Revelation (Part 4)

By Mary Jane Chaignot

The previous chapters ended with several groups lamenting the fall of Babylon. Lest anyone think this was unduly harsh, John is immediately reminded that God's judgments are true and just. The heavenly multitude is called to celebrate – singing "hallelujah." This refrain relates back to several Psalms that are connected to the exodus. Mostly, it is a joyful cry, one that is shared by both humans and heavenly beings. It is a very appropriate response to God's final victory over evil. Using the image of a wedding celebration only adds to the festive mood. This is where we also begin to hear about the great messianic banquet. All the saints are invited to partake of the wedding supper of the Lamb. This celebration, however, will be offset by another banquet involving the sinners. In this case, it will be the "carrion birds" who will be feasting -- on the sinners, the armies of the beast.

The forces of heaven are led by the "rider on the white horse". The description of this rider indicates it is the conquering Christ, the warrior Messiah, but he is arrayed much like a Roman general. It suggests that regardless of the battle that awaits, the outcome has already been decided. And even though the armies gathered for the final battle back in chapter 16, the actual confrontation happens here. Yet, there is no battle. The armies gather and are simply "defeated"; the beast and his cohorts are "seized." They are thrown alive into the lake of fire, along with all their followers. This happens because the rider on the white horse opened his mouth and out came a sharp sword. It was over before it ever got started.

With Satan restrained, the martyrs on earth will rise and reign with Christ for 1000 years, a millennium. This concept has been the occasion of much discussion and controversy. Scholars don't agree on what it means. The idea seems to be that for a time Christ will rule on earth in a sort of interim kingdom. This is an earthly kingdom with earthly rulers. It is not the final, spiritual kingdom that will be installed later. The concept of an "interim" kingdom was not new to John, but was part of his tradition. The thinking was as follows: Ultimately, this world needs to be redeemed. Life should be as God intended from the beginning of creation. Others, however, felt this world was too corrupt to be saved. Everything would have to be destroyed and then God's kingdom would break in from beyond. By the time of John, these two concepts had blended together, leading him to incorporate both concepts. First, there would be redemption for this world in which Christ and the saints would reign (for 1000 years). That would be followed by a final judgment and a transcendent new reality that would be eternal. Modern scholars refer to these positions as either pre-, a-, or post-millennialism (see DYK).

After the 1000 years have passed, Satan will be released and he will go out again to deceive the nations. He will try one more time to defeat the saints, but, as before, he will not succeed. In this instance, fire will come down from heaven and consume him and his followers. With evil out of the way, the scene changes to the "one who sits on the great white throne". It is time for the final judgment. All of creation has vanished. Yet the dead are raised and all will stand before the throne, awaiting their final destiny. Books are opened, where apparently all their deeds are recorded. If their name is not written in the book of life, they will be thrown into the lake of fire.

This brings us to the "new heaven and the new earth", for the old ones have passed away. This is the moment we have been anticipating. All sin and evil have been eradicated; God's plan, His original purpose for His good creation, can now come to pass. With no further ado, the new city, the Holy City, descends out of the heavens. A voice from the throne confirms its significance and affirms that God will be with His people as their God and He will dwell with them. They will never again experience death or sorrow or pain. All things will be made new. As John tries to find words to describe this vision, he compares it to fine gemstones. His description of its foundations and gates and "foursquare" dimensions mimics what scholars know about the ancient city of Babylon. If this is the case, then it is another subtle way of inviting people to choose which empire/city they want to align themselves with – that of the beast's or Christ's.

Words are also inadequate to describe conditions within the city. There will be no need for a temple since God is its temple. The entire city will be like the Holy of Holies. God will never again be separated from His people. There will be no need for lights since God's glory will provide all the light that is needed. There will be no need to shut the gates because there will never be night. If the gates are always open, it is also a way of indicating that people can enter at any time. But they must always remember that this is a Holy City, so nothing unclean will be allowed inside.

The city is also described in ways that evoke images of the Garden of Eden. Like the garden, this city has a river running through it and trees of life that will endlessly produce fruit. The "leaves of the trees" will be for the "healing of the nations".

