DOCSLIB.ORG

The Book of Revelation

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Book of Revelation The Book of Revelation The Revelation (Apocalypse) of Jesus Christ to John Session 34 Chapter 22 Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” 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 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” Chapter 22 (Vs.1-5): Continued description of the Holy City begun in 21.9. The emphasis now—the “inner life” The “Paradisiacal age” is briefly but beautifully described/regained! The “River” recalls Ezekiel 47.1ff, Joel 3.18 — “water” associated frequently with salvation of God —“life-imparting” “cleansing” Boundless supply! Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” Abundant “trees” – “healing” a symbol of the death of Jesus! Again, the “curse” removed! (Banishment form the Tree of Life in Eden reversed!) The “water” flows from the “Throne/Lamb” The presence of God. “Throne/Lamb” “Christology” central! (v.4): All will see! ὀπτάνομαι (optanomai): “To stare at” No hindrances! Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” The “Pure in Heart” will see God! (Matthew 5.8) The vision produces two “responses:” Worship. Consecration. Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” 6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” 7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” (Vs.6-11): The Conclusion—Three major emphasis: *Confirmation of the Prophecy (vs. 6-7, 16, 18-19) *The immanence of Jesus’ coming (vs.7, 12, 20) *Warning against idolatry and invitation to enter community (vs. 6-17). Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” “Spirit of the Prophets” Assurance that those who listened to the Prophets of old, experienced the fulfillment of God’s Word! (vs.8-11): Keep the faith! No believer is beyond temptation (Not even John!) Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” Do not “Seal up” – To “conceal.” A contrast with Daniel who was told to “seal” his vision (Daniel 8.26, 12.4, 9-10) The reason? Jesus is coming and is near! Repentance is always an option until death! Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes,[c] so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” (Vs.12-16): A final “comfort” and “warning” –Jesus’ return. Coming with “rewards” because Jesus has total authority! (v.14): “Wash” “Robes” Baptism/identification with Jesus’s death and resurrection. (v.15): “Dogs” and “Sorcerers” Those who practice idolatry and rebel against God—the “unclean.” Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” “Outside” the City –They did not surrender to Jesus. (v.16): Jesus addresses directly, authentication the vision! Jesus gives His “credentials:” *He is the fulfillment of the Messianic promises (The Messiah) (“Root” and “Descendant” of David) *Jesus is the “High Hero” Driving out all darkens! (Bright Morning Star) Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” (Vs.17-21): Invitation and warning. The Spirit calls (Holy Spirit) through the Church (Bride and the “Hearers”) The “water of life” (Salvation) is a gift (God’s grace!) (vs.18-19): The warning to the False Prophets who will seek to distort the truth. Particularly “copyists” of the scrolls. Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” (v.20): Jesus’ declaration! A “response” to v.17(?) Amen” ἀμήν (amēn): “Truly” “To be sure” The end of the Eucharistic liturgy in the Early Church. Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” In Aramaic: “Marana tah” (Maranatha) “Come, O Lord” (v.21): The “Benediction” Grace is the last word! Sufficient for all things! The Book closes with a vision of hope and Heaven! Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” The Purpose of Revelation’s Vision… Revelation 2.10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. *Control their (our) Fear *Renew their (our) Commitment *Sustain their (our) Vision Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” “Because John’s message is about the ultimate triumph of good over evil, it is always relevant and all the more as the world slides further into chaos and corruption. On one level, Rv powerfully confirms what we already fear, i.e., our world and everyone in it is doomed. More profoundly, however, this Book is about transcendent hope. It shows how infinitely greater God is than evil. By offering a vision of the new creation soon to be revealed, Rv draws us on toward our blessed hope in Christ. To Him be power and glory throughout the ages!” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House) Session 34 Revelation 22 “The River of Life” (www.logos.com) .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • We've Got Mail Jesus' Letter to the Church in Ephesus — Revelation
    Pastor Jeff Barclay - July 5, 2020 We’ve Got Mail Jesus’ Letter to the Church in Ephesus — Revelation 2:1-7 Passionate about Doctrine, Passionless for Jesus Of the seven churches described in Revelation 2-3 Ephesus is the church with the most extra historical and doctrinal details —Acts 19-20 and Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. COMMUNION. As we share in the Lord’s Supper let’s go back to last week’s Sermon-to-Life. It will be a helpful way to provide context and introduce today’s sermon. The focus of which will be this statement from Jesus to the Church in Ephesus: “I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you. You have abandoned the love you had at first. You have abandoned Me, your first love,” (Revelation 2:4-5). Last week I wrapped up saying this Together let’s slow down a little and pay attention to the most significant person that ever lived. Let’s pay a ridiculous amount of attention to Jesus. In the days ahead, let’s make more of Jesus in the days ahead! These sound similar to what Jesus reminded the church in Ephesus. Returning their focus to Him their first love. In it’s beginning the church in Ephesus made much of Jesus. The Apostle Paul lived and taught there for three years. (Acts 19:10) In a city known for its sensual cult worship of Artemis, extraordinary miracles occurred.
