In Revelation 1 John has a vision of Jesus and writes a description of what he saw. John is in exile on the island of Patmos for being a faithful witness for Jesus. In Revelation 2 and 3 Jesus has John send letters to 7 churches in Asia Minor. Each church was an existing church in Asia Minor at the time of John’s exile around 95AD. But each letter has applications in our modern day lives and churches.
In Revelation 4 we saw John’s vision or visit to God’s throne. In Revelation 5 we saw the scroll with 7 seals. And that the Lamb, Jesus, was the only One worthy to receive and open the scroll. The scroll represents God’s will and the deed or title of the universe.
Only Jesus is worthy to receive and open the scroll. And to bring on God’s wrath and punishment for Satan, his demons, and for sinners that refuse to repent and believe in Jesus.
Then in Revelation 6 we saw the Lamb, Jesus, open the first 6 of 7 seals of the scroll. Revelation 6 is the beginning of the 7 year Tribulation, and shows a progression through the first half of the Tribulation and into the 2nd half, known as the Great Tribulation period. And of God’s judgement and punishment of Satan, his demons, and anyone who rebels against God and refuses to repent and bow down to Jesus.
In Revelation 7 we saw a continuation of John’s vision of heaven and God’s throne. Revelation 7 is a break between the opening of the first 6 seals in Revelation 6 and the 7th and final seal in Revelation 8. And we saw 4 angels and the 4 winds of the earth, 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel, and a great multitude.
In Revelation 8 we saw Jesus open the 7th seal of the scroll, which is the start of the 7 trumpet judgements of God. This takes place in the 2nd half of the 7 year tribulation, which is known as the Great Tribulation.
Then in Revelation 9 we saw the terrifying 5th and 6th trumpet judgements that God pours out on His enemies. The people that still refused to repent and bow down to Jesus as Lord and Savior.
And in Revelation 10 we saw John’s vision of a mighty angel with an opened scroll with a voice of 7 thunders. This takes place in the break between the 6th and 7th trumpet judgements.
Then in Revelation 11 we saw a continuation of John’s vision of the break between the 6th and 7th trumpet judgements in the final 3 1/2 years of the tribulation, known as the Great tribulation. We studied the 2 witnesses from God in Jerusalem, and the 7th trumpet judgement.
In Revelation 12 we saw a woman, a dragon, and a baby. The break between the 6th and 7th trumpet judgement continued in John’s vision. And John introduced 3 more main characters in the tribulation, and in the war between Satan and God.
Then in Revelation 13 John introduced 2 more of the main characters or players in the tribulation, and in the war between Satan and God. The beast of the sea or the antichrist, and the best from the earth, the false prophet.
In Revelation 14 we studied John’s vision of the 144,000 witness in the tribulation. And 3 angels flying high in the sky with 3 different messages. And more details about the day of the Lord and God’s wrath.
Next in Revelation 15 we study how John the 7 angels with 7 bowl judgements or plagues getting ready to pour them out on the world.
In Revelation 16 we studied the final 7 bowl judgements or plagues of God’s wrath. These will be the ending of God’s wrath and judgements being poured out onto the world and on those that will refuse to repent and turn to Christ.
Then in Revelation 17 we looked at John’s vision of a prostitute and the beast. The world’s false religion that deceives many people into turning away for God, and worshiping and following the antichrist.
Next in Revelation 18 we studied about the antichrist’s world kingdom and Babylon. Specifically the antichrist’s global government and economic system of commerce.
Next in Revelation 19 we finally saw Jesus return to earth as He promised He would. And the much anticipated battle of Armageddon.
Then in Revelation 20 we will study the 1000 year kingdom of Jesus on earth. And who will be with Him in the kingdom. And then we will see the ultimate destiny of Satan. And those that choose to refuse to repent and follow and worship Jesus.
Next in Revelation 21 we will studied the glorious and amazing new heaven and the new earth. And the incredible capitol city of the new heaven and earth, the new Jerusalem.
