in the book of Revelation is how we're ending up tonight with a happy ending. Revelation 22 presents a breathtaking vision of the throne of God showcasing his glory, his servants, his promises, and his invitations culminating in the long-awaited hope of a new heaven and new earth. This passage reveals the restoration of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of his divine purpose on earth. It serves as the conclusion to the overarching narrative of humanity's existence in creation from the beginning, offering a future where all who turn to Jesus will live happily ever after. This is not merely an ending, it's the promise of God fulfilled and the restoration of God's original plan to unite creation with its creator. This is the ending to the story that began on the day of creation. It's an ending, however, that never truly ends. Rather, it continues with everyone living happily evermore. This last chapter of Revelation begins with a vision of the river of life flowing beautifully from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Revelation 21 verse 1 states, And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. From the throne of God flows the pure life-giving water, He makes life possible and reveals to us what we need in order to live forever. In John 4, verse 14, Jesus referred to the living water he offers saying, but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst. But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. This river is crystal clear and pure, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb and spreading throughout the new earth. Its presence signifies that spiritual thirst no longer exists. Just as the river followed the traveling tribe of Israel in the wilderness to sustain their lives, the river of life will flow across the new earth, nourishing all of its inhabitants. All who dwell in the new earth will drink from the refreshing waters of life. Psalm 46 verse four declares, there is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. Furthermore, Revelation 7, verse 17 proclaims, for the lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Jesus is the source of this water of life, offering it freely to everyone. In John 4, verse 10, he says, if thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The question to ask is, have you asked Jesus for his gift of living water? Revelation chapter 22 verse 2 and 14. Describe the blessings associated with the tree of life. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bear 12 manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Additionally, it adds, blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. while the dimensions of the tree, the river, and the street are not specified, if they match the scale of the New Jerusalem, which is 1,500 miles in all three directions, the length, the width, the breadth, if that is matched, Those dimensions of the river and the tree will be colossal by our current earthly standards. The tree of life will be positioned in or alongside the river with its branches extending beyond both riverbanks. Each month, 12 different fruits will grow on the tree, nourishing those who partake of them. The tree of life was originally created in the garden of Eden. Genesis chapter two, verse nine states, and out of the garden made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life also in the midst of the garden. It's intriguing to consider the life-giving properties of the fruit from the tree of life. In Genesis 3, verse 22, God states, behold, the man has become as one of us to know good and evil. And now, lest he put forth his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat and live forever. This indicates that the fruit from the tree of life sustains life for eternity. Though it can't refer to the soul, trusting in Christ provides salvation and there is no other way to achieve it, to experience eternal life. And this suggests that the fruit from the tree of life heals and sustains the physical body. Likewise, the continual replenishing of fruit on the tree every month implies a never-ending supply of nourishment. Revelation chapter 22 verse two mentions that the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations, referring to the people from various nations that will live in the new heavens and earth. To provide for the entire world population from all nations supports the idea that the river and the tree are indeed colossal in size. Although Adam and Eve were prevented from eating the fruit of the Tree of Life after they sinned, they were not denied the opportunity for eternal life. Instead of obtaining everlasting life from the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, they needed it from Jesus Christ. who offer salvation and the born-again experience necessary to receive a new nature from God. Thus, the fruit of the tree of life is intended for those who already possess eternal life. providing the nourishment necessary to sustain physical existence. It's the fruit of life, grown on the tree of life, nourished by the river of life, which flows from the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ, the creator and sustainer of life. Eating will be a part of the experience of living in heaven. In Luke chapter 22, verse 30, Jesus said to his disciples, ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. In the new heaven and earth, born again believers will be righteous in body, soul, and spirit. Because they have believed in the promise of God and trusted in the work of the Lamb of God, he miraculously enables them to walk in righteousness forever and uphold his law due to being imputed with his righteousness. As a result of God's work, they will live righteously and be blessed for their faithfulness. Revelation chapter 22, verses 3 through 5 state, 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, and they shall see his face, and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of sun, for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. Unlike those who receive the mark of the beast, The saints will bear the mark of Christ on their foreheads, signifying their devotion to him. They will serve him forever, dwelling in the glorious light of God. Sin, darkness, sorrow, and death will no longer be experienced. The fulfillment of all prophecies and promises will come to pass with the creation of the new heaven and earth. Revelation 22, verses 6 through 10 say, And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I, John, saw these things and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel, which showed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not, for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren, the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book. Worship God. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. Unlike the angels' admonition in Daniel chapter 12, verse four, who said, but thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end, many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased. The angel told John about 600 years later not to seal the prophetic revelations because the time is at hand. The book of Revelation was written to be understood and to be a blessing to those who read, hear, and keep its message. It was written to assure believers that God will fulfill his promise to grant eternal life in heaven to all who believe in him. The announcement that the time is at hand and that he will come quickly serves as a call to be prepared He could come at any moment. In Acts 2, verse 17, Peter declared, And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Peter explained that the last days began on the day of Pentecost, 50 days after Christ was resurrected. Which surprises many to learn that the last days began 2,000 years ago. All that needed to be done to make salvation possible was and has been completed on the cross. After which Jesus said, it is finished. From that point forward, he could initiate the final week of Daniel's prophecy and bring an end to evil on earth. The only reason he would have for postponing the end is his desire to save more souls. 2 Peter 3 9 states, the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness. But his longsuffering to us were not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3 15 emphasizes that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation. God wants to give everyone every opportunity to be saved. And he wants more souls, including those who have not yet been born, to have the opportunity to enjoy heavenly fellowship with him. As Hebrews chapter 11, verses 39 and 40 say, and declare of all the faithful followers of God, including Abraham, King David, and many more, it says, and these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise of God, God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Because there's nothing else to do to provide salvation, Christ could return at any time. Nonetheless, regardless of when he returns, it will be too quick for those who reject him. They will not be ready because they don't want to be ready. God has sent out the message to prepare for his day, but only those who heed his warning will be ready. Unlike those who are unprepared for his return, for those who are ready, he can't come soon enough. In Matthew chapter 24, verses 42 through 44, Jesus said, watch therefore for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming, but know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Paul warned in 1 Thessalonians 5, verses two through three. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. Fortunately, 1 Thessalonians 5, verses four and five, reassures those who prepare for the Lord's return saying, but ye brethren are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light and the children of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. When the Lord returns to establish his kingdom, those who have died trusting him will be blessed forever, while those who have died rejecting him will face eternal curses. Revelation chapter 22 verses 11 through 15 state, he that is unjust Let him be unjust still. And he which is filthy, let him be filthy still. And he that is righteous, let him be righteous still. And he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according to his work. And behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city, for without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. The new heaven and new earth will be a permanent fixture that will never be altered, and sin will have no place in heaven. Those who choose not to repent before they die will never repent. and they will remain in their sins, die in their sins, and be condemned for their sins forever. Daniel chapter 12 verse 2 declares, And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. The only way to live in righteousness and holiness is to be made righteous by God. This miraculous transformation occurs when one believes that his way is the right and only way to attain righteousness. Only after God miraculously changes a believer's heart can they walk in the ways of God's righteousness and be prevented from committing sin. As for those who reject God's way, Revelation 9 verse 20 states, and the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues, yet repented not of the works of their hands. Revelation chapter 16 verse 9 adds, and men were scorched with great heat and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues, and they repented not to give him glory. Those who die in their unrighteousness will never repent. Instead, they'll blame God for their pain and condemnation. Revelation 16 verse 11 states that they will blaspheme the God of heaven because of their plans and their sores and repented not of their deeds. The time to repent and trust God to make you righteous is right now, before you die. If you don't believe in Christ before your death, you will face eternal condemnation. Hebrews 9.27 states, and it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this judgment, The Lord may come for you at any moment. Speaking to a rich man who is planning for his future, Luke chapter 12, verse 20 explains, but God said unto him, thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee. And sadly, most will choose to reject Christ's invitation in favor of sin, despite God's desire to bless them. God says in Ezekiel 33 verse 