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At first sight this seems no more than that of:--
"A pure river of water of life" (Rev. 22: 1), or
"Whosoever will, let him take the water of life, freely" (Rev. 22: 17).
A moment's consideration however will reveal a difference. First we have "the
fountain". Secondly we have "the river", and thirdly we have "the water" without
reference to either river or fountain.
Now in Rev. 7: 17 we have a millennial anticipation by the overcomers of this same
blessed promise:--
"The Lamb . . . . . shall lead them unto the fountains of the water of life (R.V.), and
God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes."
We read in Jer. 2: 13 that the Lord Himself is "the fountain of living waters", and the
promise of Rev. 21: 6 takes the overcomer to the very source of that pure river which
flows out from the throne to water the paradise of God. It is an "overcomer's" portion,
and not that of "whosoever will". This promise is immediately followed by the words
"He that overcometh shall inherit these things" (tauta, these things, instead of panta, all
things). There is no practical difference between "all things" and "these things" in this
passage, for "these things" must refer to something stated in the context, which seems to
be the all things that are made new.
The reward of the inheritance.
An inheritance, in the Scriptures, seems to have a two-fold significance. There is the
inheritance that is associated with birth, and the inheritance that is associated with merit.
Christ was appointed "heir of all things" (Heb. 1: 2), but there seems an added feature in
the statement, "He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name" (Heb. 1: 4). So
with Abraham: "When he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive
for an inheritance, obeyed" (Heb. 11: 8). This inheritance doubtless was the land of
Palestine, but it included more. Isaac and Jacob were heirs together with Abraham of the
same promise, and dwelt in tents as sojourners in a strange country:--
"For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God
. . . . . They desire a better country, that is, an heavenly . . . . . He hath prepared for them a
city" (Heb. 11: 9-16).
The inheritance spoken of therefore in Rev. 21: looks to the new Jerusalem in
particular for its fulfillment and enjoyment.
In severe and awful contrast with the overcomers are placed throughout the Revelation
those who receive the mark of the beast or the number of his name. Their characteristics
are given in verses 8 and 27. The last word in these two lists is connected with the lie.