurance of the Second Coming,
* The motivation of rewards,
* The urgency of being saved, and
* The danger of modifying the inspired revelation.
WHILE WE WATCH GOD’S SALVATION IS OUR MISSION
The message of salvation is the theme of all Scripture. God’s promise to Adam
and Eve after the Fall was that their descendant one-day would bruise the
serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15)-a figure of Christ’s conquest of Satan.
Through Isaiah, the Lord pleaded, “Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the
earth; for I am God, and there is no other” (Isa. 45:22); and again, “Lo! Every one
who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat.
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost … Incline your ear and
come to Me. Listen, that you may live” (55:1,3).
Among the last words of Scripture is a final invitation to mankind to be saved:
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’
And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life
without cost” (Revelation 22:17).
As the hymn writer F. W. Faber reminds us,
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy
Like the wideness of the sea.
There’s a kindness in His justice
That is more than liberty.
For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man’s mind;
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.
WHILE WE WATCH WE MUST BE FAITHFUL
The mission that flows out of our loving fellowship, our spiritual growth, and our
praise is that of being God’s faithful and obedient instruments in His divine plan
to redeem the World. That plan began in eternity past, before the foundation of
the world. But it did not go into effect until Adam chose to sin, fell from fellowship
with God, and was spiritually separated from Him.
Since that fateful day in the Garden of Eden, fallen, natural man has been trying
to hide from God, and God has been redeeming men back to Himself. From that
first time of sin, it has always been God who, solely out of His own gracious love,
has taken the initiative to restore men to righteousness. God has always taken
the initiative for man’s salvation and restoration, from His first call to Adam,
“Where are you?” (Gen. 3:9), to His last call in Revelation: “The Spirit and the
bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is
thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the Water of Life without cost”
(Revelation 22:17).23
This chapter ends the Word of God with the same themes of practical Christian
living that have wound their way across most of God’s Holy Scriptures. This last
section has four points:
KEEP THE WORD v. 6-11
SERVE GOD v. 12-14
AVOID SIN v. 15- 16
WATCH FOR JESUS v. 17-21
The same Jesus that bids us come calls us to keep on the same path He starts
us on, the path of grace through faith. Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore
received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
“Only one life to live and soon is past
Only what’s done for Christ will last!”
Hoping to make the time I have left count for the glory of God.
REVELATION 22:1-21 THE EXTRAVAGENCE OF JESUS Lesson 5