INTRODUCTION:
The book of Revelation is one of the most controversial books of the Bible, yet is abundantly filled with blessings to all who believe. We hear the verses of chapter 22 often repeated that no one should add or subtract from the Word of God, and that certainly is true, but I like Revelation 1:3 even better, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein: for the time is at hand." In order for us to keep what is written here, then, it seems that God expects us to understand it in order to obey it. And besides that we are promised a blessing for just reading it!! So I hope we got some things from this series of messages that will help us grow, become stronger Christians and have even more of a hunger for the Word of God.
I. I COME QUICKLY - THE ANGEL V. 7 - 11
A. THE BOOK - V. 7-10
1. V. 7-9 - God told John in Rev. 19:9 "These are the true sayings of God." and he fell down to worship the messenger, bur he was told to "Do it not, I am thy fellow servant." Here in Rev. 22:6-9 we have a similar action. The Lord declares that, "These sayings are faithful and true." When John saw these and heard them, he fell down to worship him. But the angel would not accept the worship, but declared again, "I am thy fellow servant." I notice that this angel says that he is one that keeps the sayings of this book. This is significant, since God commands a blessing to all who "Keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book." V.7 So angels AND humans are blessed for keeping God's Word.
2. V. 10 - John is told to NOT seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book, "For the time is at hand." Jesus said many times in the Gospel of John, "My time is not come." (John 2:4, 7:6,8, and 30, 8:20), but finally He said "My hour is come." John 12:23. The time is now at hand for all things to be fulfilled and the end of the world as we know it to come. Since this was written about 2000 years ago we may think that the time of the end will be far from now, but God says the time is at hand, And if it was so close at hand when god had John write this, just think how much closer it is today!
B. THE END HAS COME - V. 11
1. Since the end has come there is no more time to repent. So let the unjust be unjust still! And the filthy be filthy still. There is no discussion at the Great White Throne Judgment. Now is the day of Salvation. May there be a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit's conviction, and salvation of sinners before this time comes. All who have rejected Christ are still unjust and filthy, and will be that way all through Eternity.
2. Also, since the end has come, those who are righteous and Holy will remain that way all eternity. The Bible say there is none righteous, no not one. (Romans 3:10) So how can there be righteous people to go to Heaven? Thank God for the Scriptures which tell us God's simple plan of Salvation. II Corinthians 5:21 "For He (God) thath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." So there will be some who are righteous and will be that way forever. Thank God for His unspeakable Gift!
P.2 END TIMES MESSAGE #27 OF "THE END TIMES" 9/25/05 BEHOLD I COME QUICKLY - REVELATION 22: 7 - 21
II.. I COME QUICKLY - THE SAVIOR - V. 12 - 16
A. REWARDS FOR THE OBEDIENT V. 12 &13
1. God has promised rewards for His followers all through time. Here He promises that when He comes He will have those rewards with Him. And it says He WILL give them! He will give them according to the work that has been done. There is the Souls Winner's reward, Proverbs 11:30, Prayer Warrior's reward, Matthew 6:6, and according to Colossians 3:23,24 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."
2. The Alpha and Omega is the Creator, Savior and Coming King. We see in John chapter one that Jesus IS God and the Creator of the Universe, Who was made flesh and dwelt among us - - -and we beheld His glory. Both John and Peter mention the Mount of Transfiguration. It was an event they never forgot. They saw the Glory of God in Jesus and they are witnesses to His Glory. He still is the Beginning and the end, the first and the last.
B. HIS COMMANDMENTS - V. 14
1. It seems that the Bible here says that those who keep His commandments will have right to the Tree of Life. At least it says, "Blessed are they that do His commandments." In this day of change and "do your own thing", I want to explain this exhortation for us. Especially I John says a lot about this 2:4, "He that saith, I know Him and keepeth not His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in Him" We see from this verse that all believers are to keep His commandments. 5:2 "By this we know that we love the children of God. and keep His commandments." This comes from Verse one that says we love God and so we should act like it. Jesus said in John 14:15, "If ye love me keep my commandments." I John 2:3 "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." I John 3:24 "And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know the He abideth in us, by the spirit which He hath given us." I John 3:23 let's us know that not only are the ten commandments good for us, but the new commandment is ours to keep also. And what is God's commandment that is so important? "And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave commandment.
