The River of Life and the Tree of Life
Revelation 22:1-2 describes a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yields its fruit every month, and its leaves are for the healing of the nations.

The Absence of the Curse
Verse 3 states, No longer will there be any curse. This signifies the complete removal of sin and its effects, restoring perfect fellowship with God.

The Presence of God
In verse 4, we read, They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. This indicates an intimate and direct relationship with God, where believers will experience His presence eternally.

The Eternal Reign
Verse 5 promises, And they will reign forever and ever. This highlights the eternal nature of the believers' reign with Christ, emphasizing the permanence of God's kingdom.

The Certainty of Christ's Return
Verses 7, 12, and 20 emphasize the imminence of Christ's return, with the repeated assurance, Behold, I am coming soon.Live with Hope
The vision of the new heaven and new earth should inspire us to live with hope and anticipation, knowing that our future is secure in Christ.

Pursue Holiness
As we await Christ's return, let us strive to live holy and blameless lives, reflecting the purity and righteousness of the new creation.

Share the Gospel
The promise of eternal life should motivate us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, inviting them to partake in the blessings of God's kingdom.

Worship God
The presence of God in the new creation calls us to a life of worship, both now and in eternity, as we respond to His grace and glory.1. The Angel
The angel is a messenger who shows John the visions of the New Jerusalem and the river of the water of life. The Greek word for angel, "ἄγγελος" (angelos), means "messenger."

2. The Lord God
Referred to as the one who gives light and reigns forever and ever. The term "Lord God" emphasizes His sovereignty and divine authority.

3. Jesus
Jesus identifies Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. He is the central figure of the chapter, offering the promise of His return. The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation."

4. John
The apostle John is the author of Revelation, receiving and recording the visions. He is instructed by the angel and responds to the revelations.

5. The Prophets
Mentioned as those whose words are trustworthy and true, emphasizing the continuity and fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

6. The Saints
Referred to as those who wash their robes, granting them the right to the tree of life and entry into the city. The term "saints" comes from the Greek "ἅγιοι" (hagioi), meaning "holy ones."

7. The Spirit
The Holy Spirit is involved in the invitation to come and take the water of life freely. The Greek word "πνεῦμα" (pneuma) is used for spirit, indicating breath or wind, symbolizing life and presence.

8. The Bride
The Bride, representing the Church, joins the Spirit in inviting others to come. The imagery of the Bride is rooted in the Greek "νύμφη" (nymphē), symbolizing purity and union with Christ.1. The River of the Water of Life
Description: This river is described as "clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb" (Revelation 22:1). It symbolizes the life-giving presence of God, reminiscent of the rivers in Eden (Genesis 2:10) and Ezekiel's vision of a life-giving river (Ezekiel 47:1-12). The Greek word for "river" (ποταμός, potamos) emphasizes a continuous flow, indicating the perpetual sustenance provided by God.

2. The Tree of Life
Description: Located on either side of the river, the Tree of Life bears "twelve kinds of fruit, yielding a fresh crop for each month" (Revelation 22:2). This tree represents eternal life and healing, echoing the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). The Greek term for "life" (ζωή, zōē) underscores the divine quality of life that God imparts to His people.

3. The Throne of God and of the Lamb
Description: The throne is the central place of authority and worship in the New Jerusalem, from which the river flows (Revelation 22:1, 3). It signifies the reign of God and Christ (the Lamb) over the new creation. The Greek word for "throne" (θρόνος, thronos) conveys the idea of sovereign rule and judgment.1. The River of the Water of Life
Revelation 22:1 - "Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb."
This verse describes a pure river symbolizing eternal life, originating from the divine throne, emphasizing the source of life as God and the Lamb (Jesus Christ).

2. The Tree of Life
Revelation 22:2 - "down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."
The tree of life, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, signifies perpetual sustenance and healing, with its twelve fruits representing completeness and abundance.

3. The Absence of the Curse
Revelation 22:3 - "No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him."
The removal of the curse signifies the restoration of creation, with God's presence among His people, highlighting eternal worship and service.

4. Seeing God's Face
Revelation 22:4 - "They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads."
This event signifies intimate fellowship with God, where believers will have direct access to Him, marked by His name as a sign of belonging and identity.

5. Eternal Light and Reign
Revelation 22:5 - "There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever."
The absence of night symbolizes the end of darkness and evil, with God's eternal light providing illumination and believers reigning with Him perpetually.

6. The Angel's Assurance
Revelation 22:6 - "Then the angel said to me, 'These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.'"
The angel confirms the reliability of the prophecy, emphasizing its divine origin and the imminence of the events described.

7. The Imminent Return of Christ
Revelation 22:7 - "'Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of prophecy in this book.'"
Jesus declares His imminent return, blessing those who adhere to the prophetic words, underscoring the urgency and importance of readiness.