The final chapter of the book mostly summarizes what has already been said. Remembering that this whole book has been addressed to the seven churches, scholars think this provides a transition back to the "here and now". It allows John to repeat his warning to his audience to worship God and to be "alert". All these events that he has shared with them will happen "soon". He was told not to "seal" these words, indicating they should be kept available to everyone. People who hear these words should heed them and obey God's commands. Nothing should be added to them or subtracted from them. The end is near.

Obviously, this book poses many problems for modern readers. Some will take it literally; others believe John was speaking to his first century audience and most of these events simply didn't happen. A lot depends on how one thinks about prophecy and whether or not it is an accurate predictor of future events. (These are not the only prophetic words that remain unfulfilled in biblical texts.) Nonetheless, John used his prophetic mantle to warn against idolatry and to encourage those who were facing persecution. His visions of the future encompassed all of creation; we aren't dealing with individualized issues. Things will be right with the world when all people are faithful, when all people are at peace, when justice works for all people. Then God's plan will be complete.

There are multiple ways to divide these chapters. We will choose the following eight: 19:1-10 – Hallelujah Chorus; 19:6-21 – Final Victory – End of the Evil Empire; Parousia has arrived; 20:1-10 – The Millennium, the Thousand-Year Reign of Christ; 20:11-15 – Great White Throne Judgment; 21:1-22:5 – New Heaven and New Earth; 21:9-27 – The Holy of Holies – New Jerusalem; 22:1-5 – The New City as Final Eden; 22:6-21 – Epilogue.

I -- 19:1-10 – Hallelujah Chorus

At the beginning of God's judgment, the saints were told to rejoice Their rejoicing now becomes a series of "hallelujah" choruses

  • 19:1-3
    • Hymns of praise
    • John hears another loud voice – this one is of praise
    • It's of the great multitude in heaven
    • They could be celestial beings or the saints that have been avenged
    • God's judgment is true because it is based on covenantal loyalty
    • It is just because it is based on His holy character
    • Babylon deserved to be destroyed because of her evil deeds
    • The prostitute deserved destruction because she corrupted the earth
    • In corrupting it, she also destroyed it and is now paying the price
    • Finally, God has listened to the cries of the saints for "vengeance"
    • The enemies' torment will last forever and ever
  • 19:4
    • Praise by Elders and living creatures
    • These are the celestial leaders and they all fall down and worship
    • Falling down is the more serious form of worship – not just raised hands
    • They affirm the hymns already sung
    • Amen, Hallelujah – Ps 106:47
  • 19:5
    • Voice from throne calls Saints to Praise
    • These saints are on earth
    • Praise our God – who is speaking -- Christ?
    • Qualities are "slaves, and fear of God"
    • Fearing God is all about respect for His judgment and mercy and His holiness
    • There is no status here, all are alike

