The River of Water of Life

19. (a) How does John describe New Jerusalem as channeling blessings to humankind? (b) When does the “river of water of life” flow, and how do we know?

¹⁹ The resplendent New Jerusalem will channel grand blessings to humankind on earth. This is what John next learns: “And he showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of its broad way.” (Revelation 22:1, 2a) When does this “river” flow? Since it flows “out from the throne of God and of the Lamb,” it could only be after the Lord’s day began in 1914. That was the time for the event heralded by the blowing of the seventh trumpet and the grand announcement: “Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ.” (Revelation 11:15; 12:10) During the time of the end, the spirit and the bride have been inviting rightly disposed ones to take life’s water free. Water from this river will continue to be available to such ones right up to the end of this system of things and, thereafter, on into the new world, when New Jerusalem ‘comes down out of heaven from God.’​—Revelation 21:2.

20. What indicates that a measure of water of life is already available?

²⁰ This is not the first time that life-giving water has been offered to mankind. When he was on earth, Jesus spoke of water that imparted everlasting life. (John 4:10-14; 7:37, 38) Further, John is about to hear the loving invitation: “The spirit and the bride keep on saying: ‘Come!’ And let anyone hearing say: ‘Come!’ And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” (Revelation 22:17) This invitation is being sounded even now, indicating that a measure of water of life is already available. But in the new world, those waters will flow from God’s throne and through New Jerusalem as a veritable river.

21. What is represented by the “river of water of life,” and how does Ezekiel’s vision of this river help us to know?

²¹ What is this “river of water of life”? Literal water is a vital element for life. Without food a man can survive for a number of weeks, but without water he will die in about one week. Water is also a cleansing agent and vital for health. Thus, the water of life must represent something essential for the life and health of mankind. The prophet Ezekiel was also granted a vision of this “river of water of life,” and in his vision, the river flowed out from the temple and down into the Dead Sea. Then, miracle of miracles! That lifeless, chemically saturated body of water was converted into freshwater teeming with fish! (Ezekiel 47:1-12) Yes, the visionary river brings back to life something that was previously dead, confirming that the river of water of life pictures God’s provision through Jesus Christ for restoring perfect human life to the “dead” human race. This river is “clear as crystal,” showing the purity and holiness of God’s provisions. It is not like the bloodstained, death-dealing “waters” of Christendom.​—Revelation 8:10, 11.

22. (a) Where does the river originate, and why is this appropriate? (b) What is involved in the water of life, and what does this symbolic river include?

²² The river originates at “the throne of God and of the Lamb.” This is appropriate, since the basis of Jehovah’s life-giving provisions is the ransom sacrifice, and this was provided because Jehovah “loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) The water of life also involves God’s Word, which is spoken of as water in the Bible. (Ephesians 5:26) However, the river of water of life includes not only the truth but also every other provision of Jehovah, based on Jesus’ sacrifice, for recovering obedient humans from sin and death and granting them everlasting life.​—John 1:29; 1 John 2:1, 2.

23. (a) Why is it fitting that the river of water of life flows through the middle of the broad way of New Jerusalem? (b) What divine promise to Abraham will be fulfilled when the water of life flows abundantly?

²³ During the Thousand Year Reign, the benefits of the ransom are applied fully through the priesthood of Jesus and his 144,000 underpriests. Fittingly, then, the river of water of life flows through the middle of the broad way of New Jerusalem. This is composed of spiritual Israel, which along with Jesus makes up the true seed of Abraham. (Galatians 3:16, 29) Therefore, when the water of life flows in abundance through the middle of the broad way of the symbolic city, “all nations of the earth” will have full opportunity to bless themselves by means of Abraham’s seed. Jehovah’s promise to Abraham will be completely fulfilled.​—Genesis 22:17, 18.

Trees of Life

24. What does John now see on both sides of the river of water of life, and what do they picture?

²⁴ In Ezekiel’s vision, the river even became a torrent, and the prophet saw growing on both sides of it all kinds of fruit-bearing trees. (Ezekiel 47:12) But what does John see? This: “And on this side of the river and on that side there were trees of life producing twelve crops of fruit, yielding their fruits each month. And the leaves of the trees were for the curing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2b) These “trees of life” must also picture part of Jehovah’s provision for giving eternal life to obedient mankind.

