Rev 21:3-7 | Clarke | STEP | Verse 3 The tabernacle of God is with men - God, in the most especial manner, dwells among his followers, diffusing his light and life everywhere.

Revelation of John 21:3-7

Verse 3

The tabernacle of God is with men - God, in the most especial manner, dwells among his followers, diffusing his light and life everywhere. Verse 4

There shall be no more death - Because there shall be a general resurrection. And this is the inference which St Paul makes from his doctrine of a general resurrection, 1Cor 15:26, where he says, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." But death cannot be destroyed by there being simply no farther death; death can only be destroyed and annihilated by a general resurrection; if there be no general resurrection, it is most evident that death will still retain his empire. Therefore, the fact that there shall be no more death assures the fact that there shall be a general resurrection; and this also is a proof that, after the resurrection, there shall be no more death. See the whole of the note on 1Cor 15:27. Verse 5

Behold, I make all things new - As the creation of the world at the beginning was the work of God alone, so this new creation.

These words are true and faithful - Truth refers to the promise of these changes; faithfulness, to the fulfillment of these promises. Verse 6

It is done - All is determined, and shall be fulfilled in due time. The great drama is finished, and what was intended is now completed; referring to the period alluded to by the angel.

I am Alpha and Omega - See on Rev 1:8 (note).

The fountain of the water of life - See on Joh 4:10 (note), Joh 4:14 (note); Joh 7:37 (note), etc.

The rabbins consider the fountain of the world to come as one of the particular blessings of a future state. In Sanhedrim, Aboth R. Nathan, c. 31, it is said, "He will show them the excellency of the fountain of the future world, that they may accurately see and consider, and say, Wo to us! what good have we lost! and our race is cut off from the face of the earth." Verse 7

Inherit all things - Here he had no inheritance; there he shall inherit the kingdom of heaven, and be with God and Christ, and have every possible degree of blessedness.