Closing Statements

Revelation 22:6-21

“And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.  Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:6-7)

Once again the angel reminded John that the things he has seen are from the same God who inspired the Old Testament prophets.  God has sent his angels so that his people can know what is going to happen, and can do what is necessary to prepare for those events.  Those who take action on the  warnings in this book will be blessed for doing so. 

“And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things.  Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” (Revelation 22:8-9)

After all he had seen, John felt compelled to bow down and worship the angel that had showed him all these things. But the angel again forbade his doing so.  Once again he insisted he is only a fellow servant and not superior to the prophets or those who obey God’s word.  Worship is to be reserved for God only.

“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Revelation 22:10-13)

John was instructed to leave these prophecies open so they were available to any who cared to look because the time was close enough they need to know.  It will not change people’s relationship with God.  Those who serve god will be serving him anyway, while those who do not will continue to not serve him.  When he comes it will be fast enough they will not be able to fake serving him, and the rewards will already be ready.

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” (Revelation 22:14-15)

Those who have been obedient to God will be given access to the tree of life and the privilege of entering the new city of Jerusalem.  Those who keep turning back to their past sin and witchcraft or other religions, or are involved with sexual sin, murders, or deliberate deceit will not ba allowed such access. 

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.“ (Revelation 22:16-17)

Revelation 1 told us this was the Revelation by Jesus Christ of the things which were to come.  Jesus again identifies himself as the sender of the message, and repeats his offer of salvation to anyone who will come to him. 

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)

Anyone who changes the book will bring God’s judgment on himself.  If he adds to the message, he will experience all the plagues that are promised to those who do not believe God.  If he denies part of what God has said in the book, his place in the Book of Life will be blotted out, and he will not be saved.  He will lose any part of the promises to God’s people. 

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21)

The Lord reminds us again his coming will be sudden and unexpected.  True believers will not be concerned about a lack of advance notice.  They will simply enjoy his blessings on their lives while they wait.