    [Show full text]
  • Behold, I Am Coming Quickly
    ! Building Wholehearted Disciples of Jesus Behold, I am Coming Quickly Revelation 22 Teacher: Steve Holt Series: Apocalypse, The Book of Revelation © Steve Holt | TheRoad.org !1 Behold, I am Coming Quickly! Prayer: O God fire us up with anticipation of your soon coming! • Last week we had a tour of the holy city. • We saw the transparent and translucent light and the splendor of this city. • 6 times the word “come or coming” is used. 3 times Jesus says “I am coming quickly” and the meaning is “suddenly,” “unexpectedly.” Revelation 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. • Is this real water or a river of the Spirit? I think it is a Spirit River. • It is life itself. In other words, it is not a river that contains life, but it is life! It is in fact life! • Because it is flowing from the Throne of God. • This is the River of Life in the center of the celestial city. • Glistening like a diamond, translucent and sparkling. • This is the lesson: Life flows from the Throne of God. o God has dominion! o God has authority! o In Matthew 8, the Centurion understood this with Jesus, “all you have to do is speak the word and my servant will be healed.” He understood that all of life flowed from Jesus. He was under authority! © Steve Holt | TheRoad.org !2 o The life you are searching for comes from Jesus. o This is what Jesus meant: that He is looking for a new kind of people that will worship Him in “Spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
    [Show full text]
  • Promises to Overcomers
    Revelation 22 Outline: I. The River of life (verses 1-5) II. Jesus is coming, promise of the imminent return of Jesus (verses 6-9) III. Prohibition of sealing the book, promise that Jesus is coming soon and promise of blessing (verses 10-15) IV. Transmission of the revelation (verses 16-17) V. Prohibition of altering the book, promise that Jesus is coming soon, and final pronouncement of blessing (verses 18-21) Important facts about Jesus in this chapter: FACTS ABOUT THE CHRIST (22:6–7, 12–13, 16, 20) A. His description of himself (22:13, 16): Jesus refers to himself as follows: 1. The Alpha and the Omega (22:13a) 2. The First and Last (22:13b) 3. The Beginning and the End (22:13c) 4. The root and offspring of David (22:16a) 5. The bright morning star (22:16b) B. His provision for his saints (22:6–7, 12, 20) 1. He will come for us (22:6–7, 12a, 20). 2. He will reward us (22:12b).1 I. The River of life (verses 1-5) 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 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.
    [Show full text]
  • But the People of the Church in Jerusalem Had Been Commanded by a Revelation
    Leviticus 26 "18 "'If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over . 21 I will multiply your afflictions seven times over 24 I myself will be hostile toward you and will afflict you for your sins seven times over . 28 then in my anger I will be hostile toward you, and I myself will punish you for your sins seven times over . Revelation 22:6 6 “The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” Revelation 22:7 7 “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.” Clearly Favored an Suggestive of an Suggestive of a Late Clearly Favored a Church Father Neutral Early Date Early Date Date Late-Date Shepherd of Hermes (A.D. 85-90) Papias of Hierapolis (A.D. 60-130) Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 150-215) The Muratorian Canon (A.D. 170) Cerinthus (A.D. 100) Irenaeus (A.D. 180) Tertullian (A.D. 160-220) Origen (A.D. 185-254) The Anti-Marcionite Prologues (A.D. 185-254) Eusebius (A.D. 260-340) Athanasius (A.D. 295-373) Victorinus (A.D. 304) Epiphanies (A. D. 315-403) Jerome (A.D. 340-420) The Acts of John at Rome (A.D. 400-600) The Syriac Translations (A.D. 508) Andreas of Cappadocia (A.D. 520) Revelation 22:8 8 “I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.
    [Show full text]
  • The Lamb Has Overcome SERMON REFERENCE
    SERMON TITLE: The Lamb has Overcome SERMON REFERENCE: Revelation 22:6-21 LWF SERMON NUMBER: #2373 We are grateful for the opportunity to provide this outline produced from a sermon preached by Adrian Rogers while serving as pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. This outline is intended for your personal, non-commercial use. In order to ensure our ability to be good stewards of Adrian Rogers’ messages, Love Worth Finding has reserved all rights to this content. Except for your personal, non-commercial use and except for brief quotations in printed reviews, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means —electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other— without the prior permission of the publisher. Copyright ©2020 Love Worth Finding Ministries, Inc. PO Box 38300 | Memphis TN 38183-0300 | (901) 382-7900 lwf.org THE LAMB HAS OVERCOME | REVELATION 22:6-21 | #2373 1) INTRODUCTION a) Today’s message is the summation of the glorious book of the Revelation. b) The Bible calls the book of the Revelation a blessing book. i) If we will read and heed the book of the Revelation, then we will be blessed. c) The last words in this book are very concise as God sums up the book. d) Today’s message deals with four last things that we see in this final chapter in the book of the Revelation. 2) THE BIBLE’S LAST PROPHECY: THE SAVIOR’S SUDDEN RETURN (Revelation 22:6-13) a) It is an ironclad promise from the Lord Jesus Christ that He is coming back suddenly.
    [Show full text]
  • THROUGH the BIBLE REVELATION 21-22 When We Think About the Past
    THROUGH THE BIBLE REVELATION 21-22 ! When we think about the past we can imagine what life was like in Colonial America - or at the height of the Roman Empire - or in the Israel of King David… Go backwards and we can imagine life all along the timeline - until we reach two impasses… Two events changed the landscape on planet Earth so dramatically that all our assumptions of life before it become a blur. The first event is the flood of Noah. Prior to the flood it had never rained. The planet was shrouded in vapor and was watered by dew. There was no fear between man and animals. The Earth was a very different place. But go back even farther, before the fall of man. It’s mind-boggling to imagine a perfect paradise. Work was no sweat. Childbirth was pain-free. This was before sin threw a wrench into the gears of all God’s creation. ! But tonight, we’re thinking in the opposite direction - forward into the future. And again, our hypothesizing will be fairly accurate until we reach two impasses… The first is the Millennial Kingdom. King Jesus will rule this planet and right all wrongs. He’ll repair all that sin has damaged. He’ll turn the jungle into a garden! Last week, we tried to imagine life in the Kingdom Age. But what happens after the thousand-year reign of Christ? Well, in Revelation 21-22 God takes John and us to the ultimate brink... when time fades into eternity. God creates “a new heaven and new earth.” And at points John just puts down his pen.