11, say unto them, as I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways, for why will ye die, O house of Israel? As the Alpha and Omega, God is the beginning and the end of all things. He's the reason we and everything else exist. The reason we continue to live forever. As our creator, he determined how we should live and the purpose we would serve before he made us. He's provided us with his plan for a perfect life and eternal blessings. Rejecting our creator's plans is absolutely irrational. No one knows better how we should live and what we must do to experience the maximum blessings of life in eternity. It's foolish for creation to tell its creator and designer that it thinks there's a better way to operate. The righteous are those who believe in God and in his way. They have gladly accepted his miraculous and gracious gift of righteousness and eternal life. They gladly and faithfully do works of righteousness because God first of all changed them. They trusted him to change them and then they live for him because they are saved, not in order to be saved. Those who attempt to be good enough through their own works have chosen to follow their own way rather than God's way. Being born again is a miracle from God, an act of mercy and grace that delivers us from sin and condemnation. We can do nothing to save ourselves and nothing worthy enough to receive salvation from God. Any attempt to earn or deserve this blessing is a proud and self-righteous offering. Offering works to God as a show of sincerity. or as an attempt to gain God's favor, is an insult to him and demonstrates a profound ignorance of the price, the necessity, and the grace of God's gift. For this reason, Galatians 2 verse 16 states, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ. Even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law. For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. God alone is righteous. and he alone must offer righteousness to everyone who needs it. Fortunately, he'll give it to all who humbly accept his gift by grace as an act of mercy, not as a reward earned. Romans chapter three, verses 26 through 31 states, to declare, I say at this time, his righteousness, that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It's excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay, but by the law of faith. Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. To enter the kingdom of God, it's essential to be born again and made righteous. Jesus told Nicodemus in John chapter 3, 3, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Anything less than being made brand new with the righteousness of God is unacceptable. Without it, one is disqualified from entering the new heaven and earth. Keeping the righteous commands of God requires first being made righteous by him. And this miracle cannot be reversed. In Revelation chapter 22, verses 16 and 17, Jesus extends a personal invitation saying, I, Jesus, have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the spirit and the bride say, come. And let him that heareth say, come. And let him that is a thirst, come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. In the new heaven and earth, Christ reigns supreme. His throne will be established in the new Jerusalem on Mount Zion. As the king of kings, his commands are the desired wishes of all of heaven's inhabitants. King Jesus is the sole provider for every need humanity has. Most importantly, he offers new birth, righteousness, and access to the tree of life to secure our eternal destiny in heaven. He is the revelation and the reason for the revelation given to John. He is the lion of the tribe of Judah who has triumphed over evil, sin and death. Revelation chapter five, verse five reminds us, weep not. Behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof. Without Jesus, there would be no revelation, no righteousness, no deliverance from sin and evil, no mercy, and no promise of eternal life. But Jesus was worthy and is worthy. And therefore there is a glorious future to hope for. This is not merely a message given in Revelation. It's a heartfelt invitation from God to us. Jesus will not force you to accept it. This is a decision of your own free will. He beckons you to come to him and to embrace his offer of grace and salvation. He desires only the best for you. His warnings not to reject him are pleased to spare you from destruction. Let your heart respond to his loving invitation. Come, take the water of life freely and experience the joy and fulfillment that only he can provide. The time is now. Respond to his call and step into the everlasting life he has prepared for you. Revelation chapter 22 verses 18 through 21 state, for I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part of the book of life and out of the holy city and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so come Lord Jesus, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The revelation of Jesus Christ is a written declaration of how God will fulfill his promises. His promises will be realized when he establishes his kingdom as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Nothing can prevent him. The message of revelation will come to pass, serving both as a solemn warning and a divine promise. Satan's kingdom will be destroyed and Christ's kingdom will be established. The way of pride and self is the wrong way. The way of Christ is the right way. This message is unchangeable. God cannot be changed and the gospel cannot be changed. The instructions on how to be saved and to be qualified to enter heaven are unalterable. Those who respect and conform to the way their creator designed them will be blessed. Those who choose to do things their own way will be cursed. Proverbs 19 verse 16 states, he that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul, but he that despises his ways shall die. There's only one way to be saved. Acts chapter four verse 12 says, neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. In John chapter 14, verse six, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh to the father but by me. Isaiah 35, verse eight says, and in highway shall be there