The Good Life Is Available to Us.

December 31, 2024

The Good Life Is Available to Us.

Revelation 22:16-20

Travis Bruster

Big Book Idea

God with us.

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.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17 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.

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Introduction to Revelation

Timeline

Author and Date

Jesus Christ is the divine author of this “revelation” (1:1). He describes coming events to his servant John. John, son of Zebedee, was the “beloved disciple” who also wrote the Fourth Gospel and 1, 2 and 3 John. Most scholars believe John recorded these visions while imprisoned on the island of Patmos in the mid-90s A.D. Revelation is addressed specifically to seven first-century churches in the Roman province of Asia (now western Turkey), but the message is for all churches everywhere.

Theme

The word “Revelation” translates the Greek word apokalypsis, which means “disclosure” or “unveiling.” Revelation unveils the unseen spiritual war in which the church is engaged: the cosmic conflict between God and his Christ on the one hand, and Satan and his evil allies (both demonic and human) on the other. In this conflict, Jesus the Lamb has already won the decisive victory through his sacrificial death, but his church continues to be assaulted by the dragon, in its death-throes, through persecution (the beast), deceptive heresy (the false prophet), and the allure of material affluence and cultural approval (the prostitute). By revealing the spiritual realities behind the church’s trials and temptations, and by affirming the certainty of Christ’s triumph in the new heaven and earth, the visions of Revelation fortify believers to endure suffering. The reader of Revelation is encouraged to stay pure from the defiling enticements of the present world order.

Key Themes

Through his sacrificial death, Jesus Christ has conquered Satan, the accuser. Jesus has redeemed people from every nation to become a kingdom of priests, gladly serving in God’s presence (1:5, 18; 5:5–10; 12:1–11).
Jesus Christ is present among his churches through his Holy Spirit. He knows their trials, triumphs, and failures (1:12–3:22).
World history, including its disasters, is under the control of Jesus, the victorious Lamb (5:1–8:1).
God is presently holding back his wrath and preventing his enemies’ efforts to destroy the church. He patiently gathers his redeemed people through their witness for Jesus (6:5–11; 7:1–3; 8:6–12; 9:4–6, 18; 11:3–7; 12:6, 13–17).
Present disasters are warnings of increasing judgments to come (6:3–17; 8:6–13; 11:13; 16:1–21; 20:11–15).
Believers will continue their faithful testimony to the death. They will conquer both the dragon and the beast. The martyrs’ victory is now hidden, but it will be obvious when Christ returns (2:10–11, 26–29; 3:11–13; 6:9–11; 7:9–17; 11:7–12, 17–18; 12:10–11; 14:1–5; 15:2–4; 20:4–6).
Satan attacks the church’s perseverance and purity through persecution, deceptive teaching, and the temptations of wealth and sensual pleasure (2:1–3:22; 13:1–18; 17:1–18:24).
At the end of the age, the church’s opponents will increase their persecution. Jesus, the triumphant Word of God, will defeat and destroy all his enemies. The old heaven and earth, marked by sin and suffering, will be replaced by the new heaven and earth. The church will be presented as a pure bride to her husband, the Lamb (16:12–16; 19:11–21; 20:7–22:5).

Outline

Revelation contains four series of seven messages or visions. These include letters to churches (chs. 2–3), seals on a scroll (4:1–8:1), trumpets (8:2–11:19), and bowls of wrath (chs. 15–16). There is a general movement from “the things that are” to “the things that are to take place after this.” Yet the visions sometimes return to subjects from the previous sections. The order in which John received the visions does not necessarily indicate the order of the events they symbolize.

Prologue (1:1–8)
Body (1:9–22:5)
1. “Things that are”: Christ’s presence with and knowledge of his churches (1:9–3:22)
2. “Things that shall take place after this”: Christ’s defense of his church and destruction of its enemies (4:1–22:5)
Epilogue (22:6–21)

The Setting of Revelation

c. A.D. 95

John addressed the book of Revelation “to the seven churches that are in Asia,” namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, although there were undoubtedly other churches elsewhere in the province of Asia (e.g., Miletus and Colossae, see Acts 20:17; Col. 1:2). John had apparently been exiled from Ephesus to the island of Patmos, southwest of Ephesus, and it was probably there that he recorded his visions.

