Revelation 21-22

What will heaven be like? Scripture depicts it in wonderful ways, but it is virtually indescribable! Paul couldn’t tell of it (2 Cor 12), but John does. What we encounter at the end of the Bible is the ultimate promise and hope of all believers. This is heaven: Prepare to be amazed!

The New Heaven and New Earth (21:1-8)
What happened to the old ones?
What – no sea?!
A city from heaven – the New Jerusalem!
Who will and what won’t be there!

An Angelic Tour of The New Jerusalem (21:9-22:5)
· Mind-boggling size and splendor!

· No temple, no sun or moon, no darkness: The Lamb is there!

· Eden re-created: Water of life, tree of life…and no curse!

Final Words to the Reader of Revelation (22:6-21)
· “I am coming quickly.” When? Shortly…at hand! (6,7,10, 12)

· Present decisions, eternal results! (7b,11,12,14-15)

· An offer to “Come!” and a warning to heed (17-19)


“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. . .
Surely I am coming quickly.”
Revelation 22:12, 20


For Further Study

1. Scripture tells us little about the new heaven and new earth. To see what happened to the old (present) heaven and earth, see Isaiah 65:17-19; 66:22a; Matt 24:35; 2 Peter 3:10-13. When did this happen (see Rev.20:9,11)? Some have seen a parallel between Christians being new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17), and the new creation of the world. If so, what does this suggest about the new heaven and new earth?

2. Interspersed throughout John’s vision of heaven and the New Jerusalem are warnings and promises. Some are directed to believers, such as 21:7; 22:3b-5, 7, 12, 14. What parallels do you see in the letters to the churches in Rev 2-3? What is the judgment of believers’ works called in Scripture (see Romans 14:10-12; 2 Cor 5:10)? What will Christ be judging (see 1 Cor 3:12-15; 4:4-5)? What reward can believers get at the second coming of Christ (see Matt 25:14-23; Lk 19:11-27; 1 Cor 9:25; 2 Tim 4:8; 1 Pet 5:4)?

3. Some warnings in Rev 21-22 are directed to unbelievers, such as 21:8, 27; 22:15. How are those who do not believe in Jesus Christ characterized? In contrast to those who try to soften or downplay the final judgment, how does a loving Lord present the option facing sinful man? How then should we?

4. The warning in Rev 22:18-19 may apply both to believers and unbelievers. Warnings like this are found in other places in the Bible (Deut.4:2; Prov 30:6), but the consequences here are both eternal and terrifying! Why is God so severe on those who add to or take away from this book? In contrast, what is promised to those who read and heed this prophecy (Rev 1:3; 22:7)?

5. At the end of Revelation, we step over the threshold from time into eternity. Reflect on the whole history of the world, from creation, through the fall, to the cross, resurrection, and return of Christ, and the new heavens and new earth. Consider what the love and power of God has wrought, and how you will live your life as a result of this revelation of Jesus Christ.

[Listen Now...]