THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST
REVELATION 22:1-21
SUBJECT: HEAVEN & THE RAPTURE
THEME: Believers should hold the hope of heaven in their hearts and believe the promise of Christ’s return. Such believers will be marked by faithfulness, service, and spiritual motivation as we anticipate Christ’s return in the Rapture.
INTRODUCTION:
There are four things John points out as He focuses the seven churches on the immanent return of Christ in the Rapture. We will only consider the second one mentioned in chapter twenty-two in this article.
MESSAGE:
I. He Completes the Stunning Previews (Rev. 22:1-5).
In
Rev 22:1-5, we move inside the city to see additional facts about the New Jerusalem and discover that it is like a beautiful garden, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. We are given a preview of the river of life, the tree of life, and eternal life with God. Secondly....
II. He Certifies
these Serious Prophecies (Rev. 22:6-10).
John now seeks to assure the seven churches that the things
revealed in the book of the Revelation can be trusted and relied upon. Understand the vision of the future is now
complete and John moves to point believers to the Word, and the Hope of the
Rapture. Likewise we too are to rely on
the Word and look forward to the Rapture when Christ returns for us.
— Heaven is more than a destination, it is a
motivation. Knowing that we shall dwell in the heavenly city ought to make a
difference in our lives here and now.
— The vision of
the heavenly city motivated the patriarchs as they walked with God and served
Him. Hebrews
11:10, For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker
is God.
Hebrews 11:13-16, These all died in faith, not having received
the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and
embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the
earth. [14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a
country. [15] And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence
they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. [16] But now
they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not
ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
— Knowing that He
was returning to the Father in heaven also encouraged Jesus Christ as He faced
the cross. Hebrews 12:2, Looking
unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set
before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right
hand of the throne of God.
— The assurance
of heaven must not lull us into complacency or carelessness, but spur us to
fulfill our spiritual duties.
A. THE WORD IS CERTIFIED BY THE ANGEL (Rev. 22:6). “And he said unto me, and”
“John has come to
the end of his book and to the end of the Bible. Most people’s last words are of special
interest, and God’s last words before the centuries of silence descend must be
of great significance indeed. Our
attention is drawn to the faithful Word of God, to the finished work of Christ,
and to the final witness of the Spirit.
It would be hard to think of a more appropriate way of ending the Book
of God.”
—John Phillips
1.
As to The Prophecy’s Accuracy.
“These sayings are faithful and true:”
A.
We must Keep God's Word.
Because what John wrote is the Word of God, his words are faithful and true
(see Rev 19:11).
1. Because Truth Never Changes.
Proverbs 12:19, The
lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a
moment.
Truth is always timely; it applies today and in the future.
Because it is connected with God's changeless character, it is also changeless.
Think for a moment about the centuries that have passed since these proverbs
were written. Consider the countless hours that have been spent in careful
study of every sentence of Scripture. The Bible has withstood the test of time.
2. Because God is truth, you can trust his Word
to guide you.
B. We
Must Trust God’s Word.
1. Because Truth Has Been Confirmed.
—
The revelation closes with an angel explaining that what John has written is
trustworthy. He was confirming the truth and accuracy of the prophecy.
—
Trust is wholeheartedly believing in God's promises. Trusting means putting our confidence in
Christ to forgive our sins, to make us right with God, and to empower us to
live the way he taught us. God's solution is available to all of us regardless
of our background or past behavior.
2.
Because Truth Gains Strength under Pressure.
Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of
my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Job's profound speech illustrates a great truth: to have a
right set of doctrines is not enough. To know what to believe is not all that
is required to please God.
—
Truth untested by life's experiences may become static and stagnant.
—
Suffering can bring a dynamic quality to life.
— Just as drought drives the roots of a tree
deeper to find water, so suffering can drive us beyond superficial acceptance
of truth to dependence on God for hope and life.
2.
As to The Prophecy’s Origin.
“the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his
angel”
A.
It Came From God.
1. The same God who spoke through
the prophets also spoke through the Apostle John.
1 Peter 1:11-12, Searching what, or what manner of time the
Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand
the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. [12] Unto whom it
was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the
things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel
unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels
desire to look into.
