Introduction

The river of life and a final reminder that Jesus is coming soon.

Verses
1He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
2in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him.
4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
5There will be no night, and they need no lamp light or sun light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.
6He said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must happen soon.”
7“Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things.
9He said to me, “See you don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
10He said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
11He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still.”
12“Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.
13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
14Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.
15Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.
18I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues which are written in this book.
19If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, may God take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.
20He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I come quickly.”
Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus.
21The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.

Questions

1. What are we told about the servants of God and the Lamb?

v 3 to 5 ... The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no night, and they need no lamp light or sun light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.

2. What does Jesus tell John about the reward he will give?

v 12 ... My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.

3. Who is John told are blessed?

v 7 ... Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

v 14 Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.

Summary Points

  • v 1 to 5 The water of life is symbolic of wonderful blessings flowing from the throne in Jerusalem
  • v 6 to 11 The angel continues to say that he has been sent to show John future events for the time is short
  • v 12 to 17 Believers are urged to prepare for the sure return of Jesus. Those keeping his commandments will be blessed with access to the city. Others will be excluded
  • v 18 to 21 Believers are warned to take note of this book neither adding to nor subtracting from its message

 Timeline 60 AD

Audio