Paradise Reclaimed

1. Read: Revelation 22:1-5

2. About the Text:

1) In chapter twenty-one we saw New Jerusalem, the bride of the Lamb.

2) This is the eternal home of the faithful described as a beautiful city.

3) In the beginning of chapter 22, we see the center of that city.

4) In it is a beautiful garden where the tree of life dwells.

5) It is Eden remade.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. The River of Life is in this city.

1) In Eden there was also a river (Genesis 2:10).

2) It is pure, uncontaminated by sin.

3) In it is the water of life (John 4:14).

4) It is clear as crystal, transparent, nothing hidden.

5) It proceeds from the throne of God and the Lamb.

2. The Tree of Life is in this city.

1) In Eden was also the Tree of Life (Genesis 2:9).

2) It is in the midst or among the city’s avenue.

a. This is not just one street, but a collection coming from the twelve gates.

b. These twelve roads seem to connect in the middle where the garden is.

3) The tree of life spans the river.

a. If this is one giant tree, then it is very big.

b. Some believe it is one organism but with many trunks and branches.

4) The tree of life yields fruit and leaves.

a. It bears twelve fruit, one for each month of the year.

b. The leaves are for the healing of the nations.

5) The Tree of Life gives access to eternal life (Genesis 3:22).

6) Eternal life is given by Jesus (John 10:28).

3. The throne of God is in this city.

1) The river comes from the throne (1).

2) God’s throne stands here in opposition to the tree of knowledge of good and evil in Genesis 3, and the resultant curse.

3) God’s servants will serve him.

4) They will see God’s face. He will not be invisible to us anymore (1 Timothy 1:17).

5) He will put His name on their forehead.

a. Only the High Priest had God’s name on his forehead (Exodus 28:38).

b. Revelation 7:3 – the seal of God – the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).

6) There will be no night there and will need no lamp or light from the sun.

7) The Lord God gives them light (1 John 1:5).

8) They will reign forever (Revelation 5:10). This is beyond the 1000-year reign.

1. We must keep the words of Christ (6-7).

1) They are faithful and true (2 Thess.3:3).

2) They come from the Lord God of the holy prophets.

3) They are words which must shortly take place.

4) Those who keep these words are blessed (John 13:17).

2. We must keep the worship of Christ (8-9).

1) John fell down to worship before the angel.

2) The angel told him not to do it.

3) He is a fellow servant of John’s brothers the prophets.

4) He is a fellow servant of those who keep the words of this book.

5) He told him to worship God (John 4:24).

3. We must keep the way of Christ (10-11).

1) The words of this book were not to be sealed but published (Mark 16:15).

2) This was because the time was at hand (Matthew 24:46).

3) Christ’s way is to let people make their choices (11).

a. If someone chooses to be unjust and filthy, let them. They will pay for it.

b. If someone chooses to be righteous and holy, that’s good.

c. Everyone will be rewarded according to their work.

4. We must keep the work of Christ (12-17).

1) Jesus will reward everyone according to their work (Romans 2:6, 14:12).

2) We see a reiteration of Jesus identity as God here; no one will counter his judgment.

3) Those who do his commandments (1 John 5:2).

a. They will have access to the tree of life.

b. They will enter the city.

4) Those who do not obey (15) (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

a. They are outside the city.

b. They are dogs, sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, idolaters, liars.

5) Jesus certifies the message as being His message.

a. As The Root and Offspring of David (Messiah-Jews)

b. As The Bright and Morning Star (light bringer-Gentiles).

6) The final invitation to drink of the water of life.

a. Spirit and Bride say “come.” (Close relationship between HS and church).

b. Let the one who hears say “come.”

c. Let the one who thirsts come.

d. Whosoever desires may drink of the water of life freely.

1. We must not add to God’s word.

1) Adding means altering by requiring more than God requires.

2) Those who add will receive the plagues written in the book.

3) “Every word of God is tried: He is a shield unto them that take refuge in him. Add thou not unto his words, Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Pro.30:5-6).

2. We must not take away from God’s word.

1) Taking away means altering by requiring less than God requires.

2) They will have their name taken from the Book of Life and the Holy City.

3) Is it possible to so sin as to be lost? Yes.

3. Jesus Christ will return and judge all.

1) Jesus says he is coming quickly.

2) We are to hasten his coming.

3) But also 2 Peter 3:9.

1. Paradise Reclaimed

1) A Reward for the Righteous

2) A Watch for the Wise

3) A Warning for the Wicked

2. Invitation