Inside or Outside: Revelation's Final Message of Judgment and Invitation
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Revelation Chapter 22
- The Book Ends: Verse 12 and Verse 10
- The Importance of Verse 11
- The Promise of Jesus' Return
- Rewards for the Believers and Unbelievers
- Jesus as the Alpha and Omega
- The Blessing of Those Who Keep His Commandments
- The Tree of Life and Entry into the City
- Those Outside the City: Dogs, Sorcerers, Whoremongers, Murderers, Idolaters, and Liars
- Jesus' Authority and Approval
- Jesus' Final Words to His Church
- The Urgency of His Coming: Alpha and Omega
- The Confidence in His Words: The Root and Offspring of David
- Jesus as the Bright and Morning Star
- The Invitation of the Spirit and the Bride
- Whosoever is Thirsty, Let Him Come
📝 Article
Introduction
In the final chapter of the Book of Revelation, Chapter 22, we are presented with the last words of Jesus to His church before inspiration closes. These words hold great significance and provide insight into the future and the fate of believers and unbelievers alike. In this article, we will explore the themes and teachings found in Revelation Chapter 22, including the rewards for keeping His commandments, the promise of the Tree of Life, and the invitation for those who are thirsty to come and partake of the water of life.
Revelation Chapter 22
Revelation Chapter 22 serves as the epilogue to the entire book, bringing together the themes and messages presented throughout. It begins with the words, "Behold, I come quickly" (verse 12), which sets the tone for the urgency and imminence of Jesus' return. This verse acts as a bookend, complemented by verse 10, which reinforces the idea that the time is at hand. These statements serve as reminders to the readers that the events described in the book are not distant or hypothetical but are in fact drawing closer every day.
The Book Ends: Verse 12 and Verse 10
Between the book ends of verse 12 and verse 10 lies verse 11, which holds a crucial message. Jesus declares, "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." This verse emphasizes the finality of people's choices and actions. Those who are unjust and filthy will remain so, while those who are righteous and holy will continue to be so. It is a sobering reminder that we are responsible for our own decisions and that there will come a point when it is too late to change.
The Importance of Verse 11
Verse 11 serves two purposes: it prepares the reader for what is to come in the next section and it highlights the division between those who will be inside the city and those who will be outside. This division is further emphasized in the subsequent verses, which describe the rewards for those who keep His commandments and the consequences for those who reject Him.
The Promise of Jesus' Return
Throughout the Book of Revelation, Jesus repeatedly assures His followers of His imminent return. In Chapter 22, He proclaims, "Behold, I come quickly" (verse 12) and reaffirms His position as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. His words carry the weight of authority and serve as a reminder that His return should be anticipated with both urgency and confidence.
Rewards for the Believers and Unbelievers
In verse 12, Jesus declares, "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." This statement reiterates the promise that each individual will be rewarded or judged based on their actions and deeds. The rewards are not given to groups or collectives, but to every man individually. It is an assurance that God is just and fair in His dealings with humanity.
For the believers, the promise of rewards signifies the recognition and affirmation of their faithfulness and dedication to Christ. They will receive their just rewards, which are tailored specifically to their work and efforts in advancing the Kingdom of God. On the other hand, the unbelievers will face the consequences of their rejection of Christ and their refusal to follow His commandments.
Jesus as the Alpha and Omega
Jesus repeatedly identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega throughout the Book of Revelation. This title conveys His eternal and unchanging nature as God Himself. By proclaiming Himself as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, Jesus declares His authority over all creation and His position as the ultimate source and final destination of all things.
The Blessing of Those Who Keep His Commandments
Jesus bestows a special blessing upon those who keep His commandments in verse 14: "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." This blessing signifies the privilege of eternal life and entry into the holy city, where the Tree of Life resides. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the correlation between righteous living and access to the blessings of His Kingdom.
The Tree of Life and Entry into the City
The Tree of Life is a symbol of divine provision, sustenance, and immortality. It is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, representing the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity. In the context of Revelation Chapter 22, the Tree of Life is a reward for those who have kept His commandments. Its presence within the holy city signifies a state of eternal fellowship with God and a life filled with His abundant blessings.
Those Outside the City: Dogs, Sorcerers, Whoremongers, Murderers, Idolaters, and Liars
In contrast to the blessedness of those inside the city, verse 15 provides a sobering depiction of those outside the city: "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." This verse emphasizes the eternal separation between those who have rejected Christ and His commandments and the reality of their fate. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of unbelief and a warning against the destructive behaviors listed.
Jesus' Authority and Approval
In verses 16-17, Jesus reasserts His authority and approval: "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." By proclaiming His authorship of the message delivered through His angel and identifying Himself as both the root and offspring of David, Jesus establishes His divine and Messianic authority. He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, and He is the purveyor of a new day, symbolized by the bright and morning star.
Jesus' Final Words to His Church
The concluding verses of Revelation Chapter 22 encapsulate Jesus' final words to His church. In these verses, He emphasizes the urgency of His return, reiterates His identity and authority, and extends an invitation to all who are thirsty for the water of life. This final message serves as a call to action, urging believers to eagerly await His coming and extend the invitation for others to partake in the eternal blessings available through Him.
The Urgency of His Coming: Alpha and Omega
Jesus' repeated declaration throughout the Book of Revelation that "I come quickly" carries a sense of urgency and imminence. It serves as a reminder that His return is not a distant event but something that could happen at any moment. This urgency prompts believers to live with a sense of expectation and readiness, ensuring that they are walking in obedience to His commandments.
The Confidence in His Words: The Root and Offspring of David
Jesus identifies Himself as both the root and offspring of David, solidifying His authority and position as the Jewish Messiah. By establishing His connection to the Old Testament prophecies and the lineage of David, Jesus assures His followers that His words and promises can be trusted. He is the source and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Jesus as the Bright and Morning Star
In a unique expression, Jesus describes Himself as the bright and morning star. This title evokes the image of Venus, the brightest star in the morning sky, announcing the dawn of a new day. By declaring Himself as the bright and morning star, Jesus is proclaiming that He ushers in a new era of hope, salvation, and eternal life. He is the harbinger of a better tomorrow for all those who trust in Him.
The Invitation of the Spirit and the Bride
The Spirit and the bride, symbolizing the church, join together in extending an invitation: "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." This invitation is open to all who are willing to hear, to those who recognize their spiritual thirst and desire to partake of the living water offered by Jesus. It signifies the inclusive and abundant nature of God's grace, available to all who come to Him in faith.
Whosoever is Thirsty, Let Him Come
The final words of Revelation Chapter 22 emphasize the universal nature of Jesus' invitation: "And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." This inclusive statement encompasses all people, regardless of their background, past failures, or present circumstances. It highlights the truth that anyone who recognizes their spiritual need and responds to Jesus' call can freely receive His gift of eternal life. It is a reminder of the boundless love and grace of God, available to all who come to Him with a thirsty heart.
Please note that the text provided for the article does not make it clear if any URLs or resources were mentioned in the content. Therefore, no external resources were listed.
