Revelation 22
Revelation 22 is the conclusion of the entire book of Revelation and the final chapter of the whole Bible. This chapter presents the description of the river of the water of life (verses 1–5), the faithfulness of the message and Jesus, who is coming soon (verses 6–16), an invitation to salvation and eternal life (verse 17), words of warning (verses 18–19), and a prayer of hope and blessings (verses 20–21).
1verseHe showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
2versein the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3verseThere will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him.
4verseThey will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
5verseThere will be no night, and they need no lamp light or sun light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.
6verseHe said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must happen soon.”
7verse“Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8verseNow I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things.
9verseHe said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
10verseHe said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
11verseHe who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still.”
12verse“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.
13verseI am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
14verseBlessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.
15verseOutside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16verseI, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
17verseThe Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.
18verseI testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book.
19verseIf anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.
20verseHe who testifies these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus!
21verseThe grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.
The Meaning of the River of the Water of Life and the Tree of Life
The river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb, and the tree of life growing on both sides (verses 1–2), symbolize eternal life and complete restoration that continues from the Garden of Genesis. No curse will exist anymore (verse 3), and close fellowship with God is restored (verses 4–5). This expresses the state in which God’s people finally see God directly and live forever under His rule.
The Faithfulness of the Word and the Lord’s Return
The angel proclaims that the words of this prophecy and the visions are true and faithful (verses 6–7). Jesus emphasizes, "I am coming soon" three times (verses 7, 12, and 20), and declares that those who keep the words are blessed. John also states that he is a witness who has seen and heard the visions (verse 8), reminding us again that we should worship only God (verse 9). This section emphasizes that the center of faith is solely God, His Word, and the return of Jesus.
An Invitation to Salvation and Eternal Life, and a Warning
The Spirit and the bride (the church) "Come" invite everyone (verse 17), saying that those who hear this prophecy can receive eternal life and the water of grace freely. At the same time, for those who add to or take away from this message, a stern warning is given (verses 18–19). This is a passage that reminds us of the importance of God’s Word and unchanging truth.
Points for Reflection
- Reflect on how the fellowship with God, which was cut off in the Garden of Genesis, is restored forever at the very end of Revelation.
- Think about the attitude of believers who are waiting for Jesus’ return—the importance of faithfully keeping the Word and staying awake.
- Consider how you respond to God’s Word and what the center of your faith is.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Before the news of the Lord’s return, I take a moment to check what kind of attitude I am living with.
- Think about how you can enjoy and put into practice, in today’s life, the hope given by the promise of the ‘river of the water of life’ and the ‘tree of life.’
- You can decide to work harder to value God’s Word and apply His teachings to your life one by one.
This is the last chapter of Revelation. May God's grace always be with you.