2. The Tree of life belongs to obedient believers. and they shall walk through the gates. Cities in the eastern world had strong walls around them with fortified gates guarded all the time by soldiers. So people didn't just walk in and out of the city. It would be like entering a nuclear plant today. There are checkpoints to be passed before you can enter, and well it should be, because it could be a dangerous place. But, because of Jesus we are able to walk in and out of the Holy Jerusalem and, also have the right to the Tree of Life. Psalm 100 says ,"Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving." Jesus says, "Well done, good and faithful servant - - - enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,"
C. WITHOUT ARE DOGS - V. 15
1. Not every one will be in the Holy city. "Without are dogs and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers and idolaters and liars." This is another verse that some people use to say that outside the gates of the Holy City will be these kinds of people. They will be the nations that do business with the ones who live in the city, but they can't come in because they are so bad. I call on you again to use common sense about this and realize that no such thing
END TIMES MESSAGE #27 OF "THE END TIMES" 9/25/05 P.3 BEHOLD I COME QUICKLY - REVELATION 22: 7 - 21
occurs! Not only does our common sense tell us this, but we have the Bible to tell us also. Have you ever seen a list something like this before? Yes, we have! Revelation 21:8 gives a list like this and tells us that they, "Have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." So the Bible is right when it says that "Without" are these kinds of people. They are without, for sure, and definitely not near. All nations are cast onto hell that forget God and all people who do not take Jesus as Savior will also be there along with the devil for whom it was made in the first place.
2. "Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." This exhortation in Galatians 6:7 is a warning to us, before the end comes that God's plan of Salvation is available now and we must take heed. Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name given among men, whereby we must be saved," I Corinthians 6:2 "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation." The day of salvation will be over when the Holy City comes down from heaven, so heed the pleading of the last chapter of Revelation and all the Scriptures that come before and make sure that you will be in that city and not have to be with those who are without.
III. I COME QUICKLY - THE INVITATION - V. 16 - 21
A. THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE V. 16,17
1. V. 16 Brings us to Jesus the root and offspring of David. We are reminded that He is Immanuel - God with us! The promises of all the Old Testament are fulfilled in Jesus. Even though Jesus sits on the everlasting throne of David He also is the Savior for the Church. He is the Bright and Morning Star, referring to His authority He has over the Universe.
2. The Spirit and the Bride say come. Whosoever will may take of the Water of Life Freely. It is right to use this verse in witnessing to people today because Jesus told the woman at the well that she could have living water, and here at the end of the Bible we are assured that the Water of Life is for all who will rake it. Let him that hears the message of mercy join the Heavenly host inviting all who are thirsty to come and drink and be satisfied. V. 16 says that Jesus has sent His angel to testify these things in the churches. The thing the church is supposed to do is to preach, teach, and testify that the Water of Life is available! The church has the responsibility to make people thirsty so they will come, and drink freely.
B. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING V. 18,19
1. Most people know these verses that no one is to add or take away from the Word of God. But that does not stop false cults and pompous religious sects from interpreting verses apart from the rest of Scripture. I think of the many doctrines of the Catholic church that gives us an elaborate religion of works. Purgatory to pay for our sins that Jesus didn't pay for, penance to get forgiveness for sins here in this life, worship of saints and revering of people, and many others. Everyone should be careful to not add to what God has said here in the Bible. God says that if we do we will suffer the plagues that are written in this Book.
2. Neither are we to skip over the parts we don't like. And just because we don't understand something that is in the Bible is no excuse for us to ignore it. Some churches, such as the Unitarians, say there is no sin, or punishment, so just do your best and everyone will be
P.4 END TIMES MESSAGE #27 OF "THE END TIMES" 9/25/05 BEHOLD I COME QUICKLY - REVELATION 22: 7 - 21
happy. Others, including myself might want to skip over the judgments of God, or Hell, or earthly calamities, but we must preach the whole counsel of God, as Paul said he did in Acts 20:27. Those who neglect the words of this book will not be in the Holy City. That means they won't be saved. How can a person be saved if his doctrine is based on something other than the Word of God? We must heed the Bible as our only guide to faith and living. And then live for ever with Him.
C. EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS V. 20,21
1. He that restifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Now, Who is testifying of these things? The only one who has full knowledge of the events of the future. Jesus gave the message and John faithfully wrote it down. And Jesus has one last message for us. He has mentioned it three times, so it gave me a nice three point outline! "Behold I come quickly." V.7 & 12 and V.20 "Surely, I come quickly." Whatever that mans God wanted us to be sure that it will come to pass. We believe that the coming of the Lord is immanent, meaning that there is nothing to hinder the Lord from coming at any time. "This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all ; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14 Scholars who know more about this than I do say the Temple has to be built in Jerusalem, and there has to be a great falling away of believers before Christ comes back. Others say there will be the greatest revival the Earth has ever seen before Christ returns. But I'll rest in the words of Jesus, "Behold I come quickly," and I want to be ready! We echo with John, "Even so, Come Lord Jesus."
2. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all." We forget that after all the tremendous revelations of the Book of Revelation, that it was written to the churches. Seven of these churches are named in Chapters 2&3, but we know that God wants all the churches to be aware of these events. To have the ending here, as in many epistles, reminds us that this book is a letter to the churches, just as the other epistles were ( and are), for our learning and edification. "May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
CONCLUSION:
This study of Revelation has made us think of the end times and future of the saved and lost. Many of the scenes were graphic and colorful, but they will take place and we are not sure how near we are for them to happen. I am reminded of Peter's exhortation in II Peter 3:11 "Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness" The Lord is not slack concerning His promise - - - but the day of the Lord WILL come! "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." II Peter 3:13 Even so, Come Lord Jesus!