In the final chapter, a command is given repeatedly to pay attention to this book of prophecy (which, by the way, refers specifically to the book of Revelation). The question concerns the intent of these verses and in essence asks; does a believer who adds to or takes from the word of God lose his or her salvation? The question is, does this apply to believers? Then the angel said, Don't do that: for I am thy fellowservant, of the brethren the prophets, of those which keep the sayings of this book: worship God ( Revelation 22:9 ). It is the way to all, if it be not the actual entrance into and enjoyment of it. "They have one mind, and give their own power and authority to the beast." Thus everything implies their simultaneous presence for the same time and common action with the beast, in plundering and then destroying Babylon. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely ( Revelation 22:17 ). Thus such as were in the separate state were reunited to their bodies, and lived and reigned like those who were already on the thrones. That is a matter of a back problem. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. He does not If any man shall take away If any man shall lessen this meaning, curtail the sense, . That is not at all the way in which the guests are spoken of. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. The right to the Tree of Life is given to those that obey the commands of God and by doing so may enter into the New Jerusalem. The Other Half of the Gospel (Ephesians 2:8-10), The Asbury Revival-What We Can Learn From It. It is a question here of distinctive character, apart from that of time, for which we must search other scriptures. This position was to be As the perfect character of the all-powerful and omniscient Lordis unveiledto humanity, we discover that the Good Shepherd of the sheep is the holy Son of God - the second Person of the Trinity Who took on mortal flesh so that He could become our Kinsman-Redeemer and sacrifice His sinless life to save the sheep of His pasture. But in the time really contemplated here all this political shuffling will be over. The day of the Lord on the world in no way sets aside His dealing with individual souls. Revelation 22:19 in all English translations, KJV, Journal the Word Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition: Reflect, Journal, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses, KJV, Deluxe Reference Bible, Super Giant Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print, KJV, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, King James Version, KJV, Reference Bible, Personal Size Giant Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print, KJV, The King James Study Bible, Red Letter, Full-Color Edition: KJV Holy Bible, KJV, Reference Bible, Center-Column Giant Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print. And he said unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand ( Revelation 22:10 ). The angel implies nothing of the sort. Death and hades, which had so long been executioners in a world where sin reigned, and were still doing their occasional office where righteousness is to reign, themselves disappear where all traces of sin are consigned for ever. (iii) The third section is an invitation to all thirsty souls to come to Jesus Christ that their need may be satisfied. He who has been found by Christ must find others for Christ. By the effect this book, thus kept open, will have upon men; those that are filthy and unjust will take occasion thence to be more so, but it will confirm, strengthen, and further sanctify those that are upright with God; it will be a savour of life to some and of death to others, and so will appear to be from God, Revelation 22:12; Revelation 22:12. They are worried more about their church membership and maybe not getting it right. "And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the wife of the Lamb. There is an indication in Hosea that for two days Israel will be as dead, but in the third day God will revive them and they will live before him. A mysterious lawlessness inherits the well-known name of Babylon when Rome is brought forward; and it does not merely embrace Christian times, but the end of the age after the church has gone, when the course of divine judgment comes. "And so, all the jarring notes of life Seem blending in a Psalm. Verse of the Day , Revelation 22:19 Treasury of Scripture Knowing, Words and Meanings - Growing In Grace (23). That kind of stuff is junky and there is no reward for that. We probably dont like some of what we see in Revelation, either. Further, after this Jesus introduces Himself, as well as sends His angel. It does not refer to every individual word of the Revelation. Swete aptly calls this "the felicitation of the devout student." If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book. "* There is no thought of making such a paradox to perplex the mind. I am speaking to you who are Gentiles.") * Even the Complutensian editors give the right text here; and it would seem that Erasmus failed to use his MS. aright. During the day the old man brings in a sweeper from the street, gives him tea, warms him at the fire. Maybe they transform it into a soft allegory, eviscerating its vicious sting. The Spirit and the bride offer an invitation to come to those who still need to come. In stark contrast to the warning in verse 19 is a blessing in verse 7 that is specifically addressed to believers of Salvation through faith alone in Christ, who are reading and studying the words of the Book Of Revelation. Such is the hard bondage which mere historical tradition imposes on its votaries. Toward the end of Deuteronomy, Moses issued another similar warning, this time to the person who might disregard the Law and serve other gods: and so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heartas though the drunkard could be included with the sober. And the church replies "Amen. 1. fol. These Jews took the pure law of God, corrupted, perverted and enforced it, even to death (including Jesus), for their own gain, by adding unwritten traditions and believing their words to be more superior to the law. You know it is going to be new, because these don't exist anymore here. It is in Christ alone that men can see God. She followed and had inherited the spirit of all, from the days of Cain, who had lifted up their hands against their righteous brethren. This section consists of verbal exchanges between an angel and John, and between Jesus and John. "God," said the rabbis in their dreams of the golden age, "will produce a river from the Holy of Holies, beside which every kind of delicate fruits will grow.". But there is a message also for others. dismiss this verse as not focusing on losing one's salvation at all. He sums it up in verse 15, stating "If I hope that you will again look at these issues. John closes with a solemn warning to take heed to what he has written in the book and not to alter its contents or avoid its teachings. Salvation is by Grace Alone Only by trusting in Jesus' work (paying for our sins, conquering death, and opening the way to the Father) is anyone saved. From the manner in which resurrection is referred to in scripture, does not God leave room for this? 