Revelation 22
John's vision draws to a close with symbolism and doctrines which summarize major messages of the Book of Revelation, including that the reward of the righteous is wonderful beyond our ability to comprehend and that the wicked are left out of these priceless blessings. (Ridges p. 466)
Vs. 1 - The pure and living water is a representation of the love of God. (John 4:14 & 1 Nephi 11:25)
Vs. 2 - Adam & Eve's posterity can finally partake of the Tree of Life, which represents the love of God. John is all about Love; 1 John 4:7-8. This is celestial not a seasonal kingdom. The 12 manner of fruits refers to 12 crops in succession, not 12 kinds of fruits. We remember that this fruit is sweet above all sweet, & white above all that is white, yea, & pure above all that is pure" (Alma 32:42). Millet. p. 61
Vs. 3 - The curse was the one given in the garden (Gen. 3:24) They can now partake of the love of God without restriction.
Vs. 4 - This is taking upon us His name in the fullest.
Vs 5 - And we shall reign forever and ever.
Vs. 6 - The angel bears his testimony to John and begins his summary of the vision of things which are about to start happening. See the first verse of the Book.
Vs. 7 - See 2:5, 16; 3:3, 11- without warning. D&C 106:4-5
Vs. 8-9 - John forgot what he learned back in 19:10
Vs. 10 - See Ether 3:21-22; 1 Nephi 14:25; Daniel 12:9.
Vs. 11 - When final judgment comes, we will judged based upon what we have become. Is it too late for potential?
Vs. 12 - Isaiah 40:10
Vs. 13 - This is the last time He reminds us that He is the First and the Last. This is probably not the last time that I will remind us that when the Lord repeats Himself, it is not because He forgot that He already said that.
Vs. 14 - Another Beatitude- that is 6 of 7.
Vs. 15 - Who loves a lie? Could this verse be used to prove that dogs do NOT go to heaven?
Vs. 16 - Jesus is the root; providing food to the plant; Mary was a direct descendent. In symbolism, stars typically refer to individuals. Jesus is the one that shines first and brightest.
Vs. 17 - The Spirit is the Holy Ghost. The bride is the Church members. We are to say "come."
Vs. 18 - The plagues of the book are more scary now that before we studied the book.
Vs. 19- Remember Dt. 4:2 and that John was talking about this Book of Revelation. Not the Bible. There was no Bible for a couple hundred years.
Vs. 21 - A nice little blessing John leaves on his readers. That would be us. Amen
