Revelation 22:16–21 - A Christ-Focused Conclusion
When you part ways temporarily with someone you love – with the intention of seeing them again – you probably have some particular words that you say. “I love you,” “see you soon,” “drive safe,” or “text me when you get there.”
We end each worship service here at Good Shepherd with some parting words. It’s commonly called a benediction. "Benediction” comes from two Latin words and means a "good word" or “blessing.” There are benedictions throughout the Bible and examples of them being given. Leviticus 9 says, “Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them.” Luke 24 says Jesus “led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them.”
From time to time, people will ask me why many in our congregation extend their hands – palms up – for the benediction. That’s a practice done by churches throughout the ages. You don’t have to do it, of course, but It symbolizes a willingness to receive the blessing of God. There are biblical instances of the congregation lifting their hands to receive the Lord’s blessing.
Today, as we end our time together in Revelation, it ends with a benediction. In these parting verses of Revelation 22, Christ has some parting words for His people. He desires many things for those He came to save, and He has blessings in store.
So, with this knowledge of Christ and of the plans of God in the world we’ve seen in Revelation, look at these five blessings listed on page 6 in the WG: may you have a greater awareness of the kingdom of the living Christ, a greater longing for the return of the living Christ, a greater appreciation for the life in the living Christ, a greater reverence for the Word of the living Christ, and a greater assurance in the grace of the living Christ.
That would be a good prayer list, wouldn’t it! Whatever we must endure in the present or face in the future, if we receive these blessings, we will be ok. So let’s look closer at each one together.
In verse 16, Jesus confirms that he has sent his angel to give this testimony for the churches. These churches include the first century congregations listed in first chapters of the book, but also, all of Jesus’ congregations throughout the world and throughout the ages. And then Jesus says, “I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
These are OT references to God’s eternal King who was to come. Jesus Christ, who lives today, is our great King. The WSC summarizes many passages of Scripture that explain how Christ fulfills this role. It says, “Christ executes the office of a king, in subduing us to Himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all His and our enemies.” First, He conquers us, delivering us from the power of sin and death. And in doing so, He brings us into His kingdom. So, we are no longer servants of sin and Satan, but rather, we become servants of righteousness and servants of Christ.
If you have trusted in Jesus – if you are born again by the Spirit’s power – sin does not rule you. It may feel, at times, like sin still rules you, but you can obey and please God. Though you are influenced by sin you are not a slave to sin any longer. You are a slave to Christ the Lord now. As a citizen in the kingdom of Christ the King, He has begun a good work in you that allows you to know and love God. You recognize Christ for who He truly is. You’ve received Him by grace through faith. And so you belong in His kingdom. His kingdom has come – to you!
In Revelation, Christ has shown us all these things which must come to pass, and as they play out around us, He rules over and defends His kingdom people. He goes with us and before us in every battle. May you have a greater awareness of the kingdom of the living Christ. Every believer is accepted by Him, and able to obey Him. And He deserves all your allegiance.
Now in verse [17], Jesus says, “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” This refers to His return from heaven on the Last Day. “The Spirit” is the Holy Spirit – the third person of the triune God. “The Bride” is the church – all those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling with them. And these two are in agreement – they long for King Jesus to make His great return.
Who is “the one who hears?” That’s everyone who heeds the words of Jesus. Everyone who demonstrates that they believe by obeying His words. And notice verse [20], Jesus says, “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” To which John replies, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Sir Ernest Shackleton was a polar explorer in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He led expeditions in Antarctica and other places. And while on his most famous expedition – on the ship called Endurance – the ship became stuck in the ice and had to be abandoned. He and his crew camped on the ice and eventually made their way to Elephant Island, off the coast of Antarctica.
Eventually, Shackleton and four others decided to take a small life boat to journey for help. It was a brutal trip, but eventually Shackleton returned for his crewmen. And the story goes that when he arrived, the men were ready and waiting, and they quickly boarded the ship. But as soon as the ship cleared the island, the ice crashed behind them! It has been said that Shackleton turned and told his men, “It was fortunate you were all packed and ready to go!” to which they replied, “We never gave up hope. Whenever the sea was clear of ice, we rolled up our sleeping bags and reminded each other, ‘The boss may come today.’”
Didn’t they long for Shackleton’s arrival? Didn’t they long for their rescue?
The Holy Spirit of God says, “Come, Lord Jesus.” And if the Spirit is in you, you should have that same desire. If you are among those who aim to live for Jesus, you will have that same longing. In Isaiah 64, the OT prophet writes, “No one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.” And in 1 Corinthians 2, the apostle Paul references Isaiah’s words, writing, “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love [Jesus Christ, the crucified Lord of Glory].” May you have a greater longing for the return of the living Christ!
