Meaning of Revelation 22:17

Revelation 22:17 serves as the penultimate invitation within the book of Revelation, a powerful and urgent call to embrace salvation. It represents the culmination of God's redemptive plan, a final summons extended by the Holy Spirit and the Church (symbolized by the bride) to all who will listen. The repetition of "Come!" underscores the urgency and the open-ended nature of this invitation, extending to anyone experiencing spiritual thirst or desiring the life-giving sustenance that only God can provide. This verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message: a free and accessible gift of eternal life offered to all who respond in faith.

Context and Background

This verse is situated at the very end of the Book of Revelation, following the glorious vision of the New Jerusalem descending from heaven. The preceding verses describe the final judgment, the eradication of sin and death, and the establishment of God's eternal dwelling place among humanity. The "Spirit and the bride" are presented as the collective voice of God's people and the divine agent of invitation, echoing the desires of God Himself. The "bride" is a common metaphor for the Church throughout the New Testament, representing Christ's redeemed community. The "Spirit" is the active presence of God, drawing people to Himself.

Key Themes and Messages

• Universal Invitation: The call to "Come!" is inclusive, directed at anyone who hears. It is not limited by background, status, or past.
• Spiritual Thirst: The verse identifies a fundamental human condition – spiritual emptiness and longing. This thirst is for something deeper than worldly satisfactions, a need that only God can fulfill.
• The Free Gift of Water of Life: This refers to salvation, eternal life, and the indwelling presence of God. It is a gift, meaning it cannot be earned or merited, but is received through faith. The "water of life" is a potent symbol of spiritual nourishment and refreshment.
• The Role of the Church and the Spirit: The Spirit and the bride act as active participants in extending God's invitation, highlighting the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel and the Spirit's work in convicting and drawing people to Christ.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse is a profound call to action for believers to participate in evangelism and discipleship, echoing the Spirit's persistent call. For those who are spiritually searching or feeling a void in their lives, it is a direct invitation to seek God and accept His offer of salvation. It emphasizes that the path to spiritual fulfillment is not through striving or earning, but through a humble acceptance of God's grace. The "water of life" signifies the abundant and transformative power of God's presence and the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Revelation 22:17 brings to a climax the overarching biblical narrative of God's covenantal relationship with humanity. From the promise of a Redeemer in Genesis to the establishment of the New Covenant in the Gospels, the Bible consistently points to God's desire for reconciliation. Jesus Himself spoke of the "water of life" in John 4:14 and John 7:37-39, offering this very gift to those who believe in Him. This verse is the ultimate fulfillment of those promises, presenting the final, perfected state of God's relationship with His people.

Analogies

• A Desert Wanderer and an Oasis: Imagine a person lost and dying of thirst in a vast desert. Suddenly, they see a lush oasis, a source of life-giving water. The invitation to "Come!" is like the call from the oasis, promising relief and sustenance.
• A Banquet Invitation: The invitation can be likened to a king hosting a magnificent banquet for his subjects. The invitation is extended to all, and the only requirement is to accept it. The feast represents the blessings of salvation.
• A Living Spring: The "water of life" is not stagnant but a flowing spring, constantly refreshing and sustaining. This symbolizes the dynamic and unending nature of God's grace and the life He offers.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 4:14: "but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." This directly parallels the concept of the "water of life" offered in Revelation.
• John 7:37-39: "On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from him.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive." This verse further clarifies that the "water" represents the Holy Spirit and the life He imparts.
• Isaiah 55:1: "“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”" This Old Testament prophecy foreshadows the universal and gratuitous nature of God's salvific offer.
• Matthew 11:28: "“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”" This is another invitation from Jesus, highlighting His role as the source of true rest and relief for those burdened by sin and life's struggles.