The Global Message of Revelation

The last book of the Bible explodes with a cosmic celebration of the triumph of God’s global purposes in the world.

This triumph takes place amid much suffering, suffering that is intensified as the final end draws near. Yet the resounding note of Revelation is hope, as God’s promises come to full completion and the multi-ethnic family of God enters into the new heavens and the new earth.

Revelation and Redemptive History

From Genesis to Revelation. Revelation brings to a final conclusion the entire sweep of redemptive history that began in Eden. The last three chapters of Revelation sum up the history that began in the first three chapters of Genesis. Genesis 1:1 tells us that God created the heavens and the earth; Revelation 21:1 speaks of a new heaven and a new earth. Genesis 3:8 speaks of God dwelling with humanity, and Revelation 21:3 speaks of a restoration of God’s dwelling presence. More connections occur—a flowing river, a tree of life, the presence of cosmic light, and more—in both the first three and the last three chapters of the Bible. Eden is being restored. The world is finally being brought to what it was intended to be.

All through Christ. In all this, Christ himself is the one who restores this world to the way it was meant to be. The history of redemption that starts in Genesis passes through Christ to get to Revelation. Indeed, just as God created a bride for the man in Genesis, so Christ himself is the true Bridegroom (Mark 2:19). The marriage of Christ to his people is the reality to which every human marriage points (Eph. 5:31–32). And in Revelation 21, John sees the new Jerusalem “coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2).

God’s international family. Most pertinent of all as we consider the global message of Revelation is the emphasis it gives to the multinational people of God. Jesus Christ is worshiped in Revelation because he “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9). Mankind’s pride at Babel caused them to be scattered and given different languages and cultures, yet in his great grace God redeems this diversity and saves a people for himself from all the peoples of the world.

Universal Themes in Revelation

God’s control of world events. Revelation recounts vividly the woes and disasters that will befall the world, both throughout history as well as in an intensified way toward the end of time. Much of the anguish described is directed at God’s people, who are persecuted for their loyalty to Christ. Reading all this in Revelation would produce deep discouragement were it not for the clear teaching that the sovereign hand of God extends to every detail of history. He is the “Sovereign Lord, holy and true,” who one day will “judge and avenge” all injustice toward his people (Rev. 6:10; note also 1:7; 2:1).

God’s defeat of Satan. Through his sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, Jesus Christ has triumphed over Satan, the accuser of God’s people. Though he was slain like a helpless lamb, it was through this suffering that Jesus conquered Satan and wiped away the sins of his people (Rev. 1:5; 5:5–10). Jesus now has “the keys of Death and Hades” (1:18). The accuser has been silenced (12:1–11).

God’s restoration of the cosmos. At the end of Revelation, God’s people do not escape this earth and fly away to heaven. Rather, heaven comes down to earth. The new Jerusalem descends, and God’s people take up residence on the earth with God and the Lamb (Rev. 21:1–22:5). Sin and Satan have been vanquished. Every inch of the globe—all that was touched by the curse—will be restored to its true design and intent (22:3). “Behold, I am making all things new,” says Jesus (21:5).

God’s creation of a global people. “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes” (Rev. 7:9; see also 5:9). At the end of Revelation we are told that “the kings of the earth” will bring into the new Jerusalem “the glory and the honor of the nations” (21:24, 26). And just as God’s saving grace reaches to every people group on earth, so his righteous judgment and punishment will extend to “all tribes of the earth” who have rejected Jesus (1:7). An integral part of the beauty of the new earth will be the rich diversity of those redeemed by the Lamb from all around the world.

The Global Message of Revelation for Today

The central message of Revelation for the global church today is that, in the cosmic war currently being waged between the forces of good and evil, the outcome is secure. Because Jesus has paid with his life for the sins of his people, Satan’s accusations are emptied of their power. The shed blood of the Lamb means that the sovereign Lord of the universe is now fully able to act on behalf of his people while at the same time upholding his perfect justice.