II -- 19:6-21 – The Final Victory – the Evil Empire Ends, Parousia Has Arrived

  • 19:6-8
    • Voice of the great multitude
    • This is the voice of many waters and great thunders (Ezek 43:2)
    • This new song can only be sung by the faithful
    • It celebrates their marriage to the Lamb
    • "Lord God Almighty" signifies omnipotence and sovereignty
    • God is taking His power and will finally reign
    • People are called to rejoice and be glad -- give glory to God
    • The reason for their joy is that the wedding of the Lamb has come
    • Since the wedding day is here, bride has prepared herself
    • Way to prepare is to remain faithful, enduring hardships, obeying God
    • God gives this bride clothes to wear – fine linen, bright, pure
    • The fine linen refers to the righteous deeds of the saints 
  • 19:9-10
    • Command to write
    • Four times John is told to write (1:11; 14:13; 21:5)
    • Believers are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb – the messianic feast
    • The Saints are both the bride and the guests!
    • God is still the actor, giving the garments, calling the guests
    • An angel says these are the true words of God
    • John's response is to fall on his knees – to an angel
    • Angel rebukes him – I am a slave like you
    • John and everyone else is to worship Jesus
    • Jesus is the "spirit of prophecy" – the heart of prophecy
    • Or the heart of spirit-inspiring prophecy, or Spirit-inspired prophecy
    • Probably this last one; the Spirit inspires them just like the prophets 
  • 19:11-16
  • Conquering Christ arrives with Armies of Heaven
  • This is a description of a rider on white horse, and his actions
  • There are many parallels with Roman army – white horse, diadem, title, army, victory
  • All these images would indicate the only possible outcome – victory 
    • 19:11-13 
      • Rider on a White Horse
      • Heavens open – God is about to act in a decisive way
      • White horse, not a symbol of purity – warrior
      • Seven descriptions – "Faithful and true"
      • Model for followers – stay faithful in hostile world
      • "Warrior Messiah" – God's righteous judgments will be based on God's standards
      • "Eyes are like raging fire" – penetrating vision
      • "Has many diadems on his head" – the victor's wreath or ruler's crown
      • "A name written that no one else knows" – new level of meaning
      • This is a title reserved for eternity; we don't know this one yet
      • It will be written on Christ; he will write it on us
      • "Clothed in a garment dipped in blood" -- whose blood? military image?
      • "Name is called 'Word of God'"
      • Jesus speaks for God; Jesus' message is from God
      • Here, he proclaims the judgment he is about to carry out
    • 19:14-16 
      • Actions of rider on horse
      • Armies in heaven follow him – angels and the saints
      • All are dressed in white linen (Roman General wore white linen)
      • Out of his mouth will come a sword – symbol of Roman authority
      • The message here is that only Christ has final authority
      • Messiah will rule with iron scepter – shepherd's club that kills sheep's enemies
      • "Shepherding" here is not the care of sheep, but destruction of their enemies
      • He will trample the winepress – the furious wrath of God Almighty
      • His name is written on His garment at His thigh
      • The spot would be conspicuous for mounted warrior
      • Therefore, it is not Caesar, but Christ who is sovereign over all 
  • 19:17-18
    • Invitation to carrion birds to attend banquet
    • Message shows the outcome of battle before it starts
    • Angel invites the birds to a different messianic banquet
    • The two are going on simultaneously – supper with Lamb, or the birds'
    • Sinners will be the meal for the birds
    • Their courses will consist of the kings, generals, etc.
  • 19:19-21
    • Battle and its aftermath
    • The false trinity has been working on this battle since 16:13-16
    • Yet, there is no battle; when sword comes out, the battle is immediately over
    • The beast and false prophet are captured; the army is destroyed
    • They are thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur
    • These folks are not dead; they are aware of their punishment 
    • Whole army is destroyed – what a feast for the birds!

