“And behold, I am coming quickly.” [1a]
Jesus tells us to always be ready! His appearance will happen as fast as lightning.
“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” “Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” [2]
“And My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” [1b]
If Jesus will give to everyone according to his work, does that mean we are saved by our works?
The key to this statement is found in John 15:4-5. Jesus said that if we abide in Him, our lives produce much fruit. Our deeds, our fruits, stem from what we believe.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” [1c]
If we know and believe who Jesus is, we will make ready for His return. The term Alpha and Omega is “Applied to God in Revelation 1:8; 21:6; and here alone to Christ, crowning proof in this book of Christ’s deity.” (Robertson) Likewise, the title “the First and the Last” refers to God in Isaiah 41:4. Here, the phrase is applied to Jesus.
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city.” [3]
Doing His commandments does not earn us eternal life, but it is evidence that we are abiding in Christ. Besides His commandments are good and right for us.
“Outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” [4]
Dogs are a metaphor for those of the other kingdom. Those who lived to gratify the flesh. Sorcerers refers to those who relied on a different spirit other than the Holy Spirit. They did not want to be a part of the kingdom of Christ. Their wish has been granted. They are outside Christ’s kingdom. They are separated from God. The greatest sin of all… the unforgiveable sin… is to reject God’s remedy for sin, namely His Son Jesus Christ.
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” [5]
Jesus authenticates the entire book of Revelation. It is true.
“The Root and offspring of David” indicates that Jesus is the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1).
“And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” [6]
The invitation is to “whoever.” Jesus will not exclude anyone who comes to Him. If we decline an invitation, we have only ourselves to blame. Anyone who desires to be saved can come to Him and take the water of life freely. God invites us to take the water of life freely. We cannot bring our own salvation to God; we must receive the salvation He offers us.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” [7]
The last verse of the Bible speaks of the grace of Jesus Christ. His grace is the happy ending for the Bible. His grace is the way for a happy ending for us.
2020 ends today. 2021 begins tomorrow.
Our lives on earth may expire at any moment.
I am presiding over a funeral service this coming Sunday afternoon.
We are not guaranteed another day down here. However, if we believe in God's grace to us in Christ Jesus, we are guaranteed an eternity with God in the world that is to come.
Please receive and believe in Christ today if you have not done so already. Believe and receive! Enjoy a happy ending!
[1 a-b-c] Revelation 22:12-13
[2] Matthew 24:27, 44
[3] Revelation 22:14
[4] Revelation 22:15
[5] Revelation 22:16
[6] Revelation 22:17
[7] Revelation 22:21
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