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Revelation Twenty-Two Series
Contributed by Diana Tyler on Oct 31, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: New Jerusalem is beyond beautiful! Come Lord Jesus!
Here we see the River of Life, clear as crystal flowing from the Throne of God and the Lamb. On each side is the tree of life which yields twelve fruits every month and has leaves for the healing of the nations. There will be no more curse, but the Throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His Face and His name shall be on their foreheads. There will be no night there; no need of lamp or light of the sun for the Lord God gives them light. And they will reign forever and ever.
In one or two accounts of visions of heaven, one person said that you can swim in the river of life...even breathe underwater since there's no death. Others say you can drink it. Well, drinking makes sense, and I wouldn't put it past someone to go into the river. We’ll see when we get there. I've always loved the water so it will be exciting to see this river and be able to drink it and submerge myself in it with no fear of drowning.
The angel then tells John, "These words are faithful and true." What an honor for John that God would send one of His angels to show him the things that are to come! Jesus then says, "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." A lot of people miss out on an amazing blessing by not reading the book of Revelation. Many don't think they need to worry about prophecy. Others are too scared of the contents and images in here. But every Christian should study this book by either reading it or listening to it because you also get a blessing listening to the words of this prophecy.
Once again, John falls at the feet of the angel to worship him. Once again, he's reminded by the angel not to do so because he is a fellow servant of his and of his brethren, the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God. The angel then tells John, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him remain unjust still; he who is filthy, let him remain filthy still; he who is righteous, let him remain righteous still, and he that is holy, let him be holy still."
Jesus then says, "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his works. I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." 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. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. "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." And the Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
John then shares a very serious warning about this book. "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; 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, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." So don't try to change this book in any way, shape, or form. Otherwise, you risk serious consequences.
He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.