BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY

Revelation 22:6-21 And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 8 And I John saw these things, and heard [them]. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 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: worship God. 10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11 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. 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 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. 15 For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16 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. 17 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. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book. 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.

Introduction

Revelation 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

This is not the first time that John has been encouraged to "write" for the words are faithful and true (Rev. 21:5). The reason that the words are faithful and true is based on who is saying them ... the LORD.

The trustworthiness of God is in His Word. Seven times in chapter 21 and 22 John confirms the importance of the Word of God. It begins in the fifth verse of the twenty-first chapter and continues in the twenty-second chapter (Re 22:6, 7, 9, 10, 18-19). The last two are warnings.

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.

The centrality, authority, sufficiency, and eternality of the word (and words) of God are foundational to all of Scripture, from the first words of Genesis to the last words of Revelation.[1]

“…and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants…”

The writer of the book of Hebrews opens with the idea of God speaking through His prophets and later by His Son.

Hebrews 1:1-3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

God spoke through men and the Savior. Throughout this book, God spoke to John through angels.

“…the things which must shortly be done…”

These words are identical to the message in the opening of the Revelation:

Revelation 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.

From the opening verses of chapter one, the events of the Revelation have been written in such a way as to draw the reader to the actions which were, are and will shortly come to pass. While not all the Revelation has taken place, the early chapters were happening. Christ was seen in all His glory to John. The seven churches were actual churches, identified and commented about. The future events will take place and be fulfilled, things which must shortly be done.

Revelation 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

There are six instances where Jesus forewarns the readers of His imminent return in the Book of the Revelation: Rev. 2:5, 16; 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20. He first gave the warnings to three churches; Ephesus, Pergamos and Philadelphia.

The last three warnings are found in this closing section of the book. "Behold, I come quickly" twice and "Surely I come quickly." These warnings are to be understood that Jesus will come to bring judgment sooner than what man expects.

In other words, the readers and listeners to this book should prepare themselves for the return of the Christ will soon be upon them. There is no event needing to be completed that is hindering Jesus from returning.

“...blessed is…”

The Book of the Revelation is the only book in the Bible that comes with a blessing for those that read, hear, and responds in obedience to the words of Christ. This is the sixth of the "beatitudes" found in the book (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14). See Attachment 2 - Beatitudes in Revelation.

This beatitude proclaims that the person who "keeps the sayings of the prophecy of the book" will receive a blessing. There are always blessings for those that remain obedient to the Word of God. The word "keepeth" means to "constantly guard, protect, take care."

From the opening of this book, we have understood that this is the "Revelation of Jesus Christ."

The whole book is about Him. And yet it is also a book of prophecy. The book contains prophecies of things to come. The book speaks of blessings and judgments that will happen in the future for these seven churches. The prophecies are to be meditated upon, observed, and studied.

...he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book - The teaching is:

Revelation 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

With pen in hand, the Apostle John ensures the readers that he not only heard the words of the Revelation, but that he saw them as well.

The vision from the LORD was complete with audio and video.

“...I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things…”

John is so overcome with the totality of the Revelation, that he fell prostrate to worship the angel who is bringing him the prophecy, overwhelmed by what he sees and hears (Rev. 19;10).

Revelation 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: worship God.

The angel rejects the act of worship by John and admonishes him not to do so. We find John falling at the feet of an angel twice in this book. Both times he was admonished by the angels for doing so (Re 19:10; 22:8)

However, in the first chapter, John fell at the feet of Jesus and was rewarded by Jesus placing His hand upon him and declaring:

Revelation 1:17-20 “…Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 [I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”

“…for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets…”

Looking back at the nineteenth chapter the angel replied in much the same manner:

Revelation 19;10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

“...and of them which keep the sayings of this book…”

Did you notice the progression of the angel's statement? "Do it not" for I am a ''fellowservant, brethren of the prophets and of them which keep the sayings of this book." He is just doing his task as assigned by God, much he was a fellow servant of Jesus, and like the prophets that God used to bring His message and finally like those that read this prophecy and keep its words.