III -- 20:1-10 – The Millennium, the Thousand-Year Reign of Christ

Premillennialism -- Christ returns, destroys evil forces, reigns for 1000 years

Amillennialism – Christ is already reigning

PostMillennialism – 1000 years will be triumph of Gospel, then Christ comes

  • 20:1-3
    • Binding of Satan
    • Abyss is prison house of demons
    • Angel let him out; angel will lock him in
    • Angel just grabs him with all his aliases
    • Ancient serpent – introduced chaos and sin into the world
    • Devil or Satan (Adversary) – accuses God's people
    • Satan will be bound 1000 years – indefinite but perfect period of time
    • He will no longer be able to deceive the nations
    • (Were they not all destroyed already? – no, just the armies) 
  • 20:4-6
    • 1000 Year reign of the Saints
    • Who is sitting on the thrones? – 24 elders? Martyrs? All the saints?
    • The "overcomers" – saints and martyrs
    • God "gives" them judgment
    • Martyrs had been "beheaded", refused to worship beast, did not have his mark
    • They come to life and reign with Christ 1000 years
    • This is the first resurrection
    • Three characteristics of those who experience first resurrection
    • Second death has no power over them
    • They will be priests of God and of Christ
    • They will reign 1000 years
  • 20:7-10
    • Release of Satan and Final Battle
    • After 1000 years, Satan is released from the abyss (prison)
    • This is one final chance for unbelievers
    • They've had 1000 years of peaceful reign
    • As soon as Satan is released, they are ready to follow him once again
    • Satan immediately goes out to deceive the nations and make ready for war
    • Nations are gathered from 4 corners of the world – they come from all over
    • The number of his army is like the "sand of the sea"
    • Gog and Magog
    • Gog (King of the northern lands – Ezek 38-39)
    • Magog – land of Gog
    • Prophecy looks to the ancient land of Gog whose king will invade
    • God is still in control, allows this to happen so that the nations will know that He is God
    • This is an eschatological war
    • Previous battles were led by the beast; this one is led by Satan
    • Gog and Magog – includes the whole rest of the world
    • This is a second battle, not a repetition of the first
    • This satanic army surrounds the saints and lays siege to them
    • Here Jerusalem is God's beloved city – it is the capital of Christ's kingdom
    • People are asked to trust at this point
    • Satanic force comes to do battle, but there is no battle Fire comes down from heaven and consumes them
    • Now Satan is thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur
    • So we have the beast, the false prophet, and the devil in this lake
    • They comprised the false trinity Here, they will be tormented day and night forever
    • They will have eternal, conscious punishment

IV -- 20:11-15 – Judgment from the Great White Throne

  • 20:11-15
    • The image is of God on His great white throne – symbol of purity and holiness
    • Earth and sky "fled from his face" – there is no place for them anymore
    • All people -- the saved and unsaved are standing here
    • Book is opened
    • Believers are saved by grace, judged by works
    • The righteous will be delivered and have everlasting life
    • Those whose names are in the book are citizens of heaven and God's people
      • 20:13-15
        • Judgment of the Sinners
        • Those who are judged to be evil get thrown into the lake of fire, too
        • Death and Hades get thrown in as well
        • The second death is not a physical death
        • It is ongoing conscious punishment
        • All the sinners get cast into the lake of fire
        • Earthdwellers have constantly rejected God's call to repentance
        • Both the saved and the unsaved have responded to Christ
        • Both have received their final destiny

