Why Should I Have Hope? (Revelation 22:1-7)
Do you want to know how things are going to turn out? Do you want to know what the future holds? Is there any hope of resolution or hope of restoration that awaits us?
Suppose trusting Jesus and being faithful to the Bible makes some things worth persevering through, even if it is the worst thing that could happen to us. In that case, we need to know what it is.
Suppose there is something that will bring cleansing from all impurities, healing from every wound, the satisfaction of every longing, and an intimacy that will swallow up every alienation. In that case, we need to know about that, right?
My friends, we need to know about this hope.
The world defines hope as a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen. In this past Sunday's Straits Times, an author said, "In a grim world, hope is a waking dream." He gave the view that in 2024, when we had bad news after bad news, he needed hope.
Viktor Frankl, a Jewish psychiatrist, was one of those fortunate people to survive the Nazi death camps of World War II also speaks of hope. In his book Man's Search for Meaning, Frankl, as a trained psychiatrist, was fascinated by why some of his fellow prisoners wasted away and died while others remained strong and survived. He concluded that we cannot stay healthy if we do not have hope for the future. Frankl writes: "Life in a concentration camp exposes your soul's foundation. Only a few of the prisoners were able to keep their inner liberty and inner strength. Life only has meaning in any circumstance if we have hope that neither suffering nor circumstances nor death itself can destroy."
Why should you and I have hope? A shatter-proof hope is something that human beings need. My friends, if you are a believer, as we consider the hope of Christmas, I pray that you will grow a confident expectation of what God has promised, built on trust in God's faithfulness and power.
My friends, if you are not a Christian, I invite you to consider this hope of Christmas: The birth of Jesus Christ guarantees that history will end with God's promises wonderfully fulfilled.
It is to this hope that we now turn to Revelation 22.
The language of Revelation 22 may sound alien to us. But remember that the Bible comprises 66 books with different literary genres. Revelation is mainly written in mainly picture language: The author, John, writes in vivid imagery commonly used in the apocalyptic genre, to communicate ideas.
But first, for some context, the book of Revelation, at the end of the Bible, records how history will end. We saw the temple city descend from God, full of God's glory, in chapter 21 and now, in this section, we will see that the temple city is a new and better Eden. God will heal every hurt, and those who trust Him will see His face. They will enjoy His presence.
My friends, why should we have hope? Because:
The curse will be finally and fully reversed (Rev 22:1-5)
The promise is trustworthy and true (Rev 22:6)
Jesus is returning (Rev 22:7)
The promise of our returning Jesus to reverse the curse is trustworthy and true.
The Big Idea is this: The promise of our returning Jesus to reverse the curse is trustworthy and true.
Because the curse will be finally and fully reversed (Rev 22:1-5)
We started this series of talks in December with the question: What's wrong with the world? The answer? The sinful heart of man that does not trust God is what is wrong with the world.
Next, we asked why life is so hard. The answer? The curse that results from sin makes life difficult.
This past Sunday, we asked: How will things get better? Jesus' gift of righteousness cancels sin, and the gift of eternal life triumphs over death. Jesus Christ's death on the cross rescues us from the curse of sin.
Now, we see the curse of sin finally and fully reversed. Let us read Revelation 22:1-5.
Having described the new Jerusalem as a bride, city and temple, John now describes the inside of the city as a new Garden of Eden. The final portrait of the new heaven and earth echoes back to the beauty and goodness of the Garden of Eden before the fall. In this new Eden, the river of the pure water of life flows from the throne of God (Rev 22:1). Rather than litter-tainted waters of the Singapore River, we have a river with 100% pure, clean and clear waters — one that we long to drink from.
This is a symbolic way of describing the reign of eternal life in the coming age. The symbolism of a river of life is common in biblical thought. The Psalmist wrote, "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God" (Ps 46:4). Jesus spoke of the living water (John 4:10, 14), which He offered men. The prophet Ezekiel's vision of the new Jerusalem pictured a river of water flowing from under the temple, which brought healing and life to the waters of the Dead Sea (Ezek 47:1–12). The presence of the river of life in the new Jerusalem is a vivid way of saying that death, with all its threatening aspects, has been done away with, and life reigns supreme. The fact that the river flows from God's throne and the Lamb's throne means that God is the source of all life.
