Beautiful, Final Things

The last chapter of Revelation and the final scenes of the heavenly wonder also brings us to the end of God’s Word. Man’s path has been rugged. Many questions remain unanswered; many problems remain unsolved. But we enter into eternity in fellowship again with God, and there all will be answered.

The angel escorting John through this vision of heaven first dazzled him with breathtaking, exquisite beauty and now shows him a pure river of the water of life flowing from God’s throne. On either side of the river is “the tree of life,” bearing 12 kinds of fruits each month—a continuous supply in abundance. Like in the Garden of Eden, we will eat and drink in eternity. However, unlike the Garden, there’s no possibility of sin entering there.

Contrary to the cartoons, heaven isn’t a place where we’ll hang out on clouds. It’s a place of fruitful work. Perhaps the Lord will give to each saint a world or a solar system to operate like He gave Adam dominion over the old creation.

The Lord reveals that just as the condemned lost person in hell will increasingly become more sinful, so we will grow in righteousness and holiness. Heaven is not static. The child of God will have all eternity to grow in wisdom and knowledge.

At the beginning of this book, the Lord blessed those who read, hear and keep these words. Now, in conclusion, He repeats the blessing on those who keep these words. We aren’t to spiritualize them or reduce them to empty stories. This book isn’t meant to satisfy our curiosity, but to live and apply.

As the Revelation ends, the Lord Jesus asserts His place as God: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (v. 13). He gives the angel His very personal message. “I, Jesus”—taking the name of His saviorhood, the name He received when He took on humanity. He’s all we’re going to talk about for eternity.

He also refers to Himself as “the Root and the Offspring of David,” which connects Him with the Old Testament. But He is “the Bright and Morning Star” to the church (v. 16). Have you noticed the bright and morning star always appears at the darkest time of the night? It signals the sun will be up shortly. The Old Testament ended with the promise that “the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings” (Malachi 4:2). But to us, He is the Bright and Morning Star who will come at a very dark moment.

Our Lord promises He is coming again and will personally reward each believer individually. And to those who do not yet believe, Jesus invites the thirsty to come to Him and freely take the water of life. Those who do not yet believe obviously need to come in order to take their first drink of this living water, Christ our eternal life. But believers too need to keep coming to Him. “Him who thirsts” (v. 17) is anyone who senses their spiritual need, broad enough to include absolutely everyone. This water of life costs us nothing, but it cost Jesus Christ everything. He invites us to come to Him again today.

Don’t wait.

When these things begin to come to pass, Jesus will already then be at the door.

“Come, Lord Jesus” is the heart-cry of every true believer (v. 20). The Old Testament ends with a curse; the New Testament ends with a benediction of grace on the believers. Grace is offered to all, but if anyone refuses the offer Jesus Christ extends, they must bear the judgment pronounced in this book.

Grace is offered to you—it’s the only way you can be saved. Believe Him and receive it.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.