Bible Class Curricula - The Book of Revelation - Lesson 13 - Revelation 21 & 22
Interpretation: Revelation 21:1–27
Final judgment had been passed on the harlot, the beast, the false prophet, and the dragon. This is the last vision of the apostle John - the city of God. It is important to understand the “already, but not yet” phases of inaugurated/consummated eschatology. The big eschatological picture is that Christians have entered the inaugurated phase of the holy city (Galatians 4:25,26; Hebrews 12:22–24), yet have not entered the consummative phase of the holy city (Hebrews 13:14).
For example, if Revelation 21-22 means the consummative phase only, then if Christians subtract or add from the Scriptures, they will be thrown out of heaven. But if Christians are living in the new creation, there is no possibility of sin. Therefore, this must be talking about both phases.
The word “new” is kainos. It means in some contexts the idea of quality, not time. For example, you might buy a new car. It is much better than your old car. The first dwelling place was temporary and running down. The new one is enduring and will never run down. It may also be the case that John is writing in an inaugurated phase in that Judaism was the “first heavens and first earth” that has passed away. The law of Moses was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14-17). The temple was destroyed in A.D. 70.
Christianity, the “new heavens and the new earth,” has arrived as the new world order. The old creation has been cursed by God (Romans 8:18-25). Sin has dominion over a lost humanity. Jesus has inaugurated the new creation in His death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus has come to translate humanity out of the old creation in its inaugurated phase. The sinner who dies to sin in repentance (Acts 17:30; 1 John 2:15-17), buried with Christ via water into death (Romans 6:3,4), and raised to walk in newness of life (2 Corinthians 5:17). Those who have identified with Christ are a part of the inauguration of the new creation.
Why is the sea singled out as no longer existing? It was known previously as the origin of cosmic evil (Revelation 12:18; 13:1; Isaiah 57:20,21). It is also where unbelieving, rebellious nations who persecuted God’s people dwell (Revelation 12:18; 13:1; 17:2,6). In the old creation, there was discord and division. In the new creation, there is harmony and peace (Luke 2:14; Romans 5:1).
John had been discussing the old Jerusalem for most of Revelation. The old Jerusalem was no longer the people of God. The new Jerusalem, the church, is God’s new people. People would have to acknowledge who the true people of God were, especially after the fall of Jerusalem. She was prepared to meet her husband, Christ, by remaining faithful to Him.
The whole Bible can be summarized in the fact that God wants to come dwell in fellowship with His people. He did this in various ways over the centuries (Genesis 3:8; Exodus 40:34,35; 1 Kings 8:10,11; John 1:14; 2:18,19; Isaiah 2:2-4). Those who have identified with Christ are a part of the inauguration of the new temple (1 Corinthians 3:16,17; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
The faithful church would triumph over their persecutors. When old Jerusalem was destroyed, there would be: (1) no more death, (2) no more sorrow, (3) no more crying, and (4) no more pain. This has both an inaugurated and consummative sense. In a sense, there would be no more persecutions from the Jews. In another sense, this is fulfilled in the ultimate sense in that physical death will be destroyed at the end when Christ returns and we will be in new, glorified resurrected bodies (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
In verse 5, Jesus has made everything new. He has made it better in an escalated manner. Jesus brought forth a new covenant (Hebrews 8), a new song of redemption to be praised (Revelation 5:9), a new sacrifice that could take away sins (Hebrews 10), a new temple (1 Corinthians 3:16,17), a new priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), a new life (Romans 6:3,4), a new nation (1 Peter 2:9), a new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1,2), a new name (Isaiah 62:2), and a new creation (Revelation 21:1,2).
Alpha is the first Greek letter of its alphabet. Omega is the last Greek letter of its alphabet. Jesus stated He was the Beginning and the End. Jesus is the author and finisher of the faith. He brings everything to pass (Hebrews 12:1,2). Jesus offers the invitation to come partake of the blessings (John 4:9-14; 7:37-39; Zechariah 13:1).
There is the encouragement to overcome because Jesus will give the everlasting inheritance to that faithful child of God (Revelation 2:10).
Next, John mentions a list of sins in verse 8 that will lead to eternal death. The first on the list is the cowardly. It could be a reference to those who gave into the persecution or gave up being a Christian. There are the unbelieving. Many of the Jews did not believe Jesus was the true Messiah (John 3:36; Hebrews 11:6). There are the abominable, which are sins that God detests and abhors (Proverbs 6:16-19). There are those who intentionally kill those made in the image of God. It is a probable reference to putting to death innocent Christians. Fornication can be both used in a literal and figurative way to unlawful sexual intercourse (Matthew 19:9), yet in a figurative sense to idolatry (Revelation 2). The sorcerers are those who use drugs in the practice of their black arts associated with idolatry. There are the idolators (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:5-8) who associated with the beast, the false prophet, or the harlot. There are the liars (Ephesians 4:25) who unfortunately gave up the truth by denying Christ and turned their back on Christianity.
