Rev. 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of Elohim and of the Lamb.
River Of Life
Up to this point, the angel has been showing John the city's basic framework: foundations, walls, gates, and a street. The Holy City, however, will also contain other things such as water, trees, and fruit. Here we see that it will have a river called the river of the water of Life. In other verses of Scripture, this water of life is called living water, and it is used as a symbol for the Holy Spirit.
Remember This ---->To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life(Revelation 21:6).
Rev. 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the
river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Tree Of Life
Picture a great street of pure gold like transparent glass. It will have mansions of gold on each side and a river of crystal-clear water flowing down the middle with rows of trees on each side. This is the magnificent scene John is trying to describe.
Something To Ponder ---->The tree of knowledge caused Adam and Eve to know right from wrong. It is how they learned what sin was. It caused their spiritual death (separation of their soul and spirit from Elohim) and their physical death (separation of their soul and spirit from the body). It cost them immortality. The Tree of Life does the opposite. Eating its fruit brings immortality.
Remember This ---->I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of Elohim (Revelation 2:7).
Rev. 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of Elohim and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
The Curse Lifted
When Adam and Eve Sinned, Elohim placed a curse upon creation: Because of it, women experience pain in childbirth, both men and women suffer sickness, both must today work for a living, and physical and spiritual death came upon mankind. Sin has caused great harm in this present creation, but it will not affect the new creation. Once Elohim has cast Satan with all his followers into hell and raised us with new bodies to dwell in his constant presence, all of the curses will be gone.
Something to Ponder---->In the New Jerusalem There Will Be No More:
1.) death, mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4)
Remember This---->You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our Elohim, and they will reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10).
Rev. 22:4 And they shall see his face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.
See God's Face
In the Old Testament, it was Moses who wanted to see the face of Elohim. In the New Testament, it was Philip. Elohim did not allow them to see his face because if they did, they would die. However, as residents of the Holy City, we will actually see the face of our Father and his Son. The name of Elohim will be written on believers' foreheads to identify them as Elohim's own.
Remember This---->I will write on him the name of my Elohim (Revelation 3:12).
Rev. 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord Elohim giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever.
No More Night
This is the second time we have been told there will be no night in the Holy City. Lamps, light bulbs, and flashlights will not be needed. We will not need the sun for heat or to grow our crops. Elohim and Yahusha will light the entire creation. They will be all that is needed, and believers will have the honor and privilege of reigning with them forever.
Rev. 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord Elohim of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
A Truth Is Found Here
The angel reminded John of the truthfulness of these words. He is giving his assurance that this prophecy is trustworthy and will be fulfilled.
Remember this---->These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness (Revelation 3:14).
Elohim is using a physical substance (water) to help explain a spiritual truth. Living water flows pure, clear, and fresh. It is not murky, stagnant, or polluted. It possesses life-giving qualities that man cannot live without. The river of the water of life is portrayed as a river that will possess life-giving powers; water that will restore and refresh, flow in abundance and satisfy our thirst.
The source of this river will be the throne of Elohim and of the Lamb. They will supply life-giving water and the Holy Spirit in abundance to the Holy City. The Trinity (theFather, Son, and the Holy Spirit) will be present to meet all our needs.
The tree of life takes us back to the Garden of Eden. Before they sinned Adam and Eve could have eaten from it and lived forever. In the New Jerusalem, rows of the tree of life will grow. The trees will produce a different kind of fruit every month which will provide a continuous supply of food from Elohim. This says something about the heavenly bodies. Just as Yahusha ate and drank after being raised from the dead, believers will eat and drink in the Holy City.
Believers will diet on manna and fruit from the tree of life. They will not eat the leaves of the tree because the leaves will be for the healing of those who dwell on the new earth. These leaves will sustain life and add to well-being.
To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna (Revelation 2:17).