25. What bounteous provision does Jehovah make for responsive humans in the global Paradise?

²⁵ What bounteous provision Jehovah makes for responsive humans! Not only may they partake of those refreshing waters but they may pluck from those trees a continuing variety of sustaining fruits. Oh, if only our original parents had been satisfied with a similar “desirable” provision in Eden’s Paradise! (Genesis 2:9) But now a global Paradise is here, and Jehovah even makes provision through the leaves of those symbolic trees for “the curing of the nations.”c Far superior to any medicine, herbal or otherwise, that is dispensed today, the soothing application of those symbolic leaves will raise believing mankind to spiritual and bodily perfection.

26. What may the trees of life include, and why?

²⁶ Those trees, well watered by the river, may include the 144,000 members of the Lamb’s wife. While on earth these also drink of God’s provision for life through Jesus Christ. Interestingly, these spirit-begotten brothers of Jesus are prophetically called “big trees of righteousness.” (Isaiah 61:1-3; Revelation 21:6) They have already produced much spiritual fruitage to Jehovah’s praise. (Matthew 21:43) And during the Thousand Year Reign, they will have a part in dispensing the ransom provisions that will serve for “the curing of the nations” from sin and death.​—Compare 1 John 1:7.

No More Night

27. What further blessings does John mention for those privileged to enter into New Jerusalem, and why is it said that “no more will there be any curse”?

²⁷ Entry into New Jerusalem​—surely, there could be no more wondrous privilege! Just think​—those once lowly, imperfect humans will follow Jesus into heaven to become part of such a glorious arrangement! (John 14:2) John gives some idea of the blessings to be enjoyed by these, saying: “And no more will there be any curse. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his slaves will render him sacred service; and they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” (Revelation 22:3, 4) When the Israelite priesthood became corrupt, it suffered Jehovah’s curse. (Malachi 2:2) Jerusalem’s faithless “house” was pronounced abandoned by Jesus. (Matthew 23:37-39) But in New Jerusalem, “no more will there be any curse.” (Compare Zechariah 14:11.) All its inhabitants have been tested in the fire of trials here on earth, and having gained the victory, they will have ‘put on incorruption and immortality.’ In their case, Jehovah knows, just as he knew with Jesus, that they will never fall away. (1 Corinthians 15:53, 57) Further, “the throne of God and of the Lamb” will be there, making the city’s position secure for all eternity.

28. Why do members of New Jerusalem have God’s name written on their forehead, and what thrilling prospect lies before them?

²⁸ Like John himself, all future members of that celestial city are “slaves” of God. As such, they have God’s name prominently written on their forehead, identifying him as their Owner. (Revelation 1:1; 3:12) They will count it an inestimable privilege to render him sacred service as part of New Jerusalem. While Jesus was on earth, he made a thrilling promise to such prospective rulers, saying: “Happy are the pure in heart, since they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8) How happy these slaves will be actually to behold and worship Jehovah in person!

29. Why does John say of heavenly New Jerusalem that “night will be no more”?

²⁹ John continues: “Also, night will be no more, and they have no need of lamplight nor do they have sunlight, because Jehovah God will shed light upon them.” (Revelation 22:5a) Ancient Jerusalem, like any other city on earth, relied on the sun for light by day and on moonlight and artificial light by night. But in heavenly New Jerusalem, such lighting will be unnecessary. The city will be illuminated by Jehovah himself. “Night” may also be used in a figurative sense, referring to adversity or separation from Jehovah. (Micah 3:6; John 9:4; Romans 13:11, 12) There could never be that kind of night in the glorious, radiant presence of the almighty God.

30. How does John conclude the magnificent vision, and of what does Revelation assure us?

³⁰ John closes out this magnificent vision by saying of these slaves of God: “And they will rule as kings forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5b) True, at the end of the thousand years, the benefits of the ransom will have been applied to completion, and Jesus will present a perfected human race to his Father. (1 Corinthians 15:25-28) What Jehovah has in mind for Jesus and the 144,000 after that, we do not know. But Revelation assures us that their privileged sacred service to Jehovah will continue into all eternity.

Revelation’s Happy Climax

31. (a) What culmination is marked by the vision of New Jerusalem? (b) What does New Jerusalem accomplish for other faithful ones of mankind?

³¹ The realization of this vision of New Jerusalem, the Lamb’s bride, is the happy climax to which Revelation points, and fittingly so. All of John’s first-century fellow Christians to whom the book was initially addressed looked forward to entering into that city as immortal spirit corulers with Jesus Christ. The remnant of anointed Christians still alive today on earth have the same hope. Thus Revelation moves on to its grand climax, as the completed bride is united with the Lamb. Next, by means of New Jerusalem, the benefits of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice will be applied to mankind, so that eventually all faithful ones will enter into everlasting life. In this way the bride, New Jerusalem, as a loyal helpmeet to her Bridegroom King, will share in building up for eternity a righteous new earth​—all to the glory of our Sovereign Lord Jehovah.​—Matthew 20:28; John 10:10, 16; Romans 16:27.

