a study by Rev. Paul A. Bartz

Revelation 22:1-5 tell us more about life in the New Creation. The material nature of much of this description makes us careful not to relegate this entire description to the symbolic. When one ties each point of description together and looks for the unifying theme, these verse are clearly describing the basic themes of material life. But notice the point that is made at every opportunity: this life being described here is perfect (expressed in every verse, but explicitly in verse 3), and this perfect life will last forever! This is a perfect life, perfectly lived, without any of the curse of sin, without temptation, all good and joyful in perfect fellowship with God in His very presence, with nothing to ever mar existence! This is a perfect description of heaven for beings who are both spiritual and material, like ourselves.

22:4 tells us that we will see God's face. In ancient times criminals were banished from the presence of the king so that they could not see his face. And, of course, we learn from Scripture that because we are sinners, we cannot see His face and live. So this information that in this new creation we will be able to see God's face, further emphasizes the physical and spiritual perfection we shall enjoy in our very beings.

22:5 -- The point in verse 5 is especially important: the saved (who are the only ones from this earth in the New Creation), shall "reign eternally." What shall we rule over? There are plans of God which we have no knowledge of. But we shall find out one day. One thing is very clear, we are not going to spend eternity singing in choirs or sitting on clouds playing harps. Whatever we are doing, there will be no way to be happier in any existence we can imagine!

22:6-7 remind us, with a warning from the Lord Himself, that His coming to bring this about shall be sooner than we are ready for it. We may feel ready for His coming now, but when we have full knowledge, which includes knowledge of those issues already revealed in Scripture, then we shall realize more fully than ever the shortcomings of our personal efforts. We will realize that even as believers, all we can do is commend ourselves to God's forgiving grace in Jesus Christ! There is still so much work to do!

Paul thought that the Lord would return in his lifetime. Martin Luther noted this and remarked that the Lord must be coming in his lifetime since he could not see how the world could get any worse. Christians today are also convinced that the Lord will come shortly. Are these opinions in contradiction? No! Each generation of Christians have seen more of the Scripture's prophecies about the conditions at Christ's return fulfilled. So we are right in saying that the signs of Christ's return have never been more completely fulfilled than they are today!

22:8-9 -- John is again overcome by what he has seen and the presence of the angel. But again he is reminded that the angel is a fellow creature and fellow servant of God. It is comforting for us to know that these powerful creatures are incorruptible and that they are, in a real sense, partners with us in God's work.

22:10 -- John finds himself in the same position as Daniel in Daniel 8:26. But Daniel was told to seal up the book because the time was not yet at hand. Now John is told not to seal up the book since the time is at hand. This again should add to our sense of urgency about preparing ourselves for Christ's return and for seeing that others hear the Gospel.

22:11-14 -- These verses may be understood as underlining what it means that "the time is at hand." Once the judgment comes at the surprise appearing of the Lord, the time of grace and forgiveness will be ended and there will be no more chance to repent.

Others understand this verse in light of Matthew 13:24-30: the Church on earth may not take up the sword against sin, but let the tares grow together with the wheat until the harvest of the Lord. Both are valid teachings of Scripture, so the issue becomes, which one (if either of these choices) is meant here?

Then, in verses 12 and 13, the Lord Himself speaks to us. "To give to everyone according to what he has done" does not teach that we are saved by our works. God-pleasing works talked about here are inseparable from that thing which alone saves: faith. The "reward" which the Lord is talking about here refers only to the faithful. The Bible teaches that there will be differences in rewards for the faithful, according to their faithfulness, although none will be, as a result, less happy than another.

22:15 should make us think very soberly about the conduct or our life on this earth. It is very clear that these things can have no fellowship with God or Jesus Christ. The term "dogs" was a Jewish term that referred to anyone ceremonially unclean. In Deuteronomy 23:18 the original Hebrew word "dog" is translated as "male prostitute." "Magic arts" in the Greek is again the word which includes those who mix poisons to, among other things, induce an abortion. The other terms in this verse are more familiar.

22:16-21, for a final time, identifies Jesus Christ as the one giving this Revelation to John and to the Church, true God and true man. Verse 16 begins with the words, "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you . . . ." It should be noted that the word "you" here is plural. The book of Revelation is not just for St. John, but for the entire church.

22:17 repeats the Gospel message that the church has been charged to take into all the world. The Holy Spirit seeks to work faith in this message and invitation from God in all who hear it. With Christ ready to appear in the sky at any time, the urgency to get the message out is all the greater.

22:18-19 -- He then warns against those who would add to or subtract from this Word of God. The consequences of doing so are dire! Compare this language with Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32.

After our Lord once again reminds us that He is coming soon, John adds the highest blessing of all: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with God's people. Amen."

1. In our notes above we mentioned that each generation of Christians have seen more of the Scripture's prophecies about the conditions at Christ's return fulfilled. How is the Lord's wisdom reflected in this arrangement?

2. 1. In 22:18 we have our Lord's warnings for those who would add to or subtract from this Word of God. What are examples of ways in which we can add to the Word of God?

   2. What are examples of ways in which men can subtract from the Word of God?

3. 1. In which verses of Chapter 22 do we have the doctrines of justification (that we are saved by faith) and sanctification (the new life we live because we have been saved)?

   2. Do these verses contain a complete summary of at least the basic points of these doctrines?