Chuck Smith: The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ – Chapter 22

Explore Revelation 22 with Pastor Chuck Smith as he concludes the Bible’s grand story: the New Jerusalem, the river and tree of life, the end of the curse, and Jesus’ promise, “I am coming quickly.” Learn why only God is to be worshiped, what it means to keep the words of this prophecy, and how the Book of Life and the Lord’s rewards shape our eternal hope.

What’s inside:

• New Jerusalem: river of life & tree of life (v1–5)
• Serving and seeing God’s face; no night, no curse
• “Behold, I come quickly” — living ready (v6–16)
• The gospel invitation: “Come… take the water of life freely” (v17)
• Solemn warning: don’t add to or take away (v18–19)
• Final prayer: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (v20–21)

Scripture: Revelation 22 (KJV/NKJV)
Speaker: Pastor Chuck Smith

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The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ – Chapter 22

Let’s turn now to Revelation chapter 22. We’re here—this is it—the final chapter. After this long journey through the Word of God, we’ve come to the climax.

In chapter 21, John described the New Jerusalem, the city of God where the bride of Christ will live. At the start of chapter 22, he continues describing this city—the city of God—the very city Abraham and the Old Testament saints longed for. While living on earth, they confessed they were strangers and pilgrims, seeking the city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God. John describes that beautiful city in chapter 21; chapter 22 continues the description.

He showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street and on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Rev. 22:1–2)

Flowing through God’s city, from His throne—this crystal-clear river of life. On either side stands the tree of life.

Back in Genesis, when God placed Adam and Eve in the garden, there were many trees whose fruit they could freely eat. There was a tree called the tree of the knowledge of good and evil—God warned them not to eat of it; the fruit was deadly. There was also the tree of life, whose fruit would have provided the antidote for that death. Man had a choice: the tree of death or the tree of life. Fascinatingly, with that choice, man chose the tree of death. Afterward, God banished them, placing cherubim at the gate to keep man from eating of the tree of life and living forever in a sinful state—rebellion against God’s command.

We fault Adam for his folly—why choose death over life? But before we’re too severe, realize the same is true today. God offers us the tree of life in the cross of Jesus Christ, providing eternal life. People still choose between life and death. God said, “I have set before you life and death…choose life” (cf. Deut. 30:19). Yet many choose death, repeating Adam and Eve’s mistake.

Evidently, the tree of life has been transferred to heaven—to the city of God. This crystal stream flows from His throne through the streets of gold; along the banks grows the tree of life, producing twelve kinds of fruit—one each month—and its leaves bring health to the nations.

John saw a new heaven and a new earth. Within them lies God’s city, the New Jerusalem, where He dwells. He said, “I make all things new.” There will still be an earth, and there will still be nations. Who will inhabit it? Scripture doesn’t say. God’s left some surprises for us. But the leaves of that tree are for health; and in the new heaven and new earth there will be no sin, no rebellion—only harmony with God. The church, as the bride of Christ, will have a special place in glorified bodies, dwelling in God’s presence.

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. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there; they need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. (Rev. 22:3–5)

The curse came through sin in Genesis; here it’s gone. God’s throne is there; His servants serve Him. We read of the martyred saints from the Great Tribulation who serve Him day and night in His temple (cf. Rev. 7). The bride reigns with Him. We shall see His face, and His name will be on our foreheads. Jesus promised a new name to the overcomers—known only to the one who receives it. There’s no night, no sun needed; God Himself is the light. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Moses longed to see God’s face, but was told he could not and live. We will be in glorified bodies and will see Him.

Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” (Rev. 22:6)

It’s so glorious—beyond comprehension—that God affirms it repeatedly: these sayings are faithful and true. This isn’t a fairy tale; it’s God’s revelation.

“The Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.” (Rev. 22:6)

Revelation 1 introduced this book as the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him, which He signified through His angel to John. An angel guided John through the visions of Christ’s future glory.

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev. 22:7)

“Quickly” here means suddenly—when these things begin, they’ll move swiftly. The coming of the Lord will be “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” There’s a built-in blessing: blessed are those who read and keep the words of this prophecy (cf. Rev. 1:3)—reaffirmed here.

