Friday, August 22 – Revelation 21, 22

1. What promise is given to the redeemed regarding suffering and death? Revelation 21:4:4

2. How does John describe access to the Holy City, and who will be left outside?
Revelation 21:27

3. What blessing is promised to those who keep God’s commandments? Revelation 22:14

Warm greetings to our beloved brothers and sisters, faithful participants in this Bible Reading Plan. We have reached the end of our journey, first giving thanks to our God for providing us with this lamp to our feet and light to our path.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ ends on a glorious note, revealing the restored Eden that has been awaited for millennia.

The descent of the New Jerusalem marks the final prophetic event in Revelation. We can hardly imagine the immense privilege of living in God’s presence forever. Ellen G. White’s reflection on Revelation 21:3 is powerful:

“Our little world, under the curse of sin the one dark blot in His glorious creation, will be honored above all other worlds in the universe of God. Here, where the Son of God tabernacled in humanity; where the King of glory lived and suffered and died, here, when He shall make all things new, the tabernacle of God shall be with men, ‘and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.’ And through endless ages as the redeemed walk in the light of the Lord, they will praise Him for His unspeakable Gift, Immanuel, ‘God with us.’” (The Desire of Ages, p. 26)

This will be the greatest comfort: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

In The Ministry of Healing, p. 504, we are given a glimpse of what it will be like to live in a world where death no longer exists: “All nature, in its surpassing loveliness, will offer to God a tribute of praise and adoration. The world will be bathed in the light of heaven. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold greater than it is now. The years will move on in gladness. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, the sons of God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, “There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.”” (MH, p. 506)

The presence of God will be real. God and the Lamb are the temple of the city (Revelation 21:22).

Someone said very insightfully: “Revelation is the fulfillment of all our hopes, the answer to all the world’s longings, the satisfaction of all who thirst, the descent of the City of God.”

The light emanating from God far surpasses the light of the sun, any sun in the universe (Revelation 21:22–24). The city rises like a golden temple, with crystal walls reflecting the light in a rich display of tones and colors. As Dr. J. Doukhan notes: “Each stone contributes to one aspect of the city, suggesting that there is no competition or favoritism.” Peace and trust now define all human relationships.

The vast size of 1,500 miles in each direction is astonishing. Because of this, responsible scholars advise us not to take a literal approach dogmatically. A height of 1,500 miles would go beyond the stratosphere. John’s goal is to compare the New Jerusalem with Babylon and Rome.

The prophet Ezekiel already offered a preview of that beautiful land: “And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.” (Ezekiel 47:12)

In the New Jerusalem, God will “heal” the nations by enlightening and caring for them. Human beings exist only as long as they are in relationship with God. The religious dimension is not just about spiritual needs; it is also a biological necessity. Every human being is biologically dependent on God. When man separates himself from God, he dies.
In verses 16 and 17, we come across an invitation. It couldn’t be more beautiful: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

After completing this extensive journey through the Bible, we thank God for all the light we have received. There is still much to gain from that endless treasure trove, the Word of God. Let us move forward with the confidence with which Jesus concludes His Revelation.

“Surely I come quickly.” Let us answer with John: “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20–21)