Now our study series on the book of Revelation comes to a close with the final chapter Revelation 21. We will see more details about the new Jerusalem, and the river of life and the tree of life. And we will study Jesus’ final message and warning.
Revelation 22 – River And Tree of Life, Jesus’ Final Message
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;” – Revelation 22:1-2
John’s vision and tour of the capitol city of new Jerusalem continues in Revelation 22. The next thing he sees is the river of life.
He describes it as bright and clear as crystal. Much like the entire city and walls. Crystal clear, refracting the bright light and glory of God.
The next thing John describes about the river of life is that it flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. And it flows it flows through the middle of the street.
In the garden of Eden there was a river.
“A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers.” – Genesis 2:10
Back then, as far as we know, the river in the garden of Eden was a river of water.
What Is The River Of Life?
In Revelation 21 John is shown the new heaven and earth. He mentions that there was no more sea, or oceans.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” – Revelation 21:1
In the new heaven and earth, and in new Jerusalem, there will be no more oceans or rivers or streams of water. Not like the water we know, H2O.
In Psalm 46 the psalmist had a prophetic view of the river from God’s throne.
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.” – Psalm 46:4
Jesus talked about being born again with Nicodemus. And He associated it with being born of water and the Spirit.
“Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” – John 3:5
When Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman at the well, He talked about water that becomes a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
“Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – John 4:13-14
Jesus also said this about water.
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” – John 7:37-39
The river of life is the same kind of “water” that Jesus and the psalmist talked about. The river of life isn’t water, H2O, as we know it.
It is symbolic of the salvation and eternal life that Jesus gives. And also of the Holy Spirit, whom anyone that repents and faithfully follows Jesus receives.
Revelation 22 – River And Tree of Life, Jesus’ Final Message
The Tree Of Life
“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.” – Revelation 22:2
John sees the river of life flowing down from God’s throne, through the middle of the street. And he sees “the tree of life” on either side of the river of life.
In the garden of Eden there were 2 different kinds of trees. Not like any trees that we know of.
“The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil… And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” – Genesis 2:9, 16-17
In Proverbs 11 a tree of life is mentioned.
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.” – Proverbs 11:30
What Is The Tree Of Life?
There was a tree of life in the garden of Eden also. And there will be some type of heavenly tree of life as well.
The tree of life in new Jerusalem will symbolize eternal life. A blessed, joyful, glorious eternal life in the presence of the glorious God and Jesus.
Revelation 22 – River And Tree of Life, Jesus’ Final Message
12 Fruits And Leaves For Healing
“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.” – Revelation 22:2
John mentions that the tree of life yields 12 kinds of fruit each “month”. The each month most likely represents various seasons of time in the heavenly city.
Just like the tree of life will not be like any trees that we know here on earth, the fruit and the leaves will not be like any on earth either.
We will have glorified bodies in heaven. So there will be no need for food as we have now. And there will be no more sickness or diseases as we have now.
“So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” – Philippians 3:20-21
What Are The 12 Fruits And Leaves?
There is a great deal of speculation about the 12 fruits and the leaves on the tree of life.
Some think that even though we will be in glorified bodies we will still be able to eat if we want to. Like Jesus ate with His disciples after He rose again from the grave, and before He returned to heaven.
So we will eat the 12 fruits from the tree of life if we want to. And there is speculation that the fruits will have some type of nourishment for our glorified bodies. Much like vitamins.
And there is speculation that the leaves on the tree of life will be for preventative health purposes. And not for healing since we will need to be healed from anything.
Here is another commentary on the fruits from the Bible Hub site:
“The twelve fruits are often interpreted as representing the fullness and completeness of God’s provision and blessing. The number twelve holds significant biblical symbolism, often associated with divine authority and governmental perfection, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. In this context, the twelve fruits can be seen as a representation of the perfect and complete nourishment provided by God to His people in the eternal state.”
