¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last— ¹⁸ the Living One. I was dead and, see, I am alive forever and ever! I also hold the keys of death and hell.^[a]

The Rider on the White Horse

¹¹ I saw heaven standing open, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and he judges and makes war in righteousness. ¹² His eyes are like blazing flames, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him, which no one knows except he himself. ¹³ He is also clothed in a garment that had been dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. ¹⁴ The armies in heaven, which were clothed with white, clean, fine linen, were following him on white horses. ¹⁵ Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will shepherd them with an iron staff. He himself is going to trample the winepress of the fierce anger of the Almighty God. ¹⁶ On his garment and on his thigh this name is written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The New Heaven and the New Earth

21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer existed. ² And I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

³ And from the throne^[a] I heard a loud voice that said, “Look! God’s dwelling is with people. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. ⁴ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, because the former things have passed away.”

⁵ The one who was seated on the throne said to me, “Look, I am making everything new!” He also said, “Write, for these words are trustworthy and true.”