Revelation 22: The Grand Conclusion
Revelation is the climax of God’s grand story, and it’s a story that ends with a new creation, a new heaven, and a new earth. We’ve seen over the past few months that the church age will end, the tribulation will last seven years, and Jesus will return to Earth and reign with the glorified church for 1000 years. After this, Satan shall be unbound. Kings will prepare for a great battle, yet Jesus will destroy them. He will then take His seat upon the Great White Throne, and when He does, the present heavens and earth will flee from His presence. Peter describes it a bit more forcefully in 2 Peter 3:10-13. When the dust settles or the flash ends, there shall be no devil, no world system, no heaven or earth, no sin, and no curse.
With that incredibly shocking news, we read the following in Revelation
A Glimpse of the New Jerusalem
Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away. 2 And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, [This is God’s Temple, God’s Throne, what we think of as Heaven], made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.”
This paints a picture of breathtaking beauty and perfection. The New Jerusalem, God’s city, is described as a bride adorned for her husband, symbolizing the intimate relationship between God and His people.
God Dwelling with His People
Verse 3 continues, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying “Behold, the tabernacle of God [God’s city, God’s home] is among men, and He will dwell among them [God shall be with us], and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them.”
This is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell with His people. Imagine a world where God is physically present, where His love and presence permeate every aspect of life.
Wiping Away Every Tear
Verse 4 adds, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; [whatever causes you to cry. Whatever saddens, shames, or grieves you. God will personally heal, comfort, and replace with infinite joy] and there will no longer be any death there will no longer be any mourning, crying, or pain [no suffering. No dashed hopes. No failed relationships. No disease. No ability to hurt]; the first things have passed away.”
This is a world free from pain, suffering, and death. A world where every tear is wiped away and replaced with unimaginable joy.
The River and Tree of Life
John then paints a breathtaking portrait of the city of God, New Jerusalem.
In Revelation 22:1-2, he describes a “river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” And on either side of this river is the Tree of Life.
In Genesis 2, the Tree of Life was in the Garden of Eden, representing God’s original intention for people to live face-to-face forever with Him.
In Ezekiel 47, the prophet describes a river flowing from the temple, representing God’s presence and blessing.
Now, the Tree of Life and the River of Life are in the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the fulfillment of God’s original intention for man, which was to live in harmony with Him and enjoy His presence and love forever.
The End of Curse and the Presence of God
Revelation 22:3 states, “There will no longer be any curse [see Genesis 3: No fallen nature, thorns, weeds. No toil or sweat. It will be as it was meant to be, only better, because our sin created the condition for God to reveal the height, depth, and breadth of God’s amazing love for us!], and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city [the Father and Son will be visibly, physically, and relationally present in power], and His bond-servants will serve Him; 4 they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.”
The future brims with the presence of our loving Father and Jesus, our Savior. We will bask in the light of God’s face. We will be His people, and everyone will know it. Heaven and Earth will celebrate it.
The Light of God’s Face
Verse 5 concludes, “And there will no longer be any night, and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun because the Lord God will illumine them, and they will reign forever and ever.”
This future speaks to the deepest longings of our soul—to be fully known and loved by the One who loves us most, to be significant and secure, to live without shame or fear, and to find our true purpose and belonging face-to-face with God as co-heirs with Christ.
Hope and Joy in the Future
The New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation, is a breathtaking vision of a new world, the only true utopia. In this world, our expectations are rarely met and never for long. But coming soon, every expectation will be surpassed. Psalm 16: For in Your presence, Lord is fullness of joy; in Your right hand are pleasures forever.” As Jesus said, “Enter into the joy of your Father.”
May this inspire us to live with hope and anticipation, knowing that our ultimate destiny is to be with Him forever.