Max's Weekly Musings
Vol. 10, No. 18, for the week of June 2-9, 2007
Revelation 22

We have reached the end of our study of Revelation, although I am told that I skipped chapter 15, so will try to add that next week.  This week, however, we want to examine those final verses of Revelation 22, that portion which we is commonly called the Epilogue.  Although often overlooked due to the excitement over the previous sections concerning the new heaven and the new earth, Revelation 22:6-21 really forms the fitting conclusion to the book.  Let's examine a few of its critical teachings.

Revelation 22:6 - An Affirmation of the Validity of what has been said

   There is a strong relationship between Revelation 22:6 and Revelation 1:1.  It is almost as if John, in closing his book, is drawing us back to the very beginning.  The emphasis is upon the validity and certainty of what John has just written, for he repeats what the angel has told him, "These words are trustworthy and true."  Friends have asked me if I really believe what the Book of Revelation says.  My response is "absolutely!" The reason is that God has said it is all true.  I may not fully understand everything written, but my lack of understanding does not invalidate its authenticity.  In stead, it just causes me to want to dig even deeper. 

Revelation 22:7 - A Promised Blessing

    Jesus Christ Himself is now the one who addresses the Apostle.  And He affirms that He is coming soon.  We could say that the next thing of importance on God's calendar is the return of His Son.  It is as if Jesus were saying, "Behold, I am coming, and I will come on time."  God is never late.  God is always on time.  Remember those words of the Apostle Paul to the Galatians: When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His son born of a woman... (Galatians 4:4).  When Jesus came the first time, He was right on schedule. So will be His second return - right on time!  When one looks at the world today, he or she must keep that perspective in mind. 

   Furthermore, Jesus proclaims to John, in this verse, that a blessing is bestowed upon those who keep the words of the prophecies of this book.  In other words, it is a book to which we are to pay particular attention.  As we read the prophecies, they are to have an impact upon our lives, influencing us toward godliness so that we might better represent Christ to the nations.  This blessing is then followed with an admonition that our worship is to be directed only toward God (verses 8-9).  Our worship is not an act to benefit ourselves, but to honor God. 

Revelation 22:10 - An Interesting Command

   As with any document written in those days, John prepares to seal it and to stamp it with his signatory ring.  I believe John had in the back of his mind the actions of the prophet Daniel who had been instructed by God to seal up the book he had written (Daniel 12:4).  But God instructs John to not seal up the book.  It was as if God were saying to John, and to us,  that the events prophesied in the book could happen at any moment.  Yes, the end was coming nearer.  So, it is good to open the Book of Revelation and to study it carefully.

Revelation 22:11 - The Condition of the Lost is Stated

   One writer has said that this verse declares the "fixity of destiny."  I believe what God is saying to John is that during the days prior to the return of Jesus Christ, the conditions of the world will grow increasingly worse.  The unjust will become more unjust; the filthy will become more filthy.  This sort of takes the steam out of those who adhere to a post-millennial philosophy.  Furthermore, this truth seems to be affirmed each time one reads a newspaper or watches a newscast.  Evil seems to grow larger every day.  But, this verse also declares that those who are saved will grow in righteousness and holiness and the knowledge of the Lord.  Yes, there will be a hunger for the Word.  And, in every Village School class, we see people coming who hunger to know God better through His Word.  Praise the Lord!

Revelation 22:12-13 - Christ Comes with His Rewards

    Whether one wants to tie this verse with the rapture of the Church or what we know as the revelation of Christ, commonly called His second coming, one cannot deny the certainty with which Jesus utters the statement that He is coming again and it will be soon.  In fact, this is the second time He has made the statement (verse 7), and He will utter it one more time in verse 20.  Stated three times - the emphasis is very clear - Jesus Christ is coming again!  Amen!

Revelation 22:14-15 - Those within, Those without

   Verse 14 clearly describes those who are granted the privilege of entering into the new Jerusalem and of having access to the tree of life.  They are those who have come to faith in Christ.  They are those who have committed their lives to Him.  They are those who have accepted Christ's invitation to "come, follow Me."  However, verse 15 also clearly describes those who are on the outside.  These are the ones who are remanded to the lake of fire.  These are the ones who refused Christ's invitation.  And, the implication of these two verses is that those who are within cannot go to those who are without and neither can those who are without enter into the place where the others are.  This picture seems very reminiscent of the scene described in Luke 16:22.

Revelation 22:16-17 - A Declaration and an Invitation

    In verse 16 we have the first mention of the word "church" since chapter 3.  The Lord tells John that all these things have been revealed to testify to the churches.  In other words, Revelation was written to be a tool for the church.  Next Jesus gives an all inclusive invitation.  The invitation is extended to all who would hear and give heed to the Word of God.  Furthermore the invitation is extended to all who thirst - to those who are conscious of their need (Isaiah 55:1; John 7:37).  The invitation comes addressed to whoever - now that is all inclusive.  Remember, God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  God's desire is that everyone would accept the invitation to come.

Revelation 22:18-19 - A Solemn Warning

   This is a book that is not to be cast aside as being unimportant for believers.  This is a book that needs to be taught and proclaimed, perhaps more so today than every before.  It is great to know that God is in control, that He is sovereign.  This is one of the most important teachings of Revelation.  But, we are warned that we need to study it carefully. 

Revelation 22:20-21 - A Note of Triumph - Jesus Christ is coming again.  And we echo John's refrain, "Yes, Lord Jesus, come!"

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Jesus Christ turns life right-side-up, and heaven outside-in.  (Carl F.H. Henry)

Return to Max's Musings on Revelation