Now notice the second half of verse 17. Jesus says, “And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Is this speaking to those who are saved, or to those who will yet be saved? Yes. Both groups are in view.
This statement recalls Isaiah 55: “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Jesus said he would give living water – eternal life spring up like a well from within. And here he says he gives it free of charge. Abundant life, both now and in the life to come. Life to the fullest. How do we experience and enjoy this abundant life in the here and now?
Paul gives us insight in Colossians 3. He tells the people of God to do things that they couldn’t do if they hadn’t received the free water of life. He says, “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” That’s abundant life. That’s the best life you can live on this earth.
He says, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” That’s life to the full. It doesn’t get any better than that. You would expect that such a life would come at a tremendous cost to you.
Have you ever wanted to buy something or do something but you were “priced out?” It cost more than you could afford. All of you are somewhere in the middle as far as that goes.There are things you can do or buy that others can’t, and things others can’t do or buy that you can. But you see, abundant life is free. Everyone can have the water of life. So, come to the water and enjoy life in Jesus. May you have a greater appreciation for the life in the living Christ.
Now look again at verse 18 and 19. Jesus gives a very famous warning. No one should add to or subtract from “the words of the prophecy of this book.” For any who adds,”God will add to him the plagues described in this book.” For anyone who subtracts, “God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city.” Clearly, Jesus has given this message to His people, and it should be presented as it is. It was apparently common in the ancient world to end a document with this type of instruction. It functioned like a copyright. But the penalties here are very severe, aren’t they?
When the apostle Paul was leaving the church in Ephesus – a church that He planted and then left under the care of elders, he gave a very passionate speech. He loved those people. And in his speech, he said, “I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”
In other words, Paul could not be charged by God with having endangered the people by depriving them of God’s whole truth – of the full message of redemption and life in Christ. He didn’t put the Ephesians believers in harm’s way by adding to or subtracting from the Word. You see, that is what is at stake when the Word of Christ is tampered with.
That is what is on the line as so many so-called preachers today preach something other than the whole counsel of God. When they skip the hard parts or skirt around the challenging parts, they jeopardize their listeners and themselves. When they change certain things to accommodate today’s society or leave certain subjects alone so as to not offend anyone, they bring judgment on themselves, because they are guilty of deceiving people.
That is why the penalties will be severe. Any minister who does that should not expect to dwell among God’s people and enjoy eternal life in the world to come. Instead, they should expect a curse.
The message of Jesus Christ in Revelation, and in all of His Word, both OT and NT, should be revered and treasured. Going back to Colossians 3, which I read earlier Paul tells the church, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and [warning] one another in all wisdom.” Having heard His Word in Revelation, may you have a greater reverence for the Word of the living Christ.
Now look finally at verse [21]. John gives a benediction. He writes, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” What does it mean for His grace to “be with” us? Well, if you’re in Christ, you can’t lose His grace. You can’t forfeit His undeserved favor toward you. If you have been found by Christ, you can’t later be lost. The enemy cannot snatch you away from Jesus.
But there are consequences for the decisions we make in life each day. The law of sowing and reaping is always in effect. We reap what we sow, in so many ways. And we’re challenged from every side with temptation and trouble. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” He also said He has overcome the world.
But He didn’t overcome the world for us because we deserved it. He didn’t deliver us from sin and death because we earned it. He accomplished those things for us and gives them to us by His grace. And grace changes everything.
A biblical understanding of God’s grace in Christ changes how we view ourselves and everyone else. Grace is both humbling and encouraging. It brings you low and lifts you up. We realize that it’s a tremendous gift, and therefore, we shouldn’t withhold it from someone else. The grace of Christ captures us, and at the same time, it sets us free.
And a growing understanding of it will affect you not only spiritually, but mentally, emotionally, even physically. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” When we become yoked to Christ by His grace, He carries the heavy burden of life for us.
John gave this benediction: May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. May the Lord’s grace do this work in you. May your heart and mind be changed, and may your life be rearranged by His gracious, undeserved love and mercy toward you. May you have a greater assurance in the grace of the living Christ. May you be sure of His unwavering commitment to you.
As we go now to the Lord’s table, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. We proclaim that the messages of Revelation are true. We proclaim our belief that as we draw nearer to Christ Himself – along with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are drawing near to Him as well – He will give us that greater awareness of His kingdom, and greater longing for His return, and greater appreciation for His life, and greater reverence for His Word, and greater assurance in His grace.
