INTRODUCTION Those who are faithful in the church will be rewarded with eternal life with God and with Jesus in Heaven. The preceding chapter describes the church, the holy city, the New Jerusalem. Now we move to view Heaven itself. _ 1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crys... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations._ A. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had access to the Tree of Life. (Genesis 2:... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him._ A. It is clear to me that the curse was the curse of the Law of Moses. This law was one of sin and death. There was a curse on all under this law. Only by living a perfect... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads._ A. There are two general views on the idea of us being able to “see His face.” Some believe that this refers to when we are in Heaven and are with Jesus in a personal, face-to-face, able to see what is now invisible. (1 Cori... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever._ A. Jesus promised that those who walk in the light would never walk in darkness because we are in the light of Christ. (1 John 1:7; John 8:12) B. We... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place._ A. The angel assures John that what he has seen is assured. It is true. It will happen. God keeps His promises. (2 Corint... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”_ A. Some try to argue that the angel and not Jesus spoke these words. In my view, it does not matter, because angels were messengers who spoke what was given them by Jesus. B. Many find a difficulty... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand._ A. It is clear to me that John is told not close and seal this book. It is not God’s intention to record this vision and them keep it hidden and closed. God intended that the book be read publicly... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”_ A. There are several explanations of this verse. I think the key is to keep it in the context of the previous verse. V... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work._ A. Keep the faith. Remain faithful even in times of persecution. Here is the reason. B. When Christ comes for the second time, he will bring the reward with him. You will be judged by the... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”_ A. Christ uses the same description at the beginning and the end of this book. B. Alpha and Omega - are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. With our alphabet we would say, “Everything from A to Z.... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city._ A. Again, similar statements were made at the beginning of the book. (1:3) The first of the “blessed” statements was to pronounce a blessing on all who r... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie._ A. In the city are the obedient. Outside are all others. B. John gives another short list similar to Revelation 21:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”_ A. Jesus explain that he sent his angel to reveal these things to the churches. B. Jesus identifies himself as the Root and Offspring of David... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely._ A. The door to the city is always open. The invitation to come to Christ is not closed here on earth. B. Jesus stands at the door... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life,... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!_ A. Again Jesus promises to come quickly. He knows that Christians are suffering. He will respond with speed and in accordance with the plan of God. B. Just as Jesus promises to begin fulfill... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen._ A. God will bless us as we read publicly this book. B. God’s grace will shine on us as we listen, study and understand this book. C. Christ will be with you as you obey the commands of this book. D. Amen and Amen. CONCLUDING REMARK... [ Continue Reading ]