Revelation 22:2 describes how the river flows "through the middle of the street of the city." This is not to be taken literally; it merely expresses the centrality of eternal life in the new Jerusalem.
We also read of how "on either side of the river, the tree of life”. This is another traditional feature in Jewish end-times language that goes back to the Genesis narrative. God planted in Eden the Tree of Life (Gen. 2:9) but after man sinned, God excluded him from access to the Tree of Life lest, in his sinful state, he eats of this tree and lives forever separated from God (Gen. 3:22). Jewish thought looked forward to access to the Tree of Life by whose fruit men would attain eternal life.
Jesus brought men this eternal life amid history through his incarnation, death and resurrection (John 3:36; 6:54; 20:31), and the present reference to the Tree of Life means the conclusion of what Jesus accomplished in his earthly mission.
However, the condition of eternal life is grounded on the relationship with God through Christ: "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3)". When you have Jesus Christ, you will know God and have life.
In addition, the tree bore twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. The description of the Tree of Life follows Ezekiel's language in Ezekiel 47:12 very closely.
The tree is pictured as bearing a different kind of fruit each month — I am not sure if durian is included. But this has no parallel in the human experience of this age. The meaning is that the tree will not pass through the ordinary cycles of budding, blossoming, fruit-setting, and harvest, giving a crop once or twice a year, but will be loaded fully with fruit every month of the year.
Imagine that — abundance of fruit from the Tree of Life that will give and sustain life! The abundance of this fruit highlights the abundant blessing, overflowing eternal life, and continued restoration of all who reside in the city.
This expresses the absolute triumph of life over death. In Ezekiel, the tree was primarily for fruit. John emphasizes the healing powers of the leaves of the tree. When he speaks of "the healing of the nations" by the leaves of the tree, we are not to think of nations of men living on the new earth in the age to come who will need healing from pain, sickness, and dying — in the new Eden, there will be no sin, sorrow, or death. The main point is the contrast between this age we live in, inhabited by suffering and dying people, and the age to come, characterized by abundant eternal life. All who have access to that age will eat of the Tree of Life and find the perfect end to their suffering and afflictions — suffering and pain will be no more.
Beloved, I speak to those among us amid troubles and suffering. I know it is tough. God's Word offers hope that those who trust in Jesus will experience an end to suffering and receive eternal life. Continue to hope in God's promise.
John continues His contrast between life in this age and the age to come in Revelation 22:3. This present age is characterized by evil, sin, and many other things which result from the Fall, when men and creation came under the curse. Conditions in the new age will be completely transformed, and "no longer will there be anything accursed."
Though Adam and Eve's sin in the garden brought about the curse, God has so redeemed all creation and His people that there will never be sin or curse again. The curse will be finally and fully reversed through Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection — bringing eternal life to those who trust in Him, and a restoration of all creation.
The reason for this transformation is nothing less than the presence of God Himself: "the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him”. This repeats the central point of the new age to come. The chief joy of the redeemed—God's servants—will be the worship they give to God in whose presence they dwell.
And this is why we continue to gather as a church, to worship God and be a signpost pointing to the new heavens and earth. So, beloved, make an effort to assemble.
More than that, Revelation 22:4 tells us, "They will see his face". The hope and goal of individual salvation throughout the Scriptures is the glorious vision of God in a personal relationship. God has always intended to dwell with his image-bearers in happy, satisfied fellowship. Throughout all redemptive history, God's presence was mediated to men in different ways.
In the Old Testament, God's presence was mediated through prophets like Moses, messengers like angels, and the temple. To come face to face with the living God meant death (Exo 33:20). Jesus, in His incarnation, brought the presence of God to men in His own person (John 1:14), to see and to know Christ was to see and know the Father (John 14:7, 9; 17:3).
This vision of God was still mediated here by the Word spoken by John and realized only through faith. In the coming age, faith will give way to sight as God walks with men, as once was in the unspoilt garden of Eden. “His name will be on their foreheads” — the redeemed people of God shall be perfectly possessed by God and we will fully belong to God as God's people. God Himself will be our God, and we will be His people.
Finally, in Revelation 22:5, John repeats a promise already made that in the new age, there will be no night, for the presence of God will make any other light unnecessary and will abolish the darkness once and for all.