V -- 21:1-22:5 – The New Heaven and the New Earth

  • 21:1-22:5
    • This is the culmination, not just of Revelation, but of whole Bible
    • Humankind has been fallen since Genesis -- the story of Adam and Eve
    • This is the moment when sin is over, and God's original purpose comes to fruition
    • "The New Heaven and New Earth" has always been the goal of creation
    • This section is connected to letter to the seven churches,
    • Many of those promises now are fulfilled
    • The new world stands in direct contrast to the problems mentioned there
    • People had always hoped for perfection, but those hopes were rendered impossible due to sin
    • Now it is no longer part of the equation
    • Those whose names were not written into the book of life have been cast into the lake of fire
    • Those whose names were written become the "bride of Christ" and live in the New Jerusalem
    • Forever those people will dwell in the presence of God
    • They will live in a new city, in community
    • Chapter splits into two directions: Holy City is like the Holy of Holies; Holy City is like a new Eden
    • Both of these happen in the context of earth
    • People and prophets have prepared for this moment from the beginning
      • 21:1-8
        • Coming of New Heaven and New Earth
        • Transition between earth and heaven
          • 21:1-2 
            • Basic Vision
            • New Heaven and New Earth were promised by Isa 65:17, 66:22
            • This builds on having another creation sequence
            • If Adam and Eve had not sinned, the first creation would have been sufficient
            • This is essentially a whole new reality with the elimination of all the old problems
            • Some think this means the old has to be destroyed; others think the old will be transformed
            • Scholars, of course, do not know what actual form this will take
            • Most think this is all spiritual, nothing material in it
            • Essentially, heaven will be on earth – one new reality
            • "Sea will be no more" – Sea stands for death and
            • Hades, place of judgment
            • They will not exist anymore
            • The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, will descend from heaven
            • The restored city will have 12 gates, representing the 12 tribes
            • When the New Jerusalem comes, God will dwell forever with His people
            • Earth and heaven will be one, united forever
            • "Heavenly temple" – will be in city form and is the eternal home of the saints
            • It is all joy and beauty
            • Like a bride adorned for her husband
            • Though jewels are mentioned, she will be clothed with righteous deeds and garments of salvation
            • Some think this is a metaphor for the saints themselves
            • The New Jerusalem is not a place, but the new state of the people themselves
            • Think of all this in contrast to the destruction of evil
            • Babylon – both a people and a city
            • So is the New Jerusalem – both a people and a city
          • 21:3-4 
            • Loud voice from Throne – possibly an angel's voice
            • Its purpose is to explain the significance of all this
            • This goes back to God's covenant with His people – now it is fulfilled
            • God had promised to be with them; now He is with them
            • "People" is plural here, representing all the people of the world
            • All racial, ethnic distinctions will disappear – truly will be "one" people
            • People will actually live with God
            • The benefits to God's people will include peace and joy
            • There will be no more tears – no suffering, regret, death
            • All the sources of sorrow will be removed – death, pain
            • This means that "the former things have passed away"
            • While they had a place in the old world, they have no place in the new one
          • 21:5-6 
            • God speaks, describes this new order
            • God says, "See I am doing a new thing"
            • This is a new creation – not sure whether old is destroyed or transformed
            • John is again told to "write" – these words are true and faithful
            • This is meant to encourage; words are trustworthy
            • Events are "over" -- all the events of world history are at an end
            • God is "Alpha and Omega" – the beginning and the end
            • God is the sole origin and goal of everything
            • God is sovereign over history
            • For those listening to these words, it would indicate God is also in charge now
          • 21:7-8
            • Challenge to Overcome
            • Choice to make: Overcomer (conqueror) or coward
            • "Overcomers" are those who are victorious over the world
            • These are the ones that the beast killed – in so doing, they were victorious
            • This is the climax of the seven letters – they get it all
            • Mostly what they get is being with God
            • This is adoption language
            • On the other hand, sinners will be cast into lake of fire
            • List of sins follows typical vice code
            • "Cowards" could refer to those Christians who succumbed to worldly allures
            • The idea is that everyone has a choice to make
            • A lot depends on how they make it – eternal life, or eternal damnationGod is also in control of the future 