8. John's Worship and the Angel's Rebuke
Revelation 22:8-9 - "And I am John, who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. But he said to me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!'"
John mistakenly attempts to worship the angel, who redirects him to worship God alone, affirming the shared servitude among believers and heavenly beings.

9. The Command to Not Seal the Prophecy
Revelation 22:10 - "Then he told me, 'Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near.'"
Unlike Daniel's sealed prophecy, this revelation is to remain open, indicating its relevance and urgency for the present time.

10. The Call to Righteousness and Warning
Revelation 22:11-12 - "'Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.' 'Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.'"
A call to perseverance in righteousness, with a warning of impending judgment and reward based on one's deeds.

11. The Alpha and Omega Declaration
Revelation 22:13 - "'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.'"
Jesus affirms His eternal nature and sovereignty over all creation, from beginning to end.

12. Blessing for the Righteous
Revelation 22:14 - "Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates."
A blessing for those purified by Christ, granting them access to eternal life and the heavenly city.

13. Exclusion of the Wicked
Revelation 22:15 - "Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."
A warning of exclusion from the holy city for those who persist in sin and deception.

14. Jesus' Testimony
Revelation 22:16 - "'I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.'"
Jesus identifies Himself as the fulfillment of prophecy and the source of hope, affirming His messianic role.

15. The Invitation to Come
Revelation 22:17 - "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' Let the one who hears say, 'Come!' And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely."
An open invitation to all who seek salvation and eternal life, emphasizing the grace and accessibility of God's gift.

16. Warning Against Altering the Prophecy
Revelation 22:18-19 - "I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."
A stern warning against tampering with the prophetic message, highlighting the sanctity and completeness of God's revelation.

17. The Final Promise and Prayer
Revelation 22:20 - "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"
Jesus reaffirms His imminent return, with a prayerful response from the church expressing longing for His coming.

18. The Benediction
Revelation 22:21 - "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen."
A closing benediction invoking Christ's grace upon all believers, sealing the message with a blessing.Genesis 2:9
The tree of life in the Garden of Eden connects to the tree of life in Revelation 22, symbolizing the restoration of paradise.

Isaiah 11:6-9
The peace and harmony described in Isaiah's vision of the new creation resonate with the healing and restoration in Revelation 22.

John 4:14
Jesus' promise of living water to the Samaritan woman parallels the river of life flowing from God's throne.

1 Corinthians 13:12
The promise of seeing God's face in Revelation 22:4 echoes Paul's anticipation of seeing God face to face. Thanksgiving for God's Promises
Thank God for the assurance of eternal life and the hope of the new creation.
Desire for Christ's Return
Pray for a longing in our hearts for Jesus' return and the fulfillment of His kingdom.
Strength to Live Righteously
Ask for the Holy Spirit's empowerment to live holy lives as we await the Lord's coming.
Boldness in Evangelism
Pray for courage and opportunities to share the gospel with those who have not yet heard.

As we conclude our study of Revelation 22, may we be filled with hope, encouraged to live faithfully, and inspired to share the glorious message of salvation with the world.

1. How does the depiction of the River and Tree of Life in verses 1-2 relate to the idea of God's continuous provision and sustenance?

2. In verses 3-5, what implications does the abolition of the curse of sin have on our understanding of the future kingdom?

3. What lessons can we draw from the angel's admonition to John in verses 8-9 about proper worship?

4. How does the urgency expressed in verses 10-11 apply to our modern world's understanding of morality and spiritual preparedness?

5. What does Christ's self-identification as the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (verses 12-13) mean to you personally?

6. How can we "wash our robes" in our current lives, as mentioned in verse 14?

7. What does the concept of the 'free gift of the water of life' (verse 17) mean, and how does it relate to salvation?

8. In the context of verses 18-19, how important is it to handle the Word of God with integrity and truth, and what are the implications of not doing so?

9. Considering John's response to Jesus' affirmation in verse 20, how should we react and prepare for the Second Coming of Christ?

10. How does verse 21's benediction reflect our daily need for God's grace?

11. How can we, as modern believers, create a sense of urgency and readiness for Christ's return in our lives and in our communities?

12. How does Revelation 22 help shape your perspective on eternity?

13. How does the final invitation of the Spirit and the Bride (verse 17) demonstrate God's inclusive love?

14. How should the warnings and blessings in Revelation 22 guide our daily decisions and actions?

15. How can we apply the vision of the New Jerusalem in our understanding and expectations of Heaven?

16. In light of the imminent return of Christ, how should we engage with non-believers in our lives?

17. How does the Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem contrast with its first mention in Genesis?

18. How can the reassurance of God's eternal reign in verses 3-5 provide comfort in times of personal hardship or global unrest?

19. Given the dire consequences of altering prophecy in verses 18-19, what responsibility do we have when teaching or sharing the Bible?

20. In what practical ways can we strive to keep the prophecy and words of Revelation, as encouraged in verses 7 and 9?