AG ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 25 IN BRIEF
DECEMBER 18, 2022
TOPIC: THE NEW JERUSALEM
Adult Teacher December 18, 2022 LESSON 25 THE NEW JERUSALEM
Memory Verse: Revelation 21:2
I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (KJV).
🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿
Central Truth
The saints will live and reign with Jesus Christ for eternity.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
The Lesson Outline
1. The Bride of the Lamb
Revelation 21:1-10
A. All Things Made New
B. Everlasting Destinies
2. The Light of the Lamb
Revelation 21:22 through 22:5
A. The City
B. The New “Eden”
3. The Invitation of the Lamb Revelation 22:12-17
A. The Choice
B. Come!
🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷
Teaching Goals
1. Impart and Reinforce Knowledge: Describe for
students what Revelation
teaches about the New
Jerusalem.
2. Influence Attitudes: Help students better understand and appreciate the hope we have concerning the end of the age.
3. Influence Behaviour:
Encourage students to live with joy in the midst of trials, knowing our great hope is in God.
🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀
Introducing the Lesson
If you visit Jerusalem today, you’ll see numerous historic and holy sites of Judaism and Christianity. Sadly, you’ll also be confronted by the sight of armed military personnel patrolling the streets. These soldiers are a jarring reminder that we still look for a new day and a new Jerusalem of peace, where war is no
more. Writing roughly two decades after Jerusalem’s destruction by Roman forces, John likely felt similar longings for the peace of Jerusalem.
🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳
The Holy Scriptures
Revelation 21:1-10
[1]And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
[2]And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
[3]And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
[4]And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
[5]And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
[6]And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
[7]He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
[8]But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
[9]And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
[10]And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
Revelation 21:22-27
[22]And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
[23]And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
[24]And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
[25]And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
[26]And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
[27]And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 22:1-5
[1]And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
[2]In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
[3]And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
[4]And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
[5]And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 22:12-17
[12]And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
[13]I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
[14]Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
[15]For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
[16]I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
[17]And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
🍇 🍇 🍇 🍇 🍇 🍇
Commentary and Application
1. The Bride of the Lamb
The final two chapters of
Revelation are perhaps the most vivid and moving parts of the book. Featured prominently in this scene are the bride of the Lamb, and the New Jerusalem. This is the
culmination of the new creation, in which all God’s ancient promises and warnings are realised and fulfilled.
A. All Things Made New- Revelation 21:1-55
Earlier in John’s vision, heaven and earth fled before the face of God, who came to execute judgement see Revelation 20:11). In their place will come a new heaven and a new earth (21:1). While we cannot
understand specifically how this will happen, the point to be recognised is that the old order and nature of things passes away, to be replaced by the new. Interestingly, John notes the absence of a sea in his vision.
Indeed, it was out of the sea that some of the monsters mentioned in
Revelation arose.
Now the New Jerusalem descends from heaven (verse 2). The angels refer to the city as the
bride of the Lamb (Revelation 21:9-10). Of course, the people who occupy the city are wedded to the Lamb (see Revelation 19:7-8).
Previously the city has been a spiritual reality reserved in the heavenly realm (see Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22). Now, however, it breaks into the earthly realm to be revealed and established upon the
earth. The city is adorned as a bride, likely with shining jewels and precious metals, standard attire for a royal wedding in John’s time.
The merging of the heavenly city with the earthly realm represents the fulfilment of God’s promises. This fulfils God’s plan to overcome the separation caused by sin. He made temporary dwellings in the wilderness tabernacle (Exodus 25:8) and the Temple (2 Chronicles
6:18-21). Then His Son became flesh and started the building of a new kind of temple (John 1:14). Now its fullness is announced from the
throne (Revelation 21:3-4). The announcement is the fulfilment of the old prophecies (Ezekiel 37:27) and today remains the hope of the
Church (2 Corinthians 6:16). In Revelation 21, God dwells gloriously on the earth and makes all things new.
The result is perhaps one of Scripture’s most tender lines: “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes (verse 4, KJV). The tears are wiped away because all the things
that caused sorrow in the old order also pass away (verse 5).
🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱
B. Everlasting Destinies- Revelation 21:6-10
Within Revelation 21:6-10, we find the everlasting destinies of two groups: those who embraced the new creation and those who rejected the new creation. The former are
given two things (verses 6–7). First, they are given the water of life. This is
the fulfilment of Biblical promises. Isaiah issued a similar invitation (Isaiah 55:1). Jesus, the source of the water, offered it freely (John 4:10; 7:37). Second, these people are claimed by God as His heirs. He is not ashamed to be their God (Romans 8:14; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Hebrews 11:16).
While the overcomers receive life and adoption, those who cling to the old order will suffer its fate: the second death (Revelation 21:8). The list of the condemned is telling. By “cowardly” and “unbelieving,” John may have in mind those who abandon Christ under pressure. The “vile” is a reference to things God
detests. The sexually immoral, idolaters, and liars are all listed as specific violations of the Ten Commandments. They are also featured prominently throughout
Revelation. Finally, the
Condemnation of sorcery may have a connection to the magical arts practised in the imperial cults during John’s time. Similar arts continue to be practised today. All of these individuals are consigned to the lake of fire, the same destiny as the beast, the false prophet, and Satan (Revelation 20:10).
🌻 🌻 🌻 🌻 🌻 🌻
I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (KJV).
🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿
Central Truth
The saints will live and reign with Jesus Christ for eternity.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
The Lesson Outline
1. The Bride of the Lamb
Revelation 21:1-10
A. All Things Made New
B. Everlasting Destinies
2. The Light of the Lamb
Revelation 21:22 through 22:5
A. The City
B. The New “Eden”
3. The Invitation of the Lamb Revelation 22:12-17
A. The Choice
B. Come!
🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷
Teaching Goals
1. Impart and Reinforce Knowledge: Describe for
students what Revelation
teaches about the New
Jerusalem.
2. Influence Attitudes: Help students better understand and appreciate the hope we have concerning the end of the age.
3. Influence Behaviour:
Encourage students to live with joy in the midst of trials, knowing our great hope is in God.
🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀
Introducing the Lesson
If you visit Jerusalem today, you’ll see numerous historic and holy sites of Judaism and Christianity. Sadly, you’ll also be confronted by the sight of armed military personnel patrolling the streets. These soldiers are a jarring reminder that we still look for a new day and a new Jerusalem of peace, where war is no
more. Writing roughly two decades after Jerusalem’s destruction by Roman forces, John likely felt similar longings for the peace of Jerusalem.
🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳
The Holy Scriptures
Revelation 21:1-10
[1]And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
[2]And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
[3]And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
[4]And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
[5]And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
[6]And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
[7]He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
[8]But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
[9]And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
[10]And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
Revelation 21:22-27
[22]And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
[23]And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
[24]And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
[25]And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
[26]And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
[27]And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 22:1-5
[1]And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
[2]In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
[3]And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
[4]And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
[5]And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 22:12-17
[12]And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
[13]I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
[14]Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
[15]For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
[16]I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
[17]And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
🍇 🍇 🍇 🍇 🍇 🍇
Commentary and Application
1. The Bride of the Lamb
The final two chapters of
Revelation are perhaps the most vivid and moving parts of the book. Featured prominently in this scene are the bride of the Lamb, and the New Jerusalem. This is the
culmination of the new creation, in which all God’s ancient promises and warnings are realised and fulfilled.
A. All Things Made New- Revelation 21:1-55
Earlier in John’s vision, heaven and earth fled before the face of God, who came to execute judgement see Revelation 20:11). In their place will come a new heaven and a new earth (21:1). While we cannot
understand specifically how this will happen, the point to be recognised is that the old order and nature of things passes away, to be replaced by the new. Interestingly, John notes the absence of a sea in his vision.
Indeed, it was out of the sea that some of the monsters mentioned in
Revelation arose.
Now the New Jerusalem descends from heaven (verse 2). The angels refer to the city as the
bride of the Lamb (Revelation 21:9-10). Of course, the people who occupy the city are wedded to the Lamb (see Revelation 19:7-8).
Previously the city has been a spiritual reality reserved in the heavenly realm (see Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22). Now, however, it breaks into the earthly realm to be revealed and established upon the
earth. The city is adorned as a bride, likely with shining jewels and precious metals, standard attire for a royal wedding in John’s time.