    [Show full text]
  • The Rapture and the Book of Revelation
    TMSJ 13/2 (Fall 2002) 215-239 THE RAPTURE AND THE BOOK OF REVELATION Keith H. Essex Assistant Professor of Bible Exposition The relevance of the book of Revelation to the issue of the timing of the rapture is unquestioned. Assumptions common to many who participate in discussing the issue include the authorship of the book by John the apostle, the date of its writing in the last decade of the first century A.D., and the book’s prophetic nature in continuation of OT prophecies related to national Israel. Ten proposed references to the rapture in Revelation include Rev 3:10-11; 4:1-2; 4:4 and 5:9-10; 6:2; 7:9-17; 11:3-12; 11:15-19; 12:5; 14:14-16; and 20:4. An evaluation of these ten leads to Rev 3:10-11 as the only passage in Revelation to speak of the rapture. Rightly understood, that passage implicitly supports a pretribulational rapture of the church. That understanding of the passage fits well into the context of the message to the church at Philadelphia. * * * * * “As the major book of prophecy in the NT, Revelation has great pertinence to discussion of the rapture.”1 Participants in the discussion concerning the timing of the rapture would concur with this statement. Proponents of a pretribulational, midtribulational, pre-wrath, and posttribulational rapture all seek support for their positions in the book of Revelation.2 Many suggestions as to where Revelation 1Robert H. Gundry, The Church and the Tribulation (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973) 64. 2Many books dealing with the rapture include sections specifically discussing the book of Revelation.
    [Show full text]
  • Revelation's Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues
    Revelation’s Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues Revelation’s Seven Last Plagues 1 My topic tonight is “Revelation’s Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues” The seven last plagues, or what many people think of as the 2 “Apocalypse,” is not a topic that normally makes people feel good. It is terrifying to imagine the world engulfed in natural disasters— Earthquake, 3 Fire 4 …and volcanic eruptions. 5 Will the world be engulfed in the war of Armageddon? Will our TV screens be filled with images of conflict, strife and famine. Will there be — 6 Unprecedented world financial collapse. 7 Or possibly will there be a global international conflict. By contrast, we read the Gospels and see the love of Christ 8 Revelation of Hope 2 English 1 Revelation’s Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues in ministry and dying for a lost world. It is difficult to harmonize these plagues with the love of God. Could a loving God afflict people with sores and turn rivers into blood? We believe the Bible and specifically The Book of Revelation has answers. That is why our theme for these meetings is: 9 If it’s in the Bible, I believe it. If it disagrees with the Bible, It’s not for me. First, wouldn’t we expect that if these cataclysmic events are coming, that God would give a clear warning first? Wouldn’t God give a last day message before the plagues fall? Revelation the 14th chapter verse 6 and onward says— “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 10 God’s last day message flies to every nation, kindred, tongue and people.
    [Show full text]
  • Revelation Notes
    Welcome, as we begin our study in the book of Revelation! Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:11 According to Tertullian (in The Prescription of Heretics) John was banished (presumably to Patmos) after being plunged into boiling oil in Rome and suffering nothing from it. It is said that all in the audience of Colosseum were converted to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle. It is traditionally believed that John was the youngest of the apostles and survived them. He is said to have lived to an old age, dying at Ephesus sometime after AD 98. Historical evidence to support the fact that John was exiled to Patmos - Clement of Alexandria refers to the apostle John as returning from the Isle of Patmos. Eusebius not only affirms John’s return from the isle but dates it immediately following the death of Domitian (the creep who exiled him in the first place), which occurred in A.D. 96. 4 Irenaeus adds his confirming word when he states that John lived in Ephesus after returning from Patmos until the reign of Trajan. Domitian was the second Roman emperor after Nero to persecute Christians, and since banishment was one of his favorite forms of punishment, John’s exile to Patmos is much more likely under Domitian than Nero. Domitian was assassinated in AD 96 Most scholars date the writing of Revelation to around 95 AD. 1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, Revelation which God gave him to show to gr.