I, John, saw and heard these things—by sight and sound, caught up in the Spirit to the Day of the Lord. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. He said, “Don’t do that. I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” Only God is to be worshiped (cf. Matt. 4:10).

He said, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” That’s different from Daniel, who was told to seal his book for the time of the end. Now, in these last days, Daniel has opened up—fulfilled prophecy clarifies it. But Revelation is not sealed. Many avoid teaching it, saying it’s a sealed book. No—God intended it to be read, understood, and obeyed, with special promises to those who keep it.

“He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him practice righteousness still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” (Rev. 22:11)

Revelation shows that those in rebellion will persist in rebellion—even under judgment—cursing God. The righteous will continue in righteousness; the holy in holiness.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” (Rev. 22:12)

Salvation is by grace—the gift of God. But having received it, we’re obliged to obey Him as Lord. “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” Rewards relate to faithfulness, not to salvation—our position in the Kingdom. Jesus’ parable of the talents shows faithful stewardship rewarded with rulership. Paul wrote that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what we’ve done, whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10). God will judge the motives—did I do it for His glory, or for mine? Jesus warned: if we do righteous acts to be seen by men, we have our reward already (Matt. 6). He is coming quickly; His reward is with Him.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” (Rev. 22:13)

This is deity. It’s said of God in chapter 1; Jesus claims it for Himself. “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1). Great is the mystery—God manifested in the flesh.

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14)

James says be doers of the Word, not hearers only. Those who do His commandments have the right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates. I like to imagine stepping through those gates, beholding that crystal river from God’s throne, picking fruit from the tree of life, and tasting it—that privilege belongs to those who obey.

“But outside are dogs and sorcerers [pharmakeia—drug use], sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” (Rev. 22:15)

Some here carry heavy pasts—sins like abortion weigh on consciences. Abortion on demand is grievous. Yet God’s grace is sufficient; there is forgiveness and cleansing for those who repent. “All manner of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men.” Don’t carry what Jesus will cleanse. Paul listed many sins and then wrote, “And such were some of you… but you were washed” (1 Cor. 6:11). The excluded are those who refuse God’s invitation and persist in rebellion. This contradicts the idea of a final universal restitution of all, including Satan. Scripture says otherwise.

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Rev. 22:16)

This is for the churches. Jesus fulfills God’s promise to David; He is the Bright Morning Star.

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17)

God’s Spirit invites; the church invites: Come to Jesus—receive forgiveness and life. God has left the door open to everyone: “Whoever wills, let him come.” Made in God’s image, we have self-determination—the power to choose. You can determine your future by choosing Christ. Whoever desires may take the water of life freely.

“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things written in this book.” (Rev. 22:18–19)

We’re at the end of the Bible. Is this warning only about Revelation or about the whole canon? We can’t say for sure—but I want to play it safe. Don’t add; don’t take away. Some modern scholars presume to decide which Gospel words are “authentic” and which aren’t. I won’t do that. I reverence Scripture as God’s Word—sufficient for all life and godliness. I’m not searching for “new truth,” but for new experiences in the old truth—what’s already revealed. I’m open to all that’s in the Word; not to what lacks a solid scriptural base.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Rev. 22:20–21)

[Prayer]
Father, thank You for Your Word and these wonderful promises—true and faithful sayings. We eagerly look forward to Your city: entering it, dwelling there, beholding You, worshiping and serving You. Thank You for the water of life, the gift of salvation, grace, pardon, and cleansing through the blood of Jesus. We look forward to entering Your Kingdom because of what Jesus has done—He paid it all. Help us, as Your bride, to get this message to a lost world. May we be faithful witnesses, bringing the light of the gospel and the hope of eternal life through Christ to a dark world. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” God has already done exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. We stand amazed at His blessing on His Word. The church world doesn’t know what to do with us, yet God continues to honor His Word. Pray for the pastors going out. If you need prayer, our pastors are here to minister. We also celebrate Pastor John Henry as he goes to shepherd in Marion County.

Let’s close:

“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee…
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”