VI -- 21:9-27 – The Holy of Holies – New Jerusalem

Now the New Jerusalem is described in great detail

Scholars say this actually describes historical Babylon

Readers are again given a choice – told to choose carefully

  • 21:9-10
    • One of the seven angels shows John the vision
    • Angel is his heavenly guide
    • This builds on the OT images of being the bride of Yahweh
    • The implication is that now the bride and Christ will be together forever
    • This time he is taken to a high mountain – places of revelations
    • He sees the New Jerusalem descending – this is God's initiative
    • Believers have done nothing to merit this
  • 21:11-21
    • Description of holy city
      • 21:11 
        • It is beautiful
        • It contains the glory of God – refers again to the Shekinah, God's presence
        • Here it is referred to as "light", radiance, brilliance
        • It looks like a precious stone (jasper) that shines like crystal
      • 21:12-14 
        • Description of gates and its foundation
        • It has a great high wall – walls were important for security reasons
        • Here there is no longer any enemy (will soon find out that this wall is also made of jasper) 
        • It, too, reflects the glory of God
        • It is so high because God's glory is so great
        • There are 12 gates, the names of the twelve tribes were written on the gates
        • The idea is that these gates are a portal for everyone to come through
        • This builds on the idea of 144,000 – everyone can come in
        • There are 12 angels over these gates
        • Function not as guards but as representatives of God's new relationship with people
        • There are also 12 foundations
        • Foundations were built of stones, chosen for beauty and strength
        • The twelve foundations are inscribed with names of 12 apostles
        • Combination of tribes and apostles is sometimes seen as the blending of Israel and the church
        • People of Israel and the church have equal access to God
      • 21:15-17 
        • Measurements of the city
        • Here, an angel is measuring and he's using a gold rod
        • Generally, measuring reeds were 10'4"
        • Only the city and the walls would be measured
        • When things are measured in OT, it signifies God's ownership and protection
        • The city is laid out "foursquare"; yet it is a perfect cube
        • This mimics the Holy of Holies, which was 20 cubits each direction
        • This city is 12,000 stadia, depending on which measurement is used a stadia could be 600-638 feet
        • The city, then, measures as a perfect cube 1,416-1,566 miles in each direction
        • Rounding off, if 1,500 is used, the city would be about 3,375,000,000 cubic miles
        • In 14:20 1600 stadia represented the length of Palestine
        • Here, 12,000 stadia represents the length of the Roman Empire
        • The number is, of course, symbolic, but it represents the known world
        • This city can hold every nation, tribe, people
        • Then the angel measured the wall – 144 cubits thick
        • The purpose of this wall is not to keep people out, but to be beautiful
      • 21:18-21 – The Twelve Jewels
        • This city is constructed of precious jewels and gold and pearls
        • It indicates the grandeur and majesty of it
        • How can you use human words to describe something so magnificent
        • Walls were constructed of jasper – one of the most brilliant jewels
        • City is constructed of pure gold like clear glass
        • Sometimes we hear of things overlaid with gold; this is solid
        • And generally gold is not "clear as glass"; obviously this is special gold
        • Foundation stones are 12 precious jewels
        • Some see reverse of Zodiac in ancient Egyptian and Arabic lists
        • It would be to disavow any pagan roots
        • 8 of these are on the breastplate of the high priest
        • It would emphasize the priestly nature of the church
        • Most likely, just another way of talking about the indescribable glory of God
        • The New Jerusalem will be beyond precious
        • While the foundation is comprised of precious stones, each gate is one giant pearl
        • Since the walls are 144 cubits, each gate probably is too
        • Each pearl, then, would be 250 feet in diameter
        • These gates represent the 12 tribes, so it would say how important they are
        • The entire street is constructed of "pure gold like transparent glass"
        • The very street, then, radiates the glory of God
  • 21:22-27
    • Life in the New City This is done through use of negatives – what is not needed in the city
      • 21:22 
        • No need for Temple
        • Judaism generally expected the temple to be the center of the city T
        • he point of the whole temple, though, was a place for God to reside
        • Here, God will reside in the city – therefore, there is no need for a temple
        • The entire city is a holy of Holies
        • The city signifies God's community; the temple is no longer needed
        • Here, God fills the city; He is dwelling among the people
        • He is the temple, as is the Lamb
        • Now the Lamb takes his place alongside God as the temple of the New Jerusalem
      • 21:23-24 
        • No need for the sun or the moon
        • No light is needed for the glory of God provides the light
        • This light is so bright that the nations will walk by its light
        • People will come from far and near to be in this light
        • The only point here is to convert and worship
        • It is interesting that it is the "kings of the earth" who will be coming
        • These are the people who followed the beast and were cast into the lake of fire
        • Even some of these people must have repented
      • 21:25-26
        • No need to close the gates
        • Gates were closed at night to keep unwanted visitors out and the people inside safe
        • Since all evil has been destroyed, there is no need to shut the gates
        • "By day" probably means "ever"
        • This not only means anyone can enter, but they can do so at any time
        • Therefore, nations can enter freely and will bring their glory and honour into the city
        • Glory and honour are catchwords for fame and reputation
        • So these people have also come to worship God
        • Whatever glory and honour they had in the world was handed over to God
      • 21:27
        • There will be nothing unclean or shameful
        • This is to be a pure and sacred space
        • Things unclean would refer again to evil, unclean spirits
        • These are the things that were part of the beast's world
        • All things unclean would be an abomination to God and would offend His holiness
        • Also, those who practice abominations would not be allowed to enter in
        • The idea here is one of holiness
        • Lastly, those who lie would never have a part in the New Jerusalem
        • Liars would include those who say the right words, but don't put them into practice
        • It would also include those who were not saved
        • Those whose names are written in the Book of Life are able to enter the Holy City
        • This book contains the names of the true believers and is kept in heaven

