Revelation 22 – Paradise Restored, Judgment Declared, the King Returns
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1. The River and the Tree (vv. 1–2)
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb…”
This vision echoes Genesis 2 and Ezekiel 47, but now the river flows from God’s throne—the source of eternal life. The Tree of Life, once guarded in Eden (Gen. 3:24), is now open, bearing twelve fruits—abundant, perpetual provision.
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2. No More Curse, Only Worship (v. 3)
“No longer will there be anything accursed… his servants will worship him.”
The curse from Eden is gone. Worship here is not obligation, but joyful service (latreuō), fulfilling our original design.
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3. The Beatific Vision (v. 4)
“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”
God’s face was once fatal (Ex. 33:20); now it is our highest hope (1 John 3:2). His name marks us with eternal identity—in contrast to the mark of the beast.
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4. Eternal Light and Reign (v. 5)
“Night will be no more… they will reign forever and ever.”
Darkness is gone. The Shekinah glory lights the city (Isa. 60:19). God’s people will reign with Christ forever (Rev. 5:10).
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Final Words from the Coming King (vv. 6–21)
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5. This Revelation Is True (v. 6)
“These words are trustworthy and true.”
No allegory here. This is certified prophecy, directly from the God of the prophets.
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6. “Behold, I am coming soon” (v. 7)
“Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy.”
Prophecy isn’t just to be read—it’s meant to be obeyed. Christ’s return is imminent.
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7. Worship God Alone (vv. 8–9)
“I fell down… but he said, ‘Worship God.’”
Even angels reject worship. All glory belongs to God alone—a warning against idolatry in every age.
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8. Do Not Seal This Book (v. 10)
“Do not seal up the words… for the time is near.”
Unlike Daniel (Dan. 12:4), John’s prophecy is for now—urgent, open, and proclaimed.
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9. Eternal Choices Fixed (v. 11)
“Let the evildoer still do evil…”
A sober reminder: when Christ returns, all choices are final (Heb. 9:27).
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10. Christ the Just Judge (vv. 12–13)
“Behold, I am coming soon… I am the Alpha and the Omega.”
He returns with reward or wrath, and as the eternal God, He sees everything.
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11. Right to the Tree (v. 14)
“Blessed are those who wash their robes…”
Only those washed in the Lamb’s blood (Rev. 7:14) may enter the city and eat of the Tree.
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12. Exclusion of the Wicked (v. 15)
“Outside are dogs… sorcerers…”
Evil has no place in God’s kingdom. The city is pure and holy.
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13. Jesus Declares His Identity (v. 16)
“I am the root and the descendant of David… the bright morning star.”
He is both David’s source and heir—the first light of the eternal dawn.
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14. The Final Invitation (v. 17)
“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’”
The final gospel call. Salvation is still offered—freely, without price (Isa. 55:1).
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15. Do Not Alter the Book (vv. 18–19)
“If anyone adds to them… or takes away…”
A final warning: Scripture is sacred. Distorting it invites God’s judgment.
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16. The Final Promise (v. 20)
“Surely I am coming soon.”
Christ’s last recorded words in Scripture. The Church responds:
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” — the cry of the early Church: Maranatha!
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Spiritual Takeaways
Eden restored—and exceeded.
The return of Christ is imminent.
The final invitation still stands.
Grace is the last word of the Bible.
Revelation 22:17
Let the one who is thirsty come… take the water of life without price.