and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for those, the wayfaring men, though fools shall not err therein. False prophets bring a corrupt gospel, which is not good news. They counterfeit the message of God and promise light, but deliver darkness. Galatians 1 verse 8 says, but though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Proverbs 12 verse 5. Proverb 12 verse 15 says, the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. Attempts to do things contrary to God's design are attempts to alter God's plan and message. His way is the best way and cannot be improved. Any attempt to add to or delete from his plan is a rejection of God's plan as it is. Believers understand that it's impossible to improve God's plan and that it's foolish to attempt to change God's plan to fit personal preferences. There's only one way to enter heaven and that is God's way. As the creator, he has determined the design that dictates how things must be done. Rejecting his way is to reject the only way he has ordained to enter heaven. Only those who submit and conform to God's message and follow his way will receive the blessings described in Revelation. As mentioned in previous lessons, the Lord is coming quickly to receive your soul. either by rapture from the earth, by resurrection or by death on earth. You don't know the time or day of his coming or of your death. Therefore, it is wise to heed the message of Christ, repent and believe in him. When you're right with God, you will have peace with him. We'll be blessed by the message in the book of Revelation and we'll be able to say, even so come Lord Jesus, amen. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and his blessings be with you and with all who have heard and accepted his word. Keep it rolling, I'm gonna do, I'm just gonna finish up with Lesson 23. Revelation revealed. Thank you for taking this journey through the book of Revelation with me. The book of Revelation has been revealed. It's thrilling to see and understand God's plan for the future. Evil will be vanquished forever and God's kingdom will be established forever. Unrighteousness will be replaced with righteousness. Violence will be replaced with peace. Fear with hope. Pain with pleasure. Sorrow with joy. Frowns with smiles and despair with hope. Have you experienced the promise in Revelation 1 verse 3 of, blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand. I hope and pray that you have and are ready to meet the Lord, whether in physical death or in the air. The promise of God's guaranteed future is the hope that all believers in Christ look forward to. If you've been blessed by the vision shared by John in the book of Revelation, share this vision and hope for the future with others. This is the commission Christ has given to us, to everyone who believes in him. Jesus said in Luke chapter 19, verse 10, for the son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. And in Matthew chapter four, verse 19, Jesus said, follow me and I will follow, follow me and I will make you fishers of men. In the beginning, God created a perfect world for humanity. It was a heavenly kingdom, but Adam and Eve decided they would blaze a path of self-will rather than God's will, on which humanity has traveled ever since. but the loving grace of God compelled him to provide a way to be restored into fellowship with him. All that God requires is that we believe and accept his way to be truly better than our own ways. The kingdom lost in Genesis chapter three will be restored. In Hebrews 1, verse 8, God the Father declared to Jesus, his son, thy throne, O God, is forever and ever. A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. When Christ returns at the sound of the seventh trumpet, he will subdue all kingdoms on earth. As Revelation 11, verse 15 states, and the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven saying, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever. Evil will never rule on earth after Armageddon. and will be completely vanquished after the battle of Gog and Magog. With the establishment of Christ's kingdom, Daniel chapter seven, verse 27 announces, and the kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the most high, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and all dominions shall serve and obey him. To this end and for this future, Jesus gave instruction in Matthew 6, verse 13, to pray, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. The message of the Bible is all about God's kingdom, how and why he created it, how and why humanity was banished from it, how and why Satan attempts to conquer it, and how and why God will restore it for all those who believe in him. How will you share this story with others? Here's a few suggestions. First, host a watch party. Consider hosting a watch party to view the lessons I've presented on the 22 chapters of Revelation by searching for and accessing the link to the series titled Revelation of Jesus Christ by Dr. Patrick Briney on YouTube or Sermon Audio. The links are available on the screen in this video. Second, send the link to friends and family members and click on the like button when you see the video. Third, share the link with your comments on social media. This will be a great way to let others know about these lessons on Revelation. Fourth, use the videos to start discussions about the book of Revelation in small group meetings. And if this series of lessons has been a blessing to you, please let me know that you watched the lessons and tell me how it was a blessing to you. This series of lessons will be published in a book soon with a workbook of questions and a fact sheet. In addition, there will be podcasts produced, which will be published on YouTube and with the help of Notebook LM, which is an AI software app. To receive the announcement for the book launch, subscribe to Vitamins for the Soul at patrickbriney.com. Scroll to the bottom of that page to find vitamins for the soul newsletter link. I look forward to hearing from you and remember, share the message of God's promise for the future. God bless and keep looking forward to the coming of our blessed hope in Christ Jesus. Thank you, Daniel.