“...worship God…”

Only the God of the universe, the Creator of all things and the Author of Salvation is to be worshiped. No person, place or thing is to be worshiped.

On the top of the mountain, Moses was given the Law. The first three commandments centered on the worship of God alone.

Exodus 20:2-7 1 am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for 1 the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain. For the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

The angel clearly understands to whom worship is to be given.

Revelation 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

This is an interesting statement coming from the angel, “Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Some of the prophetic books were commanded to be sealed (Isa. 8:16; 30:8; Dan. 8:26; 12:4, 9). You will remember that in the fifth chapter, the cry throughout the throne room was, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof!" (5:2). A scroll was sealed until the appropriate time of the prophecy is to be opened. In the case of Isaiah and Daniel, they were commanded to seal them to make the record:

· Accurate

· Unchangeable

· Complete/Finished

Keep it safe for the prophecy will not happen until the future. The scrolls were to be opened once the events occurred so that they could be compared to the prophecy for its accuracy.

“…for the time is at hand…”

The Apostle Paul wrote about the next events that would happen to the brethren. He was writing to the church in Thessalonica, and he comforted them with these words:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:4 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Many people would read this and conclude that the events, “for the time is at hand” will soon be completed. The seven churches were being warned that persecution will soon spread throughout the world to the church. Therefore, it is important for John to stress that even though they are going to go through great persecution for the name of Christ, they could cling to the prophecies of this book.

As a reminder, we know the timing of John’s writing of the Revelation is around 90 AD. Nero (54-68 AD) persecuted the church with intensity and violence. Domitian, one of the worst persecutors of the Christian church was during the time of the writing of the book (81-96 AD). On Domitian’s heels would come Trajan (98-117 AD) and Hadrian (117-138 AD) with their concerted effort to destroy Christianity in the Roman realm. The persecuted church needed to hear what about the ultimate victory of Jesus the Christ and His followers.

Revelation 22:11 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.

The Greek word for unjustmeans those that denounce or bring charges against God. The Greek word for filthy centers on someone who defiles, disfigures or is disparaging. On contrast is the Greek word for righteous which means to be obedient to the law, observant of all that is righteous. The Greek word for holy means to be devoted to God or set apart for the work of God.

This obviously refers to the present time of the reading of the book. After the judgments and the 1,000-year reign of Christ, eternity will have no sin, so there would not be persons who are unjust or filthy in the New Heavens and the New Earth. Only the righteous and holy will dwell in the New Jerusalem.

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

And, behold, I come quickly pronounces the immediacy of the Lord’s return as a certainty, that all these events will come to pass, and Jesus will come back as He promised.

The Greek word for quickly means speedily or without delay. Jesus is saying that when the time is fulfilled, that He will return without delay to get His church.

“…and my reward is with me…”

The text is saying “the one who brings the wages.” To the seven churches, this meant that God is mindful of the persecution and the sufferings they are going through because of their belief in Jesus. Nothing will escape His knowledge and every act of obedience and worship of Jesus will not be in vain. When Jesus judges the church at the Judgment Seat of Christ, believers will receive rewards based upon their works.

“…to give every man according as his work shall be.”

Jesus’ return is imminent, and he will bring the rewards for the works of His followers with him. The Gospel according to Matthew contains Jesus words concerning His return and the judgments. The Apostle John was in the audience when Christ speaks these words:

Matthew 25:31-46 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

The Apostle Paul often wrote of the swift return of Jesus for His people. In his writings to the church in Thessalonica he said of the time of Jesus return:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

In the previous chapter, he writes concerning what happens to believers after death:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

No matter what happens in this world to the church and the believers, we are to “comfort one another with these words;” Jesus is coming back for His church and all wrongs will be corrected.

Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Only four times in the King James Version of the bible do we find this statement; “I am Alpha and Omega.”

Even more interesting is that the phrase is only in the Revelation (Rev. 1:8; 1:11; 21:6 and 22:13).

The prophet Isaiah wrote in the 44th chapter of his prophecies:

Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Revelation 22:14 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 is the concluding beatitude of the seven beatitudes found in the Book of the Revelation: “Blessed are they that do his commandments.”