VII -- 22:1-5 – The New City as Final Eden

God's reason for providing the first Eden was to have a "garden of delight" Adam and Eve were supposed to enjoy it and take care of it

  • 22:1-2 
    • The River of Life
    • In Gen 2:10 a river flowed from Eden to water the garden
    • Here, it flows out from the throne
    • This water is bright as crystal – a reference to glory of God in Eden as well
    • The image is symbolic of God's holiness, purity, and glory
    • Since this water is flowing from God's throne, it means
    • God is its source
    • God and the Lamb are one, so the water comes from both of them
    • These two reign together
    • This great river of life is flowing right down the middle of the street
    • On each side are trees of life producing their fruit
    • Image is one of abundance
  • 22:2 
    • Tree of Life
    • The word for tree is singular; does this mean only one tree?
    • Most see it as a collective singular – many trees all bearing fruit
    • They bear fruit every month
    • There will be no seasons in Eden; fruit will always be available
    • This goes along with not having any more sorrow or pain – or hunger!
    • The tree of life not only provides food, but its leaves are for healing the nations
    • This most likely refers to what has already happened and includes both physical and spiritual healing
  • 22:3a 
    • There will be no curse
    • This could refer to the curse upon Adam and Eve
    • It could also refer to curse placed on humans as the result of sin
    • In OT, curse usually referred to judgment of destruction pronounced on nations
    • Here, it probably refers to those who have entered the Holy City
    • No security problems in this city – it is totally safe
  • 22:3b-4 
    • They will have a new relationship with God and the Lamb
    • These new aspects of city life have all been made possible by God's being in control
    • Since God is right there, it makes sense that people would worship Him all day long
    • There is the whole idea of priestly worship going on all the time
    • The people who are left will fulfill God's original plan for humankind in Eden
    • They will also see God's face
    • In seeing God they will also understand what God is and be in a right relationship with Him
    • His name will also be on their foreheads
    • Bearing someone's name reflects ownership, status, and protection
    • These people truly "belong to God"
    • They will have a new name, a name given by God
  • 22:5
    • Conclusion
    • This sums up everything that's been described
    • All the bad effects of sin will be gone – night, shut gates, impurity, shame, lies
    • The people who live in this city will experience a whole new world
    • In this wonderful place, they will reign forever and ever
    • But it will be a special kind of reigning because there is no need for judgment
    • They will simply participate in the rule of Christ over the kingdom

