July 23, 2023

The Closing #

Revelation 22:1-5

Introduction

We have arrived at the final chapter of Revelation. We started our series on July 24, 2022. So it has taken us exactly one year to get through the book of Revelation on Sunday nights. In one year, we have only heard 35 messages on the book of Revelation. We took a little more time in the first three chapters, then we took one chapter per service. Through the series, I hope it has been educational, exhorting, and encouraging to you.

I. The City (1-5) #

A. The Throne (1) #

Further described in verse 3-5

1. No more curse (3a) #

This was somewhat covered in Rev 21:4, “no more death,...the former things are passed away.”

2. Service (3b) “his servants shall serve him” #

There will be business to conduct, things to do, however without the effects of sin!

3. Name (4) #

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

I have never met any president. A president, ruler, king, is a guarded figure who often is not accessible.
This king, you will see his face!

1. Face to face with Christ, my Savior,

Face to face—what will it be,

When with rapture I behold Him,

Jesus Christ who died for me?

Face to face I shall behold Him,

Far beyond the starry sky;

Face to face in all His glory,

I shall see Him by and by!

2. Only faintly now, I see Him,

With the darkling veil between,

But a blessed day is coming,

When His glory shall be seen.

3. What rejoicing in His presence,

When are banished grief and pain;

When the crooked ways are straightened,

And the dark things shall be plain.

4. Face to face! O blissful moment!

Face to face—to see and know;

Face to face with my Redeemer,

Jesus Christ who loves me so.

4. Light (5) – Repeated from Rev 21:23 #

B. The Tree (2) #

The phrase tree of life is a fascinating study.
“the tree of life” is only used 10x. Gen 3x (2:9, 3:22,24), Pro 4x (3:18, 11:30, 13:12, 15:4), Rev 3x (2:7, 22:2, 14).
Certainly we will understand it that day!

II. The Closing #

A. Brevity of time (6, 7, 10) #

1. 6 – “the things which must shortly be done.” #

2. 7 – “Behold, I come quickly” (repeated) #

Many people note that his coming is going to be quick. 1 Cor 15 describes us being changed in a “twinkling of an eye” – something that will take place quickly.
“I come quickly” is only used in 6 times in the book of Revelation, twice in chapter 2, once in chapter 3, and 3x in chapter 22! - It is a reference to the rapture of the church.

B. Beholding (look for it!) (7, 12) #

Behold – to direct the eyes to, or fix them upon, an object; to look; to see.

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.

C. Benefits (12-14) #

1. Rewards (12) – We focus on the accountability of the christian (rightfully so), be understand, there are rewards too! #

2. Blessed (14) #

D. Banished (15) – Those who were eternally condemned are still condemned. #

E. Bestowment (16-21) #

1. Churches (16) – The church, is brought back up. The church is to be teaching, preaching the coming of Christ, and end times! #

2. Come! (17) #

Spirit & Bride – are awaiting the coming of Christ!

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

He that heareth – the saved individual would be happy at the coming of Christ
Him that is athirst – come drink of the water of life offered by Jesus Christ!

John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

3. Careful! (18-19) – Don’t change it, don’t add to it, don’t take away from it! #

4. Certainty – (20-21) #

“Surely I come quickly” – it is certain, Christ is coming, even at the door! His coming is imminent!
Last thing mentioned, first thing to watch for.