Today, we conclude our daily devotionals on the Book of Revelation by reflecting on its final chapter, Revelation 22. This closing passage reminds us of Jesus’ promise: “I am coming quickly” (v. 7). It invites us to consider whether we believe Him and challenges us to live in light of His imminent return.
Revelation 22 draws us back to the tree of life from Genesis, showing the completion of God’s redemptive story. It declares the faithfulness of God’s Word, the invitation to partake in the water of life freely, and the glorious hope of seeing God’s face.
As we finish this study, let us hold fast to the assurance of Jesus’ victory and prepare our hearts for His return. Will you accept His call and share it with others? Come, Lord Jesus! To discover what the new heaven and new earth will look like, read the daily devotional on Revelation 21.
Revelation 22 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Today, we conclude the Book of Revelation, the final chapter, chapter 22. Jesus says He is coming back. Do you believe Him? Please read or listen to Revelation 22.
What Does Revelations 22 Say?
In 1995, after reading Revelation 22 (NASB), I wrote in my personal Bible reading journal, “The end of the book. The tree of life, where we started in Genesis 2:9. John, again, worships the angel who gives him the tour of heaven but the angel objects and says, ‘Worship God’ (v. 9). Angels must be incredible.” Then I quoted verse 17, “take the water of life without cost.” And finally, “Yes, ‘I am coming quickly’ (v. 7).”
What Is the New Heaven and New Earth in Revelation?
In 2008 (NASB), I wrote, “Water of life. Tree of life. No curse. No night.” I continued to write, “‘the throne of God . . . the Lamb will be in it’ (v. 3). ‘These words are faithful and true’ (v. 6). ‘Worship God’ (v. 9). We gain the right to the tree of life through Jesus Christ. Come, come, come. Jesus, the Spirit, the church, all say, ‘Come.’ The way is clear through the blood of the Lamb. The destiny is clear. A new heaven and a new earth. The alternative is also clear, eternal hell. The choice is ours.”
What Does the Bible Say About Seeing God’s Face?
From 2013, “‘They will see his face’ (v. 4). We will see the face of God. Moses couldn’t see God’s face and live. In heaven, in the new Jerusalem, we will see God’s face. An angel is revealing these truths to John. What John says and recorded, is ‘trustworthy and true’ (v. 6). Jesus says, ‘And behold, I am coming soon’ (v. 7). The words of this book, as well as the whole Scripture, are ‘trustworthy and true’ (v. 6). Therefore, Jesus will come again. We need to be personally prepared to prepare others. God help me be a better witness for You.”
Interestingly, in 2013, after finishing Revelation, I read it all over again in two days, eleven chapters at a time. I summarized everything, so here are those journal entries as we close.
Is God Sovereign Over Everything?
Concerning Revelation 1-11, I wrote, “Re-reading all of Revelation in the Common English New Testament. It reads more like a story in this version, and eleven chapters at a time. Impressive. God is sovereign. He calls the shots. Everything on earth is orchestrated from heaven. Angels are real and powerful. They carry out God’s assignments. Jesus is in heaven. God is on His throne. Jesus is the Lamb of God, worthy to open the scrolls. The earth will be judged by God. God’s wrath over sin, immorality, death, evil, will take place. Some will come to Christ, and some will harden their hearts against God, even in all this chaos. What God does is just. He gives mankind every chance to repent and come to Him.”
The next day I read Revelation 12-22, the last eleven chapters of the book, and summarized it this way, “I do not understand the beast, the prostitute. But I do understand God is calling the shots and the beast and prostitute represent evil which will be intensely released over the earth. So much so, that people will know God is judging, but will still worship Satan and curse God. Unbelievable to me. Finally, all evil will be bound, and Jesus will reign on the earth with an iron rod. Satan will be released again, and even after 1,000 years under Jesus, people will turn to Satan. Amazing. Finally, he will be put away forever and we will reign with God and Jesus in heaven for all eternity. There is so much at stake. How can I be used more for You, Lord? Use me.”
Where in the Bible Does It Say God Works Behind the Scenes?
We close out our study of Revelation with where we began, in the introduction of the book. As we opened Revelation, I said, Revelation unveils unseen spiritual forces, operating behind the scenes in history and controlling its events and outcome. I think we saw that in our journey through Revelation.
Revelation unveils the unseen spiritual war between God and Jesus versus Satan and his demons. We have definitely seen that in the pages of Revelation.
What Does God Say About Trials and Tribulations?
Revelation reveals the spiritual battle behind the trials and tribulations of the church, yet affirms the certainty of Jesus Christ’s victory over Satan, and, by doing so, fortifies the church to endure suffering and stay pure while awaiting the ultimate final victory. We saw that as well through the pages of Revelation, and I hope we are encouraged to stand firm, persevere, and await the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I also shared at the beginning of Revelation, many of us like to read the last chapter of a book so we know how the story ends. We just did that. But then, most people go back and read the rest of the book. I hope you will, too. That is what we do at the Ezra Project with ADDBIBLE. We cover the whole counsel of God. We cover every chapter of every book of the Bible. Now you know the end of the story. Let’s go read the rest of the story.
Prayer
We close with a few prayerful thoughts:
“These words are trustworthy and true” (v. 6).
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end (v. 13).
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates (v. 14).
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price (v 17).
“Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (v. 20)
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen (v. 21).
