A WELCOMING INVITATION

A Welcoming invitation

Last week lesson we continued to learn about the provisions God has for us in his new kingdom . We learned of the river of live and the tree of life . We currently have every thing we need from God resting , ruling and abiding in us in the presence of the Holy Spirit , but once we See Christ face to face our glorification process will be complete. We shall see him as he is and we shall be like him . We will be able to behold him to look upon his face and to forever bask in his uninterrupted tender mercy and loving grace. We will no longer have to appropriate our faith to receive from God , but he will have already provided a continuous uninterrupted supply of everything we need and for everyone in our new heavenly home .He will forever be our God and we his people. He will be with us throughout the ages of ages . We will never have to worry whether we’re walking in his light ever again for his light will illuminate this glorious city and everyone in it. We will be able to see his light, his glory , his majesty , his awesomeness..

This week’s lesson discusses further prophecy John received and this is the final message of John to his readers.

THE MAIN THOUGHT: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, 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 form the things which are written in this book .Rev. 22: 18-19

UNIFYING PRINCIPLE: Everything has a beginning and an end . What is the source and ultimate purpose of human life? Revelation affirms that God , who is Alpha and Omega, creates and controls all things.

LESSON AIM: To survey the biblical references to the “second coming” in order to see the importance of this hoped-for reality.

LIFE AIM : To rejoice that the invitation form Jesus to be a part of the new creation continues through the end of all things, and to embrace the call to become part of the kingdom .

OUTLINE Persevere( or remain as you are )v. 10-11

VERSE 1 Rev. 22:10 “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” Here John was instructed not to seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book , because the time was at hand , meaning the time is near .When earlier prophets recieved revelations that were not for their present times or persons, but was for future revealing , they were commanded to seal the prophecy. Compare Isa. 8:16 “Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” And Dan.8:26 “And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.” And also Dan. 12:4 “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” And Dan.12:9 “And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” This prophecy John received has been commanded to remain open because if is of immediate importance for the people of God . It needs to be heard and understood because the time is near. Some theologians have said it had to remain open to meet the immediate needs of those facing the churches of Asia Minor . We are mindful of the tension in the New Testament as it relates to the parousia of the Christ ( or His second coming ) The belief of the early church was that Jesus may return at any moment . This should be our belief today as well,. All believers should be ready and possess a character that is acceptable to him when he does return . It will be too late to get ready when he returns , As I alluded to in last week’s lesson no one knows when he shall return see, Mt. 25:6 “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” Also see Mt.25:13 “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” ALSO

See Mt.25:19 “After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.” Also see Mk.13:32-37 “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Compare with 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.” See the parables of the Nations Mat:24-Also see Mat:25

2. VERSE Rev. 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.” What is unjust ? It is actually the opposite of being righteous or justified. The unjust remain unjust and are not justified because they’ve not accepted the finish work of Christ. Justification is God seeing you just as if you were never a sinner or never sinned. The unjust are also filthy in relation to one’s soul as unclean before God. As oppose to the righteous being those who are just or justified or just as if they’ve never sinned because they accepted the finish work of Christ . They are righteous because they have been justified and being justified they’ve also been made holy. sEE

Rom. 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Also see Rom.3:28 “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” See also Gal.2:16 “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

See also Rom.4:5 “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” See also Gal.2:21 “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” See also Rom. 3: 20 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” See also Rom.11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Last see Phil.3:9 “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”

The point here is not to condone evil but to point out that if people do not heed this prophecy , iN the short time that is left, they will continue in their wickedness. On the other hand those who do heed the prophecy will continue to do what is right. Relatively speaking the time of Lord’s return is near and no major changes in mankind’s conduct can be expected if they don’t take heed to this prophecy and if they don’t accept Christ before this prophecy is fulfilled See 2 Tim.3:12-17 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

11. OUTLINE PAY DAY IS COMING VS. 12-15

3. VERSE Rev. 22:12 “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Jesus is saying I am coming soon! are the same as those at the beginning of verse 7. Rev. 22:7 “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” AS I alluded to earlier no one know exactly when the lord will appear but he’s speaking of his second coming . He will come like a thief in the night. See 1 Thes 5:2 “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” When the time has arrived for him to come there will be no more of a delay . He will come quickly and his will reward every man alive according to his work .When Jesus returns at his second coming there will be judgement of human life behaviors. There will be a division of the right from the wrong and the unrighteous from the righteous . Jesus’s return will be positive for the justified or righteous and holy and negative for the unjust or filthy. Jesus will judge one’s work whether it was good or bad See Isaiah 40:10 “Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, And his arm shall rule for him: Behold, his reward is with him, And his work before him.”

