AM Bible Study Group; November 30, 2016 from Revelation 22:1-5
Theme: This passage describes the blessings that the redeemed will enjoy in their eternal home.
(All Scripture is taken from The New King James Version, unless otherwise indicated).
In the previous portion of John’s description of the look he was given into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:22-27), the focus was upon what will NOT be there. And perhaps that’s best and only way that we can understand the glories of the New Jerusalem while still in our present unglorified state—that is, through being told what it does NOT contain. But nevertheless, in the closing portion of his description of the New Jerusalem, John is given a marvelous glimpse of the blessings that WILL be in that eternal city for us to enjoy.
I. THERE WILL BE THE EVER-FLOWING RIVER OF LIFE (v. 1).
A. John was shown a river (some texts say, “a pure river”). The one showing this to John is most likely the angel from Revelation 21:9. The river was not of natural water, but rather was “of the water of life”. Such a description is often used in Scripture of the fullness of the experience of salvation (see Isaiah 12:3; John 4:10, 13-14). But it is also used by our Lord to describe the indwelling Holy Spirit by whose ministry we are brought into the full experience of salvation (John 7:37-39). Here, in the New Jerusalem, it is stated to be flowing freely in such a way (in the present participle of the verb ‘to go out’) to suggest an ongoing, continual flow.
B. John says that it was “clear as crystal”; which suggests the absolute purity of this river, and how enticing it will be to drink (see v. 17). It is said to proceed “from the throne of God and of the Lamb”; which brings to mind the vision described in Ezekiel 47:1-12 (although in that passage, the vision seems related to the millennial reign on earth, while the picture here is of the reign in a new heaven and a new earth). Note how the throne of God and of the Lamb—from which this river continually flows—are made one (see 21:22). And note also that—in being told in this verse of the throne of God (the Father), and then of the Lamb (the Son), and of the river of live (associated with the Holy Spirit), we’re given a glimpse of the Trinity.
II. THERE WILL BE THE HEALING TREE OF LIFE (v. 2).
A. Another striking feature of the New Jerusalem—described as it is at the very end of the Scriptures—is the reappearance of the Tree of Life that was first introduced to us at the beginning of the Scriptures (Genesis 3:22-24). This tree of life is at the ‘bookends’ the Bible. What was denied to fallen humanity way back then because of the curse is now freely offered to redeemed people because of the curse being removed.
B. The tree is said to stand “in the middle of its street” (that is, its main street of the New Jerusalem; see 21:21) and “on either side of the river”. This may mean that the tree is remarkably large and straddles the main street of the city; or it may refer to the idea that this type of tree lines the street on both sides with the river of life running through its center. We’re told that the tree bears (in the present tense; indicating a continual bearing) twelve types of fruit; and that its produce comes on a monthly basis. (Apparently, there will still be months!). The leaves are said to be for the healing of the nations. Leaves often are used to produce medicines; but here, since we’re already told that there is no more tears or death or sorrow or crying or pain in the glorified eternal city (see 21:4):, this is probably meant to convey the promotion of the health and well-being of the nations.
III. THERE WILL BE COMPLETE FREEDOM FROM THE CURSE (v. 3a).
A. Most glorious is the absence of the “curse”. The curse at the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden was what separated God from man and produced death (see Genesis 3). But here, that curse has been removed. Nothing bars man from a full relationship with God; and nothing ever again harms or defiles in redeemed man’s eternal home (see 21:27).
B. As a part of the removal of the curse, we’re also told that “the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in” this city. With the curse removed, the fullness of unhindered fellowship with God—that fellowship which human beings were meant to experience—will be completely enjoyed forever.
IV. THERE WILL BE PERFECT FULLNESS OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD (vv. 3b-4).
A. As a part of this fullness of relationship with God, we’re told that “His servants shall serve Him”. Who can imagine the fullness of joy that will be ours in eternal service to Him? There are two different words involved: (1) “servants” is a translation of the word doulos; which means “slave”; while “serve”—the action which the ‘servants’ perform—is a translation of the word lateruō; which means “to render sacred service” as in the temple, or “to worship”. We rejoice to serve our Lord in our sacred duties now; but in a state of imperfection and limitation. What will it be like to render true sacred service to Him with all the imperfections and limitations removed? Just imagine what we will be set free by Him to do for Him then!
B. As another part of the fullness of that relationship, we will see His face. In Scripture, we’re told that no one was able to see His face and live—not even Moses (Exodus 33:20, 23). But now, with all of our imperfections removed, and with the full enjoyment of our glorification in Christ, we may behold His face clearly (see 1 Corinthians 13:12; 2 Corinthians 3:18). This will be the greatest of all possible states of blessedness—the true beatific vision.
C. As still another part of the fullness of our relationship with Him, His name shall be on the foreheads of His servants. This is a picture not only of ownership, but of identity and belonging (see Revelation 14:1).
V. THERE WILL BE THE CONTINUAL LIGHT OF GOD’S GLORY (v. 5a).
We’re told—as we were told elsewhere (see 21:23)—that there is no night in our eternal home. This must have been something that deeply impressed John. There was no need for a lamp or for the light of the sun. There will be constant, continual, glorious light. Darkness will be banished forever. We’re told that the reason for this will be because the light of the very presence of God Himself will provide all the illumination that will ever be needed.
IV. THERE WILL BE OUR ETERNAL REIGN WITH CHRIST (v. 5b).
As a closing statement—as if to crown this list of the glories of this revelation—we’re told that “they [that is, the redeemed saints who dwell there] shall reign forever and ever”.
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And let’s never forget: It was to bring us into this eternal home, to dwell with Himself forever in glory, that Jesus came to this earth and died on a cross. What love! What a Savior!