    [Show full text]
  • "Jerusalem the Golden" Revelation 22:1-5 WHERE ARE
    THE BOOK OF REVELATION there will be variants to the fruit throughout eternity. God's omnipotent power to create variety "Jerusalem the Golden" was no problem at creation (Gen. 1:29) and will not be in eternity. The leaves of the tree are Revelation 22:1-5 stated to have therapeutic qualities for the nations. Since there will be no pain nor death (21:3), WHERE ARE WE? the "healing" is a reference to preservation from any ill. It is a matter of preservation of what 1. The cataclysmic events of Scripture concerning the new heavens and new earth have taken God has already gained. How He does this is His sovereign right. place (Rev. 21:1; 2 Pet. 3:10-13). Note: It is not directly stated in the Bible that food will be required in the New Jerusalem. 2. Chronologically, therefore, the Tribulation Period is over (Rev. 6-18), the Lord has been However, think about these matters: l) We do not have all the facts about "life – water" (21:6) revealed from heaven (Rev. 19:1-21), the Millennial Reign of Messiah has passed with its final and "life – fruits" (22:2). Yet an infinite God will not be hindered in His purpose to provide the judgment (Rev. 20:1-15). Eternity has come at last! finest for His own (cf. 2:7; 22:14). 2) We do know the Lord ate after His resurrection (Lk 24:41-43). 3) In the O.T. angels have eaten with men (Gen. 18:6-8). 3. What about Jerusalem? During the Millennium, Messiah reigned with His saints upon the old earth (Rev.
    [Show full text]
  • Revelation 22)
    Church of Christ Articles Search Bible Based Articles for the Edification of All Creation. The Spirit and the Bride say “Come” (Revelation 22) Like 0 Share 0 Like 0 Tweet Save Share The Spirit and the Bride say “Come” (Revelation 22) Chapter 22 continues with John’s vision of Heaven which was the primary subject of chapter 21. When the scripture was written, it was done so without the chapter and verse divisions we have today. According to history, the first English translation of the Bible to contain both chapter and verse divisions was the Geneva translation of the Bible published in 1560. For some reason unknown to this Bible student, a division was placed within John’s vision of Heaven. The first five verses of Revelation 22 complete John’s vision of Heaven, the home of the soul. Revelation 22:1 “And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb” This is still the angel mentioned in Revelation 21:9 who carried John to a high mountain to see the holy city Jerusalem. This vision is still of the same city. John is shown the water of life flowing like a river. There is plenty of it available and it is in continuous supply coming from the throne of God. All life comes from the throne of God. This is the source from where everything good comes. Notice here that we again see the lamb occupying the throne of God. There is one throne mentioned here and this throne is the seat of God and the lamb.
    [Show full text]
  • Revelation's Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues
    battle occurs: Christ returns in glory, a hailstorm is beyond comprehension. accompanied by His angel armies, and Revelation 16:17-18, 20-21. the wicked are slain. This is Armaged- Psalm 91:4 promises: “He shall cov- STUDY 13 don—an interrupted battle! er you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge.” And Plague Seven: Psalm 91:7-10 gives wonderful assur- Then the seventh plague brings “a ance: “No evil shall befall you, nor shall great earthquake, such a mighty and any plague come near your dwelling.” great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Then Beautiful parallel: every island fled away, and the moun- The Ten Plagues fell upon Egypt just tains were not found.” This earthquake before God’s people were delivered from levels the cities as well as the mountains. that wicked country. Revelation’s Battle of Armageddon and the Seven Last Plagues Next comes a “great hail from heaven . The Seven Last Plagues will fall just . each hailstone about the weight of a before God’s people are delivered from by Mark Finley talent.” Since a talent is about fifty-sev- this wicked world—so keep looking hat if you’re comfortably settled lette. Jesus is coming soon, but specific en pounds, the devastation from such up! Win your favorite lounge chair events must take place before He re- to watch TV and the announcement turns. A big part of being ready for His blares across the screen: “We interrupt Coming involves understanding what this broadcast . .” Finally, the world’s God’s Word teaches about what will media are jolted from their narrow pre- occur in the last days.
    [Show full text]