The book of Revelation ends with a Christ-focused conclusion – which is appropriate –
because the book is all about Him.
Let’s bow in prayer.
We end each worship service here at Good Shepherd with some parting words. It’s commonly called a benediction. "Benediction” comes from two Latin words and means a "good word" or “blessing.” There are benedictions throughout the Bible and examples of them being given. Leviticus 9 says, “Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them.” Luke 24 says Jesus “led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them.”
From time to time, people will ask me why many in our congregation extend their hands – palms up – for the benediction. That’s a practice done by churches throughout the ages. You don’t have to do it, of course, but It symbolizes a willingness to receive the blessing of God. There are biblical instances of the congregation lifting their hands to receive the Lord’s blessing.
Today, as we end our time together in Revelation, it ends with a benediction. In these parting verses of Revelation 22, Christ has some parting words for His people. He desires many things for those He came to save, and He has blessings in store.
So, with this knowledge of Christ and of the plans of God in the world we’ve seen in Revelation, look at these five blessings listed on page 6 in the WG: may you have a greater awareness of the kingdom of the living Christ, a greater longing for the return of the living Christ, a greater appreciation for the life in the living Christ, a greater reverence for the Word of the living Christ, and a greater assurance in the grace of the living Christ.
That would be a good prayer list, wouldn’t it! Whatever we must endure in the present or face in the future, if we receive these blessings, we will be ok. So let’s look closer at each one together.
In verse 16, Jesus confirms that he has sent his angel to give this testimony for the churches. These churches include the first century congregations listed in first chapters of the book, but also, all of Jesus’ congregations throughout the world and throughout the ages. And then Jesus says, “I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
These are OT references to God’s eternal King who was to come. Jesus Christ, who lives today, is our great King. The WSC summarizes many passages of Scripture that explain how Christ fulfills this role. It says, “Christ executes the office of a king, in subduing us to Himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all His and our enemies.” First, He conquers us, delivering us from the power of sin and death. And in doing so, He brings us into His kingdom. So, we are no longer servants of sin and Satan, but rather, we become servants of righteousness and servants of Christ.
If you have trusted in Jesus – if you are born again by the Spirit’s power – sin does not rule you. It may feel, at times, like sin still rules you, but you can obey and please God. Though you are influenced by sin you are not a slave to sin any longer. You are a slave to Christ the Lord now. As a citizen in the kingdom of Christ the King, He has begun a good work in you that allows you to know and love God. You recognize Christ for who He truly is. You’ve received Him by grace through faith. And so you belong in His kingdom. His kingdom has come – to you!
In Revelation, Christ has shown us all these things which must come to pass, and as they play out around us, He rules over and defends His kingdom people. He goes with us and before us in every battle. May you have a greater awareness of the kingdom of the living Christ. Every believer is accepted by Him, and able to obey Him. And He deserves all your allegiance.
Now in verse [17], Jesus says, “The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” This refers to His return from heaven on the Last Day. “The Spirit” is the Holy Spirit – the third person of the triune God. “The Bride” is the church – all those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling with them. And these two are in agreement – they long for King Jesus to make His great return.
Who is “the one who hears?” That’s everyone who heeds the words of Jesus. Everyone who demonstrates that they believe by obeying His words. And notice verse [20], Jesus says, “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” To which John replies, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Sir Ernest Shackleton was a polar explorer in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He led expeditions in Antarctica and other places. And while on his most famous expedition – on the ship called Endurance – the ship became stuck in the ice and had to be abandoned. He and his crew camped on the ice and eventually made their way to Elephant Island, off the coast of Antarctica.
Eventually, Shackleton and four others decided to take a small life boat to journey for help. It was a brutal trip, but eventually Shackleton returned for his crewmen. And the story goes that when he arrived, the men were ready and waiting, and they quickly boarded the ship. But as soon as the ship cleared the island, the ice crashed behind them! It has been said that Shackleton turned and told his men, “It was fortunate you were all packed and ready to go!” to which they replied, “We never gave up hope. Whenever the sea was clear of ice, we rolled up our sleeping bags and reminded each other, ‘The boss may come today.’”
Didn’t they long for Shackleton’s arrival? Didn’t they long for their rescue?
The Holy Spirit of God says, “Come, Lord Jesus.” And if the Spirit is in you, you should have that same desire. If you are among those who aim to live for Jesus, you will have that same longing. In Isaiah 64, the OT prophet writes, “No one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.” And in 1 Corinthians 2, the apostle Paul references Isaiah’s words, writing, “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love [Jesus Christ, the crucified Lord of Glory].” May you have a greater longing for the return of the living Christ!