32, 33. What have we learned from Revelation, and what should be our heartfelt response?

³² What joy we feel, then, as we draw to the close of our consideration of the book of Revelation! We have seen the final efforts of Satan and his seed utterly frustrated and Jehovah’s righteous judgments carried out to completion. Babylon the Great must go out of existence forever, to be followed by all other hopelessly corrupt elements of Satan’s world. Satan himself and his demons will be abyssed and later destroyed. New Jerusalem will rule with Christ from the heavens as the resurrection and judgment proceed, and perfected mankind will finally come to enjoy everlasting life in the Paradise earth. How vividly Revelation portrays all these things! How it strengthens our determination to ‘declare this everlasting good news as glad tidings to every nation and tribe and tongue and people’ on earth today! (Revelation 14:6, 7) Are you expending yourself to the full in this great work?

³³ With our hearts so full of gratitude, let us give attention to the concluding words of Revelation.

Chapter 44

Revelation and You

1. (a) What reassurance does the angel give John regarding all the wonderful promises in Revelation? (b) Who is it that says, “I am coming quickly,” and when is this “coming”?

ON READING the delightful description of New Jerusalem, you may be moved to ask: ‘Can something so wonderful really come to be?’ John answers that question by reporting the angel’s next words: “And he said to me: ‘These words are faithful and true; yes, Jehovah the God of the inspired expressions of the prophets sent his angel forth to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place. And, look! I am coming quickly. Happy is anyone observing the words of the prophecy of this scroll.’” (Revelation 22:6, 7) All the wonderful promises of Revelation will really be fulfilled! Speaking in the name of Jesus, the angel declares that Jesus is coming soon, “quickly.” This must be Jesus’ coming “as a thief” to destroy Jehovah’s enemies and usher in the grand and happy climax of Revelation. (Revelation 16:15, 16) We should, therefore, conform our lives to the words of “this scroll,” Revelation, to be pronounced happy at that time.

2. (a) How does John react to the richness of revelation, and what does the angel tell him? (b) What do we learn from the angel’s words, “Be careful!” and, “Worship God”?

² After such a richness of revelation, it is understandable that John felt overwhelmed: “Well, I John was the one hearing and seeing these things. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel that had been showing me these things. But he tells me: ‘Be careful! Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who are prophets and of those who are observing the words of this scroll. Worship God.’” (Revelation 22:8, 9; compare Revelation 19:10.) This twice-stated warning not to worship angels was timely in John’s day, when some evidently pursued such worship or claimed special revelations from angels. (1 Corinthians 13:1; Galatians 1:8; Colossians 2:18) Today, it highlights the fact that we must worship God alone. (Matthew 4:10) We should not corrupt pure worship with the worship of anyone or anything else.​—Isaiah 42:5, 8.

3, 4. What does the angel continue to tell John, and how has the anointed remnant obeyed his words?

³ John continues: “He also tells me: ‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, for the appointed time is near. He that is doing unrighteousness, let him do unrighteousness still; and let the filthy one be made filthy still; but let the righteous one do righteousness still, and let the holy one be made holy still.’”​—Revelation 22:10, 11.

⁴ The anointed remnant today have obeyed the words of the angel. They have not sealed up the words of the prophecy. Why, the very first issue of Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence (July 1879) set out comments on numerous verses of Revelation. As we noted in our opening chapter, Jehovah’s Witnesses have over the years published other enlightening books on Revelation. Now we again draw the attention of all truth-lovers to the powerful Revelation prophecies and their fulfillment.

5. (a) What if people want to ignore the warnings and counsel in Revelation? (b) What should be the response of meek and righteous ones?

⁵ If people want to ignore the warnings and counsel in Revelation, well, let them do so! “He that is doing unrighteousness, let him do unrighteousness still.” If it is their choice, those who are wallowing in the filth of this permissive age can die in that filth. Shortly, Jehovah’s judgments will be executed to completion, starting with the destruction of Babylon the Great. Let meek persons be diligent to heed the prophet’s words: “Seek Jehovah . . . Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.” (Zephaniah 2:3) As for those who are already dedicated to Jehovah, “let the righteous one do righteousness still, and let the holy one be made holy still.” The wise know that no temporary advantage coming from sin can compare with the lasting blessings to be enjoyed by those who pursue righteousness and holiness. The Bible says: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith, keep proving what you yourselves are.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) Based on the course you choose and stay with, you will receive your reward.​—Psalm 19:9-11; 58:10, 11.