See Rom.2:5-6 “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” See also Jer.17:10 “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” See also 1 Pet.1:17 “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:”

4 VERSE Rev. 22:13 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Here Jesus list his qualifications as to why he’s judge and jury. He is qualified to judge and grant these rewards based on his position as the Lamb of God . He appropriates three titles for himself that may be considered the highest attribution of divine power . The first is Alpha and Omega. See Rev. 1:8 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” See also Rev.1:17 “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:” Alpha and Omega is a title for Christ in Rev. 1:8 as I alluded to a minute ago and in Rev.21:6 “And he said unto me, 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.” He is saying everything began with me and everything will end with me . Nothing shall return unto me void. See John 6:37-40 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” The title the first and last also applies to Christ . He is the beginning and the ending , See Rev.21:6 He’s the first and only begotten son of the Father . He is the first fruit of the resurrection from amongst the dead . 1 Cor.15:20-22. He is the head of the body,the church. See, Col.1:17-19 .Christ is the key to OUR salvation .He is the author and finisher of our faith . Heb.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.” What the Lord starts , he also finishes Phil. 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

He is the one who created the world and he is the one who will perfect it .

5 Verse Rev.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.” Rev.22:7 “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. After giving the three titles of qualification , Jesus pronounces the seventh final beatitude of revelation ( others are noted1. Rev.1:3;2. Rev.14:13; 3.Rev. 16:15;4. Rev.19:9;5. Rev.20:6; 6.Rev.22:7) Jesus promises access to the tree of life and entrance to the Holy city to those who do his commandments , Do his commandments has been translated “wash their robes”.This beatitude of Revelation is bestowed on the saints who have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb and made them white. See Rev.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.” The believers will enter the city freely and have access to the tree of life because it is within the city. They will have the right to enter in through the gates into the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.

6 VERSE Rev.22:15 “For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” I n the previous scripture those who were righteous or holy,or those who had washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and were given access to enter the gates and partake of the fruit from the tree of life. Contrast with this scripture are those who will not be granted this privilege.This judgment is pronounced on those who are unsaved, dogs refer to people who are evil See Phil.3:2 “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” Sorcerers are those who practice magic arts See Rev.9:21 “Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” See also Rev. 18:23 “And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; And the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: For thy merchants were the great men of the earth; For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.” see Rev. 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” The sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood, as in similar description of the unsaved See Rev.21:27 “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Though some saints have been guilty of these same practices they have been washed in the blood of the lamb and are acceptable to God. See 1 Cor.6:9-11 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” but those who refuse to come to the Lord receive the just reward for their sins. Their final destiny will be the lake of fire . See Rev.20:15 and Though the world is excessively wicked , God will bring every sin to judgment , and the time for Christ’s return is near, when this will become a reality .

111.OUTLINE YOU’RE INVITED V.16-19

7 VERSE Rev.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.” The entire book of Revelation was delivered by Christ through His angel and is for the churches. He discussing his role in the production of this letter . This “I Jesus”. emphatic self-designation is not located anywhere else , but here in this passage. This is the only time that the Lord announces Himself by this personal name . It serves to place final weight on this last attestation of His role in revealing the contents of Revelation . He further describes himself as the Root and the offspring of David and the bright and morning star. Being the root and the offspring of David is Jesus claim to his authority to messiahship and his right to inaugurate the kingdom promised to David. See 2 Samuel 7:11-17 “And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the Lord telleth thee that he will make thee an house. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.” Historically Christ comes from David See Matt.1:1 “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” See also Isa.11:1 “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots:” And also Rev. 5:5 “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Prophetically his coming is like the morning star, the beginning of a bright new day.He ushered in a change , a new and living way.

