Reading Revelation 21:22-22:7: Eternal Security: The City That Never Locks
- Thad DeBuhr
- 6 days ago
- 12 min read
There's a fundamental human need that resonates deeply within us all: the need for security. Whether you grew up in a neighborhood where doors were always locked tight, or in a place so safe you left your keys in the ignition, we've all experienced environments where we wouldn't dare sleep with the door unlocked, much less wide open. This profound longing for safety, coupled with the desire for constant provision and peace, is a universal thread in the human experience. Today, we're going to peek into a part of the Bible that describes an incredible future – a future where these deepest needs are not just met, but gloriously exceeded. Imagine a city where the gates are never shut, where abundant life flows freely, and sustenance is always at hand. This vision, found in the book of Revelation, offers a powerful glimpse into a coming reality that addresses our longing for ultimate security and endless provision.
Setting the stage: Revelation 21:6-21
Today, we're diving into Revelation 21:22-22:7. If you've been following along in Revelation, you know it’s been a wild ride with all sorts of crazy visions. But now, as we get to these verses, it’s like the clouds part, and we see something truly glorious. John, the guy writing all this down, is still seeing visions of a new heaven and a new earth, and specifically, a new Jerusalem.
Now, imagine the most amazing city you can think of. Maybe it’s New York with its bright lights, or Rome with its ancient history. John’s vision blows all of them out of the water. What’s really striking in these verses, as N.T. Wright points out in "Revelation for Everyone," is what’s missing from this new city. Revelation 21:22 says, "I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple." This is a huge deal! For Jewish people, the Temple in Jerusalem was the absolute center of everything. It was where God dwelled, where sacrifices were made, and where people connected with Him. To imagine a city without a physical temple was almost unthinkable. But here, God Himself and Jesus (the Lamb) are the Temple. This means direct access, no barriers. This emphasizes God's direct presence and a relationship unhindered by ritual.
This concept of God's direct presence and the removal of the need for a physical temple has deep roots in the Old Testament. While the Temple was central to Israel's worship, prophets often looked forward to a time when God's presence would be even more immediate and pervasive. You can think of their prophecies like signposts pointing forward to the very things that John is describing in his Revelation. For instance, Jeremiah 3:16-17 speaks of a future where the ark of the covenant (which symbolized God's presence in the Holy of Holies) would no longer be needed because Jerusalem itself would be called "The Throne of the Lord." This hints at a future where God's presence is not confined to a single structure. Similarly, Isaiah 60:19-20 speaks of Jerusalem no longer needing the sun or moon, but "the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." This directly parallels Revelation 21:23, where "the city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." John, writing Revelation, was undoubtedly steeped in these prophetic visions, seeing their ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem.
Then, John goes on to describe a city that doesn't need the sun or moon to shine (Revelation 21:23). God’s glory lights it up, and the Lamb is its lamp. Think about that for a second. No more electricity bills! More importantly, it means God's presence is so overwhelming and brilliant that it outshines anything we could ever imagine. This isn't just about a physical light but the illuminating presence of God Himself, guiding and revealing all things.
Revelation 22:1-2 talks about a "river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city." This image instantly brings to mind the Garden of Eden, where rivers flowed and life was perfect. It’s a picture of creation restored, of life-giving power directly from God. And on each side of the river, there's the "tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." Again, a clear echo of Eden, but this time, there’s no forbidden fruit, only endless life and healing. This imagery perfectly depicts the abundance and perpetual life found in God's presence.
Rabbit Trail #1: Running Water and Abundant Fruit
For John's original audience in the early church, scattered across the Roman Empire, the description of a city with abundant running water and fruit trees yielding a fresh harvest every month would have evoked a powerful sense of hope, relief, and sheer delight. To understand why, we need to step into their shoes and consider their daily realities.
Cultural and Geographic Context: Most people in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean lived in arid or semi-arid climates. Water was the lifeblood of any settlement. Cities relied on natural springs, wells, or intricate aqueduct systems. Maintaining these was a constant challenge, and droughts were a terrifying, life-threatening reality. Imagine living in a world where access to clean, flowing water wasn't a given. The idea of a "river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God" would have been a vision of ultimate security and provision. This wasn't just about thirst; it was about sanitation, agriculture, and the very possibility of life flourishing.
Agricultural Realities: Beyond water, the mention of "the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month" speaks directly to the agricultural realities of the time. Ancient farming was seasonal, laborious, and precarious. Famine was a constant threat, and the success of a harvest determined survival. The concept of a perpetual harvest, fruit available every single month, would have been almost utopian. It represents an end to hunger, an end to scarcity, and an end to the brutal cycles of agricultural dependence. This wasn't just abundance; it was guaranteed abundance, a level of security unimaginable in their earthly experience.
Emotional Impact: Hearing these descriptions, John's audience, many of whom were facing persecution, poverty, and uncertainty, would have felt a profound sense of relief and excitement. This vision painted a picture of a world where basic needs were not just met, but gloriously exceeded. It represented a future free from anxiety about survival, a place of constant refreshment and sustenance. It would have offered immense encouragement and a tangible hope for a better future, far beyond their present struggles. It was a promise of a paradise regained, where the daily grind and anxieties of life were replaced by effortless provision and endless joy.
The imagery of the "river of the water of life" and the "tree of life" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in Ezekiel 47:1-12. Ezekiel describes a river flowing from the temple, bringing life and healing wherever it goes, causing trees to flourish and bear fruit year-round. This vision of abundant life and healing waters in a restored Jerusalem is a clear precursor to John's vision in Revelation 22. Similarly, Psalm 46:4 speaks of "a river whose streams make glad the city of God," which also resonates with the life-giving river in Revelation. The "tree of life" itself appears in Genesis 2:9 and 3:22-24 in the Garden of Eden, where access to it was lost after the fall. John's vision shows the restoration of this access, signifying the reversal of the curse and the return to perfect fellowship with God.
And then, the incredible promise: "No longer will there be any curse" (Revelation 22:3). The brokenness, the pain, the sin that entered the world through Adam and Eve – all gone. We will "see his face" and "his name will be on their foreheads" (Revelation 22:4). This is the ultimate intimacy, a direct, unveiled relationship with God, a complete belonging. And for eternity, "they will reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:5). This isn't just about floating on clouds; it’s about active participation in God's kingdom, ruling with Him.
The promise of "no longer any curse" directly harks back to the curse pronounced in Genesis 3:14-19 after the fall. Revelation portrays the complete undoing of this curse, a theme also anticipated in prophetic literature. The idea of seeing God's face is a profound expression of intimacy and privilege, something that was generally forbidden or dangerous in the Old Testament (e.g., Exodus 33:20). However, Psalm 17:15 expresses a longing, "As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." This longing finds its ultimate fulfillment in Revelation. The concept of God's name on their foreheads signifies ownership and complete belonging, echoing the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:27, "So they shall put my name on the people of Israel." Finally, the idea of reigning "forever and ever" is a central promise of God's kingdom, hinted at in various Old Testament passages such as Daniel 7:18 and Psalm 145:13, which speak of God's eternal dominion and the reign of His saints. John, as a prophet in the tradition of those before him, weaves these ancient hopes and prophecies into a glorious tapestry of the future.
Rabbit Trail #2: Gates That Never Close
The description in Revelation 21:25 that "On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there" is incredibly significant, especially when understood within the historical and cultural context of ancient cities. City gates were far more than just entry and exit points; they were the very heart of a city's security, its commerce, and its social life.
Security and Defense: In the ancient world, city walls and their gates were paramount for defense. Cities were constantly under threat from invaders, bandits, and rival factions. Gates were the weakest point in a city's defenses and were therefore heavily fortified. Archeologists have uncovered various styles of ancient gates, often elaborate and complex, designed to be easily defended. For instance, chambered gates (or offset gates) were common, featuring multiple layers of doors and inner chambers where guards could monitor and control access. This design created a "kill zone" for attackers who breached the first set of doors. These massive gates were typically made of heavy timber, reinforced with iron, and often covered in bronze plates. They would be shut at dusk and remained closed until dawn, with guards posted throughout the night. To leave a city gate open at night was to invite destruction and plunder. The closure of gates signified safety, while their opening meant exposure.
Symbolism and Significance: The gates were also symbolic of a city's power and autonomy. A city with strong, well-maintained gates was a strong city. If a city's gates were breached, it meant its defeat and subjugation. The phrase "gates of hell" (Matthew 16:18) likely derives from the formidable and seemingly impenetrable nature of ancient city gates, representing the forces of evil. Conversely, to enter through the gates meant access, protection, and belonging.
Archaeological Insights: Archaeologists often learn a great deal about an ancient city's history, wealth, and strategic importance by studying its gates. The size, construction materials, and sophistication of the gate complex can indicate periods of prosperity, conflict, or foreign domination. The discovery of multiple gate layers or repairs suggests repeated sieges and rebuilds.
The Revelation 21:25 Impact: When John writes that the gates of the New Jerusalem "will never be shut, for there will be no night there," it conveys several profound truths to his original audience:
Absolute Security: There is no threat, no enemy, no danger. The need for defensive closure simply vanishes because God's presence provides ultimate and impenetrable security. This would have been a deeply comforting thought for people living in a volatile world where cities were regularly besieged and conquered.
Uninterrupted Access: The perpetually open gates signify continuous and unrestricted access to God's presence and blessings. There are no barriers, no times when entry is denied. It emphasizes the complete openness and welcome for all who are worthy to enter.
Absence of Evil: The reason the gates can remain open is not just security from external threats, but the complete absence of internal evil. There is no darkness, no need for anything to be hidden or kept out. This aligns with Revelation 21:27, which states, "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful."
Eternal Peace and Light: The phrase "for there will be no night there" is the fundamental reason the gates can stay open. Night was a time of danger, vulnerability, and evil deeds. Its absence means a perpetual state of peace, safety, and God's illuminating glory.
For John's original readers, the image of permanently open gates in a city lit by God's glory would have painted a vivid picture of a world utterly transformed, free from fear, darkness, and the constant need for vigilance. It would have been a powerful symbol of ultimate peace, divine protection, and unhindered fellowship.
There's more to this Reading Revelation 21:22-22:7 STUDY GUIDE
BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR:
Questions to chew on and discuss (or for your journal)
A Journey Group Discussion Starter (use in your small group time)
Modern Day Application Ideas
Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this study guide? Here you go!
Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss
What does the absence of a temple in the New Jerusalem tell us about our future relationship with God? How does this change our understanding of "church" today?
The city doesn't need sun or moon because God's glory lights it up. What does this suggest about the ultimate source of all light, truth, and goodness?
The river of life and the tree of life bring to mind the Garden of Eden. What does this imagery tell us about God's plan for restoration and our ultimate destiny?
Journey Group Discussion Starter
Imagine you could tell one person from your past about the incredible future described in Revelation 21:22-22:7. Who would it be, and what part of this passage would you emphasize the most to them, and why?
Want to learn more about our Journey Groups (Small Groups online or in person)
Modern-Day Application: Go from "reading Revelation" to applying the lessons and principles:
So, what do these dazzling visions mean for us right here, right now?
Prioritize God's Presence: If God Himself is the ultimate Temple, then our focus shouldn't be on buildings or rituals, but on seeking His presence in our lives. This means spending time in prayer, reading His Word, and living in a way that honors Him.
Live as Lights: If God's glory lights up the New Jerusalem, then we, as His followers, are called to reflect that light in a dark world. Our actions, our words, and our love should point to Him.
Anticipate Restoration: The imagery of the river and tree of life reminds us that God is actively restoring all things. We can have hope even in the midst of brokenness, knowing that ultimately, everything will be made new. This should encourage us to participate in God's restorative work in the world today.
Embrace Intimacy with God: The promise that we will "see his face" means we are destined for incredible intimacy with God. Let this truth draw you closer to Him now, pursuing a deeper relationship daily.
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