Eternal State Part 2 (Revelation 22) Series

We will finish our study of the “End Times” this morning with the last Chapter of the Bible. Last week, we looked at Revelation 21 which described the beginning of the “The Eternal State” with God. Now, if we think about it, Revelation 22 are the “last words” of God to people!

How important are “last words”? We hear in movies when people are about to die, they speak of their love for others, don’t they?. In reality, many people as they face death are just foolish, being egotistic … you can google many of these foolish last words… One example is the founder of Hilton Hotels… Condrad Hilton’s last words were “Put the shower curtain inside the tub!” Even Winston Churchill’s last words was foolish, when he said before his death “I’m bored with it all!”

Before we look at God’s last words for people in Revelation 22, think about this for a moment… maybe write something down… What would you like to say to the world in your last breath?

Now, let us take a good listen to what God states in His last words to people; open your Bibles to Revelation 22. Remember that Revelation 21 describes the New Jerusalem, a city coming from God; Revelation 22 continues with further details about the City; read along with me Revelation 22:1-21….

V1-2: In this City in the skies, the New Jerusalem has a river…

- as clear as crystal

- it is the water of life

- flows from the throne of God and the Lamb

- it is in the middle of the great street of the city

v2: The Tree of Life is in the City……

- bears twelve crops of fruit every “month” (a regularity not necessarily time?)

- leaves are for healing of nations

v3-4: No more sin and curse. No darkness! God and people will have a perfect intimate relationship!

And so, we can again note that Eternal Heaven will be perfect in every way physical, spiritual, and relational!

These “last words” from God tells people, who are still alive (us), how perfect and beautiful eternal heaven will be like!

And what does God states in v6-10 about His Last Words to humans?

- The words are trustworthy and true! We can depend our lives on these words!

- The writings about the future is from the LORD, who is coming soon!

- Blessed are the people who “keeps” (trust) these words from God!

- Words are written to lead people to worship God!

These “last words” from God tells people, who are still alive (us), to know the future and to focus on worship of God!

And what are the final, final words of God in v11-21?

V11-13: Jesus Christ who is God is returning soon to earth to judge people in the decisions they have made in life.

Does this mean God has a "scale" to determine who's going to heaven depending on their good works versus bad?

The answer is in the next verses....

V14-16: Jesus restates the truth that only those who have faith in Christ (washed their robes) have the right to eternal life in the eternal city! Only those who have faith in Christ will go to heaven since their sins have been taken care of the the cross. All who loves and practices falsehood (not in accord with God’s Word and the Gospel of Christ) CANNOT enter the Holy Eternal City!

V17-21: Final words from Jesus Christ:

V17 – Everyone is called to believe in Christ and be in heaven! ALSO (did you notice? – look again at the second part of v17….) People who hears the Gospel should invite others to Christ!

V18-19: Anyone who adds or takes away words from God’s Word will be judged!

V20-21: The Holy Spirit and the apostle John affirms the Lord Jesus Christ to return soon to earth and grace (God’s free gift of eternal blessings) is with those who believe!

These “last words” from God tells people, who are still alive (us), to have faith only in Jesus Christ and only His word!

And so, we noted 3 main statements from God in His “last words” to people:

1. There is a heaven which is perfect, beautiful, and eternal!

2. The future is being with the Almighty God always and forever for Believers!

3. Have faith only in Jesus Christ and only with His word!

I trust that you believe all these truths from Jesus Christ! These truths are the final words to all of us till He returns and judges the living and the dead! And as we noted from Revelation 22:17, if we have heard the Gospel, we must share the Gospel and invite others!

And so, let us go back to the first question we noted: What would you like to say to the world in your last breath?