8 Verse Rev.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.” There are four invitations extended in this verse . The Holy Spirit joined with the bride , the church in extending an invitation to all who heed.Those who hear are encouraged to respond by extending this invitation to others . All those who thirst for righteousness can come and take this gift, the water of life, none other than the Holy Spirit freely.See Rom.8:32 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” See also Matt. 10:8 “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” The wonderful promise is that this gift is free, but it cost God his son and Jesus his life . 2 Cor.5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Those who recognize their need and realize Christ is the provider of Salvation are exhorted to come while there is yet time before the Judgment falls and it is too late.As the scripture makes clear, the gift of eternal life (here called the water of life and it is free for us but cost Christ his life on the cross and is extended to all who are willing to receive it in simple faith. Compare currently this river as the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT See. John 7:37-39 “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” To this future water of life See Rev. 22:1 “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

10 verse Rev.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:” While on the one hand an invitation is extended to those who will listen a word of warning is also given to those who reject this final book of the bible .All those who deny his promise of blessing and subtract from his truths will receive judgment and will have not part in the Holy City .

11Verse Rev.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.” Revelation closes with a stern warning : Don’t add or take away from the book. This severe warning is against willful distortion of the message. See. Gal.1:6 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:” This was not an uncommon plea. See. Deut.4:2 when Moses tells the Israelites not to add or take away from what he was instructed to do.“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.” See also Deut. 12:32 “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.”

We can take away from this verse that God considers it a serious issue to distort the Word of God. A dual warning is given against adding to it or subtracting from it. How great will be the judgment of those who despise this book and does not heed this warning . Also rejecting the word of God is rejecting God Himself , and those who deny his promises of blessing and subtract from His truths will receive His judgment and will have no part in the tree of life or access to the holy city See Rev. 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.”

IV. OUTLINE : JESUS IS COMING BACKv.20-21

12 verse Rev. 22:20 “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Jesus ends with one further word of testimony . He say Surely I come quickly. Meaning Yes , I am coming . As I alluded to in last weeks lesson Rev. 22:7

“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” ALL saints are patiently waiting and looking forward to the return of our Lord and saviour, our redeemer . He said behold , I come quickly. May not seem quick enough as we relate to our time , but God timing is not our timing just as his ways are not our ways. See Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.” We also know that God is not slack concerning his promises not willing that any should perish. So he is being patient and long suffering .See

2 Peter 3:9“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” But be it as it may as he said Behold , I come quickly , meaning when it is time there will be no more delay. He will come so quick it will come upon us unaware . SeeMatthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” See alsoRev.1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”

See alsoRev.22:12

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” ANDRev.22:20

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Todays text end with the Lord giving this testimony and John replied Amen . Even So come, Lord Jesus.

13 VERSE Rev.22:21 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” With this tremendous revelation completed ,John ends his apocalypse with a transforming word that will strengthen the churches of ASIA MINOR, and encourage them to be faithful in both their witness and message. He closes with a benediction remembering God’s gracious provision for his people in heaven and on earth . This expression is common in other New Testament books and brings this final word from God to an end.

In conclusion Currently Christ has made provision for all man to enter into his spiritual kingdom See Col.1:12-15 “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” Todays text we have a promise that all of us who have accepted Christ , and those who wash their robes in the blood of the lamb shall be able to enter the Physical, eternal everlasting KIngdom that God has prepared for us. When Jesus came the first time it was to deal with sin and provide salvation. There is the wonderful promise of His coming again to bring full and final deliverance. As the book began by introducing a revelation of Jesus Christ so it ends with the same thought that he is coming again. See Acts. 1:6-11 “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

See also Matt.24:27 “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” A lot of time people will shy away from reading Revelation , but probably no other book of scripture more sharply contrasts the blessed lot of the saints with the fearful future of those who are lost. No other book of the bible is more explicit in it’s description of judgment on the one hand and the Saint’s eternal joy on the other. What a tragedy that so many pass by this book and fail to fathom its wonderful truths, thereby impoverishing their knowledge and hope in Christ Jesus .Gods people who understand and appreciate these wonderful promises can join with John in his prayer , Come, Lord JESUS . As stated in Hebrew 9:28 we know that Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many , and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation .