Revelation Chapter 22
In this very last chapter, the last book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ in our Bible, there is a sense of urgency. There isn’t much time for the unbeliever to see the truth before it is too late. God also makes it very clear to us that not everyone will go to heaven. In fact, those that choose to hold on to their sin and immorality and refuse to accept the truth, He calls them dogs. This word dogs is figurative in that it compares people to dogs in cultures where the dog is not taken in as a pet but are dangerous scavengers. These dogs are purposely not fed very well so they will be more aggressive, acting as watchdogs. This describes the person consumed with their sin, they are aggressive and filthy. Jesus said these types of people, the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, murders and idolaters and everyone who loves and practices their falsehood – they are on the outside. They will not be permitted to enter heaven. We know that in chapter 21 they will be judged for their sin, and it is an eternal judgement.
Let's Reflect
1. In verses 1-2 what did the angel show John that is in heaven (the new Jerusalem)?
2. Where does the water flow from? What is its source?
3. You may have asked yourself why the leaves of the tree are healing the nations since there will be no more pain and no more tears. In the ancient Greek language, the word for healing can also mean “health-giving,” and this may be the sense here. I think in heaven there will just be more and more good things for us to experience. Do you remember a tree in another part of the Bible that was very good, and it was recorded in the beginning of our Bible?
4. We learn that no longer will anything be accursed – no sin. Praise the LORD! What will be the very best part? See verse 4.
5. There won’t be any need for a lamp, sun or moon. Why?
6. When John heard about all the wonderful things of heaven he was again struck in awe and fell down to worship the angel. What did the angel tell him to do?
7. John was also told not to seal up the words of Revelation. It is an urgent message of God to get to the nations. And what is promised to all those who read these words?
8. Jesus broke into the conversation in verse 13 proving His deity with God. What did He say?
9. In verse 16 we learn why the churches were addressed at the beginning of this book. What did Jesus say was the reason?
10. The book ends with a warning not to take away the truths of the book or to add to it. But the most important message that needs to be expressed that Jesus said was what?
