The phrase, “All good things must come to an end” describes a bit of how it feels to reach Revelation 22.
Not only does this mark the end of a ten-month sermon series that has revealed God’s plan and heart to redeem the brokenness of this world, but it also leads us to look at the very last verses of the Bible. While we know we can turn back and begin restudying other parts of Scripture, there is still a significant feeling that comes with reading that final “Amen” and closing the back cover.
What matters most though is what doesn’t come to an end when we reach the end of the Bible. God’s sovereignty remains. His glory continues to radiate throughout the universe. His love for us never waivers. In Revelation and in God, we see that certain good things (in fact, the best things) will never come to an end, and this eternal state of goodness will be magnified and ushered in through the future second coming of Christ.
Jesus’ Coming Could be Imminent
“And he said to me, ‘These words are faithful and true,’ and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show His bond-servants the things which must soon take place” (Revelation 22:6).
Time doesn’t exactly mean the same thing to God as it does to humans. Especially here in the western world, everything is planned and timed out. So, while we don’t know exactly when Jesus will come back and new creation will come, in some capacity, these events will soon take place. Again, be wary of anyone who claims to know how soon is “soon.” Nonetheless, we should also recognize that Jesus’ coming could be imminent.
Jesus’ Coming Will Cause Separation
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral persons, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.” Revelation 22:14–15
There is a separation that will take place on judgment day. Those who have been washed in Christ’s redeeming, atoning blood will get to enter into the celestial city that’s been prepared for us. However, those who have sinned, those who are ungodly, will be kept on the outside. It’s a tragic picture and truth that serves as a reminder that sin is serious, and for God to be good, He must be just.
Jesus’ Coming Will Include an Invitation
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.” Revelation 22:17
The heart of Jesus is that no one would be kept on the outside. He longs to welcome in repentant sinners and wayward sons who come home. That’s why the word “come” is used three times. Even here, at the very end of the Bible, Jesus is still calling out for everyone to come to him. He is the one who is gentle and lowly. He is the one whose yoke is easy and burden is light. Let all who are thirsty come to him and they will thirst no more.
Jesus’ Coming Will Be Misrepresented
“I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18–19
If you’ve read the Bible closely, odds are at one point or another, it said something that challenged what you believe to be true. And if you’ve read the whole Bible, odds are you’ve been frustrated at some point by its silence on a matter you believed needed clarification. Despite these challenges and frustrations, the Bible is not to be changed! It is the Word of God, exactly as it is, that He saw fit to provide. We should never add to it or subtract from it, or we will likely misrepresent God in some way.
Jesus’ Coming Should be Welcomed
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20
As Christians, we should look forward with anticipation to the day of Christ’s return. Any incomplete bucket list will be completely forgotten once we see our Savior coming back for us. Those who commune with Christ and long for His presence will uniformly welcome Jesus’ second coming.
Jesus’ Coming Will Be Gracious
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:21
A theme of much of the Bible, and that the closing words once again bring up, is grace. Grace is the root of everything Jesus is and does. Grace through faith in Christ is how we are saved. Grace is offered freely to all who come to Him. What better way to end the Bible than with another reminder of God’s grace?
Just because this series is finished, don’t assume God is finished working in you through the book of Revelation. Take the truths of this book and ponder them in your heart. Ask God what He still wants to teach you and how He wants you to live. Though it was preached about ten months ago, don’t forget that Revelation 1:3 states, “Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
Amen.