Either the tree of life and its fruit and leaves will literally have some type of form in new Jerusalem, or they are symbolic. Either way they represent an eternal life filled with blessings, health, joy…
I tend to believe they will literally have some type of visible form in new Jerusalem. Like the tree of life and the tree of knowledge and truth had in the garden of Eden.
Revelation 22 – River And Tree of Life, Jesus’ Final Message
The Throne of God And The Lamb
“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.” – Revelation 22:3
John Sees the throne of God and the throne of the Lamb, Jesus, in the city of new Jerusalem. God and Jesus will dwell with their people.
We Will Worship & Serve God
“and his servants will worship him.” – Revelation 22:3
John tells us that we, God’s servants, will worship God. And being that John calls us servants, we will serve God in the new heaven and earth.
What will we do and how will we serve? John does not offer any more details. We will help carry out God’s wishes and will, whatever that will be.
And there will be constant worship of God and Jesus. In John’s previous visions of God’s throne and heaven in Revelation 1, 4, 5, 7, 11, and 14 we saw angels worshipping God.
And the 24 elders. And the 4 living creatures. And a couple of times we saw the faithful followers of Jesus that were martyred in the tribulation worshipping God too.
There will be a constant awe and great reverance for God. In the early church in Acts the believers were in awe of God for the great things that He was doing through the apostles and the church.
“And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” – Acts 2:43
Our awe of God and of His incredible works and creativity will be far greater in the new heaven and earth than it was in the early church in Acts.
Revelation 22 – River And Tree of Life, Jesus’ Final Message
We Will See God’s Face And Glory
And God and Jesus will not longer be unseen by the people. John tells us in verse 4 that we will see God’s face.
“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 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.” – Revelation 22:4
Until we get to heaven we will not see God’s face. Even Moses, who God would speak to face to face like a friend, could not see God’s face.
“Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” – Exodus 33:18-20
“No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” – John 1:18
We will finally see God’s face. And this will add even more to our awe of God. And bring on even more worship of Him.
God’s Glory Will Light Up Heaven
“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.”
John repeats what he said in Revelation 21, that God’s glory will brightly shine and provide dazzling light in the new heaven and earth.
“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.” – Revelation 21:23-25
Revelation 22 – River And Tree of Life, Jesus’ Final Message
We Will Reign Forever With Jesus
“and they will reign forever and ever.” – Revelation 22:5
Besides serving and worshipping God, John mentions one more thing that the faithful followers of Jesus will do in the new heaven and earth. We will reign with Him forever and ever.
In Revelation 3 Jesus says this to the church in Laodicea.
“The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” – Revelation 3:21
Paul in Romans 8 talked about how we, in Christ, are co heirs with Him in the kingdom of God.
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” – Romans 8:15-17
So we will reign with Jesus in God’s forever kingdom. And we will serve, and continually be filled with joyful worship.
Trustworthy And True Words
“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.” – Revelation 22:6
John reminds us that these words, meaning the entire revelation given to him in the book of Revelation, are trustworthy and true. Because they have been revealed by Jesus Christ. The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
And He had John write it all down so we could all know what was going to happen.
This is a shift in the message from John towards the end of the book of Revelation. He is done describing the new heaven and earth, and the new Jerusalem.
Revelation 22 – River And Tree of Life, Jesus’ Final Message
Jesus Is Coming Soon
In the remainder of Revelation 22 John has a message specifically for believers. And then for no believers.
One of the main themes of these messages is that Jesus is coming back soon.
“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” – Revelation 22:7
There are many examples in the New Testament showing the believers waiting for Jesus’ return. And many thought it would be soon, or even in their lifetime.
“as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 1:7-8
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” – Philippians 3:20-21
John repeats this main point 2 more times in Revelation 22.
“And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.” – Revelation 22:10
“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.” – Revelation 22:12-13
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” – Revelation 22:20
John’s response to Jesus’ repeated message that He is coming soon?