6. What does Jehovah say as he addresses readers of Revelation for the last time in the prophecy?

⁶ Jehovah, the King of eternity, now addresses readers of Revelation for the last time in the prophecy, saying: “Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Happy are those who wash their robes, that the authority to go to the trees of life may be theirs and that they may gain entrance into the city by its gates. Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone liking and carrying on a lie.”​—Revelation 22:12-15.

7. (a) For what is Jehovah “coming quickly”? (b) Why will the clergy of Christendom have no share in New Jerusalem?

⁷ Once again, Jehovah God emphasizes his eternal sovereignty and the fact that what he first purposes he will at last perform. He is “coming quickly” to execute judgment and will reward those earnestly seeking him. (Hebrews 11:6) His standards determine who will be rewarded and who will be rejected. The clergy of Christendom have acted like “speechless dogs,” winking at the vices that Jehovah here describes. (Isaiah 56:10-12; see also Deuteronomy 23:18, New World Translation Reference Bible, footnote.) Certainly, they have ‘liked and carried on’ lying doctrines and dogmas and have totally ignored the counsel of Jesus to the seven congregations. Hence, they have no share in New Jerusalem.

8. (a) Who only “go to the trees of life,” and what does this mean? (b) How have the great crowd “washed their robes,” and how do they retain a clean standing?

⁸ Only those anointed Christians who truly “wash their robes” so as to be clean in Jehovah’s eyes are privileged to “go to the trees of life.” That is, they receive the right and title to immortal life in their heavenly position. (Compare Genesis 3:22-24; Revelation 2:7; 3:4, 5.) After their death as humans, they gain entrance into New Jerusalem by resurrection. The 12 angels allow them in, while keeping out any who practice lies or uncleanness though claiming to have a heavenly hope. The great crowd on earth also have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” and need to maintain their clean standing. This they can do by avoiding the vices that Jehovah here warns against, as well as by taking to heart Jesus’ admonition in his seven messages to the congregations.​—Revelation 7:14; chapters 2 and 3.

9. What words does Jesus speak, and to whom is his message and the whole of Revelation primarily directed?

⁹ After Jehovah, Jesus speaks. He addresses words of encouragement to righthearted ones who read Revelation, saying: “I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you people of these things for the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) Yes, these words are primarily “for the congregations.” This is a message, first of all, for the congregation of anointed Christians on earth. Everything in Revelation is addressed primarily to anointed Christians, who will inhabit New Jerusalem. Through that congregation, the great crowd is also privileged to gain understanding of these precious prophetic truths.​—John 17:18-21.

10. Why did Jesus call himself (a) “the root and the offspring of David”? (b) “the bright morning star”?

¹⁰ Jesus Christ was entrusted with conveying Revelation to John and through him to the congregation. Jesus is both “the root and the offspring of David.” He descended from David according to the flesh and thus is qualified to be King of Jehovah’s Kingdom. He will also become David’s “Eternal Father,” and thus David’s “root.” (Isaiah 9:6; 11:1, 10) He is the permanent, immortal King in David’s line, fulfilling Jehovah’s covenant with David, and “the bright morning star” foretold in Moses’ day. (Numbers 24:17; Psalm 89:34-37) He is the “daystar” that rises, causing the day to dawn. (2 Peter 1:19) All the wiles of the great enemy Babylon the Great were not able to prevent this glorious rising.

Say: “Come!”

11. What open invitation does John now present, and who may respond to it?

¹¹ Now it is John’s own turn to speak. Out of a heart brimming with appreciation for all that he has seen and heard, he exclaims: “And the spirit and the bride keep on saying: ‘Come!’ And let anyone hearing say: ‘Come!’ And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” (Revelation 22:17) The benefits of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice will not be limited to the 144,000, for here is an open invitation. Jehovah’s impelling spirit works through the bride class, so that the message continues to be sounded forth with all clarity: “Take life’s water free.” (See also Isaiah 55:1; 59:21.) Anyone who is thirsting for righteousness is invited to “come” and receive of Jehovah’s bounty. (Matthew 5:3, 6) How privileged are all of the prospective earthly class who respond to this invitation of the anointed John class!

