Revelation 21:22-22:5 (August 3, 2025)

21:22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

The River of Life

22:1 Then the angel[a] showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Summary

Revelation 21:22–22:5 records John’s vision of the New Jerusalem to its climactic conclusion. Unlike any earthly city or even the Old Testament temple, the New Jerusalem has no temple building! The Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb is the temple (21:22)! God’s immediate presence is not confined to a building. The earthly constructions were pointing to the greater and the ultimate reality. Now, this is fully visible in the passage. The entire city is God's dwelling.

Therefore, there is no need for physical sun or moon, for “the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (21:23). This divine radiance allows the nations to walk by its light. The kings of the earth bring their glory into it, symbolizing a redeemed and unified humanity (vv. 24–26). Nothing unclean will enter, only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (v. 27).

In 22:1–5, the vision shifts to a garden-like paradise. The angel shows John “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal,” flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. On either side stands the tree of life, bearing fruit every month and offering leaves “for the healing of the nations” (v. 2). The curse is no more, and God’s servants see His face and reign with Him forever (vv. 3–5). The entire Bible’s storyline—from Eden lost to Eden restored—finds fulfillment here.

Who is God

God is the all-sufficient, ever-present "light" of His people. He is not merely in the temple. He is the temple! His glory replaces the sun, and His throne becomes the source of eternal life, joy, and healing. The Lamb, too, reigns at the center, inseparable from the glory and purposes of the Father. Together, they are not only the sovereign rulers but also the generous life-givers who dwell with their people forever. God is not only transcendent but also beautifully immanent.

What is our Guilt

Our guilt is that we so often look for the illumination, healing, and purpose for life apart from God. We build our temples, hoping to find meaning in idols of power, pleasure, or religious systems, rather than in God Himself. We fear living in God's immediate presence, preferring shadows over the blinding beauty of His holiness. We also resist true healing, clinging to divisions, nationalism, or pride, rather than longing for the healing of the nations and the unity of God's people. In doing so, we reject the tree of life and settle for bitter fruit.

How does Grace Shine

Grace shines in the removal of every barrier between God and His people. We no longer approach God through sacrifice or the veil. Through Christ, the Lamb, we now dwell directly in God's light and presence. The river of life flows freely. The tree of life is not restricted, but now abundantly available. The curse is no more, not by our accomplishments but by the finished work of the Lamb who bore it on our behalf. Even reigning with God is not a reward for greatness, but a gift given to servants whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Grace restores Eden and surpasses it.

Prayer

Radiant and Merciful God,

You are our light, our life, and our temple. We praise You for the promise of a city where there is no darkness, no curse, and no more separation from Your presence.

Forgive us for seeking meaning apart from You. Forgive us for building idols and temples to false hopes, for turning away from the river of life to drink from broken cisterns.

Thank You for the Lamb, who is our light and our redemption. Thank You that we will one day see Your face, and that You have written our names in Your book.

Help us to live today as citizens of the New Jerusalem. Let Your light guide us, and may we become instruments of healing in a divided world.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.