Miscellaneous observations:  The importance of the book and assurance of Jesus’ return.

 

v. 6 – Trustworthy and true – words we’ve heard before – now of these final segments.  The whole book is to be relied on as truth. 

“The God of the Spirit of the prophets”  - God is the inspirer, the initiator of the prophecies of the Scriptures and of this book as well.   God sent His Spirit to show the prophets the things that are yet to come.  These things must “soon take place.”  Remember – God is NOT inspiring a message related to human time.  His intent is more based on before and after – Faith in Christ.

 

v. 7 – This book is prophecy – Jesus will return as He said – Just like He rose from the dead, just like He said.  Prophecy is certain with the living God – All this WILL happen.  Jesus is coming soon (whenever soon is) – so be ready.

 

v. 8 – John bears personal witness to the things he heard and saw.  These things were so overwhelming to him that he worshipped the angel and was rebuked.  There is no doubt that John is just a man who has received these awesome visions from God.

 

v. 9 – The angel commands Jon (again) not to worship him, but to worship God alone.  Even the greatest servants of God are NOT to be worshipped.  Worship is reserved for God only.   Be careful not to fall into the temptation of worshipping amiss because of the awesomeness of a message or vision.

 

v. 10 – Do not seal up this prophecy – This book is prophecy and it is meant to be known – REVEALED and understood – it is the revelation God wants us to know - - Because the time is near.  Get the word out now so none will be lost.

 

v. 11 – There will be no time for sudden, last minute changes when the Lord comes – swiftly – suddenly.  He will find each one just as he or she naturally is – You can’t be one way and then change when Jesus appears.  You are what you are.  His return is soon and sure.  Repent while there is still time.

 

v. 12 – There will be a judgment according to works – Everyone is involved – Jesus is coming to judge.

 

v. 13 – Rev. 1:8 mentions the Alpha and Omega pertaining to God and here of Jesus – the Beginning and the End – the First and the Last – All these are attributes of God and Jesus.

 

v. 14 – “Blessed are those who wash their robes” – (1 Cor. 6:11) – Wash – A continuous washing since we continually sin before God.  Only those who are washed in this way can enter the City by the gates that are manned by angels – and have access to the Tree of Life.

 

v. 15 – Many (dogs) evil things will not be allowed into the City of God.

 

v. 16 – I (ego) – Jesus have spoken – He Himself – He has authority to send an angel – Testify – an important aspect in this book – A global Christian message.  Davidic descent as a new day in God.

 

v. 17 – “The Spirit and the Bride say Come!” – The Holy Spirit and the church – Say – with one voice – a plea.  Back in reality – We know the whole story now and the end too – SO - - To all unbelievers – COME – Believers are the Bride/Church.  By inspiration of the Spirit, the church issues this invitation to all outsiders.  Confirmed by -  “whoever is thirsty” – as outsiders are.  “Take the free gift of the water of life.”  Their deepest needs will be met if they just repent and yield to Jesus.

 

v. 18-19 – A warning – the words of the prophecy of this book – are not to be tampered with – or else.  These words come from God – PROPHECY – Not an uncommon charge for this period – the Septuagint (LXX) was being written (translation of Hebrew scripture into Greek).   Do not add to – or take away from – or alter in any way – what is being said.  It is prophecy – the very words of God to His people.  It must be handled reverently.  This charge is to “all who hear” – no scribes, etc. copyists. 

* Heed what is written here – everyone – Do not evade or change.  The punishment fits the crime.  Add to it, and God will add the plagues mentioned to you.  Take away from it, and God will take away your blessing.  Change it and God will change your share in the Kingdom of God.

 

v. 20 – “AMEN” – agreement with the previous speaker’s point. – So Be It! 

“Come Lord Jesus” – a request and anticipation of Jesus’ return to complete all these things.  Good for the Church – Maranatha – Come. 

 

v. 21 – “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people” – unusual apocalyptic ending.  But – a common N.T. epistle ending – “with all” – most probable.  All Christians are dependent on God’s grace – a good ending indeed.