12. How does the great crowd respond to the invitation of Revelation 22:17?

¹² Since the early 1930’s, the growing number of the great crowd has been “hearing”​—paying attention to the invitation. Like their anointed fellow slaves, they have attained to a clean standing before Jehovah. They long for the time when New Jerusalem will descend from heaven to channel blessings to humankind. Having heard the rousing message of Revelation, the great crowd not only say “Come!” but actively gather others to Jehovah’s organization, training these also to proclaim: “Let anyone thirsting come.” So the number of the great crowd continues to grow, as over 6,000,000 of them in 235 lands around the earth share with fewer than 9,000 of the anointed bride class in extending the invitation to “take life’s water free.”

13. What warning does Jesus issue?

¹³ Next, it is Jesus who speaks again, saying: “I am bearing witness to everyone that hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll; and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of life and out of the holy city, things which are written about in this scroll.”​—Revelation 22:18, 19.

14. How does the John class view “the prophecy” of Revelation?

¹⁴ Those of the John class must draw attention to “the prophecy” of Revelation. They must not hide it or add to it. Its message must be preached openly, “from the housetops.” (Matthew 10:27) Revelation is inspired of God. Who would dare change a word of what God himself has spoken and transmitted through the one who is now the reigning King, Jesus Christ? Certainly, such a person would deserve to lose out in the quest for life and suffer the plagues that must come upon Babylon the Great and upon the whole world.

15. What is the significance of Jesus’ words that he “bears witness of these things” and “I am coming quickly”?

¹⁵ Jesus now adds a final word of encouragement: “He that bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes; I am coming quickly.’” (Revelation 22:20a) Jesus is “the faithful and true witness.” (Revelation 3:14) If he bears witness to the visions of Revelation, they must be true. Both he and Jehovah God himself repeatedly stress the fact that they are coming “quickly,” or soon, Jesus here saying that for the fifth time. (Revelation 2:16; 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20) The “coming” is to execute judgment on the great harlot, the political “kings” and all others who oppose “the kingdom of our Lord [Jehovah] and of his Christ.”​—Revelation 11:15; 16:14, 16; 17:1, 12-14.

16. Knowing that Jehovah God and Jesus are coming quickly, what resolute action should you take?

¹⁶ Your knowing that Jehovah God and Jesus are coming quickly should encourage you to keep “close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.” (2 Peter 3:12) Any seeming stability of the earth of Satan’s system of things is illusory. Any seeming success that the heaven of the worldly rulers under Satan might achieve is transitory. These things are passing away. (Revelation 21:1) The only permanence is to be found in Jehovah, his Kingdom under Jesus Christ, and his promised new world. Never lose sight of that!​—1 John 2:15-17.

17. How should your appreciation of Jehovah’s holiness affect you?

¹⁷ May you, then, allow what you have learned from your study of Revelation to influence your life profoundly. Did not your glimpse into Jehovah’s heavenly presence impress on you the transcendent glory and holiness of our Creator? (Revelation 4:1–5:14) What a privilege to serve such a God! May your appreciation for his holiness move you to take very seriously Jesus’ counsel to the seven congregations and avoid things such as materialism, idolatry, immorality, lukewarmness, apostate sectarianism, or anything else that could make your service unacceptable to Jehovah. (Revelation 2:1–3:22) The apostle Peter’s words to the John class apply also in principle to the great crowd: “In accord with the Holy One who called you, do you also become holy yourselves in all your conduct.”​—1 Peter 1:15, 16.

18. In what should you play as full a part as possible, and why is this work urgent today?

¹⁸ Additionally, may you be moved to a renewed zeal as you proclaim “the year of goodwill on the part of Jehovah and the day of vengeance on the part of our God.” (Isaiah 35:4; 61:2) Whether of the little flock or of the great crowd, may you have the fullest share possible in publicizing the pouring out of the seven bowls of Jehovah’s anger, telling of God’s judgments on Satan’s world. At the same time, lend your voice to the joyful proclamation of the everlasting good news concerning the established Kingdom of Jehovah and his Christ. (Revelation 11:15; 14:6, 7) Be at this work urgently. And may a realization that we are in the Lord’s day move many who are not yet serving Jehovah to join in the work of proclaiming the good news. May these also progress toward dedicating their lives to God with a view to baptism. Remember, “the appointed time is near”!​—Revelation 1:3.

19. What are the closing words of the elderly apostle John, and how do you respond to them?

¹⁹ Thus, with John, we fervently pray: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” And John, the elderly apostle, adds: “May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ be with the holy ones.” (Revelation 22:20b, 21) May it also be with all of you who read this publication. May you have faith that the grand climax of Revelation is at hand, so that you too can join us in a hearty “Amen!”