The Greek word used for “commandments” means a commandment or precept. Interesting point, the Amplified Bible, American Standard Version, Common English Bible, English Standard Version, Lexham English Bible, New American Standard Bible, New International Version, New Living Translation all translate this section as “Blessed are they who wash their robes.” They reference Revelation 7:14 as their source for this translation which reads:

Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

First let me say that those that are present in the New Jerusalem are not there because of their keeping of God’s or Jesus’ commandments. They are allowed entry because they have been saved and redeemed through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. They have “washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Secondly, it is true that in following the commandments, they will bring blessings to the believer. Jesus said:

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Lastly, the beatitudes in the Revelation speak of perseverance in the faith:

· 1:3 – Blessed are those that “read, hear and keep” the writings of this book

· 14:13 – Blessed are those that “died in the Lord.”

· 16:15 – Blessed are those that “watches for these events and kept their garments, their vigilance.”

· 19:9 – Blessed are those that “are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

· 20:6 – Blessed and holy are those that “take part in the first resurrection.”

· 22:7 – Blessed are those that “keeps the words of the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”

· 22:14 – Blessed are those that “do his commandments.”

“…that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city…”

It is evident that the admittance and the right to eat of the tree of life are not through keeping His commandments, but through salvation in Jesus Christ.

The blessings that the inheritors of the New Jerusalem are:

· They are joint heirs with Jesus

· Full citizenship, and therefore they have full access to the city through its gates

· They have the right to eat of the tree of life

· Eternal life in the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

This verse does not mean that “dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie, live on the outside of the city. “For without” simply implies that they are not allowed entrance to the city. They are “without the gates,” already judged and sent to hell.

There is a sharp contrast between those who fall within verse fourteen as compared to those in fifteen.

Revelation 22:14

Revelation 22:15

Those who keep His commandments

Reject His commandments

Blessed

Cursed

Access to the Tree of Life

No access to the Tree of Life

Entry to the city by the gates

Excluded without, with no access to the city

Eternal bliss

Eternal torment

Revelation 22:16 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.

Jesus personally addresses the Apostle John in such a loving way. I Jesus! This is His authentication, endorsement, and approval of all that the angel has said.

John uses “you” in the second person, plural form. The meaning is that the revelation is for him, as well as for all who “read, hear and keep” the sayings of the book.

“I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star…”

I love the different names and titles of God and Jesus used throughout the Bible. One web site proclaims that they have compiled a listing of over nine hundred names and titles of God. I trimmed my list down quite a bit. My favorite names and titles are Jesus, Lamb of God, The Word, and Teacher. What are your favorite names and titles for God and Jesus?

Revelation 22:17 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.

John repeats the word “come” three times. What is the is John inferring? We must understand who is making the statement and who is the request pointed at. In the first case, it is the Holy Spirit and the Church urging someone to come. This could be said to the lost within the Seven churches for them to “come” to the Savior for redemption and eternal life. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit and the Church may be trying to persuade Christ to return and receive His bride. Both events have taken place within the Revelation. The call for the lost to receive eternal life and the cry of the saints for Christ to return.

“And let him that heareth say, Come…”

Secondly, the “hearers” of this letter are the ones doing the urging. We know that the audience of this letter is the seven churches (chapters 2 & 3). Upon hearing the contents of the book, they, like John, could simply fall on their knees and pray for Christ to return and take them to heaven. Or, once they have heard the contents of this book, they were actively encouraging everyone they knew to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ, therefore not having to go through the events of the book.

“And let him that is athirst come…”

Next are those that are “athirst” are invited to come. Once again, there could be two audiences here. The first would be those that “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Mt. 5:6), or those that long for the return of their Savior, the soon return of the Christ.

However, this could also be a clear and open invitation to the lost. “Him that is athirst” could also portray those that need the Savior. When Jesus met the woman at the well, He spoke about her thirst that could only be quenched by the Christ.