Now notice the second half of verse 17. Jesus says, “And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Is this speaking to those who are saved, or to those who will yet be saved? Yes. Both groups are in view.
This statement recalls Isaiah 55: “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Jesus said he would give living water – eternal life spring up like a well from within. And here he says he gives it free of charge. Abundant life, both now and in the life to come. Life to the fullest. How do we experience and enjoy this abundant life in the here and now?
Paul gives us insight in Colossians 3. He tells the people of God to do things that they couldn’t do if they hadn’t received the free water of life. He says, “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” That’s abundant life. That’s the best life you can live on this earth.
He says, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” That’s life to the full. It doesn’t get any better than that. You would expect that such a life would come at a tremendous cost to you.
Have you ever wanted to buy something or do something but you were “priced out?” It cost more than you could afford. All of you are somewhere in the middle as far as that goes.There are things you can do or buy that others can’t, and things others can’t do or buy that you can. But you see, abundant life is free. Everyone can have the water of life. So, come to the water and enjoy life in Jesus. May you have a greater appreciation for the life in the living Christ.
Now look again at verse 18 and 19. Jesus gives a very famous warning. No one should add to or subtract from “the words of the prophecy of this book.” For any who adds,”God will add to him the plagues described in this book.” For anyone who subtracts, “God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city.” Clearly, Jesus has given this message to His people, and it should be presented as it is. It was apparently common in the ancient world to end a document with this type of instruction. It functioned like a copyright. But the penalties here are very severe, aren’t they?
When the apostle Paul was leaving the church in Ephesus – a church that He planted and then left under the care of elders, he gave a very passionate speech. He loved those people. And in his speech, he said, “I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”
In other words, Paul could not be charged by God with having endangered the people by depriving them of God’s whole truth – of the full message of redemption and life in Christ. He didn’t put the Ephesians believers in harm’s way by adding to or subtracting from the Word. You see, that is what is at stake when the Word of Christ is tampered with.
That is what is on the line as so many so-called preachers today preach something other than the whole counsel of God. When they skip the hard parts or skirt around the challenging parts, they jeopardize their listeners and themselves. When they change certain things to accommodate today’s society or leave certain subjects alone so as to not offend anyone, they bring judgment on themselves, because they are guilty of deceiving people.
That is why the penalties will be severe. Any minister who does that should not expect to dwell among God’s people and enjoy eternal life in the world to come. Instead, they should expect a curse.
The message of Jesus Christ in Revelation, and in all of His Word, both OT and NT, should be revered and treasured. Going back to Colossians 3, which I read earlier Paul tells the church, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and [warning] one another in all wisdom.” Having heard His Word in Revelation, may you have a greater reverence for the Word of the living Christ.
Now look finally at verse [21]. John gives a benediction. He writes, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” What does it mean for His grace to “be with” us? Well, if you’re in Christ, you can’t lose His grace. You can’t forfeit His undeserved favor toward you. If you have been found by Christ, you can’t later be lost. The enemy cannot snatch you away from Jesus.
But there are consequences for the decisions we make in life each day. The law of sowing and reaping is always in effect. We reap what we sow, in so many ways. And we’re challenged from every side with temptation and trouble. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” He also said He has overcome the world.
But He didn’t overcome the world for us because we deserved it. He didn’t deliver us from sin and death because we earned it. He accomplished those things for us and gives them to us by His grace. And grace changes everything.
A biblical understanding of God’s grace in Christ changes how we view ourselves and everyone else. Grace is both humbling and encouraging. It brings you low and lifts you up. We realize that it’s a tremendous gift, and therefore, we shouldn’t withhold it from someone else. The grace of Christ captures us, and at the same time, it sets us free.
And a growing understanding of it will affect you not only spiritually, but mentally, emotionally, even physically. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” When we become yoked to Christ by His grace, He carries the heavy burden of life for us.
John gave this benediction: May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. May the Lord’s grace do this work in you. May your heart and mind be changed, and may your life be rearranged by His gracious, undeserved love and mercy toward you. May you have a greater assurance in the grace of the living Christ. May you be sure of His unwavering commitment to you.
As we go now to the Lord’s table, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. We proclaim that the messages of Revelation are true. We proclaim our belief that as we draw nearer to Christ Himself – along with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are drawing near to Him as well – He will give us that greater awareness of His kingdom, and greater longing for His return, and greater appreciation for His life, and greater reverence for His Word, and greater assurance in His grace.
The book of Revelation ends with a Christ-focused conclusion – which is appropriate –
because the book is all about Him.
Let’s bow in prayer.
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