1   Then he showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal, 2   flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the city's street. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, which yields twelve crops of fruit, one for each month of the year; the leaves of the trees serve for the healing of the nations. 3   Every accursed thing shall disappear. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants shall worship him; 4   they shall see him face to face, and bear his name on their foreheads. 5   There shall be no more night, nor will they need the light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will give them light; and they shall reign for evermore.

6   Then he said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord God who inspires the prophets has sent his angel to show his servants what must shortly happen. 7   And, remember, I am coming soon!’

Happy is the man who heeds the words of prophecy contained in this book! 8   It is I, John, who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell in worship at the feet of the angel who had shown them to me. 9   But he said to me, ‘No, not that! I am but a fellow-servant with you and your brothers the prophets and those who heed the words of this book. It is God you must worship.’ 10   Then he told me, ‘Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, for the hour of fulfilment is near. 11   Meanwhile, let the evil-doer go on doing evil and the filthy-minded wallow in his filth, but let the good man persevere in his goodness and the dedicated man be true to his dedication.’

12   ‘Yes, I am coming soon, and bringing my recompense with me, to requite everyone according to his deeds! 13   I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’

14   Happy are those who wash their robes clean! They will have the right to the tree of life and will enter by the gates of the city. 15   Outside are dogs, sorcerers and fornicators, murderers and idolaters, and all who love and practise deceit.

16   ‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the scion and offspring of David, the bright star of dawn.’

Visions of the end

17   ‘Come!’ say the Spirit and the bride.

‘Come!’ let each hearer reply.

Come forward, you who are thirsty; accept the water of life, a free gift to all who desire it.

18   For my part, I give this warning to everyone who is listening to the words of prophecy in this book: should anyone add to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book; 19   should anyone take away from the words in this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and the Holy City, described in this book.

20   He who gives this testimony speaks: ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

21   The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. ^note

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