John is carried away by the Spirit again and sees something that pales beyond the imagination. When John saw the harlot (the old Jerusalem), he saw spiritual ugliness. She was destroyed by God in A.D. 70. The church (the new Jerusalem), to whom Jesus was married, was shown in all of her spiritual beauty.
These visions are reminiscent of Ezekiel’s vision of the temple (Ezekiel 40;1,2; 43:1-5). The same temple that Ezekiel saw is the same temple that John sees in his vision. The details in each vision are different. Why the difference? It probably has to do with Ezekiel having to write to his audience in terms of “old covenant” language so that they would understand. Here is a helpful illustration.
Beale states: “A father promises in 1900 to give his son a horse and buggy when he grows up and marries. During the early years of expectation, the son reflects on the particular size of the buggy he would like, its contours and style, its beautiful red-leather seat, and also the size and breed of horse that would draw the buggy. Perhaps the father even had knowledge from early experimentation elsewhere that the invention of the “horseless carriage” was on the horizon, but he coined the promise to his son in familiar terms that the son could readily understand. Years later, say in 1925, when the son marries, the father gives the couple an automobile, which has since been invented and mass-produced. Is the son disappointed in receiving an automobile instead of a horse and buggy? In fact, the essence of the father’s word has remained the same: a convenient mode of transportation. What has changed is the precise form of transportation promised. The progress of technology has escalated the fulfillment of the pledge in a way that earlier could not have been conceived of fully by the son when he was young. Nevertheless, in the light of the later development of technology, the promise is viewed as “literally” and faithfully carried out in a greater way than could have earlier been apprehended.” (G.K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament In The New, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011), Kindle edition, ch. 19: “The Story of the Eden Sanctuary, Israel’s Temple, and Christ and the Church as the Ongoing Transformed Eschatological Temple of the Spirit in the New- Creational Kingdom.”)
Ezekiel was living in the “horse and buggy” times. Ezekiel saw glimpses of the glories of this new temple. John was living in the “automobile” era - the realization of the temple that Christ had made. They both were gloriously made because this is where God dwells.
The city had a great light like a precious stone. When you think about how dark this world is now, do you have a greater appreciation for the city of light? (Philippians 2:14,15) The city of light can help overcome the darkness of this world. The only way that can happen is if every Christian is personally involved.
The city had a great and high wall for its perfect fortification and protection. Christians are to be watchmen guarding the walls of Zion in its inaugurated stage (Revelation 20:9). There are twelve angels who are stationed at the gates. They remain opened, not closed. In the old Jerusalem, sometimes the city gates were closed (Matthew 24:20). But the gates of the new Jerusalem are open because they give the opportunity for anyone wanting to obey the gospel and enter into the inaugurated state of the city (Revelation 22:14,17).
There are names written on these gates, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. This could be a reference back to Rev 7 and 14 that is speaking of the spiritual and faithful remnant (Galatians 6:16). The city has as its foundations the twelve apostles of the Lamb. This could be a reference to the fact that we are built on the doctrine of the apostles (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 2:20-22). They were guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 2:20-22).
It is laid out as a square because it is the Holy of Holies par excellence. The same precious stones were displayed on the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:17-21). It is the true dwelling place of God. From every nation, there have been Christians and they have brought everything into it if they are faithful into it (Isaiah 60:1-5). There is a street that reminds of Isaiah 35:8.
Interpretation: Revelation 22:1–21
John then sees a river that is flowing out of the throne. It is a reminder of Ezekiel 47:1–10. It brings renewal and refreshment. It also contains trees that bear different types of fruit for the healing of the nations.
There was also found no more curse. The curse had been lifted from Genesis 3:14–19. The servants of God will continue to serve Him. The glory of God will overwhelm it so much that it has no need of sun, moon, or stars.
In verse 6, there can be full confidence and assurance that the words of God are trustworthy because He cannot lie (Titus 1:2). It is also a reminder back to Rev 1:1–3. After John wrote the letter, the events in it would start to come to pass. The reason that John is not to seal the book is because it was going to immediately start to unfold. In contrast, the book of Daniel’s prophecies would not occur in the immediate future (Daniel 12:9). The destruction of Jerusalem was looming near. There was no time for repentance and true obedience. It was important to be true to God in these difficult times. This is not in reference to the second coming of Jesus. It is in reference to His representative comings of judgment on these wicked nations such as the harlot and the beast. Because of Christ’s resurrection, He brought about a new age. He will bring everything to pass that He said He would. People who remain outside of the holy city will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). Jesus is reminding us that He is the ruler that was promised in David’s covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-15). An invitation is offered to come into the city of God. We have a responsibility to hear and handle the words of God carefully.
When Jesus states, “Surely I am coming quickly,” this is not a reference to the second coming of Jesus. There is an application that we are to be ready to meet the Lord though in His second coming. Do you have the fervor and joy that John had?
Applications
First, is sin my master? (Romans 6:12) Was the old man of sin truly buried? (Colossians 3:9,10) Am I walking in the newness of life? (Galatians 5:22,23) In other words, am I really living as if I am a part of the inaugurated new creation?
Second, Christians do not have to be a part of this chaotic, turbulent sea of worldliness. If Christians stand fast, they can arrive on the bright and peaceful shore in the new creation.
Third, in the old creation, there was divorce for any reason, polygamy, homosexuality, adultery, spousal abuse and neglect. If a person becomes a part of the inaugurated new creation, then he ought to value faithfulness, commitment, oneness, sacrificial love, and respect. We must have the types of marriages that point ultimately to Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33).
28. Fourth, everyone wants to go to heaven, but not very many want to put forth the effort to go there (Matthew 7:13,14).
Fifth, it will be an everlasting joy to know that in the new creation there is no more sorrow, pain, death, or crying. Everything that had to do with sin and the curse will be gone.
Sixth, can you not see that trusting and obeying God is what you have been searching for all this time? For example, think about the Samaritan woman. She was in need of the spiritual, everlasting water that could quench her soul.
Seventh, this imagery of the lake of fire and brimstone that is the second death ought to make a lasting impression on us that we do not want to go there. We do not want this eternal separation from God forever.
Eighth, there are several things that should be mentioned about Christ and the church. First, she is His lover because Christ shows His love to the church. Second, Christ is her Redeemer because Christ redeemed the church with His own blood. Third, Christ is her Husband because Christ meets the needs of the church. Fourth, Christ is her sanctifier because Christ is able to sanctify His bride.
Ninth, are you in the “glorious church”? (Ephesians 5:27) Only those in the glorious church and remain faithful are those who will be in eternal glory.
Tenth, will you choose to enter into the city or stay outside of the city? Do we have apostles in the Lord’s church today?
Eleventh, there are far too many who are not preaching the apostles’ doctrine. They are standing on an unstable and sandy foundation. Question: “Does baptism save us?” Example: “What saves you according to 1 Pet. 3:21?”
36. Twelfth, what kind of water are you drinking? Is it the pure word of God that can quench your thirst? Is it the dirty potholes of man’s teachings and doctrines? Is it the dirty sinful habits that can never satisfy your soul? (Zechariah 14:8; John 4:7-14; Jeremiah 2:13)
Thirteenth, do you have the desire to be healed of your disease called sin? The great Physician now is near, the sympathizing Jesus, who can change that matter.
Fourteenth, there was paradise lost and now there is paradise regained. There are three gardens in the Bible that are important: (1) The garden of Eden, (2) the garden of Gethsemane, and (3) the garden of heaven. Jesus was able to reverse the curse.
Fifteenth, do you have the heart of a servant? (Philippians 2:5-11) Those who are willing to serve are those who will be entering the everlasting kingdom of God (Matthew 18:1-4).
Sixteenth, time is still here. The second coming of Jesus is coming. There is still time and opportunity. It is so important to make our lives right with God while we still can. We ought to come to Jesus and partake of the true river of life!
Seventeenth, we are to be looking forward to the second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Do you look forward to the second coming? Would you be trembling or joyful?
Eighteenth, you have the choice to choose whether or not you want to be saved. God will not force you to choose His will.
Nineteenth, some people are very haphazard with the word of God. There are many people who add to the word of God (Proverbs 30:6). Do you want the plagues to be added to you? There are many people who take away the word of God such as king Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:20-32).
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Aune, David E. Revelation 1–5. Word Biblical Commentary 52A. Accordance electronic ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997.
Beale, G.K. A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament In The New. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011. Kindle edition.
Blomberg, Craig L. From Pentecost To Patmos: An Introduction To Acts Through Revelation. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2006.
Carson, D.A. and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament, 2nd. Accordance electronic ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005.
Clarke, B.J. “By Approaching With Right Attitudes.” How Can We Understand The Bible Alike? ed. B.J. Clarke. Southaven, MS: POWER Publications, 2006.
Hailey, Homer. Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1979.
Houwelingen, P.H.R. van. “Fleeing Forward: The Departure of Christians From Jerusalem To Pella.” Westminister Theological Journal 65 (2003): 181–200.
Josephus. Translated by H. St. J. Thackeray et al. 10 vols. LCL. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1926-1965.
Keener, Craig. Revelation. The New International Version Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1999.
Koester, Craig. “The Origin and Significance of the Flight to Pella Tradition.” Catholic Biblical Quarterly 51 (1989): 90–106.
Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1997.
Osburne, Grant R. Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary On The New Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2002.
Phillips, John. Exploring Revelation. John Phillips Commentary Series. Accordance electronic ed. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2004.
Roper, David L. Revelation 1–11. Truth For Today Commentary. Searcy, Arkansas: Resource Publications, 2002.
Taylor, Donald. The Apocalypse: A Revelation of Jesus Christ. Memphis, Tennessee: WriteWay Publishing, 1996.
West, D. Gene. Avenging His Holy Saints, Apostles and Prophets. Pulaski, TN: Sain Publications, 2003.
West, Jr. W.B. Revelation Through First-Century Glasses. Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate, 1997.
The Gospel of Christ
This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.