John is not to seal up the revelation of Jesus (Revelation 22:10), but she is to be read, heard, kept and hold on. The Bible reveals to us what God is like and what is on his heart.

The second beatitude in Revelation 22 follows in verse 14: Blessed are those who “wash their robes”. These are the people who turn to God, claim his forgiveness and allow themselves to be changed by the Holy Spirit. They are allowed to enter through the gates of the heavenly Jerusalem.

Those who do not want God’s truth and “love lies”, as it says in verse 15, remain outside. They do not want to come into God’s light. It is logical: anyone who avoids God their whole life will also have no desire to be close to him later on.

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come! If anyone is willing, let him receive the water of life free of charge!” Revelation 22:17.