Revelation  ◦   Chapter 22

1Then the angel showed me the river — full of the water of life — as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb,2running down the middle of the great street of the city. The tree of life was rooted on both banks of the river, and it bore twelve different fruits–a different fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.3The deviations from God's design — which cursed creation — will no longer exist. God and the Lamb will govern the entire universe from the city; and God's spokespersons will work with him.4They will see him face to face, and his character will be written in their hearts–symbolized by his name displayed on their foreheads.5There will be no more night, and they will not need any artificial light from lamps–or even natural light from the sun–for the Lord God will be their light. And they will reign with him for all eternity.

6The angel said to me, "These words are accurate and reliable. The Lord–the God who inspired his human assistants–sent his angel to show his spokespersons the things that must soon occur."

7"Understand this: I am coming back soon! Those who follow the prophetic truths of this book will find happiness."

8I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I had seen and heard them, I was so overwhelmed with awe that I fell down to give honor to the angel who had shown them to me.9But he stopped me, saying, "Don't honor me! I am a fellow worker of God's, along with you and your brothers and sisters — the prophetic spokespersons — and all who follow the prophetic truths of this book. Give honor to God and worship him!"

10Then he instructed me, "Do not keep the message of this prophetic book a secret, for the time when these events will begin to happen is near:11let those who harden their hearts in selfishness continue to be selfish; let those who form their characters on lies continue to be liars; let those who have been healed to righteous and loving characters continue to be righteous and loving; and let those who are truthful continue to be truthful."

12"Understand this: I am coming back soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone exactly what they have chosen.13I am the Origin and Summation, the Beginning and the End.

14"Happy are those who have their characters cleansed and minds healed, for they will have access to the tree of life and will enter through the gates into the city.15Outside are the scavengers–those who practice mysticism and magic that confuse the mind, the hedonists, those who use power to hurt and destroy others, those who worship gods who punish and must be appeased, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give this testimony for the churches. I am the Creator, the Root from which life originates, but also the descendant of David, and the true Light Bearer–the bright Morning Star of truth."

17The Spirit and the bride call, "Come home!" So please, let all who hear the truth call, "Come home!" Whoever is thirsty, let them come home; and whoever wishes, let them drink freely of the water of life.

18All who hear the words of this prophecy, be warned: If you change the meaning and distort the truth, be assured by God that you will be found amongst the plagues described in this book.19And if anyone deletes ideas and truths from this book of prophecy, be assured by God that you will lose your share of the tree of life and your place in the Holy City.

20Jesus, who gives this testimony, says, "It is absolutely certain — I am coming soon." Amen. Come soon, Lord Jesus.

21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all of God's people. Amen.