The End

July 16, 2020 (Thursday)

 

Once again, Jesus promises His return and judgement based on works. “Look! I’m coming soon. My reward is with me, to repay all people as their actions deserve.” [Revelation 22:12 CEB] The way this is expressed seems to be in the context of reward, not punishment. For instance, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” [Proverbs 19:17 NIV]

 

Jesus then claims the titles and roles, “I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” [Revelation 22:13 CEB] Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and omega is the last letter. The Greek word “first” means first in time or place (most important). Meanwhile, the “beginning” is the idea of origin. The Greek word “end” carries the idea of the limit of something (not the end of a period of time). On the other hand in the Greek “last” carries the idea of furthest or final.

 

Jesus continues by reinforcing human responsibility, “Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.” [Revelation 22:14 NLT] The idea of the pure and those that are not is again reinforced, “Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie.” [Revelation 22:14 NLT] Since this has already been covered, I’ll let you look back at those lessons.

 

Jesus claims more titles, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” [Revelation 22:16 ESV] Some confusion occurs because Jesus claims to be “the bright morning star” which Satan also claims. Keep in mind, just because Satan claims the title or role does not make it so. The connection to David is the connection to the Messiah and the promised eternal throne.

 

Here is a key, undeniable, and disregarded fact, “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 price.” [Revelation 22:17 ESV] The invitation is for anyone and everyone who desires (wills, wants, wishes) to take what God has freely offered. There is an entire theological line that would negate the entire concept of “open salvation.” Here again, the invitation is offered. It is up to the individual to accept or reject.

 

There is a strict warning to not add or subtract from the book of Revelation. There are times when I wonder if we do that with our interpretation. Adding earns the plagues described in the book, while taking away means God will “…take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City…” [Revelation 22:19b NIV]

 

The book ends with an important theological concept, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.” [Revelation 22:21 CEB] This is one of those verses where the Greek varies in an important way. Some manuscripts read “God’s holy people” instead of “all.” There is a certain sense where all enjoy some form of God’s grace. “Saving grace” is enjoyed by God’s people.

 

So we end our study of the book of Revelation. Where do I go from here, since this pandemic is far from over? I’ve always wanted to write a theology text and a commentary of scripture. However, I’m not arrogant enough to think I have anything significant to add to either. Or as Solomon said, “But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.” [Ecclesiastes 12:12 NLT] Let me know what you might be interested in…