John 4:13-15 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

We can look at the verse as applying to all hearers that will be reading and hearing this prophecy, the redeemed and the lost. There is free and unlimited offer from God to mankind. His offer is to quench their thirsting souls for all eternity. The offer is filled with mercy, grace, and love from the Creator, for all who will respond to God’s free, gift of salvation.

“And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely…”

In the previous chapter, the one that sat upon the throne said, “It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning, and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Rev. 21:6). Once again, there could be two views: for those that are lost, Christ will freely give of the “water of life.” On the other hand, those that will live eternally in the New Jerusalem, will have access to the “pure river of water of life” (22:1) and the Tree of life (22:2) and can partake anytime they wish.

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

It is difficult to distinctly say who the “I” is in this instance. It could be an Angel, Jesus, or John. If you have a red-letter bible, this verse is not printed in red, but that does not mean that the words are not Jesus.’ There are many commentators who translate this verse as the words of John himself. Other commentators say this verse is a continuation of verse 16 through 20 and therefore are the words of Christ (red letter aside). It is likely that Jesus is the speaker in this verse as well.

“If any man shall add unto these things…”

This is a clear warning that the prophecy of this book is not to be altered in any way. This is nothing new in the scriptures for we see it several times in the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 4:1-2 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

In this case, Jesus is saying through John that His word is not to be added to. In the next verse will come the caution of detracting from the book.

The printing press was not invented for another 1,400 years. The only method of duplicating the Book of the Revelation was by hand. It was a painstaking process in which each letter and punctuation were compared to the original document. If a page had a single error, the whole page was destroyed. This warning could be aimed at those copiers, to ensure the accuracy of each letter and word.

This warning from Jesus might be centered on false teachers who change the prophecies by adding their own teaching to it or removing the meaning that God intended. The bible gives warnings against false teachers, which would undermine the very foundation of the truth of the Word of God (Mt. 24:24; Gal. 1:8, 9; 2 Cor. 11:13-15).

2 Peter 2:1-2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

I do not know one teacher or preacher of the Bible that has not made a mistake in teaching or preaching the scriptures. This warning is not for them as Wiersbe writes:

“God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book…”

While the warning is for the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, it could, in a larger sense, be a warning for the whole of the Word of God. If we are to take this literally, then we must see that punishment awaits anyone who would deliberately distort the message and meaning of the Revelation. In this case, all the plagues or judgments of the book would be applied to the offender.

The Apostle Paul, in writing to the churches in Galatia warned them about those that would deliberately “pervert the gospel of Christ.”

Galatians 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

The plagues are written in this book for those that rejected God and Jesus.

Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

This verse is a continuation of the warning of anyone who would monkey with, alter, or tamper with the Revelation, the Word of God

Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

This is none other than our Lord Jesus. He places His approval on the Revelation, over all the words of the angels and the writing of John. He is the witness of truth of all the things written within this letter to the seven churches.

“…saith, Surely I come quickly…”

When the time is right, Jesus will not hesitate to complete the prophecies of this book. He will “come quickly” to receive His Bride and exact judgment on all unbelievers.

“Amen”

The thought of placing an “amen” at this point in the closing chapter and verses is simply a notification of Him Who is Faithful and True. These are the final words of Jesus in the approval or affirmation of the writing of the book…John says “amen.”

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus”

“Even so” could be translated as “yea”…come.

Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

As John finishes with his plea for Jesus to return, he writes a salutation to the readers and hearers of the seven churches. This is the same salutation of the Apostle Paul in many of his letters (Rom. 16:24; Phil. 4:23; 2 Thess. 3:17-18).

I can almost envision John in his jail cell as the final words of the Revelation are completed. He takes his pen one more time, gives a blessing to those who will read this letter; the seven churches and those believers who down through the ages have read, and studied this book.

I wonder if tears dropped on the pages of this letter.

Conclusion

This concludes the Apostle John’s writing concerning the Revelation of Jesus Christ. When Jesus said, “It is Finished” on the cross, he set in motion the blessings and judgments that are surely to follow.

Are You Ready?

[1] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (pp. 2496-2497). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.