Revelation 22:14
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The most widely accepted reading here isn't about doing commandments, but about those who wash their robes. This highlights that our access to the tree of life and the New Jerusalem isn't primarily about human effort, but about receiving God’s cleansing power through Christ.
This verse appears at the very end of Revelation, immediately after Jesus has declared His imminent return and exhorted believers to remain faithful. It offers a blessing to those who are prepared for His coming, specifying the ultimate rewards of their faithfulness: access to the tree of life and entrance into the glorious heavenly city. The context emphasizes that this blessedness is not for passive observers, but for those actively engaged in living out God's will, whether understood as obedience or the cleansing found in Christ's sacrifice.
The final verse of Revelation offers a powerful promise: blessing for those who 'wash their robes.' What does this washing truly signify for our eternal destiny?
The verse presents two key readings: 'blessed are those who wash their robes' and 'blessed are those who do his commandments.' Scholars lean towards 'wash their robes,' and it's easy to see why. This imagery powerfully points to the purifying work of Christ's sacrifice. Think about it – our robes, in biblical terms, often represent our actions and our spiritual condition. These can get stained by sin.
A Divine Imputation
The washing isn't something we do on our own to earn favor. Instead, it refers to the cleansing provided by Jesus' blood. As Revelation 7:14 says, these are 'those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.' It's a divine imputation, a gracious act where Christ's righteousness covers our sin, making us acceptable to God. This cleansing is the basis for our right to enter God's presence.
Beyond just entry, the verse speaks of having 'right' or 'authority' over the tree of life. What does this profound privilege entail?
The phrase 'have right' (or 'authority') to the tree of life is crucial. It's not just about being allowed to enter; it's about possessing a rightful claim and the power to partake. This speaks to a deep restoration.
Restored Access and Dominion
In Genesis, humanity lost access to the tree of life due to sin (Genesis 3:22-24). Now, through Christ, believers regain not only entry but a privileged position. This 'authority' signifies a complete restoration of what was lost – a life that is truly abundant and eternal, in unbroken fellowship with God. It's the ultimate inheritance, a testament to God's grace allowing us to fully experience the life He intended.
The ultimate blessing culminates in entering the city through its gates. What does this final image of access reveal about God's design?
Understand the original words
makarios · Greek Adjective
A state of supreme happiness, spiritual favor, and divine approval experienced by those who are in right relationship with God.
xylon zōēs · Greek Noun phrase
A symbol of eternal life, immortality, and reconciliation with God, originally lost in the Garden of Eden and restored in the New Jerusalem.
This passage describes those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, directly connecting the act of cleansing to salvation and offering a foundational understanding of what 'washing robes' means in Revelation.
John 1:12This verse speaks of those who received Jesus, to whom He gave the 'right to become children of God,' paralleling the idea of granted authority or privilege for entering into God's presence and promises.
1 Corinthians 6:11This verse states, 'such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God,' highlighting the transformative power of spiritual cleansing for believers.
Galatians 3:27This passage explains that 'all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ,' linking baptism and immersion into Christ with a symbolic 'clothing' or robe that signifies belonging and purity.
Philippians 4:7This verse promises that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, illustrating the internal security and blessedness that comes from submission to Christ, akin to the blessedness promised to those entering the city.
ellicottRevelation 22:14: "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."
(14) Blessed are they that do his commandments . . . —The reading of two of the best MSS. is, “Blessed are they that wash their robes.” If we adopt, as we probably ought, this reading, the line of thought suggested above is helped forward: there is in Him who is the First and the Last, refuge from the power of sin and law against which su…
clarkeRevelation 22:14: "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."
Blessed are they that do his commandments - They are happy who are obedient. That they may have right to the tree of life - The original is much more expressive, Ἱνα εσται ἡ εξουσια αυτων επι το ξυλον της ζωης· That they may have authority over the tree of life; an authority founded on right, this right founded on obedience to the comma…
The most widely accepted reading here isn't about doing commandments, but about those who wash their robes. This highlights that our access to the tree of life and the New Jerusalem isn't primarily about human effort, but about receiving God’s cleansing power through Christ.
This verse appears at the very end of Revelation, immediately after Jesus has declared His imminent return and exhorted believers to remain faithful. It offers a blessing to those who are prepared for His coming, specifying the ultimate rewards of their faithfulness: access to the tree of life and entrance into the glorious heavenly city. The context emphasizes that this blessedness is not for passive observers, but for those actively engaged in living out God's will, whether understood as obedience or the cleansing found in Christ's sacrifice.
This verse appears at the very end of Revelation, immediately after Jesus has declared His imminent return and exhorted believers to remain faithful. It offers a blessing to those who are prepared for His coming, specifying the ultimate rewards of their faithfulness: access to the tree of life and entrance into the glorious heavenly city. The context emphasizes that this blessedness is not for passive observers, but for those actively engaged in living out God's will, whether understood as obedience or the cleansing found in Christ's sacrifice.
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The blessedness promised in Revelation 22:14 culminates in two inseparable realities: access to the tree of life and entrance 'through the gates into the city.' This isn't just about a place; it's about belonging.
Graceful Admission
The 'gates' of the New Jerusalem signify a place of security, beauty, and divine presence. Entrance isn't arbitrary; it's granted to those who are cleansed. This speaks volumes about God's order and His commitment to holiness. Yet, the emphasis remains on grace. Our 'right' to enter is founded on Christ's work, not our merit. It's an invitation to dwell eternally in God's perfect presence, fully restored and welcomed.
"Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates." — The most widely accepted reading here isn't about doing commandments, but about those who wash their robes. This highlights that our access to the tree of life and the New Jerusalem isn't primari…
