16 THE BOOK OF REVELATION.

THE GRAND FINALE!

We move to Revelation chapter 22 and visualise the most amazing events and stand in awe at what God has prepared for those who love Him and are faithful to the end.

Revelation chapter twenty-two is not only the last chapter of Revelation but the grand finale of the whole Bible.

It concludes the book with visions of the New Jerusalem, featuring the River of Life, the Tree of Life, and the Throne of God and the Lamb. We read about the final quick return of Jesus Christ, a warning not to alter the text, and an ending with blessings and a plea: “Come soon, Lord Jesus.”

THE RIVER OF LIFE.

This pure, pristine river flows from the Throne of God, having on its banks trees that bear different fruit each month, bringing eternal provision, and its leaves are for the healing of the Nations.

The river also represents God’s life-giving presence, which saves and heals. The river continually flows from the Throne, bringing spiritual nourishment through the Holy Spirit.

Chapter 22 describes this vividly, looking back at Genesis chapter 3 and Ezekiel chapter 47. God brings spiritual nourishment and the ultimate restoration of all creation, completely changing us into the image of His Son. The Divine life He intended.

“The Abundant life.”

Jesus said in John 10:10.” I have come not to bring life, but life in abundance.”

(Life to the full.)

This  fresh, glorified, bubbling, free flowing river flows from the Temple where God’s Throne is situated  and it grows from ankle deep to a  great river that gives life to the Dead Sea. (a literal river that exists today.)

Spiritually, Jesus promised that whoever believes in Him will have rivers of Living Water flow from within, bringing eternal life.

This being the work of the Holy Spirit.

You and I as believers become channels of this life-giving stream to share the Gospel to those who are thirsty for life.

Friend! Lift up your eyes, there are thirsty people all around you craving for the Waters of Life. Surely you can give a cup of  cold water in His Name!

THE TEMPLE OF GOD.

Most theologians agree that the Temple mentioned here is a literal one. A physical Temple situated in Jerusalen to be rebuilt at the end of this age.

Another view sees the Temple as our bodies, where Jesus dwells through the Holy Spirit. They believe that the Temple is the  Church, the body of Christ. Others believe it represents the Jewish Nation.

It may include both a symbolic and a physical place, meticulously measured as written in the Bible, where the Beast resides for a time.

According to news from the Middle East, the foundations have been laid, and the implements are ready for use in this third Temple.

Time will tell, and we shall see the proper fulfilment of the Prophetic Word of God, and we certainly shall not be disappointed.

The main thing for us to remember is the ‘Great Commission’ commanded by Jesus to … “Go into all the World and preach the gospel to every person, knowing that He is always with us until the end of the age.” That is His eternal plan for all mankind.

THE TREE OF LIFE.

The Tree of Life, as interpreted by the Symbolists, symbolises the perpetual life of ancient Israel, which will enjoy eternal life.

Others believe the tree in the Garden of Eden was transplanted during the flood into the Celestial City mentioned in the book of Revelation, and will remain there in that Heavenly home, the final destination of God’s people. These believers forget that there will be a new heaven and a new earth.

It represents more than an enjoyment of Gods people but the Celestial City where Jesus will be the lamp  and Gods glory will illuminate the entire city.

Revelation 21:23.

THE NATIONS.    People ask,             ” Who are the Nations that are without the city?”

They are the redeemed people from every tribe and nation who inhabit the Earth, walking in the light of God.

The word, “Nations” means, Gentiles. So, in the New Jerusalem we have Saints from all dispensations together in this wonderful new World.

Revelation 21:24.

The leaves are for the healing of these nations. The leaves do not offer eternal life, as Salvation comes only through the blood of the Cross.

It may mean the nations are healed of all the consequences of sin —the curse that resulted from the original sin committed in the Garden of Eden—the leaves offer unending spiritual nourishment and total healing to the redeemed.

Yet we must realize that there is no sickness in our new glorified bodies.

Simply, it may mean a continuous spiritual sustenance for those who partake of the Tree of Life, which has an abundant continuous supply.

They could speak of our permanent communion with God and with each other, which cannot be reversed.

THE THRONE OF GOD AND THE LAMB.

These are placed in the middle of the city, where His servants worship God Almighty.

We shall see His lovely face, and His Name shall be on our foreheads. The godly are depicted as priests worshipping God in His presence.

See, Revelation 3:2

  Isaiah 60: 19, 20.

  Daniel 7:27

  Revelation 3: 21.

How marvellous is this? What a tremendous hope is ours.

God’s plan is for our good and not for evil. He cannot force us to believe the Gospel; it is your choice alone.

“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHO SO EVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.”

John 3:16.

Amen.

Why don’t you kneel before Him right now and confess your sin. Thank Him that He died in your place and invite Jesus to save you.

He will forgive, cleanse and change your life into His own image. Then you can be assured of the place that Jesus prepared  for you in the Gospel of John.

Contact me by phone on 04 17 545 814.

To support this ministry financially Email: Heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

YOU ALREADY HAVE THE ABUNDANT LIFE.

Well, here we are at the close of a four-year study of the Bible.

What a privilege is ours to have the Lord of Glory speak to us from His precious, priceless Word. I am so blessed to have had the honour and privilege to share insights given by the Holy Spirit with you.

The next few messages I would like to share with you are messages that I preached at different churches and meetings. May they richly bless you as you continue to become a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.