The Holy City will be the new location of Elohim's throne. We will not be floating on clouds with harps in our hands, but instead, we will be praising and serving our Elohim. What we will do is not said, but we have already been told that we will reign as priests and kings. We know that we will find joy and fulfilment in his service.
2.) temple (Revelation 21:22)
3.) sun or moon (Revelation 21:23)
4.) night (Revelation 21:25)
5.) impure, shameful, or deceitful thoughts (Revelation 21:27)
6.) curse (Revelation 22:3).
A name stands for much or little depending upon whose it is. When Elohim puts his name on us it is the greatest name of all. It stands for his character, honor, glory, faithfulness, and much more.
The angel also reminded John of how this message was given. The Lord Yahusha sent his angel to give the prophets spiritual understanding. In other words, Yahusha is the source of this revelation, and because he is, it must be fulfilled.
The things that must soon take place have already started. In fact, the first part of this prophecy (Revelation), the Church Age, is almost over. Everything from the Rapture to the Second Coming is near at hand.
Rev. 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
In The Blink Of An Eye
Behold, I am coming soon can be interpreted in at least two ways; soon or shortly, or quickly or suddenly. Soon or shortly means before long. Quickly or suddenly means very fast. This is significant because people get the wrong impression when we say, "Yahusha will come very soon." What we should say is, "When he comes, it will happen very fast, in the blink of an eye."
Remember This---->Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near (Revelation 1:3).
Many people wonder why prophecy is so important. It's importance does not lie in predicting the future. But rather, in the changing of our lives, by giving us a desire and concern for the lost and unsaved. The fact is, God means for prophecy to be obeyed, and those who do obey are promised a blessing.
Rev. 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
Overcome With Awe
John is repeating his claim that he is the human author of Revelation, and that he both saw and heard the things he writes about. He was so impressed with the angel that revealed these things to him, that he was overcome with awe, and fell down to worship at the angel's feet.
Rev. 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship Elohim.
God Alone
This is the second time an angel told John not to worship him. Angels are servants of Elohim, the same as John and the prophets are servants of Elohim. It is a mistake to worship angels. only Elohim's worthy of worship.
Remember This ---->At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Yahusha. Worship God"(Revelation 22:10).
Rev. 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
Leave It Open
When Daniel wrote his prophecy several hundred years before the birth of Christ, he did not understand some of the things Elohim had shown him. He wanted an explanation, but the fulfillment of his prophecies were a long time off, so he was told to seal them up until the end.
Revelation is different. John's prophecy was already unfolding, and the Church Age was taking hold. For this reason, the message was to be left unsealed. Elohim wants people to hear these things now.
Rev. 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
A Great Chasm
The time will come when a person's final destiny will be determined and sealed forever. When the eternal day dawns, all unbelievers will be condemned and cast into the Lake of Fire. They will be without hope because their eternal condition will never change. On the other hand, all believers will be accepted and given entrance to the Holy City where they will continue to grow and improve. Hope and holiness will always be theirs.
This is a warning regarding the separation of the lost and the saved. A great chasm will separate the Lake of Fire from the Holy City that no one can cross. The decisions people make in this life will determine their destiny and seal it forever.
Rev. 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Heaven Or Hell
This is Christ's personal promise that he will return, and when he does, he will bring rewards with him. He will separate the lost from the saved, and everyone will receive rewards according to the quality of work they have done.
Not much is said in Church about rewards. For the most part it is a neglected message. No one deserves rewards, but we know they will be given because this verse says so. If we would let the Goodness of Elohim sink in most of us would do more to honor him, and follow the advice of the Apostle John: we would watch out so that we will be rewarded fully (II John 1:8).
Rev. 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
The All In All
Yahusha is using three of his titles to identify himself with the Father. He has used them several times before. No one else can use them because they assert his deity. Explain it? No one can. It must be taken by faith.
Rev. 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Heavenly Laundry?
Christ's words here imply a choice between washing our robes or leaving them dirty. Those who choose to wash their robes and therefore accept Christ will be blessed with two rewards: access to the tree of life, and permission to pass through the gates of the Holy City. Those who leave their robes dirty by refusing to accept Christ will be rejecting his rewards.
