Bible Commentaries

Christ and His Church Victors! chapters 20-22. (Romans 8:37)

This is the seventh parallel section, and we again return to the First Coming of Christ.

The river of the water of life. Water means many things in the Bible. It is symbolic of: separation (see 1 Peter 3:20-21); making pure (see Hebrews 9:19); life (see Psalm 107:35-37); the Holy Spirit (see John 7:37-39); salvation (see Ephesians 5:26; Colossians 2:11-12). Note that here it comes from the throne of God and of the Lamb. God accepts as righteous all who "reach out through faith to seize the sacrifice of Christ and make themselves part of it" (compare notes on Acts 2:38). The emphasis in these verses is perfect fellowship with God!

Was the tree of life. No more curse! The "Paradise" which was lost through Adam, has been regained by those who belong to Christ! The throne of God and of the Lamb. God is LOVE to all in his city! [God is wrath to all who are outside his city!]

There shall be no more night. The Christians rule on earth (Revelation 5:10); in heaven with Christ a thousand years (Revelation 20:6); and in the New Heaven and New Earth as kings forever and ever!

Then the angel said to me. The angel affirms that these words are true and can be trusted. This book [the whole Bible, as well] is of divine origin! Compare Hebrews 1:1-2; Revelation 1:1-3; Revelation 19:9; Revelation 21:5.

Happy are those who obey. One of the "beatitudes" of Revelation. See note on Revelation 14:13.

But he said to me. Neither angels nor men are to be worshiped! Worship God!!! 10. Do not keep the prophetic words of this book a secret. See note on Revelation 1:19. This book lifts the curtain of both the present and the future. Revelation is not meant to be a sealed book! It is to be read and understood. It was to strengthen the suffering Christians in the first century, and in all the ages to come, up to the time when Jesus returns.

Whoever is evil must go on doing evil. A time is coming when men and women will not be able to turn back from the life they have chosen! Jesus will reward everyone on the basis of their choice in life.

Happy are those who wash their robes clean. A "beatitude." See notes on Revelation 22:1; Revelation 22:7. Those who belong to Christ HAVE THE RIGHT to eat the fruit and to go into the city.

But outside the city. No impurity is allowed in heaven. Those who have followed Satan in this life, have no part in the Holy City! [Note that those allowed in have been accepted as perfect through the imputed righteousness of Christ. See note on Revelation 22:1. ]

The Spirit and the Bride say, Come! The call is to everyone in the entire human race (John 6:44-45). Accept the water of life as a gift. Jesus has already paid for it with his act in history. ["Christianity is not the preacher standing on Mount Sinai, thundering "Do this, or you will be damned;" but the Lord of Glory, from His Cross and from His Throne, saying to everyone: "Here is the price of heaven, the key to the Holy City, the infinite riches, instant pardon - if you will reach out and take it."]

I, John, solemnly warn everyone. This is a warning against tampering with the Word. God is the author [through John]. Do not add or take away. Do not make fun of this book. Do not say it isn't worth studying. It speaks to the entire Gospel Age, from Christ's First Coming until he returns!

I am coming soon! Jesus answers the eager prayer of his church [the messianic community]. The church of the first century ended each prayer with the words: "Come, Lord Jesus!" May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. John is jubilant as he gives this benediction! He has seen today and tomorrow in the vision, but most important, he has seen the day after tomorrow! He has seen the vision of God's people in Eternity!!! So should we all see this! THE VISION OF THE AGES!!!