Ever since his resurrection and ascension, Christ has reigned. Yet Satan’s influence still exists. Revelation depicts the day when Christ’s reign will be made visible as he once and for all conquers Satan and his evil allies. On that day Christ will descend to earth a second time, this time openly as the triumphant Son of God, with the armies of heaven at his side (Rev. 19:11–16). Injustice and misery will be permanently defeated. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore” (21:4). The Lord’s righteous reign will be established and will extend to every corner of the globe.

In all the challenges that face the global church, this certain truth of Christ’s return and the exacting of perfect justice is the rock on which we stand. Especially in times of adversity, we remember his tender care for his saints. As the church faces internal squabbles, difficult cases of church discipline, or afflicted consciences due to sin, we remember that we are under the Lordship of the one who shed his blood for us. When we are ridiculed, maligned, insulted, or excluded by the world because of our loyalty to Christ, we remember that we are guaranteed that one day we will reign on the earth and will forever share in the resplendent glory of God himself.

From every corner of the globe God’s redeemed people will sing:

“Great and amazing are your deeds,

    O Lord God the Almighty!

Just and true are your ways,

    O King of the nations!

Who will not fear, O Lord,

    and glorify your name?

For you alone are holy.

    All nations will come

    and worship you,

for your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Rev. 15:3–4)

Joshua Fact #13: Megiddo

Fact: Megiddo

Megiddo was the site of many important OT battles. It was a walled city that guarded the main road that linked Egypt and Syria. Its setting made Megiddo a strategic military stronghold. In John’s visions in Revelation, Megiddo represents the global combat zone where the final battle between Christ and Satan will be fought. The word Armageddon means “Mount Megiddo” (Zech. 12:11; Rev. 16:16).

Revelation Fact #10: The OT in Revelation

Fact: The OT in Revelation

The OT in Revelation. Roughly one-seventh of the book of Revelation consists of quotations from the OT. It is a reminder of just how important it is to read and understand the OT as foundational for the New.

Revelation Fact #17: The Bride of Christ

Fact: The Bride of Christ

Revelation refers to the church as the Bride of Christ (19:7; 21:2, 9; 22:17). Similarly, Paul uses the relationship between Christ and the church as an example of how husbands and wives should treat each other (Eph. 5:25–27).

The Setting of Revelation

c. A.D. 95

Promises to Overcomers

The following images depict ways in which God will “be . . . God” to those who conquer (Rev. 21:7).

Promise	What Will Happen	Fulfillment
2:7	will eat from the tree of life	22:2
2:11	will not be hurt by the second death	20:6; 21:7–8
2:17	will be given a white stone	21:11, 18–21
2:26–27; 3:21	will reign with Christ on his throne	20:4
2:28	will be given the morning star	21:23; 22:5, 16
3:5	will be clothed in bright garments	19:7–8; 21:2, 9–10
3:5	name will be in the book of life	21:27
3:12	will be made a pillar in God’s temple	21:22–23
3:12	will participate in the new Jerusalem	21:10
3:12	will have God’s name written on them	22:4

The “Bookends” of Biblical Theology

God’s ultimate purpose in redemptive history is to create a people to dwell in his presence, glorifying him through numerous varied activities and enjoying him forever. The story begins with God in eternal glory, and it ends with God and his people in eternal glory. At the center stands the cross, where God revealed his glory through his Son.

The biblical story of redemption must be understood within the larger story of creation. First Adam, and later Israel, was placed in God’s sanctuary (the garden and the Promised Land, respectively), but both Adam and Israel failed to be a faithful, obedient steward, and both were expelled from the sanctuary God had created for them. But Jesus Christ—the second Adam, the son of Abraham, the son of David—was faithful and obedient to God. Though the world killed him, God raised him to life, which meant that death was defeated. Through his Spirit, God pours into sinners the resurrection life of his Son, creating a new humanity “in Christ.” Those who are “in Christ” move through death into new, re-embodied life and exaltation in God’s sanctuary, there to enjoy his presence forever.