2 Peter 1:21, For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as
they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2. As the "capstone" of
God's revelation, John’s book cannot be divorced from the rest of the Bible. If
we deny that John wrote the truth, then we must also deny the prophets.
3. Throughout the ages, God had
been telling his prophets what the future holds, and he did so again in this
prophecy to John. Revelation describes what will happen!
B.
It Came Through the Angel.
Rev. 1:1, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto
him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he
sent and signified it by his angel
unto his servant John:
Angels are highly significant in the Revelation; we see
them worshiping God, revealing his Word, and carrying out his judgments. Just as God gave the words of the law and the
Prophets he gave the Revelation of Jesus Christ; thus certifying the letter to
the churches (See also Heb 2:2; Acts 7:38, 53;
Gal 3:19).
3.
As to The Prophecy’s Purpose.
“to shew unto his servants the things which
must shortly be done.”
A.
To Confirm Comprehension. The angel was also confirming the
possibility of comprehending the prophecies previously given in the Revelation
of Jesus Christ.
B.
Not To Communicate Confusion. The purpose of these communications is
not to bewilder and confuse but to reveal many of the things that must soon
take place.
C.
To Contradict Commentators.
— This
directly contradicts the point of view that “the
Book of Revelation is an imponderable mystery for which no key is available
today.”
— This
book is the Word of God and not the vague imaginations of John.
D.
To Communicate Coming Times.
In addition it is intended to describe future events.
1. When taken in its literal, ordinary meaning,
this is exactly what it does, even though much of Revelation is written in
symbolic form.
2. The Word of God was not given to be obscure.
It was given to be understood by those taught by the Spirit.
B. THE WORD IS CERTIFIED BY THE LORD JESUS (Rev. 22:7).
Christ Himself repeats the main theme of the Book and
thereby gives His personal certification on the book of revelation.
1.
Through His Promise. “Behold, I come quickly:”
From Jesus himself come these words of assurance and
motivation.
A. Pay Careful Attention to the Promise. “Behold”
The command “Behold” is an imperative! We must give our
attention to this motivating and stirring truth, that Jesus could come at any
time.
B.
Be Prepared in Light of the Promise.
1. Three times at the close of this book Christ
says, “I come quickly!” (vv. 7, 12, 20).
2. The word “quickly” in Rev 22:7 means “swiftly come
to pass in succession.”
—
This means that his coming will be quick and without delay.
—
It will not be “soon” according to human timing (after all, John wrote this two
thousand years ago), but it is certain to occur; it is imminent.
3. The churches have expected Christ to return
since the days of the Apostles, and He has not yet come; but when John's
prophecies begin to be fulfilled, they will happen very quickly. There will be
no delay.
4. We do not know when Christ will appear, and
it behooves us to be ready. Jesus clearly told his followers to be prepared,
because they don't know when Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:42, Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour
your Lord doth come.
Matthew 24:44, Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an
hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
2.
Through His Pronouncement.
“blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the
prophecy of this book.”
Jesus announced a blessing for those who obey the prophecy
of Revelation.
A.
What Does it Mean to Keep the Sayings of the Prophecy of this Book?
(Rev 22:7)
1. Basically, the word “keepeth” means to guard, to watch over, to preserve
intact.
A. It has to do with maintaining,
observing, and fulfilling the commands of God in this book.
B. “[Blessed is he that
keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book]
That receives them as a divine communication; that makes use of them to comfort
himself in the days of darkness, persecution, and trial; and that is obedient
to the precepts here enjoined.” — (from Barnes' Notes)
C. Thus, the Book of Revelation
is to be Received, Used, and Obeyed.
2. What exactly is a Christian to actually obey
as detailed in The Revelation?
A. We are to be faithful to Christ. God commended the Philadelphians for
keeping Christ's words and not denying his name (Rev. 3:8).
B. We are to be spiritually and
morally clean and prepared for Christ’s return (Rev.
7:14; 22:14).
C. We are to endure patiently (Rev. 14:12-13).
D. We are neither to add nor
detract from Revelation's words (Rev. 22:18, 19).
3. Serving God begins with our faithful service
to him now. Remain Faithful!