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen mean It is so! Come Lord Jesus! John is ready for Jesus to come back. And so should we.
Ready and eager to be a forever part of the amazing and indescribable new heaven and earth, and the new Jerusalem. And to forever be in God’s and Jesus’ presence, constantly seeing their beautiful faces and their glory.
The Final Message Of Jesus
The final message Jesus has for believers is sprinkled through the remainder of Revelation 22.
For believers and unbelieving alike Jesus starts by saying this:
“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.” – Revelation 22:12-13
Jesus says He is coming soon, and He will bring His recompense with Him. Each will reap what they sow. There will be eternal consequences.
Revelation 22 – River And Tree of Life, Jesus’ Final Message
The Final Message Of Jesus For Believers
Jesus’ message and theme for His faithful followers?
“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” – Revelation 22:7
“And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 … and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” – Revelation 22:10-11
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.” – Revelation 22:14
“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.” – Revelation 22:17
Jesus is promising one last time that He is coming soon. And for those choose to repent and believe and faithfully follow Him, there will be eternal blessings. And they will have the right to the tree of life, or eternal life.
And will be able to enter into the new heaven and earth and new Jerusalem. And will be able to have the water of life, or again eternal life in paradise.
The Final Plea And Message For Unbelievers
Jesus’ final message and please for people that have yet to repent and believe and faithfully follow Jesus begins as it did for believers.
“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.” – Revelation 22:12-13
And His message and plea for unbelievers continues in various verses in Revelation 22.
“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.” – Revelation 22:10-11
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, 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.” – Revelation 22:14-15
Jesus gives a contrasting message between what will happen to those who choose to repent, believe, and faithfully follow Him. And what will happen to those who refuse to repent, and choose to reject Christ.
Revelation 22 – River And Tree of Life, Jesus’ Final Message
One Final Warning
“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.” – Revelation 22:18-19
Jesus, through John, warns everyone that there will be grave consequences for adding to or taking away from the words in this book of prophecy. It is not just a human or religious book of prophecy.
It is the inspired word of the Living God Jesus Christ. And He warns of grave eternal consequences for anyone that dares add to, or take away from, or change His message.
Even So Come Lord Jesus
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” – Revelation 22:20-21
John finishes the book of Revelation with Jesus’ promise that He is coming soon. And then John says “Amen. Come Lord Jesus!”
John was ready for Jesus to come back and bring us into the glorious and amazingly wonderful new heaven and earth and the new Jerusalem. And we should be ready and anxiously awaiting as well.
And in the meantime, we need to be focused on what is most important. Our relationship and fellowship with Jesus. And building His kingdom (sharing the Gospel with as many as we can, and making disciples of all nations).
Pursuing Intimacy With God is committed to helping you with the most important thing in your life… your intimacy with God , your fellowship with Him, and your partnership with God in His Kingdom work & mission.
There are hundreds of Bible verses and great truths & promises in the Pursuing Intimacy With God studies.
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Other Links
Religion vs Relationship With God
Why Should You Pray & Spend Time With God ?
Is Jesus Your First Love ? Part 2
Prayer Is Passion To Seek & Know God
God’s Purpose & Mission For You And Your Church
Spiritual Gifts: All Christians Have Gifts
Jesus Wants To Heal You & Set You Free
Kevin Bart has been a Jesus follower for over 40 years. Kevin has taught Bible study classes, small groups, and discipleship classes for many years. He developed Pursuing Intimacy With God after many years of seeking God and studying His word.
Kevin is a former business owner, and current international missions ministry leader with more than four decades of combined business and ministry experience. After building and running a successful business for 23 years, with God’s guidance and blessings, he sold his company to dedicate himself to full-time global missions.
For over 20 years, Kevin and his wife Nancy have led an international missions ministry. Utilizing learned business and financial management skills, as well as knowledge and experience in travel points and miles, to date they have had 51 mission trips to 36 countries in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