Something To Ponder---->The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most popular and best know teachings of Yahusha. It begins with several principles Christians call the Beatitudes. Revelation also contains some Beatitudes, but very few people are aware of it.
They are:
1.) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:3)
2.) Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth (Revelation 14:13)
3.) Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame (Revelation 16:15)
4.) Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9)
5.) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of Elohim and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Revelation 20:6)
6.) blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book (Revelation 22:7)
7.) Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (Revelation 22:14).
Rev. 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Access Denied
Yahusha is providing his own list of those who will not be blessed with access to the tree of life and the Holy City. Instead of fruit from the tree of life, the dogs (those involved in the occult, sexual immorality, idolatry, and lying) will eat the garbage of hell. Instead of access to the Holy City, these dogs will scavenge in the Lake of Fire.
Something to Ponder----> But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone(Revelation 21:8).
Rev. 22:16 I Yahusha have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
A Star From David
Here Yahusha reiterates the first two verses of Chapter 1 by saying that Revelation is a testimony he gave to an angel for delivery to the churches.
The Root and the Offspring of David comes from the Old Testament and is a reference to the Messiah. Yahusha is the Messiah.
The bright Morning star comes from both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus is identifying himself as the one who will appear near the end of earth's darkest hour (Tribulation Period). He alone will bring a brighter day to the world (Millennium).
Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Come!
This is Elohim's final call. It is a call for all believers to Come!, and a call for all believers to tell all unbelievers to Come! The Holy Spirit works in and through the Bride of Christ (the Chruch), using them to invite all unbelievers to come to Yahusha and drink of his salvation, the water of life.
Whoever is thirsty should Come! Those who are tired of living without Yahusha should Come! Elohim invites all who desire to receive his free gift of salvation through his Son YahushaJesus to Come!
Rev. 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, Elohim shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Nothing New
Revelation was given by Elohim, and it is his Word alone. He alone has authority over it. Anyone who adds anything new to the words of Revelation will feel the wrath of Elohim upon him.
Something to Ponder---->There are religious groups today that teach Elohim is love, but refute the message of salvation, the wrath of Elohim, the judgment of Elohim, the Tribulation Period, and hell. Wouldn't you call this adding and taking away from the Word of Elohim?
Here are some examples;
1.) Yahusha is really the Archangel Michael (Jehovah's Witnesses).
2.) Hell is really the grave (Jehovah's Witnesses).
3.) Elohim, rather than Yahusha, was once a mortal human being (Mormons).
4.) Worthy humans are going to become gods and goddesses (Mormons).
5.) Elohim is a cosmic force, not a personal being (New Age).
6.) Eve's sin was a sexual affair with Satan (Moonies).
7.) One that really gets me is in the taking away of and the power and the glory, forever amen. The most important words in the (end of the Lord's Prayer) (New International Bible).
Warning ------>If Elohim struck down Ananias and Sapphira for introducing sin into the early Church, what do you think he will do with those who do it today????
Rev. 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, Elohim shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Nothing Less
Taking away from this book brings on a second part to Elohim's warning. Anyone who deletes anything from this book risks having his share in the tree of life and Holy City Erased!!! those who do delete something prove not only that they do not love Elohim or believe in his Word, but that they are destined for the Lake of Fire as well.
Rev. 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Yahusha.
One Last Promise
I am coming soon is his final promise! Amen. Come, Lord Yahusha. This is a statement of John's personal belief, and he urges Yahusha to come back.
Rev. 22:21 The grace of out Lord Yahusha the Christ be with you all. Amen.
A Final Note Of Grace
These Last words of the Bible serve as a reminder that grace makes salvation possible. Grace will keep us out of the Lake of Fire, and let us pass through the Gates of the Holy City.
Remember This---->Grace is Elohim's Riches At Christ's Expense. Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne (Revelation 1:4).