B.
What is the Blessing? (Rev. 22:7) “blessed is he”
1. The command given to Record the Vision (Rev 1:11,19), has been
carried out; this book was designed to be a blessing to believers according to
(Rev 1:3).
Rev. 1:11, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the
last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven
churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos,
and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev. 1:19, Write the
things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which
shall be hereafter;
Rev. 1:3, Blessed is he
that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those
things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
2. “Accordingly
a special blessing is pronounced on those who believe and heed the prophecy of
the book. As stated earlier, this last book of the Bible, so neglected by the
church and with its meanings confused by many expositors, contains more
promises of blessing than any other book of Scripture. This reference to
blessing is the sixth beatitude in the book (the seventh is in v. 14).” –John Walvoord
3. Like the beatitude in Rev. 1:3, this one promises
a blessing to believers who obey God by heeding the warnings of this prophecy.
C. THE WORD IS CERTIFIED BY THE WRITER (Rev. 22:8-9).
In spite of John being a very mature and spiritual believer
he still made this shameful mistake in judgment. John’s actions are totally in error! But, not only are we reminded that seasoned
Christian sometimes fail, but John’s actions reinforce the overwhelming nature
of this vision. Though his actions were
wrong, they demonstrate the grander, awesomeness, and power of this apocalyptic
revelation.
1.
The Certain Revelation (Rev. 22:8). “And I John saw
these things, and heard them.”
This message was not a secondhand account from John, he had
experienced the message himself and had become a part of the story!
A. An Eye Witness Account.
1. John actually signed his name
to the letter, so to speak, as the one who saw and heard all these things.
2. John did not imagine what he
had written; he had actually seen and heard everything he had recorded. He
understood that he had been given an awesome privilege.
A. He could testify to the
validity and certainty of this written record as an ‘eye witness’.
B. Every believer ought to have a
testimony to the veracity of God truth by personal experience in their lives.
3. What we so easily professed
has to be worked out in experience.
We may find that words of faith come easily, but deep
appreciation for Christ comes with living by faith.
A. Experiences allow us to
counsel others from what God has taught us.
Proverbs 6:20-21, My son, keep thy father's commandment, and
forsake not the law of thy mother: [21] Bind them continually upon thine heart,
and tie them about thy neck.
— This process
is important in the family. It is natural and good for children, as they grow
toward adulthood, to become increasingly independent of their parents.
— Young adults,
however, should take care not to turn a deaf ear to their parents -- to reject
their advice just when it is needed most.
— If you are
struggling with a decision or looking for insight, check with your parents or
other older adults who know you well. Their extra years of experience may have
given them the wisdom you seek.
B. Every experience is an
opportunity for spiritual growth.
Psalm 34:8, O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is
the man that trusteth in him.
— Taste and see does not mean, "Check
out God's credentials."
— Instead it is a warm invitation: "Try
this; I know you'll like it."
—When we take that first step
of obedience in following God, we cannot help discovering that he is good and
kind.
— When we begin the Christian life, our knowledge of God is partial and
incomplete. As we trust him daily, we experience how good he is.
B. A
Tremendous Future Account.
“As this
tremendous revelation was given to John, he once again fell down to worship . .
. the angel. Again he was rebuked and reminded that angels should not be
worshiped because, like the saints, they are fellow servants. John was
commanded to worship the Lord, not
angels (cf. 19:10).” —John Walvoord
2.
The Carnal Reaction (Rev. 22:8). “And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before
the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.”
A.
He Was Controlled by Emotions.
Once again John was overwhelmed by what he saw and heard;
and he fell down to worship the angel who had given him the inspired glimpse of
the future (see Rev 19:10).
B.
We Must be Controlled by Truth.
John 4:23, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true
worshippers shall worship the Father in
spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Here, this truth is
reiterated.
3.
The Clear Rebuke (Rev. 22:9).
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:
Again (as at 19:10), the angel refuses John's worship,
basically saying, ‘Don't worship me,’ and he repeated that he is but a servant
of God, just like everyone else -- the prophets and all who obey.
A. Only a Servant.
B. Only a Prophet.
C. Only a Keeper.
4.
