“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
My Notes
What Does Revelation 22:14 Mean?
Revelation pronounces a blessing on the last page of the Bible: blessed are they that do his commandments. The blessing is for the obedient — those who keep the commands of God.
The reward: the right to the tree of life and entrance through the gates of the city. Obedience produces access — to the tree that gives life and to the city that is God's eternal dwelling.
"That they may have right to the tree of life" — the right is conditional on doing the commandments. The tree of life (last seen in Genesis 3, restored here) is available to those who obey.
"May enter in through the gates into the city" — the city is the New Jerusalem. The entrance is through gates — not by climbing walls or finding secret passages. The gates are open to those who have the right.
The verse connects obedience and access: do the commandments, and the tree and the city are yours. The final blessing of the Bible is for those who obeyed.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Why is the Bible's final beatitude about doing commandments rather than believing doctrines?
- 2.How does access to the tree of life connect the end of Revelation to the beginning of Genesis?
- 3.What does 'having right to the tree of life' through obedience mean alongside salvation by grace?
- 4.What commandment do you need to 'do' today that this verse presses you toward?
Devotional
Blessed are they that do his commandments. The last beatitude in the Bible is for the obedient. Not for the theologically sophisticated. Not for the spiritually impressive. For those who do his commandments.
That they may have right to the tree of life. The tree from Eden — the one humanity was barred from in Genesis 3 — is accessible again. The right is granted to those who do the commandments. The full circle of Scripture: from the tree lost to the tree regained.
And may enter in through the gates into the city. The New Jerusalem. The eternal city. The dwelling place of God. The gates are open — for those whose obedience has earned the right to enter.
The Bible's final blessing is not about grace alone or obedience alone. It is about the obedience that grace produces. The commandments are not the earning of the right. They are the evidence of the relationship that produces the right.
Blessed are they that do his commandments. Not blessed are they that understand his theology. Not blessed are they that attend his services. Blessed are they that do. The doing is the final word.
The tree of life is waiting. The gates are open. The blessing is pronounced. And the condition is the simplest and most demanding in Scripture: do his commandments.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
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Blessed are they that do his commandments - They are happy who are obedient.
That they may have right to the tree of…
We have here a solemn ratification of the contents of this book, and particularly of this last vision (though some think…
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Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture