Revelation 22
Revelation 22
The Restoration of Eden
Revelation 22 takes us full circle, back to the Garden of Eden. In Genesis, God created Eden as a beautiful, harmonious place where mankind could interact with the fullness of creation—animals, plants, and most importantly, with God Himself. There was no sin, no crying, and no betrayal. It was a place of peace, joy, and perfect unity. But through sin, that peace was broken. However, in Revelation 22, we see that God has made all things new. The garden is restored, and life flows abundantly once again.
John describes a river of life, crystal clear, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb, down the middle of the city’s streets. On either side of this river stands the Tree of Life, bearing fruit each month and whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. This imagery echoes back to Genesis 2, where a river flowed through Eden, and Ezekiel’s vision of waters flowing from the temple to bring life to the world. In Revelation, we see that this river of life is not just for physical nourishment but symbolizes eternal life and spiritual restoration, where all things are made right in God’s presence.
Living in God's Presence Forever
In verse 3, we read, “There will no longer be any curse.” This statement is profound because it signifies the complete removal of the fall’s consequences. Imagine waking up in a world where pain, illness, and suffering are no more—where there is no longer a need to worry about the struggles we face in this life. All that remains is the unbroken communion with God.
The beauty of this moment is further emphasized in verse 4: "They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads." What was once impossible for humanity—seeing God's face—will be fully realized. In the Old Testament, even Moses, the closest to God, was unable to look upon God's face. But in this new heaven and new earth, we will have direct access to God's presence. His name will be upon us, a symbol of belonging, unity, and our eternal relationship with Him. This image speaks to the deepest desire of every believer: to be fully known and fully loved by God, without any barriers or separation.
Eternal Harmony and New Creation
In this restored creation, we see that God's original purpose for the world is finally fulfilled. There is no more curse, no more separation, and no more distance between God and His creation. The animals, the beauty of nature, and even the concept of harmony between them all point to a future where God's creative work is celebrated in its fullness. I believe that even the animals will be part of this new creation—just as God made the animals to be cared for, they too will share in this restoration. We may even see creatures like dinosaurs, not as predators but as part of a harmonious, peace-filled world.
As we think about heaven, it’s not just about a place but about a complete renewal of everything. There will be new sights, sounds, tastes, and colors. Imagine the richness of a world where we experience everything in perfect beauty. Revelation 22 paints a picture of a future where God’s glory is everywhere, and all creation—humanity, animals, and the earth itself—flourish in His presence.
A Promise of Unbroken Fellowship
One of the most comforting promises in this chapter is the eternal fellowship we’ll have with God. In the present, even the most cherished moments with loved ones are fleeting. Whether it’s playing with a child or sharing time with family, those moments always come to an end. But in heaven, there will be no goodbyes. We will live in God’s presence forever, without fear of separation, loss, or death.
A Promise of Hope
Jesus’ return promises the fulfillment of all things—our eternal home with Him. As He promised in John 14, He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us, and Revelation 22 gives us a glimpse of what that place will be like. It will be a place of beauty, peace, and eternal joy, where God will be at the center of everything. This vision should fill us with hope as we look to the future. We know that, one day, we will experience a reunion with our Creator in a perfect place.
But hope doesn’t only look to the future. It also changes the way we live today. The knowledge that Christ is coming soon should inspire us to live with purpose, embracing the call He has given us to be His hands and feet in the world. There is still work to do—people who need to hear about Jesus and lives to be impacted by His love. The fact that God has not yet returned means that His mission is ongoing, and we are invited to be part of it.
An Invitation to Live for Something Eternal
In a world where it’s easy to get caught up in short-term comforts and desires, Revelation 22 serves as a reminder that we are not called to build our own kingdoms on earth. While it’s tempting to accumulate for ourselves and focus on our immediate needs, we are invited into something far greater: the Kingdom of God. Just like the example of Grandma and Grandpa Korver, who chose to invest in others and prioritize the Kingdom over their own comfort, we are called to live lives that reflect the values of eternity.
The beauty of God’s Kingdom is not just in its grandeur, but in the people we meet and the lives we touch as we walk in His ways. The invitation here is to step into the story God is writing. To align ourselves with the Holy Spirit and partner with Him in transforming lives and communities. It’s about participating in something that will have eternal significance, something that will leave a lasting legacy.
A Call to Worship and Obedience
As we near the end of the Bible, there’s a clear call to worship and obedience. The angel in Revelation 22:9 reminds John, "I am a fellow servant with you... Worship God!" This is a vital reminder for us: we are not worshiping the Bible, our works, or even our faith. All these things point to the One who deserves our worship—God Himself.
And this worship leads to a life of obedience. We are called to be faithful, to continue in good deeds not to earn salvation, but as a response to God’s grace. The reward for faithfulness is not based on what we’ve done, but on God’s gracious reward. "I will give to each person according to what they have done" (Revelation 22:12). Our works, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are evidence of the transformation that God’s grace brings into our lives.
As we step into this eternal reality, there’s a beautiful invitation extended to all of us in Revelation 22:17: "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!'" The call is universal—come and be part of what God is doing. Come, drink of the living water. Come, and join the bride in celebration with the Lamb. We are reminded that this Kingdom is for all people, regardless of background, ethnicity, or status and calls everyone to obedience.
Revelation 22:18-19 says, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.”
This command is speaking specifically to the scroll of Revelation but is also true for all of God’s word, we are not to add or take away from it. The reason why brings us back to Eden. In Genesis 3, Eve added to the word of God (Genesis 3:3) and the serpent took away from what the Lord had said (Genesis 3:4). This message of letting God’s word stand alone started the biblical story and bookends it as well.
The Conclusion: Grace Be With Us
The final verse of Revelation 22 leaves us with a blessing: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people." Grace has been the theme of the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. It is the unmerited favor of God that makes salvation possible. And this grace is not just a one-time gift; it is something that sustains and empowers us as we live in light of Christ’s return.
In this world that can often feel overwhelming, the words of Revelation 22 offer us comfort, challenge, and clarity. Christ is coming soon. We are invited to live with purpose, to invest in His Kingdom, and to worship Him with all our hearts. Let us be faithful, let us be ready, and let us share the hope we have with those around us. May the grace of the Lord Jesus continue to guide us in our journey toward eternity.
