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REVELATION – LESSON 10

I. THE HOLY CITY GLORIFIED (Chapters 21-22)

A. The new condition or state of the Christian (21:1-8)

1. New heaven and new earth – new life and circumstances for persecuted saints (21:1).

a. Focus is upon when the first heaven and earth have passed away (cf. 20:11).

b. Sea no more – God’s transcendence out of the way (cf. 4:6); or all of humanity on earth (20:13) brought to the end.

2. New Jerusalem: holy city comes out of heaven adorned or ready for the marriage with her husband – Christ     (21:2)

3. God Himself is now with men (21:3) – in His immediate presence.

4. No tears – the cause of sorrow no longer exists (21:4).

5. Voice from God on His throne – all things are made new (21:5-8).

    a. Words are trustworthy.

                b. Words proceed from God – Alpha and the Omega – beginning and the end.

    c. Blessed are the courageous who overcome.

    d. Cursed are the fearful and ungodly – experience second death.

B. The glory of the holy city – the wife of the lamb (21:9-11)

            1. God’s glorious light – like shining jasper (diamond) 21:11)

            2. Wall was great and high – prominent distinction between holy and unholy (21:12-13, cf. 25-27; 22:14-15).

a. Twelve gates with twelve angels as gates – guarding entrance

    (1). Names of twelve tribes of Israel  written thereon – God’s covenant people.

    (2). Three gates were on each side – east, north, south, and west  – symmetrically perfect city.

    (3). The gates were of pearl – glorious, precious (21:21).

b. Twelve foundation with names of twelve apostles with precious stones – God’s covenant people built                 on the Gospel preached by apostles (21:14, 19-20, Eph. 2:20).

c. Wall measured 144 cubits – perfect measurement shining as diamond (21:17, 18).

3. City measured as perfect cube – length, breadth, height 12,000 furlongs (1500 miles) – perfect city (21:15-     16).

4. Street of pure gold (21:22)

5. No temple there for in God’s immediate presence – God and the lamb are the temple of this holy place     (21:22).

6. City needs no light – sun, moon – for God and the lamb are its light; gates are always opened – one eternal day     (21:23-24).

7. Only the righteous in the city (21:26-27)

C. The sustaining and perfect garden (22:1-5)

1. Water of life flowing from the throne, like shining crystal (22:1)

2. Tree of life – one each side of the river and in the midst of the street – giving eternal healing (22:2).

3. No curse anymore, now the redeemed serving God before His throne face to face (22:3-4).

4. No more night – redeemed reigning in victory for ever and ever (22:5).

D. Final assurance and warnings (22:6-11)

            1. “Behold I come quickly” (22:7)

a. The prophecy speaks of things shortly to come to pass (22:12, 20; cf. 1:1, 22:6; 1:3; 22:10).

            2. Message is sure for it is from God (22:6-10, 16).

a. John adds his personal testimony to its authority.

b. John falls down to worship angel, and again is admonished (22:8-9, cf. 19:10).

c. Jesus adds His authority and testimony (22:16).

            3. The truly blessed are those who keep the sayings of this prophecy, and do God’s commandments (22:7, 14).

            4. Invitation and warning (22:17-21)

a. Let him come who is athirst – Spirit and bride invite.

b. Words of this prophecy are delivered and cannot be changed (add or subtract) with impunity.

(1). If add to – then add plagues in this book of prophecy.

(2). If subtract – then take away one’s part from the tree of life and holy city which are written in                                this book.

E. Conclusion: “Come Lord Jesus” (22:20).     

  QUESTIONS:

1. Why is the church described in connection with such terms as a new heaven and new earth?

2. What is the end of the fearful and ungodly?

3. What is the significance of the city with a great and high wall?

4. What is the significance of the gates?

           

5. What illuminated the city?

6. From what place is the river of life flowing?

7. What kind of tree is on the banks of the river?

                                

8. What figure illustrates the saints’ final victory?

9. Name the three witnesses that attest to the validity of the message:

10. How many times is John told in this book not to worship angels, but only God?  Why?

11. What is the significance of not sealing the sayings of this prophecy?

12. What phrases go along with the command to not seal the sayings of this prophecy?

13. What is the purpose of the city gates and walls of the city?

14. Is 22:18-19 speaking of the whole Bible, or this particular Book of the Bible?

15. For what does John desire?  Should we desire the same?