The “bookends” concept of biblical theology illustrates that in the third-to-last chapter of the Bible (Revelation 20) God removes his enemies—Satan, death, and evil—that entered the story line in the third chapter of the Bible (Genesis 3), thus completing the story of redemption. The last two chapters (Revelation 21–22) don’t simply restore the first two chapters (Genesis 1–2); they go beyond them to a world that is fully ordered and holy, in which God is fully present with his people, completing the story of creation. (Chapter divisions in the Bible are, of course, human contributions, not divinely inspired.)

Study Notes

Rev. 22:12–16 Christ will come to repay each one for what he has done. He will reward each faithful servant and punish each unbeliever. Recompense (“wages,” “reward”) indicates degrees of reward and punishment (see Luke 12:47–48).

Rev. 22:16 the root and the descendant of David. Jesus is both David’s “son” and his Lord (5:5; Isa. 11:1, 10; Mark 12:35–37). bright morning star. See note on Rev. 2:26–28.

See chart See chart

Promises to Overcomers

The following images depict ways in which God will “be . . . God” to those who conquer (Rev. 21:7).

Promise	What Will Happen	Fulfillment
2:7	will eat from the tree of life	22:2
2:11	will not be hurt by the second death	20:6; 21:7–8
2:17	will be given a white stone	21:11, 18–21
2:26–27; 3:21	will reign with Christ on his throne	20:4
2:28	will be given the morning star	21:23; 22:5, 16
3:5	will be clothed in bright garments	19:7–8; 21:2, 9–10
3:5	name will be in the book of life	21:27
3:12	will be made a pillar in God’s temple	21:22–23
3:12	will participate in the new Jerusalem	21:10
3:12	will have God’s name written on them	22:4

Study Notes

Rev. 22:16–17 As promised in 1:1, Jesus has given his revelation through his angel and through John to his churches for their comfort and warning.

Rev. 22:17 God invites the spiritually thirsty to take the water of life without price. It is freely provided by God’s grace (21:6; Isa. 55:1).

Revelation Fact #17: The Bride of Christ

Fact: The Bride of Christ

S3:258 Revelation 22:16-20

Listen Now

What is the good life?

In some way, every human who has ever lived has been confronted with this question. We all desire the good life, and each of us, through our experiences and choices, comes to have some concept of the good life. It is driven into us by painful memories we seek to avoid or sold to us by an Amazon van claiming to have happiness within. The good life is having enough money to buy whatever we want, or pursuing whatever feels good, or being free from commitments so that our time can be our own. Perhaps more subtle notions creep in: the good life is having a spouse who serves me, or successful children, or a bigger platform to reach more people with my ministry. These are "broken cisterns that can hold no water"(Jeremiah 2:13).

So what is the good life?

The Bible's answer is simple, but deeply satisfying: God with us. "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11). Mankind is made for intimate communion with God. But surely this relationship requires work? How could reaching the good life not require work? Oh that the truth of Revelation 22:17 would pierce our hearts and sink into our bones! The one who desires may take the water of life without price! This is the water that poured from Jesus' side (John 19:34). One day it will flow throughout creation, that all the earth may be a place for God to dwell with man. But even now, this water is available to us. Jesus is Immanuel, the Word dwells among us, and He will be with us to the end of the age. The question is: will we drink?

This month's memory verse

everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”

– Isaiah 43:7

1. Your ideas of the good life are most clearly revealed to you by your desires. So, the goal of Christian discipleship is not simply to ignore your desires, but to change them. So then, Jesus' question to the two disciples of John who followed Jesus is worth pondering: "What are you seeking?" (John 1:38).

2. Your habits shape your desires. It is therefore crucial that you establish habits in your life that increase your awareness of God's presence with and in you. What habits do you have that do this for you? Share them here, so that others may be encouraged to do likewise. What habits would you like to establish?

3. The water of life is meant to be shared. Revelation 22:17 says that the Bride (the church), in cooperation with the Spirit, invites others to come and drink from the water of life. How can you, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, invite others into the good life you have found?

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