TOPIC:‌“The Final Ending”

‌           by Rev. Dr. Reg Dunlap

 

TEXT:‌Revelation 22:6-21

 

‌‌“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Even so,

‌‌come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

‌‌(22:20, 21).

 

‌This final section of Revelation constitutes a brief summary of what has already been revealed to John throughout the entire book. The Book is now ended and John writes his concluding words as he exhorts Christians to READ what has been REVEALED and HEED what has been RECORDED. Notice should be given that the final words received by John are spoken directly by Christ to him as they are extremely important. Let us give full attention to what is said by Christ and written by John as this portion of the book is full of meaning and significance. Let me mention eight things I find in this final chapter of Revelation.

 

I.

 

‌We have, first of all, the PRONOUNCEMENT. Notice the angel's words to John: “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true; and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done” (22:6).

 

‌The angel now reaffirms to John that the glorious revelations given to him are trustworthy and genuine. Though the words “faithful and true” as the Authorized Version has it as found in 3:14 and 19:11 are names used for Christ, here they characterize the words of Christ. G. Campbell Morgan writes regarding the words “Lord God” these words: “…that which has been written has come from the One Who is here described as “the Lord,” that is the One Who is “the God of the spirits of the prophets.” That description has value as a recognition of all that God has said to men through the prophets. The commencement of the Hebrew letter at once occurs to mind, with its declaration that God had spoken in times past unto the fathers through the prophets. The declaration now is that that same God is the One from Whom the things written in this book have come, and that the medium had been the Son, Who sent His angel, as was stated in the opening of the book” (1:1, 2).

 

II.

 

‌Then, secondly, we have the PROMISE. It is found in the words of verse 7: “Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”

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