The Critical Reminder (Rev. 22:9b). “worship God.”
The angel gave John two words of counsel: do not worship
angels; worship God;
A.
Always Bear in Mind The What
of Worship. (Rev. 22:9).
1. Worship Is Experiencing a Deepening Knowledge
of God.
A. You say you belong to the
Lord, but do you fear him?
B. To fear the Lord means to show
deep respect and honor to him.
C. We demonstrate true reverence
by our humble attitude and genuine worship.
D. Reverence was shown by Abraham
(Gen 17:2-4),
Moses (Ex 3:5-6),
and the Israelites (Ex 19:16-24). Their reactions to God's presence varied, but all deeply
respected him.
2. Worship Is Only as Real as the Involvement of
Those Participating.
Leviticus 7:37-38,
This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the
sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of
the sacrifice of the peace offerings; [38] Which the Lord commanded Moses in
mount Sinai, in the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their
oblations unto the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai.
A. God gave his people many
rituals and instructions to follow. All the rituals in Leviticus were meant to
teach the people valuable lessons.
B. But over time, the people
became indifferent to the meanings of these rituals, and they began to lose
touch with God.
C. When our church appears to be
conducting dry, meaningless rituals, try rediscovering the original meaning and
purpose behind the activities. Your worship will be revitalized.
B.
Always Bear in Mind The Who
of Worship. (Rev. 22:9).
1. The Angel Told John to “Worship God.”
God alone is worthy of worship and adoration. He is above
all creation, even the angels.
Exodus 20:3, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Matthew 22:37, Jesus said
unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind.
1 Cor. 14:26, How is it
then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a
doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all
things be done unto edifying.
1 Cor. 14:40, Let all things be done decently and in order.
2. Worship Is a Major Emphasis in Revelation.
A. The first step toward
meaningful worship is a desire to know God. If we thirst for him, the Bible
promises that he will provide for us and satisfy our needs.
B. Would you like your worship to
be completely transformed?
— Confess any sins that might be hindering your fellowship with God.
— Then ask God to stir your heart, to instill within you an unquenchable
thirst to know him.
— Meditate upon
how God has revealed himself in the Bible, and ask him to reveal himself to you
again.
— When you see God in a new way, worship will be your only fitting
response.
D. THE WORD IS CERTIFIED BY THE URGENT NEED (Rev. 22:10).
The angel told John what to do after his vision had ended.
The Revelation of future events was now completed, but the Book was to be
taught, understood, preached, and used immediately by the saints of John’s time
and down throughout this age.
1.
The Recourse is Critical.
“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of
the prophecy of this book:”
A.
Do Not Seal up the Revelation.
1. Daniel was told that his prophecies would be “closed up and sealed til the time of the end” (Dan. 12:9). The Prophet Daniel was commanded to seal his book (Dan 12:4), because the time
was not yet ready.
2. John's book was an "apocalypse," an unveiling (Rev 1:1); and, therefore, it
must not be sealed.
Instead of sealing up what he had written, John was told that the message is urgent and
the prophecy’s time was near.
B.
View it as an Unveiling of Christ’s Return.
1. Again it should be emphasized that the
viewpoint of some scholars that “the Book
of Revelation is an impenetrable puzzle” is expressly contradicted by this
and other passages.
2. Revelation, both via its plain statements and
its symbols, is designed to reveal facts and events relating to the second
coming of Christ.
3. The Revelation had immediate application to
the saints of John’s time. It was
strengthen and bless them through the trying times ahead of them.
2.
The Reason is Critical. (Rev. 22:10) “for the time is at
hand.”
As Christ's return approaches, there is an increased
polarization between God's followers and Satan's followers. We must read the
book of Revelation, hear its message, and be prepared for Christ's certain
return.
A.
People of Today Need This Message.
John's prophecy was to be left open so that all could read
and understand. This message was needed immediately by the churches of John's
day, as well as believers across the years until Christ's return.
B.
Believers Today Must Proclaim This Message.
Daniel's message had been sealed because it was not a
message for Daniel's time. But the book of Revelation was a message for John's
time and is relevant today.
