Joyful Moments in Christ

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 52 – Revelation 18-22

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 52 – Revelation 18-22

Week 52: Exploring Revelation 18-22

In our final week of our quest to read the New Testament in a year, we will enter the last five chapters of Revelation and experience the grand conclusion of God’s plan for humanity. We will witness the fall of Babylon, a symbol of earthly corruption and worldly power, and celebrate the triumph of God’s justice in Revelation 18. In Revelation 19, we’ll join the heavenly rejoicing at the marriage supper of the Lamb, as Christ’s victory over evil becomes complete. Revelation 20 presents the binding of Satan, the final judgment, and the ultimate defeat of death itself. Finally, in chapters 21 and 22, we are given a vision of the new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with His people, bringing eternal peace, joy, and restoration. As we close this year-long journey, we will reflect on the hope, joy, and anticipation of Christ’s return and our eternal home with Him.

Revelation 18

Revelation 18:4-5 (ESV): Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.”

Revelation 18 pronounces the fall of Babylon, a symbol of worldly power and immorality. An angel declares that Babylon’s sins have reached heaven, and its judgment will come swiftly. The chapter includes laments from those who profited from Babylon’s wealth, underscoring the fleeting nature of material wealth and the enduring power of God’s justice.

Revelation 19

Revelation 19:7 (ESV): Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.

Revelation 19 celebrates God’s triumph with a heavenly chorus declaring, “Hallelujah!” The marriage supper of the Lamb is introduced, symbolizing the union of Christ and His faithful followers. This chapter ends with the vision of Christ, the victorious King, leading heavenly armies to defeat evil and establish His reign.

Revelation 20

Revelation 20:12 (ESV): And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

In Revelation 20, Satan is bound for a thousand years, allowing for a period of peace and resurrection of the faithful. After the thousand years, Satan is released briefly, leading to one final rebellion, which God decisively ends. This chapter concludes with the great white throne judgment, where each person is judged, and death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 21

Revelation 21:4 (ESV): He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Revelation 21 presents a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with His people in a restored creation. John describes the New Jerusalem, radiantly beautiful, as a place where sorrow and pain no longer exist. God’s glory illuminates this new city, and His presence brings eternal peace and joy to the faithful.

Revelation 22

Revelation 22:17 (ESV): The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Revelation 22 concludes the Bible with a vision of the river of life flowing from God’s throne, nourishing the tree of life. This chapter emphasizes the blessings awaiting those who remain faithful and the invitation for all to come to Christ. The chapter ends with Jesus’ assurance of His soon return and an invitation to all to receive His grace.

Week 52: New Testament Reading Assignment

Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!

Printable Resource:

Reading Plan: New Testament in 1 Year

Week 52: Reflection Questions for Revelation 18-22

Consider the following reflection questions:

Revelation 18: The Fall of Babylon and Call to Righteousness

  1. What warnings are given about the fate of Babylon, and how can we avoid falling into similar temptations?
  2. How does the call to “come out of her” apply to our spiritual lives, and where can we seek purity and separation from sin?
  3. What does the sorrow of Babylon’s supporters reveal about reliance on worldly wealth, and how can we place our trust in God?
  4. How does this chapter remind us of the temporary nature of material things, and what values should we prioritize?
  5. In what ways does God’s justice offer hope to the faithful, and how can we uphold this hope in our lives?

Revelation 19: Victory, Celebration, and the Marriage of the Lamb

  1. How does the heavenly celebration in this chapter inspire gratitude, and how can we give glory to God?
  2. What is the significance of the marriage supper of the Lamb, and how can we prepare ourselves as Christ’s Bride?
  3. How does the vision of Christ as the victorious King provide hope, and what qualities should we adopt as His followers?
  4. In what ways does this chapter reinforce the certainty of God’s victory, and how can we find peace in His promises?
  5. How can we look forward to eternal union with Christ, and what steps can we take to grow closer to Him now?

Revelation 20: The Millennium, Final Judgment, and Victory over Death

  1. What does Satan’s binding symbolize, and how does this period of peace offer insight into God’s power over evil?
  2. How does the resurrection of the faithful show God’s promise to believers, and how can we live in readiness for His return?
  3. What warning does the final rebellion serve, and how can we stay vigilant in our faith?
  4. How does the white throne judgment emphasize accountability, and how can we prepare our hearts before God?
  5. What comfort can we take in the ultimate defeat of death, and how does this promise shape our hope in eternal life?