God will be in our midst, shining His glory light on us. We will walk intimately with Him as in the original Garden of Eden.
John saved the best thing about the New Eden for last — God will be in our midst, shining His glory light on us. We will walk intimately with Him as in the original Garden of Eden. We will have true fellowship, even more intimate than at the present, where we have been rescued but do not yet have full fellowship. Beloved, do you long for fellowship with God?
And the destiny of believers? We will reign with Jesus Christ over all creation forever. What was first commanded in Genesis 1:26 will be the work and privilege of men and women forever. The people of God and the Lamb will serve as holy priests who will co-reign with Jesus Christ over the new creation for eternity in perfect fellowship, having sovereignty over creation.
The point I am making is that we can have hope because the curse is finally and fully reversed! The picture we get is that of a new Eden, but so much better! Beloved, at the end of history, the new Jerusalem will be a renewed Eden, even more glorious than the Eden of old. And abundant eternal life is available to everyone in the new city.
We will see that God is sufficient and will be satisfied — there is no ambiguity. In the light of such joyous beauty, we should learn to long for it. And as we long for it right now, we will find that this hope will loosen the grip of other idols, which will never quench our thirst.
When we gather as a church, we should sharpen one another's thirst for this new and better Eden. Sing songs about the New Heavens and New Earth. Remember, even during this Christmas, that the birth of Christ will culminate in the salvation of all who trust in Him and the restoration of all creation. My friends know that everything or people in this present age will, ultimately, never bring satisfaction. They are like broken cisterns with contaminated water. They may satisfy your desires for a while but will surely bring harm and ill health. Long instead for living waters that Jesus Christ offers. Place your hope in the living waters because the curse will be fully and finally reversed!
How can we be sure this hope will come to pass?
Because the promise is trustworthy and true (Rev 22:6)
With the vision of the new Jerusalem, John's prophecy is complete. Now, he writes some last words whose primary purpose is to affirm the authority of the book of Revelation.
Consider Revelation 22:6 with me: “And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place."
The recent news of our NRIC numbers being revealed in a government-linked web portal caused some concern because some Singaporeans use our NRIC numbers as a means to authenticate our identity. In this verse, God sends a messenger rather than use an ID card to authenticate the truth of his message.
The passage begins in Revelation 22:6 when the interpreting angel affirms the truthfulness of the words of this prophecy: They have been authorized by God. The angel assures John that what he has seen and heard in the whole revelation of the future is true and reliable (c.f. Rev 3:14; 19:11).
It is in Singapore terms — chopped, stamped and confirmed.
Here, John again claims (c.f. Rev 1:3) that his book is a prophecy. John has already said that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev 19:10). This is the Holy Spirit sent by God into the world to inspire the prophets to proclaim divine truth. Their inspiration comes from God and reveals true truth. This statement aims to reaffirm that John considers his book a genuine work of prophecy. The prophecy has been mediated through a divine messenger - an angel.
God, the author of all prophetic speech, has spoken through His angel to tell us what must soon take place (Rev 1:1). God, the author of truth, says what was said in the Bible to be true.
What I am trying to say is we can have hope because the promise is trustworthy and true.
Beloved, because the promise is trustworthy and true, be reassured that eternal life is there for us. I speak to those who struggle with whether they have been saved. Know that your salvation is not based on your merit or how worthy you are, but it depends on God's promise, which is trustworthy and true.
Place your confidence in the promises of God
Our part? To place our confidence in the promises of God — this is our hope and assurance. Why should we hold on to this hope?
Because Jesus is returning (Rev 22:7)
Revelation 22:7 repeats what Christ said in the earlier part of the book of Revelation (Rev 2:16; 3:11). Jesus ratifies the message by saying He is coming soon and blessing those who keep "the words of the prophecy of this book."
The word "soon" may also mean "quickly". Christians should always live under the expectancy of the imminent coming of the Lord. No man knows the day nor hour (c.f. Matt. 24:36), and no one can set dates or calculate the time of His coming, but every generation must be awake and waiting as though the coming of Christ will be very soon. The biblical warnings of Jesus Christ's coming return involve tension of expectancy and give us perspective on our everyday lives.
