THE GLORIFIED STATE Devotion 3 of 25 "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb." (Verse 1) A MATTER OF REVELATION "He showed me." It is no wonder this book is called "the Revelation" (1:1). It is not the result of human conclusion or contemplation, but of Divine disclosure. What follows could never have been deduced by mortals, regardless of the amount of revelation given to them. At the very outset of the book, John is told, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to SHOW unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass" (1:1). Following the exhortation to the churches, the aged Apostle was told, "I will SHOW thee things which must be hereafter" (4:1). After John had been exposed to the alarming corruption of false religion, he was told, "I will SHOW unto thee the judgment of the great whore . . . " (17:1). Before closing this marvelous vision, John was again told, "the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to SHOW unto His servants the things which must shortly be done" (22:6). A PURE RIVER "A pure river of water of life." From the earthly perspective, the very expression "pure river" is a contradiction of terms. In this world, a river is a watercourse – a flow of water that passes through varied terrain. Because of their movement, rivers pick up all manner of contamination. Ordinarily, because of this condition, one does not drink directly from a river. CONTENDING WITH CONTAMINATION Often, in this world, the water of life is offered in contaminated cups of men's creation. Denominational containers present the truth of God in the setting of sectarian dogma, thereby neutralizing the influence of the truth upon the soul. Several examples will suffice to confirm this unfortunate circumstance. ABUNDANCE! ABUNDANCE! This expression – "a pure river of water of life"– denotes ABUNDANCE: the abundance of life. Jesus, you will remember, affirmed, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). While that abundance begins now, in this world, it will not reach its apex until we are liberated from the bondage of corruption. Here, there are times when truth seems to rise to a flood-stage in our hearts. However, that condition does not last. Soon, the desert times are upon us again and we cry out, "my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is" (Psa 63:1). But it will not be so in the world to come, praise the Lord! THE WATER OF LIFE The FIRST thing John beholds is preeminent LIFE. He is not shown what we will do, but the source of sustenance and delight: "a pure river of water of life." This is doubtless the river of which David sang. "There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High" (Psa 46:4). It is a source of joy and gladness, satisfaction and gratification. Life is not depicted as a boisterous ocean, but a smoothly flowing river, following a tranquil course without any commotion or turbulence. – Tomorrow:
Notice the adjectives employed by the Holy Spirit: "pure" and "clear." How marvelous to hear of such things while in a polluted realm, where matters are not as clear or pure as we desire. For believers in Christ, the future holds out both purity and clarity. There will be no distractions or contamination of any kind – no imperfection or defilement in any form. Candidly, I find that to be a most pleasant consideration.
John is twice shown something in this section of the Revelation. (1) "And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and SHOWED me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God" (21:10). (2) "And he SHOWED me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb" (22:1).
Although considerable revelation had already been given to the sons of men, the Apostle John was still SHOWN additional aspects of glory. At least three things may be seen in this. First, there are things that cannot be concluded, even though extensive revelation has been given. Second, the greatness of glory requires extensive unveiling. Third, there is a need for believers to have their minds stretched, so to speak, regarding their future.
From an academic point of view, the word "show" comes from a word meaning "show, point out, reveal, explain, or prove" (Barclay-Newman Greek Dictionary). The word "show" underscores that it is hidden. The word "point out" means it is not apparent. "Reveal" means Divine initiative is required for it to be seen. "Explain" indicates that even the vision requires some Divine interpretation. "Prove" emphasizes how the Lord brings the matter to the attention of John, confirming the reality of the thing being made known.
Once again, the Spirit makes clear that "no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation" (2 Pet 1:20). What we have before us is NOT John's commentary on what he saw, but what he saw and there is a vast difference. When it comes to faith, God will allow no man, regardless of his appointed position in the Kingdom, to simply give us a private exposition of the truth to which he was exposed. Truth revealed is not a series of building blocks to be assembled by mere mortals. Nor indeed, can the soul be saved, strengthened, or comforted, by an interpretation originating by men. If the things of God are not "shown," there is no way for them to be known as God intends.
NEW TESTAMENT church, BELIEVER'S baptism, WATER baptism, UNCONDITIONAL love, UNCONDITIONAL election, LIMITED atonement, IRRESISTIBLE grace, TOTAL depravity, PLAN OF salvation, AUTHORITY of the elders, SAVING faith . . . etc. I have highlighted the human addition to Scriptural terms. Those additions, however innocent or sound they may appear, represent bodies of theological dogma that have been developed by men. They are of man, through man, and to man. They present inspired terms from a human point of view instead of from a heavenly one. Consequently, they have a contaminating effect, even though they are represented as though they clarify the truth.
In this world, we must contend with this form of contamination, testing everything we hear. As it is written, "Prove (test) all things" (1 Thess 5:21). This circumstance proves to be a thorn in our side. Those who live by faith look forward to the time when we will drink freely from a "pure river."
In ancient times, the flow of water into the city was critical. If the enemy could cut off the water supply, the city could be easily conquered. If the supply of water could be maintained, the city could stand during the fiercest assaults. Our text speaks of a joyful condition that will never be interrupted. The abundant supply of life will never be cut off, diminished, or run dry. How marvelous is the picture!
There will no more sense of distance between the individual and spiritual life: no more environment or circumstance in which spiritual life and response are reduced or placed under limitation. Our awareness of God will never wane, nor a sense of profound satisfaction ever diminish. Hallelujah for such a glorious future!
PRAYER POINT: Father, how I praise Your name through Jesus Christ for the glorious future You have prepared for those who love You.