Revelation 21: The New Heaven, New Earth, and God’s Eternal Dwelling

  1. How does the vision of the New Jerusalem inspire hope, and how can we prepare for this eternal home?
  2. What does God’s promise to wipe away every tear reveal about His love, and where can we find comfort in difficult times?
  3. How does the absence of pain and sorrow reflect God’s ultimate plan for His people, and how can we trust in this future?
  4. How does God’s presence as the source of light encourage us, and where can we seek His guidance and peace now?
  5. How can we live with anticipation of God’s eternal dwelling, and what does this mean for our priorities today?

Revelation 22: The River of Life and Jesus’ Return

  1. How does the image of the river of life symbolize God’s abundance, and where can we seek His life-giving presence?
  2. What invitation is extended to those who are “thirsty,” and how can we respond to this call for spiritual renewal?
  3. How does the promise of Jesus’ return give urgency to our faith, and in what ways can we prepare?
  4. What role does the Spirit and the Bride’s call to “come” play in God’s plan, and how can we share this invitation with others?
  5. How can we live daily with the anticipation of God’s eternal promises, and what steps can we take to stay close to Christ?
Reflection Questions Revelation 18 What warnings are given about the fate of Babylon, and how can we avoid falling into similar temptations? How does the call to “come out of her” apply to our spiritual lives, and where can we seek purity and separation from sin? What does the sorrow of Babylon’s supporters reveal about reliance on worldly wealth, and how can we place our trust in God? How does this chapter remind us of the temporary nature of material things, and what values should we prioritize? In what ways does God’s justice offer hope to the faithful, and how can we uphold this hope in our lives?
Reflection Questions Revelation 19 How does the heavenly celebration in this chapter inspire gratitude, and how can we give glory to God? What is the significance of the marriage supper of the Lamb, and how can we prepare ourselves as Christ’s Bride? How does the vision of Christ as the victorious King provide hope, and what qualities should we adopt as His followers? In what ways does this chapter reinforce the certainty of God’s victory, and how can we find peace in His promises? How can we look forward to eternal union with Christ, and what steps can we take to grow closer to Him now?
Reflection Questions Revelation 20 What does Satan’s binding symbolize, and how does this period of peace offer insight into God’s power over evil? How does the resurrection of the faithful show God’s promise to believers, and how can we live in readiness for His return? What warning does the final rebellion serve, and how can we stay vigilant in our faith? How does the white throne judgment emphasize accountability, and how can we prepare our hearts before God? What comfort can we take in the ultimate defeat of death, and how does this promise shape our hope in eternal life?
Reflection Questions Revelation 21 How does the vision of the New Jerusalem inspire hope, and how can we prepare for this eternal home? What does God’s promise to wipe away every tear reveal about His love, and where can we find comfort in difficult times? How does the absence of pain and sorrow reflect God’s ultimate plan for His people, and how can we trust in this future? How does God’s presence as the source of light encourage us, and where can we seek His guidance and peace now? How can we live with anticipation of God’s eternal dwelling, and what does this mean for our priorities today?
Reflection Questions Revelation 22 How does the image of the river of life symbolize God’s abundance, and where can we seek His life-giving presence? What invitation is extended to those who are “thirsty,” and how can we respond to this call for spiritual renewal? How does the promise of Jesus’ return give urgency to our faith, and in what ways can we prepare? What role does the Spirit and the Bride’s call to “come” play in God’s plan, and how can we share this invitation with others? How can we live daily with the anticipation of God’s eternal promises, and what steps can we take to stay close to Christ?

Reflective Prayer

Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:

  • Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 52 – Revelation 18-22
Revelation 18:4-5 (ESV): Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.”
Revelation 19:7 (ESV): Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.
Revelation 20:12 (ESV): And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
Revelation 21:4 (ESV): He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 22:17 (ESV): The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Other Reading Plans

Old Testament in 3 Years
Whole Bible: Daily
Whole Bible: 5 Day/Week
Whole Bible: Weekly

Online Resources

Read the Bible in a Year: Blog Series

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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