The merging of the heavenly city with the earthly realm represents the fulfilment of God’s promises. This fulfils God’s plan to overcome the separation caused by sin. He made temporary dwellings in the wilderness tabernacle (Exodus 25:8) and the Temple (2 Chronicles
6:18-21). Then His Son became flesh and started the building of a new kind of temple (John 1:14). Now its fullness is announced from the
throne (Revelation 21:3-4). The announcement is the fulfilment of the old prophecies (Ezekiel 37:27) and today remains the hope of the
Church (2 Corinthians 6:16). In Revelation 21, God dwells gloriously on the earth and makes all things new.
The result is perhaps one of Scripture’s most tender lines: “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes (verse 4, KJV). The tears are wiped away because all the things
that caused sorrow in the old order also pass away (verse 5).
🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱
B. Everlasting Destinies- Revelation 21:6-10
Within Revelation 21:6-10, we find the everlasting destinies of two groups: those who embraced the new creation and those who rejected the new creation. The former are
given two things (verses 6–7). First, they are given the water of life. This is
the fulfilment of Biblical promises. Isaiah issued a similar invitation (Isaiah 55:1). Jesus, the source of the water, offered it freely (John 4:10; 7:37). Second, these people are claimed by God as His heirs. He is not ashamed to be their God (Romans 8:14; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Hebrews 11:16).
While the overcomers receive life and adoption, those who cling to the old order will suffer its fate: the second death (Revelation 21:8). The list of the condemned is telling. By “cowardly” and “unbelieving,” John may have in mind those who abandon Christ under pressure. The “vile” is a reference to things God
detests. The sexually immoral, idolaters, and liars are all listed as specific violations of the Ten Commandments. They are also featured prominently throughout
Revelation. Finally, the
Condemnation of sorcery may have a connection to the magical arts practised in the imperial cults during John’s time. Similar arts continue to be practised today. All of these individuals are consigned to the lake of fire, the same destiny as the beast, the false prophet, and Satan (Revelation 20:10).
🌻 🌻 🌻 🌻 🌻 🌻
Questions for Application
The overcomers are promised life and divine inheritance. According to
Revelation 12:10-11, how do we overcome?
What does an overcomer look like in our context today?
🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒
Response to the Word
The new heaven and earth isn’t Just about golden streets, bejewelled foundations, and gates of pearl. It’s about God becoming closer to His people. When we read these Scriptures carefully, everything points to the expansive generosity with which God invites us to abide in His glory and drink of His water of life.
This makes the destiny of those who reject Him even more tragic. They
could not release the things of the old age, and so they miss the glory of the time to come. No wonder Paul reminds us to recall in the midst of
our trials that what is to come far outweighs anything that is (Romans
8:18). John’s vision encourages us to set our hopes on what is to come!
🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴
2. The Light of the Lamb
A. The City- Revelation 21:22-27
Revelation 21 goes on to explain that the city has no temple for “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the, temple of it” (verse 22, KJV). The previous paragraphs described the dimensions of the city as foursquare” or cubed. In the Old Testament, the Holy of Holies was also a cubed structure. This can help us understand why there is no temple there. None is needed, because at that time God’s presence will fill all
(Ephesians 1:23).
The need for light in this wondrous place is eliminated by the glory of God, with Christ as the centre (Revelation 21:23-24). Isaiah describes this glorious time when the Sun will never again set (lsaiah
60:19-20). The elimination of day and night cycles reveals how differently this new life will be, as well as the extreme difference God’s
nearness makes.
Verse 25 compares the new city to the Holy of Holies. While that former place where God’s presence dwelt could only be entered by the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement, Revelation 21 describes the Holy City as being open to all of God’s people forever. The gates are never shut. The glory and honour of all nations who have been made
righteous by the Lamb shall have open access to present themselves
directly before the King and worship Him.
🫐 🫐 🫐 🫐 🫐 🫐
B. The New “Eden”- Revelation 22:1-5
It is interesting to note that the Biblical story ends where it began: in
a garden paradise (Revelation 22:1-2; see Genesis 2). What was lost in Eden is restored. In the New Jerusalem is a garden, in which the throne of God and of the Lamb is found. From the throne flows the Water of Life, which Scripture links
with the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Healing for the nations radiates from
the presence of the triune God.
The imagery here fulfils at least two Old Testament hopes. Psalm 46 speaks of God as the refuge for His people. Though nations rage, His
people are held fast in Him. Moreover, the psalmist sings, “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.. .God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved” (Psalm 46:4-5, KJV). God’s presence secures His people in paradise and fills them with joy. This picture also echoes Ezekiel’s prophecy (Ezekiel 47). There, the river flows from the Temple into the
valley and down to the Dead Sea, where it brings the sea to life. There is no lack of food as the trees bring forth produce every month and their
leaves are used for healing. Such is the power of God’s presence, that nature is renewed along with the people (see also Romans 8:19-21).
In God’s presence, the curse is removed (Revelation 22:3). The
mention of the curse here could have a twofold meaning. First, the curse after Eden comes to mind. Adam and Eve were banished from paradise forbidden the Tree of Life, and reaped conflict (see Genesis 3). John’s Jewish readers might also have thought of the curses that Israel would experience if they broke covenant with God (Deuteronomy 28:15-60). All of these curses are
abolished and replaced with the benefits of the presence of God.
God’s name is on the forehead of the people as they see His face
(Revelation 22:4). We might ask, “What does this mean?” Earlier in
Revelation, God’s people were marked with a seal upon the forehead, which the Beast attempted to counterfeit (Revelation 7:1-4: 13:16-17). Now, the royal priesthood, made of all nations and bound by their loyalty to Jesus, are welcomed into the presence of the living God to behold His face and reign with Him forever.
🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀 🍀
Questions for Application
Why do you think John emphasised the unceasing light (verse 5) given by God in the New Jerusalem?
How can you be a representative of Jesus in your community as light in this current sinful world?
🍒 🍒 🍒 🍒 🍒 🍒 🍒
Response to the Word
As glorious as Revelation 22 is, there is a spiritual fulfilment now that anticipates this wondrous coming day. In this current time, the Church, comprised of every believer, is the
temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 3:16). From the Church still flows the living water of the Holy Spirit that is able to heal the ravages of sin and give eternal life. We are, in a sense, the spiritual forerunners of that Holy City to come. Thus, we should live as if already we are filled with the unceasing light of God. This is why Scripture calls us children of light and beckons us to live in the light even as we are surrounded by darkness (Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5).
🪴 🪴 🪴 🪴 🪴 🪴
3. The Invitation of the Lamb
A. The Choice- Revelation 22:12-15
The Lord declares that He is Coming soon (Revelation 22:12-13).
The Greek word for “soon” here carries the connotation of suddenness. Jesus warns us to be ready: Just as He is coming soon, He shall come suddenly. He began all things and will end all things. Therefore, He has all authority to judge and to reward people for their
deeds.
The rewards of the Lord mark a stark contrast between God’s people
and those who are judged (verses 14-15). The contrast reminds us of the choice set before Israel: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and Curses. Now choose life” (Deuterononmy 30:19, NIV).
We are also exhorted to wash our robes. The original Greek of this phrase indicates that this is an ongoing action and reminds us that we face a daily battle with sin. The cleansing comes through the blood of Jesus and is a testimony of His work in our lives (Revelation 1:5; 3:5;
19:8). Those who have rejected Him will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 22:15; see 21:8).
B. Come!- Revelation 22:16-17
In the closing verses of Revelation, Jesus emphasises that He has been the source of this
message (Revelation 22:16). We must not take the message lightly, since it is from One with great authority. Jesus identifies Himself as the bright Morning Star. Earlier, He promised that the Thyatirans would receive the Morning Star (Revelation 2:28). Just as a new day begins in the
morning, Christ has the power to make everything new.
The Spirit and the Bride (the Church) unite in issuing an invitation
(22:17). This pairing reveals the necessity of the work of the Church
as empowered by the Holy Spirit. Both are calling us to the Christ, who testified that He is coming soon. Yet, they are likely also calling to the world, encouraging them to take part in the gift of life Jesus is providing. Longing for and hoping in His promises, John joins in the call to the Lamb by saying,Even so, Come,
Lord Jesus” (verse 20, KJV).
🍃 🍃 🍃 🍃 🍃
Questions for Application
Why is it important to recall the necessity of the Spirit in evangelism?
In what ways can we participate with the Spirit to call others to come?
