The Alpha and Omega: The Final Words of Revelation

Wednesday Night Bible Study – Session 8

Date: March 5, 2025

The Question: Why does the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem?

Revelation 22:2 KJV 1900

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

This verse presents an interesting paradox: if there is no more pain, sickness, or death (as Revelation 21:4 declares)

Revelation 21:4 KJV 1900

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

………why would there be a need for “healing” in the New Jerusalem?

Understanding the “Healing of the Nations”

1. The Greek Word for “Healing” (Therapeia)

• The word translated as healing is θεραπεία (therapeia), from which we get the English word therapy.

• This word does not always mean the curing of disease but can also refer to nourishment, refreshment, or the maintaining of health and well-being.

• This suggests that the leaves are not for the curing of sickness but for the perpetual renewal and sustenance of life in the eternal state.

2. Symbolism of the Tree of Life

• The “tree of life” first appears in Genesis 2:9 in the Garden of Eden.

• After Adam and Eve sinned, they were banned from eating its fruit (Genesis 3:22-24) to prevent them from living eternally in a fallen state.

• Its reappearance in Revelation signifies the restoration of what was lost—eternal, abundant life in full fellowship with God.

3. Healing as Spiritual and Relational Restoration

• The “nations” (Greek: ethnos) likely refers to the redeemed people from all tribes and tongues (Revelation 7:9).

• In the New Heaven and New Earth, the leaves could represent the ongoing peace, unity, and flourishing of these nations in the presence of God.

• Just as Adam and Eve were to be sustained by the garden, the New Jerusalem provides a continual source of life, strength, and joy for all who dwell there.

4. A Perpetual State of Blessing

• The phrase “for the healing of the nations” does not mean that sickness or affliction will exist in eternity.

• Instead, it signifies a constant state of vitality, peace, and wholeness—a perfect, unending provision from God to sustain the glorified state of His people.

Revelation 21:4 confirms that there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death. The presence of the Tree of Life and its leaves does not indicate a need for healing in the sense of curing sickness but represents God’s continuous provision of life, peace, and joy for the redeemed. It is a symbol of eternal sustenance and divine harmony rather than a remedy for ailments. The healing of the nations, then, is the ongoing perfect state of health, unity, and wholeness in the presence of God.

The Alpha and Omega: The Final Words of Revelation

Introduction

• Welcome: Tonight, we conclude our study on biblical prophecy with the final words of Scripture—the ultimate invitation, warning, and promise from Jesus Christ in Revelation 22:6-21.

Recap of Previous Session

• We studied the New Jerusalem and the New Heaven and Earth (Revelation 21-22).

• We saw how God will dwell among His people, erasing all sorrow, death, and sin for eternity.

• The Tree of Life and the River of Life restore what was lost in Eden, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan.

3. Overview of Today’s Session

• What are Jesus’ final words in Scripture?

• What does it mean that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega?

• What is the final invitation, final warning, and final promise of the Bible?

• How should we respond to these words?

Part I: The Reliability of Prophecy (Revelation 22:6-7)

1. God’s Word is Faithful and True

Revelation 22:6 KJV 1900

6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

• Prophecy is not speculation—it is God’s guaranteed future reality.

2. Jesus Declares His Soon Return

Revelation 22:7 KJV 1900

7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

• “I come quickly” is repeated three times in this passage (verses 7, 12, and 20).

• Application:

• Christ’s return is imminent—we must live with urgency and readiness.

• Blessing is promised to those who keep and obey His words.

Part II: Worship God Alone (Revelation 22:8-9)

• John falls in awe before the angel but is corrected:

Revelation 22:9 KJV 1900

9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

• Lesson:

• Worship belongs to God alone—not to angels, saints, or religious figures.

• True prophecy should lead us to worship and obedience, not speculation or idolatry.

Part III: The Final Call to Repentance (Revelation 22:10-15)

1. No More Delay – The Time is Near

Revelation 22:10 KJV 1900

10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

• Unlike Daniel, who was told to seal up his prophecy until the end (Daniel 12:4), Revelation is to be left open and proclaimed because the end is imminent.

2. The Unchanging Eternal Destinies

Revelation 22:11 KJV 1900

11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

• Once judgment comes, there will be no second chances—your spiritual state at Christ’s return determines your eternal future.

3. Jesus Brings Reward and Judgment

Revelation 22:12 KJV 1900

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

• Believers will receive eternal rewards.

• Unbelievers will receive eternal judgment.

4. Jesus Declares His Identity

Revelation 22:13 KJV 1900

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

• Jesus is eternal—He existed before creation and will reign forever.

• There is no kingdom, no power, and no force greater than Him.

5. The Final Separation of the Righteous and Wicked

Revelation 22:14–15 KJV 1900

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

• Blessed are those who enter the city (eternal life).

• The wicked remain outside (eternal separation).

• Only the redeemed will dwell in the presence of God.

Part IV: The Final Invitation (Revelation 22:16-17)

1. Jesus Sends His Final Testimony

Revelation 22:16 KJV 1900

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

• Jesus affirms His identity as the promised Messiah.

• This message is for the Church!

2. The Last Invitation to Salvation

Revelation 22:17 KJV 1900

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

• The Holy Spirit and the Church cry out for Jesus’ return.

• Anyone who desires salvation is invited to come!

Application:

• The Gospel invitation is still open today!

• Now is the time to repent, believe, and prepare for eternity.

Part V: The Final Warning and Promise (Revelation 22:18-21)

1. The Warning Against Changing God’s Word

Revelation 22:18–19 KJV 1900

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

• God’s Word is final and complete—no one can add or take away.

• False teachers will be judged for distorting the truth.

2. The Last Promise: “Surely I Come Quickly”

Revelation 22:20 KJV 1900

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

• Jesus’ final words in Scripture affirm His soon return.

3. The Closing Benediction

Revelation 22:21 KJV 1900

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

• God’s grace is the final note of Scripture.

Part VI: How Should We Live in Light of Revelation?

1. Be Ready for Christ’s Return

• Luke 21:36 (KJV): “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things.”

2. Preach the Gospel While There is Still Time

• 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV): “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

3. Long for His Appearing

• 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV): “Unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Conclusion

1. Summary of Key Truths

• Jesus is the Alpha and Omega—His return is imminent.

• The final invitation, warning, and promise are given.

• We must be ready, live holy, and share the Gospel.

2. Final Call to Action

• Are you ready for Jesus’ return?

• Is your name written in the Book of Life?

3. Closing Prayer

• Thank God for His grace and the promise of His coming.

• Pray for boldness to proclaim His truth.

🔥 This concludes our prophecy series! Stay watchful, stay faithful, and keep your eyes on Jesus! 🙌 #ComeLordJesus #BibleStudy #AlphaAndOmega