CHAPTER 22
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
SUMMARY
In the previous chapter John described the glory of the New Jerusalem as the eternal destiny of the redeemed was revealed. In the first six verses of this chapter, John's vision of the glorious future for the people of God is completed with a brief description of the river of life, the tree of life, and the throne of God and of the Lamb. With the river of life proceeding from the throne, and the tree of life bearing fruit every month along with its healing leaves, the picture is one of provision from God. Eternal fellowship with God, stressed in the previous chapter (cf. 21:3-4,7), is emphasized again with the promise of seeing His face and having His name on one's forehead. With no more curse (cf. Gen 3:17-19), the redeemed shall serve God and the Lamb on the throne. There is no night nor need for the sun, for the Lord God gives them light (cf. 21:23). The redeemed will also reign forever and ever (1-5).
The remainder of this chapter contains the grand conclusion of this wonderful book. The angel who showed John the holy city stressed that the events described in this book were soon to take place, such that John is not to seal the book (cf. 22:6,10). Jesus Himself states three times that He is coming quickly (cf. 22:7,12,20). With a reminder of the blessedness of those who do His commandments, Jesus, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star, declares that He sent His angel to testify of these things to the churches. The Spirit and the bride join in with an invitation to let those who thirst come to drink of the water of life freely.
The book ends with a fearful warning not to add to or take away from the book, a final promise of the Lord's coming, and a two-fold prayer calling for the Lord Jesus to come, and for His grace to be with all the brethren (6-22). The Spirit of God makes one final plea to mankind to escape the prophecies foretold and to find eternal life in Christ, "Come... let him who is thirty come... and take the water of life freely" (22:17).
OUTLINE
I. THE RIVER, THE TREE, AND THE THRONE (1-5)
A. THE RIVER OF LIFE (1)
B. THE TREE OF LIFE (2)
C. THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB (3-5)
II. THE GRAND CONCLUSION (6-21)
A. THE TIME IS NEAR, DO NOT SEAL THE BOOK (6-11)
B. THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS (12-17)
C. A WORD OF WARNING (18-19)
D. CLOSING PROMISE, FINAL PRAYERS (20-21)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) What does John see proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb? (1)
3) What is on either side of the river? (2)
4) How many fruits did the tree bear and when? What were the leaves for? (2)
5) What no longer existed? What was in the city instead? (3)
6) What is said concerning the servants of God and of the Lamb? (3-5)
7) What is said of night and the light of the sun? (5)
8) What is John told about the things which he has seen? (6)
9) What promise and assurance is given in verse 7?
10) What did John try to do when he heard and saw these things? (8)
11) What did the angel tell John? (9)
12) What is John told regarding the prophecy of this book? Why? (10)
13) What is said of the unjust and filthy? The righteous and holy? (11)
14) What promise and assurance is given in verse 12?
15) How does Jesus describe Himself? (13)
16) What blessedness is promised to those who do His commandments? (14)
17) What is outside the city? (15)
18) Why had Jesus sent His angel? (16)
19) How does Jesus describe Himself? (16)
20) Who extends the invitation to "Come!"? Who else is to extend this invitation? (17)
21) To whom is this invitation extended? What is offered? (17)
22) What warning is given to those who hears the words of the prophecy of this book? (18-19)
23) What promise is given by Him who testifies of these things? (20)
24) What two prayers does John express as he closes the book? (20-21)
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