Holy Spirit: The River of Life and Glory

It is entirely proper and biblically sound to recognize that the Holy Spirit is the living water and the manifestation of the light, life, and glory that proceeds from the throne of God to sustain the loyal universe1SG 210.1+1. This divine life flows as a crystal river from the throne of God and the Lamb, serving as the medium through which the Father and Son impart Their own nature and vitality to all created beingsTA 285.2+2.

The River of Life as a Divine Channel

The river of the water of life is a literal and spiritual reality in the New Jerusalem, representing the continuous flow of God's grace and presenceDAR 716.4+1.

• Proceeding from the Throne: This pure river, clear as crystal, proceeds directly out of the throne of God and of the Lamb Revelation 22:11SG 210.1+1.

• The Fountain of Life: God Himself is the fountain of life, and He makes His people drink of the river of His pleasures, satisfying their souls in every condition Psalms 36:8-9+1PTUK January 19, 1899, page 38.5.

• Healing for the Nations: On either side of this river stands the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations, signifying the restorative power of the life that flows from God Revelation 22:2TA 285.2+1.

The Spirit as the Living Water

The Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy explicitly identify the living water and the river of life with the Holy Spirit and the words of ChristCE 57.1+1.

• Agreement in One: There are three that bear witness—the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three agree in one, indicating that the water of life is the Spirit of life 1 John 5:8PTUK October 29, 1896, page 693.10.

• The Spiritual Fountain: Christ's own heart is the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness, and the water of life that flowed from His side is the same Spirit that proceeds from the throne Zechariah 13:1+1PTUK October 29, 1896, page 693.10.

• Spirit and Life: Jesus explained that the words He speaks are "spirit, and they are life," acting as the living water that quenches the thirst of the soul John 6:63CE 57.1.

Sustaining the Universe with Glory and Light

The glory of God and the Lamb constitutes the light and attraction of heaven, and this glory is distributed to the universe through the agency of the SpiritPTUK January 19, 1899, page 38.5+1.

• A Healing Flood: The Lord has poured forth the streams of His mercy in a healing flood of heavenly light to expand our minds and prepare us for the plan of redemptionRH September 30, 1890, par. 7.

• The Source of Vitality: Those who drink of the river of life now find that it gives tone and strength to their spiritual nature, making them "trees of righteousness" planted by the LordCCh 45.1+2.

• The Pledges of Immortality: Partaking of the fruit of the tree of life and the water of the river is the sure pledge of glorious immortality for the redeemed hostARSH August 11, 1853, page 49.3+2.

The Call to Partake Freely

This divine life is offered to all without price, inviting everyone to drink from the source of all existencePP 413.2+2.

• The Invitation: The Spirit and the bride say, "Come," and "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" Revelation 22:17PP 413.2+1.

• The Present Privilege: We do not have to wait for immortality to share these joys; we are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace now to drink of the living streamPTUK January 19, 1899, page 38.5+1.

• Abundant Satisfaction: Only those who drink of Christ and His Spirit now, finding cleansing in the fountain of His life, will be prepared to drink of the river that proceeds from the throne in the world to come Psalms 36:8PTUK January 19, 1899, page 38.5.