The "statement of truth"

July 15, 2020 (Wednesday)

 

The next section may seem odd, however, in legal jargon it is a “statement of truth.” This is a statement of a witness or expert that confirms the facts stated in the document are true. It asserts the belief in the truth of the facts within a document. If the facts are found to be false, there are consequences for those who vouched for the document. There are three witnesses to the truth of the book of Revelation.

 

First, the angel. "And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” [Revelation 22:6 ESV] It seems odd, it today’s world, that anything could be considered “true” in the absolute sense. American culture has created a sense of “relative” about “truth.” This is based on perspective or appearance of what is stated to be true. The ancient Greek concept of truth was founded in the nature of the truth, not its appearance.

 

Second, Jesus. “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” [Revelation 22:7 ESV] The promise of Jesus’ return has been a constant throughout church history. Remember “soon” is relative. Our experience of time is different than God’s. As Peter explained, “Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day.” [2 Peter 3:8 CEB]

 

Finally, John makes his testimony. “I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.” [Revelation 22:8a ESV] John wants to worship the angel but is told, “…You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” [Revelation 22:9 ESV]

 

Notice for the second time, in this section, we are urged to “keep the words” of Revelation. This ties into the prologue of Revelation. The difficulty we face is UNDERSTANDING. If we struggle to understand, how are we to KEEP the words? This becomes our serious question.

 

Just before heading into the “big finish,” John hears instruction to not seal the book. In other words, not to conceal the meaning. It continues with the reality, “Let those who do wrong keep doing what is wrong. Let the filthy still be filthy. Let those who are righteous keep doing what is right. Let those who are holy still be holy.” [Revelation 22:11 CEB] This reminds me of the saying, “You can’t fix stupid.”

 

Without repentance there is no regeneration (“born again”). Because there is no new life there is no real reformation in behavior and character. Without genuine conversion, there will always be the irresistible inclination to indulge the sinful nature. There will be no desire to attempt to resist willful sin. On the other hand, Paul encourages us, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” [Galatians 5:16 ESV]