VIII -- 22:6-21 – Epilogue

In this last section, there are various speakers speaking on various topics

Most scholars think there are three speakers – God, Jesus, and John

Their comments are basically of two types

These words are true and they will come to pass soon

  • 22:6-7
    • The book is true
    • These divine revelations can be trusted because they are true
    • They have been revealed by God and Jesus
    • "Spirits of the prophets" – natural faculties of prophets, raised and quickened by the Holy Spirit; the prophetic spirit by which each of them speaks
    • God has revealed these things to John – this is all divine revelation
    • This is "what must soon take place"
    • The fact that 2000 years have passed since these promises doesn't change that at all
    • God's plan is complete; it is certain; we must be faithful
    • John's point was that the situation was urgent and believers should rise to the occasion
    • Christ speaks in 22:7 – I am coming soon
    • This is followed by another beatitude
    • All Christians are blessed if they keep the words of this book
    • They must be ready at all times for Christ's return
    • Being ready means to live ethically and spiritually
    • The whole point of this is to walk worthily until he returns
  • 22:8-11
    • Words of the angel Three sayings: worship God, end will be soon, stay faithful
      • 22:8-9 
        • Worship God
        • This is another parallel to 19:10 when John fell at the feet of the angel
        • In both cases, he was told not to do that
        • John has "seen" and "heard" these things – two aspects of revelation
        • It authenticates them even more
        • Angel identifies self as "fellow slave" with John, not to be worshiped
        • Provides an inclusio on the events of the eschaton
        • This highlights the power of God and the obedience of the angel that carries it out
      • 22:10
        • Do not seal the words of this prophecy
        • Revelation means "unveiling", unsealing
        • These words should be made available to everyone
        • This is the time for full disclosure
        • The reason, of course, is that the end is near
        • People should keep these words for the time that is left
      • 22:11 
        • People can choose how to act
        • After all that has happened, there are still good and evil people in the world
        • Angel commands them to continue their evil ways – they should think about what they are doing
        • On the other hand, there may be no more opportunities for repentance
        • Things will happen so fast, people will not have time to think
        • Some think this means that people will have no effect on God's plans
        • They can be evil or good, God's plan is set
        • "Wicked" and "filthy" sum up all the evils from earlier
      • 21:8; 22:15
        • The unsaved are those who have no regard for God's commands
        • Believers should simply speak the truth and let God do His work
        • Instead of working on the evil, they should encourage each other
        • Their lives should be filled with righteous deeds and they should be "holy"
  • 22:12-19
    • Sayings of Christ
    • Emphasis here is on right living
      • 22:12 
        • Christ's return is imminent
        • So people best be ready at all times
        • Christ will bring his "reward" with him
        • In Revelation, their "reward" is eternal recompense
        • They will dwell with God and Christ forever while others will be judged
        • Each will be repaid on the basis of his work – whether for good or bad
        • This is a combination of ethical responsibility and eschatological consequences
        • "Saved by grace and judged by works"
      • 22:13 
        • The Alpha and Omega
        • Christ and God were called first and last at beginning and now at the end of book (1:8; 1:17 … 21:6; 22:13)
        • This means both God and Christ are sovereign, in control of history – past, present, future
        • There is no separation between God and Christ any more
      • 22:14-15
        • Blessings and warnings to saved and unsaved
        • Last beatitude of the book
        • This is reserved for those who are faithful
        • Those who remain true will participate in the resurrection to eternal life
        • These people are the ones "washing their robes", keeping them white
        • They are given "authority" over the tree of life – they have eternal life
        • The picture is one of total peace and security
        • For those not faithful, punishment awaits them
        • They cannot enter the holy community and must remain outside – Gehenna
        • List of six vices – five have already been mentioned in 21:8
        • These people will be in the lake of fire
        • Sinners are "dogs" – used derisively of fools; those who resist God's will
        • List again ends with "liars" – there is no place for lying in the great city
      • 22:16 
        • Jesus sent this revelation
        • Jesus claims to have sent the angel
        • This again expresses the unity between Christ and God
        • He is the root and offspring of David -- a military image
        • He is the morning star – reference to his glory
      • 22:17 
        • Spirit and bride urge people to "come"
        • Do they want to drink from the water of life?
        • Again, the motif is one of decision and choice
      • 22:18-19 
      • Nothing should be added or subtracted from these words
      • False teachers cannot distort the message
      • This book must be interpreted as God intended
      • (Though scholars disagree on just what that was)
      • People cannot use these words for their own ends
  • 22:20
    • Jesus repeats that he will come soon
    • To which the church replies, "Amen, yes come" 
  • 22:21
    • Benediction
    • "May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all readers"

The final words in the book serve as a benediction. They call for grace for the listeners, enabling them to do what is required according to these words. There is no doubt that John's audience was in a difficult situation, and according to him, things would be getting worse. This book acknowledges what they are facing and invites them to trust in God's purpose as a way of resolving their dilemma. The final words, then, (and not just for Revelation but for the whole Bible) point to the fulfillment of God's plan. Jesus' role is central in this, but readers also have a charge. They can choose to worship God/good or the beast/evil; they can choose to be faithful or not; they can choose to practice these words or not. If they choose to follow, they will need grace. The last words in the Bible, then, acknowledge our need for grace.

Bibliography

Aune, David, E. "Revelation." Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas, TX: Word Books, 1997.

Barclay, William. "Revelation." Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press. 1975.

Boring, M. Eugene. "Revelation." Interpretation. Louisville, KY: John Knox Press. 1989.

Gaebelein, Frank. "Revelation." Expositor's Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing. 1985.

Keck, Leander. "Revelation." New Interpreter's Bible. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press. 1995.

Osborne, Grant. "Revelation." Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 2002.

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