The End is a Great Beginning
We finish our reading through the New Testament with today’s Bible reading*. John describes heaven as the Garden of Eden revisited, with only the Tree of Life, not the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. What was lost in the Garden of Eden has been remade in the new beautiful City of heaven. Where Adam walked with God in the Garden of Eden in the cool of the day, God’s people will once again see Him face to face.
Having seen and described what he saw, John hears an angel tell him what must soon take place. The angel told John the same thing in Revelation 1:1-3. Over and over, Jesus tells John that He is coming soon. God’s people are to remain close and clean. It’s a good reminder for John. And for us.
Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”
Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come.
Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17 (CSB)
Application
Both God and the church invite anyone who would come. No one will be admitted into heaven who doesn’t want to be there. There is a universal offer. And everyone who comes will be welcomed in. The water of life is free for the taking for anyone who is thirsty.
Yes, there’s a universal offer, but God is not a universalist. No one will be made to drink. Only the thirsty will come. Only those who are drawn will come. (John 6:44) And all who come will come through Jesus alone. (John 14:6)
As you have read through Revelation, I hope you found comfort and assurance that God is in control. If not, I hope you have been confronted by God’s Word and made adjustments accordingly.
* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
Revelation 19
Revelation 20
Revelation 21
Revelation 22
This devotional was originally published on December 28, 2019.
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