Blessed
are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.
Revelation 22:14
Revelation 22 [8.] Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. He said to me, “See you don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” He said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still.”
Revelation 22 [12.] “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who do his commandments,[a] that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David; the Bright and Morning Star.”
Revelation 22 [17.] The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely. I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues which are written in this book. If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, may God take away his part from the tree[b] of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I come quickly.”
Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22 [21.] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.
Footnotes:
a. Revelation 22:14 NU reads “wash their robes” instead of “do his commandments”.
b. Revelation 22:19 TR reads “Book” instead of “tree”.
Meaning:
This verse is part of the final chapter of the Book of Revelation, where John presents a vision of the new heaven and the new earth, culminating in the eternal dwelling place of God with His people. It offers a glimpse of the ultimate reward for those who remain faithful to God, emphasizing the blessings of obedience, the significance of the tree of life, and the privilege of entering the eternal city of God.
- The Blessing of Obedience
"Blessed are those who do his commandments": The verse begins with a beatitude, a declaration of blessing. The blessing is specifically directed toward those who "do his commandments." This phrase highlights the importance of obedience to God's will as a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.
Obedience as Evidence of Faith: Obedience to God’s commandments is not just about following rules; it’s a demonstration of our love for God and our faith in Him. Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Obedience is the natural response of a heart that has been transformed by the grace of God. It’s through our actions, guided by His commandments, that we show our commitment to Him and our desire to live according to His will.
The Nature of the Blessing: The blessing mentioned in Revelation 22:14 is not just a temporal reward but an eternal one. Those who are obedient to God's commandments are blessed with the right to partake in the tree of life and enter the eternal city. This underscores the truth that obedience to God leads to life, both in the present and in the age to come.
- The Right to the Tree of Life
"That they may have the right to the tree of life": The tree of life is a significant symbol in the Bible, first appearing in the Garden of Eden in Genesis. After Adam and Eve sinned, they were banished from the garden to prevent them from eating from the tree of life, which would have granted them eternal life in their fallen state (Genesis 3:22-24). The reappearance of the tree of life in Revelation represents the restoration of what was lost due to sin.
Restoration and Eternal Life: The right to the tree of life signifies the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity. Through Christ, the barrier of sin has been removed, and we are granted access to eternal life. The tree of life symbolizes the fullness of life that God intended for us, life that is not just eternal in duration but abundant in quality. Revelation 2:7 also mentions this tree: "To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God." It is the reward for those who overcome, those who remain faithful to the end.
Life Beyond Death: The tree of life in the new heaven and earth represents life that transcends death, pain, and suffering. It is a life in the presence of God, free from the consequences of sin. This is the ultimate hope of every believer, to partake in the eternal life that God offers through Jesus Christ.
- Entrance into the Eternal City
"And may enter in by the gates into the city": The city referred to here is the New Jerusalem, the holy city where God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:2-3). Entrance into this city is the culmination of the believer's journey, the final destination of the redeemed.
The Gates of the City: Entering by the gates of the city signifies an official, welcomed entrance into God’s eternal kingdom. It is a place of belonging and security, where those who have been faithful are granted access to the eternal presence of God. The gates symbolize the openness and inclusivity of God’s kingdom for those who have followed His ways. Revelation 21:27 states, "Nothing unclean, or he who causes an abomination or a lie, will in any way enter into it, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life." This emphasizes that only those who are purified and sanctified by Christ will enter the city.
The Privilege of Belonging: Entering the city is a privilege, a sign of belonging to the family of God. It is a stark contrast to those who are outside the city, who do not have access to the blessings and presence of God. This reinforces the idea that the faithful will be rewarded with a place in God’s eternal kingdom, where they will experience the fullness of His love and grace.
Spiritual Significance and Application
Revelation 22:14 encapsulates the hope and promise of the Christian faith, offering a vision of the ultimate reward for those who are obedient to God. It highlights several key spiritual truths:
Obedience as the Path to Blessing: The verse underscores the importance of living a life of obedience to God. This obedience is not about earning salvation, but about living in a way that reflects our relationship with God and our commitment to His commandments. The blessing of obedience is eternal life and fellowship with God.
The Promise of Eternal Life: The right to the tree of life is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Christ. It points to the restoration of what was lost through sin and the promise of eternal life with God. This promise should encourage us to persevere in our faith, knowing that the reward is far greater than any temporal challenges we may face.
The Joy of Entering God’s Presence: The imagery of entering the gates of the city speaks to the joy and fulfillment of being in God’s presence for eternity. It is a reminder that our ultimate home is not in this world, but in the eternal kingdom of God. This truth should shape our perspective and priorities, leading us to live in anticipation of that day.
Cross-References:
John 14:15: "If you love me, keep my commandments." This verse echoes the connection between love for God and obedience to His commandments, which is also highlighted in Revelation 22:14.
Matthew 7:21: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." This passage reinforces the idea that obedience to God’s will is essential for entering His kingdom.
Psalm 24:3-4: "Who may ascend to Yahweh’s hill? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully." This Psalm reflects the requirement of purity and righteousness for those who seek to dwell in God’s presence, similar to the themes of Revelation 22:14.
Conclusion: Revelation 22:14 offers a profound and hopeful message to those who follow Christ. It reminds us that obedience to God’s commandments is not just a duty but a path to blessing and eternal life. The promise of access to the tree of life and entrance into the New Jerusalem fills us with hope and anticipation for the future that God has prepared for His faithful. As we live our lives in obedience to Him, we can look forward to the day when we will fully experience the blessings that come from being in His presence forever.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible