Unit: Revelation (Part 3)
Theme: Victory Won
Lesson Text: Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-7, 18-20
Supplemental Texts: Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Psalm 119:1-11; John 20:30-31; Revelation 1:3
Aim: Keep the words of this book.
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By Mark Scott
If there is anything that should cause us to give thanks this week it is that God has provided an eternal home for us. This home is the epitome of freedom and joy. It is kept by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5) and retained by our keeping his words (Revelation 22:7).
Once the smoke of God’s judgment had cleared and the enemies of God had been destroyed (chapters 18-20), John found himself in a whole new world. This world is the ultimate motivation for God’s people suffering on earth in the here and now.
Free to Enjoy a New Home (21:1-8)
John pushed language to the breaking point to describe what he saw next. He saw a new heaven and a new earth. The word for “new” is a word that means “qualitatively new” (not just new in time). The world that John saw had resemblances to the first heaven and first earth, but it would be like the Garden of Eden on steroids. The fact that John no longer saw any sea means that all the evil forces are gone. There is plenty of water in Heaven (22:2), but the source of evil (13:1) is gone.
Next John saw the Holy City, which was identified as the new Jerusalem coming down from Heaven. Inside this new Heaven was a city. Life started in a garden (Genesis 1-2) and ends in a city (albeit a city with garden-like elements). The city looked like a bride (think back to 19:9) beautifully dressed for her husband. This city is beautiful (v. 2), it is filled with God’s presence (v. 3), and it is a place of no sorrow (v. 4). And evidently this city is not just a reboot of a fallen Eden; it is totally new (v. 5).
This new home is filled with Jesus and his kids (vv. 6-7) and not filled with any evil influences (eight of them are mentioned) since those are totally gone (v. 8). Note that cowardly heads the list. The total plan of God is done/finished (cf. John 19:30). Jesus is the beginning and the end. He’s the only one who can give water to the thirsty (John 4:14; 7:37-39; Isaiah 55:1). This new Heaven and earth is described and measured in 21:9-27.
Free to Experience Health and Light (22:1-5)
Everything in the original Garden of Eden was healthy and good (Genesis 1:31). Before there was sun, moon, and stars, there was light (Genesis 1:3). Health and light will be abundant in the new Heaven and earth. John saw the river of the water of life. It was pure and clean. It flowed from the presence of God and down the middle of the street in this city. The tree of life was on both sides of the river (meaning life was everywhere). The trees that grow alongside of the river produce crops—get this—every month. These leaves bring healing to the restored universe. This is quite a place. The curse of sin is forever gone. God and Christ are there (“Jesus will be what makes it Heaven for me”). God’s people will be there to serve God. They will wear his mark and experience no more night. God will be their light.
Free to Keep the Words of God (22:6-7, 18-20)
While God is the most significant being in Heaven, others will be there and contribute to this marvelous city. God’s people will be there praising him and serving him. Just like people who cast a vote in their own salvation, they also cast a vote on continuing to make Heaven the real Heaven that it is. There will be no mutiny. God’s people will keep God’s word—unlike what happened in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).
God’s words are trustworthy and true and so must be the words of God’s people. John reminded his readers that they should hold on because Jesus was coming soon. Another beatitude is pronounced on the ones who would keep (guard, keep an eye on, watch) the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.
Before the final verses of the book, John is encouraged to “Worship God” once again, seal up the document, and make sure everyone washes their robe so as to have access to the tree of life. There is a two-fold ending to the book of Revelation. First, keep the word—do not add or detract from the prophecy. Second, be ready for his coming. In fact, more than that, pray for it and long for it. The final word of the Bible is, Come.
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