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. However, now that I believe I want to serve God and I offer myself to God to serve Him, and the works that I do for God, I will be rewarded for them, those works that are done out of a pure motivation.Now, there are a lot of works that people do that there will be no reward. He is the fountain of all light, the bright and the morning star, and as such has given to his churches this morning light of prophecy, to assure them of the light of that perfect day which is approaching. It reminds us that whether we are readers or interpreters of this book of Revelation, or whether we are trying to carry out its teaching in practical ways in our daily life, our power and wisdom must come from Him. The Gospel's great theme . We may illustrate it by the members of a family. The principle is very clear. Christians in relation to their salvation? would just as readily cut them off from the promises of salvation. ". Here we learn at once of what His train consists. "After these things I heard as it were a great voice of a great crowd in heaven, saying, Alleluia, the salvation, and the glory, and the power of our God: for true and righteous [are] his judgments: because he judged the great harlot, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. Copyright David L Simon 2007 - 2023 This material may be freely distributed provided acknowledgement of the author is made www.life-everlasting.net, This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Because ye have forsaken the fountain of life (Enoch 96:6). consistent with Matthew 5:15-16, we must understand the lampstand to be the witness of the 22:14,15 Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and that they may enter into the city by the gates. Instead, let's just accept them at face value, as the holy word of God. "And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. We must therefore look a little into the two objects Babylon and the beast. It does not say that their names are blotted out from the Book. And let him that is athirst come. But He "treadeth the winepress of the fury of the wrath of the Almighty God" another character of judgment never attributed to the saints, that I know of. Clearly, therefore, it is future. It is not now lightnings and thunders and voices. Come, Lord Jesus! Is it the Christian believer or some other class of person? It is similar to receiving an offer to a banquetthere is a place for you if you want it. Also, it is in a future tense, meaning it will not be blotted out in the future. 13. But now it is not the time to seal but it is the time to open and read; for the coming of Christ will take place at any moment. 2. At the same time the attempt to apply Babylon to ancient Rome is almost as unhappy; and for a plain reason. The Living Water never runs dry - Jesus told the woman at the well whoever drinks of the water of life will never thirst again. As man does not believe in the resurrection of man, it is no wonder that he does not believe in the resurrection of an empire. We need to remember that the whole book of Revelation is dealing with principles in constant conflict now.--That the visions record this conflict from many different view-points. (18-19) I testify unto every man that heareth.--Omit "For," and read, I testify to every one that hears. body, and its members were dispersed, although I don't believe this means they were "Let him that is unrighteous be unrighteous still: and let the filthy be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." And the coming of the Lord is urged in connection with it. While the promise of blessing in chapter 1 is a wonderful encouragement to believers, the warnings in this final chapter of Revelation should be chillingto anyone, both believers and unbelievers who tampers with God's Word or distort its meaning. A stranger CAME to them, and talked with them, lifted up their hopes and faith, "but their eyes were holden and they did not know Him. You will recall that verses 18 and 19 are a warning for those who do not accept the invitation given in verse 17. 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. "And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and encompassed the camp of the saints, and the beloved city." But then while there is such a call to Christ, while the believer is not to be afraid, but to call on the Lord to come, the church does not forget those that are poor sinners, let them be deeply conscious of it, or let them be those that are only made willing by the grace of God (which is the feeblest expression of the sinner's need, just as you have the feeblest expression of the saint in the previous call). Thus persons committing these acts are unsaved. Let it be carefully observed here that the first resurrection does not mean all rising exactly at the same moment. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come ( Revelation 22:16-17 ). It clearly contrasts this mystery with another. and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. It isquick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetratingas far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, andis able tojudge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.". Of course the application to the Roman empire would be immediately in the mind of any Christian at Rome. having preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." I do not suppose that many words are required by the present audience to show that we are not to understand the scene as a mere figure of Christianity. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Personally I never see a vision. 8 All these . And in these visions the book describes the struggle in every individual, in every generation between good and evil, and in every case the Lord comes in judgment on evil and brings victory to the good. Besides the bride thus arrayed, "He saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage-supper of the Lamb." It contains promises, blessing, an invitation, a warning, and a benediction. Moral elements too were not wanting: the mystery of lawlessness had long been at work, though the enemy had not yet brought in the apostacy, and still less the manifestation of the lawless one. "And he had a name written, that no man knew but he himself." Trust that "bright morning star." Sometimes they have contended for its application to pagan Rome. [Note: Beasley-Murray, p. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Here it would seem we have just what answers to that: this name none knew but He Himself. It supposes the effect and the exercise of faith. Who were they? Is Eyewitness Testimony Reliable? All who have looked back on the history know, that when the ten kings appeared, there was no beast or imperial power. However, Revelation is the last and final book no other inspired word was written after the Apostles died and since Revelation forms part of the Canon, the warning belongs to the whole Bible. Instead of judgment being executed on them, it was given to them. I come quickly: blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book. The consequence of taking from the words of prophecy is denied access to the Tree of Life, thus is cast into the Lake of Fire. We find, accordingly, the four and twenty elders and four living creatures here brought before us for the last time. John reminds us of the churchs real task of witnessing to the world--of evangelism--as the church, the bride of Christ lifts her voice with the Holy Spirit saying "Come"--to all who are thirsty for the water of life. He would not be permitted to enter that city; he would have no part among the redeemed. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. 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. Sow a character and reap a destiny." Christian walk cavalierly. fallen from the more perfect way of seeking God's will in his life to the more base The church is heavenly; and in heaven there are no times nor seasons. correct. There may be lights of the heaven to mark times and seasons for the earth, and again on the earth. But that the heart of man even so is not renewed becomes manifest, when Satan at the close deceives all that are not converted; and these, as we are told, are countless "as the sand of the sea.". But he ought to have withstood it I do not mean in vengeance (for that belongs to the Lord), but as holily hating the sin itself, yet withal in the deepest compassion for his parent. Just as the city of man's confusion was seen in her vile, degraded, and degrading relations with the beast, this city is seen in her pure and glorious relations with the Lamb. The angel affirms the truth of all that had been spoken, Revelation 22:6-11.. 2. But John is overwhelmed again; he is just wiped out, overwhelmed that the guy tells him that, so he falls down at his feet again to worship him. It was but an imperfect view they got even of justification; a far scantier perception, if they could be said to have had any, about Christ's Headship of the church, His priesthood, or almost anything else. Hebrews 10:26-28 - For if we sin wilfully after that we . (and the And, if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. * It is to Him that God has given all judgment not necessarily to us. (and unreachable) way. Hitherto the reverse of this has been true in history. We had Babylon with a spuriously ecclesiastical but a really murderous character, and at the same time guilty of corruption with the kings of the earth. We see a similar warning given by Moses as he addressed the people of Israel before they entered the Promised Land. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and acts falsehood. And I John saw these things, I heard them. Against the dark background of night, wise men once saw the clear shining of the Star of Bethlehem, and today we have hope because we see Jesus "the bright morning star" the herald of a new day. Only as the individual Christian lives with the sense of the presence of his Lord can the Christian find victory over sin in his daily life. The whole epilogue is very similar to the first chapter in many ways. "for God so loved the world" ). There is a high price to pay for those that would pervert the Revelation of Jesus Christ, by twisting biblical truth in order to deceive others. It is interesting.God is going to have a tree that has twelve different kinds of fruit and every month a fruit will be ripe. Answering a Jehovah's Witness: Can Jesus be God if He's Seen? ", How like those two disciples are we! Matthew 24:9-13 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. In the last days, knowledge will be increased. must keep some rules in order to still be considered for heaven.) Then the prophet falls down to pay homage to the angel; and this gives rise to a weighty admonition. God's Word of life is unchanging and unchangeable, and verse 19 warns that the punishment for anyone who tampers with the words in this book of prophecy will have their names removed from the Book of Life. In short, Babylon, the disgusting counterpart of the holy city, in earthly ambition seeks the kings and the masses for her own present objects, while the other suffers now and will reign then. Sometimes, again, they have sought to turn it aside toward Jerusalem in her corrupt state. Jesus Christ is coming (18-21). We know that sometimes there were nine, sometimes eleven or more; but supposing this all perfectly certain, I affirm that, according to history, they did not receive their power as kings for one and the same time with the beast. Edited 16 December 2022 Salvation?". Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is to say that Jesus Christ is not the Son of God: and logically if one denies the Saviour, one cannot be saved this Nation Israel did by saying Jesus was of the Devil (Matthew 12). Now, the speaker to the seven Churches is the Risen Christ; and, therefore, quite clearly there the Spirit and the Christ are identified. THE CLAIMS OF CHRIST ( Revelation 22:12-13 ).