And because Jesus is returning, "Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." The prophecies of the Book of Revelation were not written to satisfy our intellectual curiosity about the future; they were written that the church might be able to live in the will of God by obeying and keeping the words of the prophecy.
The church of the first century, the church of the last generation, and the church of every age finds herself caught up in the struggle between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. John wrote his prophecy to inform the church about what would happen at the end and to admonish us to steadfast and unswerving loyalty to Jesus Christ in the face of pressures and persecution. Jesus, therefore, blesses Christians who heed and stand fast and endure to the end.
As we read the end of Revelation 22, we discover that the curse remains on those who persist in evil and reject Jesus Christ. At the same time, blessings come to those who place their confidence in Jesus Christ. At the end of the day, we should hold on to this hope because Jesus is returning.
In essence, today's message's big idea is that the promise of our returning Jesus to reverse the curse is trustworthy and true.
You should have hope based on Revelation 22:1-7 because it vividly portrays a future where God's presence is fully realized. This passage describes a new Eden with a river of life and the tree of life, symbolizing healing, abundance, and eternal life. It reassures believers that pain, sorrow, and death will be no more, providing a vision of eternal joy and peace. God's promise of restoration and the invitation to experience His presence offer a profound sense of hope and purpose, reminding us that we are not alone and that a brighter future awaits.
This, beloved, is the hope we have.
I speak to my non-Christian friends. Perhaps you have been seeking fulfilment in what the Bible calls "broken cisterns": Things or people that ultimately never give you satisfaction. You may have come to recognize the futility of your pursuits. Jesus Christ is returning soon to save those who trust in Him and judge those who reject Him. There is an urgency. Decide on this day whether to drink the living waters that Jesus offers and receive the hope of eternal life with God.
How do we access this hope? Romans 5:17 tells us: “For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one manJesus Christ."
In a world filled with uncertainty and despair, I urge you to trust in the gospel, as beautifully articulated in Romans 5:17. Because of our sin and trespass, we will face death. It declares that through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive abundant grace and the gift of righteousness. This gift is not based on our merit but on Jesus Christ's immeasurable love and sacrifice.
Trust in Jesus Christ. Believing in this good news transforms our lives granting us hope and purpose. In Christ, we find victory over sin and death, restoring our relationship with God.
Do not miss this incredible opportunity for true life and joy! With faith in the gospel, you can experience true freedom and a future rooted in His promises. Trust in the gospel, and let it change your life forever. If you desire to, you can speak to your Christian friend who brought you. You can also take a free copy of our resources on the book table on level 3. Or you can talk to any of the elders in this church.
To the Christian: Beloved, Jesus Christ will return. His return is not in doubt and is imminent. But for now, we are here and still waiting.
John's appeal to us: Hold fast and endure. Revelation tells us that the one who conquers will receive the inheritance of the promise. In the book's language, the ones who conquer are those who hold fast to Jesus Christ and endure in the obedience of faith to the end.
Beloved, heed the words of this book. Get this blessing for yourself. Be a student of the Bible. Read it. Memorize it. Hide it in your heart. Meditate on it. Do not let it depart from your mouth. Encourage others in the church to do the same.
Beloved, cultivate a longing for Jesus Christ. Pray that God will bind your affections for Him and give you a new love. Worship God. Encourage others in the church to do the same.
Beloved, wait for Jesus. Obey His instructions. Serve and love His church. Encourage others in the church to do the same. The promise of our returning Jesus to reverse the curse is trustworthy and true.
And all of God's people say? Amen!
Bibliography:
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008.
Douglas J. Moo, "The Letters and Revelation," in NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, ed. D. A. Carson. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018.
Alan S. Bandy, "Revelation," in The NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible, ed. R. Albert Mohler Jr. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2021.
James M. Hamilton Jr., "Revelation," in Gospel Transformation Bible: English Standard Version, ed. Bryan Chapell and Dane Ortlund. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013.
George Eldon Ladd, A Commentary on the Revelation of John. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1972.
Thomas R. Schreiner, Revelation, ed. Robert W. Yarbrough and Joshua W. Jipp, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2023.
G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999.
James M. Hamilton Jr., Preaching the Word: Revelation—The Spirit Speaks to the Churches, ed. R. Kent Hughes. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012.