🦩 🦩 🦩 🦩 🦩
Response to the Word
In Revelation 22:17, the Church and the Holy Spirit are united in a single message. This means that the Church speaks in harmony with the Spirit. The word that the Spirit issues is an invitation to the thirsty and the dying. Sometimes Christians might focus only on the reality of judgement when speaking to sinners. Revelation 22 reminds us that an invitation into God’s kingdom is a central part of the gospel message.
While many may scoff at such an invitation, our task remains: Call them to come, so that those who will might find new and everlasting life.
How can you issue the Spirit’s invitation to the lost today?
🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹
Call to Discipleship
Hebrews 11:8-10 tells us that Abraham sought a city built by God. His
faithfulness to God brought him the title “father of faith” (see Romans 4:11). In a sense, we follow Abraham’s example and walk in his footsteps as we look for the coming of the New Jerusalem (Romans 4:12-13).
We are pilgrims in a land that is passing away, strangers in a system that rejects Christ. We should testify amid our journey that there is a better city ruled by the true King, and all are welcome to serve Him.
🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴
Revelation 12:10-11, how do we overcome?
What does an overcomer look like in our context today?
🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒🥒
Response to the Word
The new heaven and earth isn’t Just about golden streets, bejewelled foundations, and gates of pearl. It’s about God becoming closer to His people. When we read these Scriptures carefully, everything points to the expansive generosity with which God invites us to abide in His glory and drink of His water of life.
This makes the destiny of those who reject Him even more tragic. They
could not release the things of the old age, and so they miss the glory of the time to come. No wonder Paul reminds us to recall in the midst of
our trials that what is to come far outweighs anything that is (Romans
8:18). John’s vision encourages us to set our hopes on what is to come!
🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴 🌴
2. The Light of the Lamb
A. The City- Revelation 21:22-27
Revelation 21 goes on to explain that the city has no temple for “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the, temple of it” (verse 22, KJV). The previous paragraphs described the dimensions of the city as foursquare” or cubed. In the Old Testament, the Holy of Holies was also a cubed structure. This can help us understand why there is no temple there. None is needed, because at that time God’s presence will fill all
(Ephesians 1:23).
The need for light in this wondrous place is eliminated by the glory of God, with Christ as the centre (Revelation 21:23-24). Isaiah describes this glorious time when the Sun will never again set (lsaiah
60:19-20). The elimination of day and night cycles reveals how differently this new life will be, as well as the extreme difference God’s
nearness makes.
Verse 25 compares the new city to the Holy of Holies. While that former place where God’s presence dwelt could only be entered by the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement, Revelation 21 describes the Holy City as being open to all of God’s people forever. The gates are never shut. The glory and honour of all nations who have been made
righteous by the Lamb shall have open access to present themselves
directly before the King and worship Him.
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B. The New “Eden”- Revelation 22:1-5
It is interesting to note that the Biblical story ends where it began: in
a garden paradise (Revelation 22:1-2; see Genesis 2). What was lost in Eden is restored. In the New Jerusalem is a garden, in which the throne of God and of the Lamb is found. From the throne flows the Water of Life, which Scripture links
with the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Healing for the nations radiates from
the presence of the triune God.
The imagery here fulfils at least two Old Testament hopes. Psalm 46 speaks of God as the refuge for His people. Though nations rage, His
people are held fast in Him. Moreover, the psalmist sings, “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.. .God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved” (Psalm 46:4-5, KJV). God’s presence secures His people in paradise and fills them with joy. This picture also echoes Ezekiel’s prophecy (Ezekiel 47). There, the river flows from the Temple into the
valley and down to the Dead Sea, where it brings the sea to life. There is no lack of food as the trees bring forth produce every month and their
leaves are used for healing. Such is the power of God’s presence, that nature is renewed along with the people (see also Romans 8:19-21).
In God’s presence, the curse is removed (Revelation 22:3). The
mention of the curse here could have a twofold meaning. First, the curse after Eden comes to mind. Adam and Eve were banished from paradise forbidden the Tree of Life, and reaped conflict (see Genesis 3). John’s Jewish readers might also have thought of the curses that Israel would experience if they broke covenant with God (Deuteronomy 28:15-60). All of these curses are
abolished and replaced with the benefits of the presence of God.
God’s name is on the forehead of the people as they see His face
(Revelation 22:4). We might ask, “What does this mean?” Earlier in
Revelation, God’s people were marked with a seal upon the forehead, which the Beast attempted to counterfeit (Revelation 7:1-4: 13:16-17). Now, the royal priesthood, made of all nations and bound by their loyalty to Jesus, are welcomed into the presence of the living God to behold His face and reign with Him forever.
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Questions for Application
Why do you think John emphasised the unceasing light (verse 5) given by God in the New Jerusalem?
How can you be a representative of Jesus in your community as light in this current sinful world?
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Response to the Word
As glorious as Revelation 22 is, there is a spiritual fulfilment now that anticipates this wondrous coming day. In this current time, the Church, comprised of every believer, is the
temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 3:16). From the Church still flows the living water of the Holy Spirit that is able to heal the ravages of sin and give eternal life. We are, in a sense, the spiritual forerunners of that Holy City to come. Thus, we should live as if already we are filled with the unceasing light of God. This is why Scripture calls us children of light and beckons us to live in the light even as we are surrounded by darkness (Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5).
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3. The Invitation of the Lamb
A. The Choice- Revelation 22:12-15
The Lord declares that He is Coming soon (Revelation 22:12-13).
The Greek word for “soon” here carries the connotation of suddenness. Jesus warns us to be ready: Just as He is coming soon, He shall come suddenly. He began all things and will end all things. Therefore, He has all authority to judge and to reward people for their
deeds.
The rewards of the Lord mark a stark contrast between God’s people
and those who are judged (verses 14-15). The contrast reminds us of the choice set before Israel: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and Curses. Now choose life” (Deuterononmy 30:19, NIV).
We are also exhorted to wash our robes. The original Greek of this phrase indicates that this is an ongoing action and reminds us that we face a daily battle with sin. The cleansing comes through the blood of Jesus and is a testimony of His work in our lives (Revelation 1:5; 3:5;
19:8). Those who have rejected Him will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 22:15; see 21:8).
B. Come!- Revelation 22:16-17
In the closing verses of Revelation, Jesus emphasises that He has been the source of this
message (Revelation 22:16). We must not take the message lightly, since it is from One with great authority. Jesus identifies Himself as the bright Morning Star. Earlier, He promised that the Thyatirans would receive the Morning Star (Revelation 2:28). Just as a new day begins in the
morning, Christ has the power to make everything new.
The Spirit and the Bride (the Church) unite in issuing an invitation
(22:17). This pairing reveals the necessity of the work of the Church
as empowered by the Holy Spirit. Both are calling us to the Christ, who testified that He is coming soon. Yet, they are likely also calling to the world, encouraging them to take part in the gift of life Jesus is providing. Longing for and hoping in His promises, John joins in the call to the Lamb by saying,Even so, Come,
Lord Jesus” (verse 20, KJV).
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Questions for Application
Why is it important to recall the necessity of the Spirit in evangelism?
In what ways can we participate with the Spirit to call others to come?
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Response to the Word
In Revelation 22:17, the Church and the Holy Spirit are united in a single message. This means that the Church speaks in harmony with the Spirit. The word that the Spirit issues is an invitation to the thirsty and the dying. Sometimes Christians might focus only on the reality of judgement when speaking to sinners. Revelation 22 reminds us that an invitation into God’s kingdom is a central part of the gospel message.
While many may scoff at such an invitation, our task remains: Call them to come, so that those who will might find new and everlasting life.
How can you issue the Spirit’s invitation to the lost today?
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Call to Discipleship
Hebrews 11:8-10 tells us that Abraham sought a city built by God. His
faithfulness to God brought him the title “father of faith” (see Romans 4:11). In a sense, we follow Abraham’s example and walk in his footsteps as we look for the coming of the New Jerusalem (Romans 4:12-13).
We are pilgrims in a land that is passing away, strangers in a system that rejects Christ. We should testify amid our journey that there is a better city ruled by the true King, and all are welcome to serve Him.
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Ministry in Action
Close the class in a time of worship for the hope you have as Christians.
THIS PUBLICATION IS A PRODUCT OF GENERAL COUNCIL SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA
THIS PUBLICATION IS A PRODUCT OF GENERAL COUNCIL SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA