The Conclusion
Revelation 22:6-21
Testimony to the truth of the book
The truth of Revelation rests on God, who inspired the prophets of the past and sent the angel to John (Revelation 1:1). The angel, who had carried one of the bowls of wrath (Revelation 21:9) testified to the truth of what was revealed. John adds his testimony that he wrote what he heard and saw (Revelation 21:8). Finally, Jesus adds his testimony in Revelation 21:16. Notice that Jesus designates himself as both the root (source) and offspring of David. Thus the book has been signed or witnessed by three people.
An emphasis that the events will take place shortly
The book ends much as it began:
- The things show must shortly take place (Revelation 22:6)
- Jesus is coming quickly (Revelation 22:7)
- The words are not be sealed or hidden because the time is near (Revelation 22:10).
Not everything has been revealed. Some things had to remain hidden (Revelation 10:4), but these things had to be shared. This is similar to Daniel’s prophecies. He could not reveal all that he was told (Daniel 8:26; 10:14; 12:4,9). What was revealed was to be shared with the churches (Revelations 22:16).
Jesus promised to come quickly, bringing judgment with him (Revelation 22:12,20). This is not referring to the second coming and the final judgment, but of the other judgments promised in this book (Revelation 2:5, 16; 3:11). The message cannot be ignored or put off. Therefore encouragement is given to heed the warnings in this book (Revelation 22:7, 9, 22).
The Blessings of Revelation
Looking back through Revelation we find seven blessings announced:
- Blessed is he who reads, hears, and heeds this prophecy (Revelation 1:3)
- Blessed are those who die from now on. They will rest from their labors and their deeds will follow them (Revelation 14:13)
- Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes so others do not see his shame (Revelation 16:15)
- Blessed are those invited to the Lamb’s marriage feast (Revelation 19:9)
- Blessed are those who have part of the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6)
- Blessed is he who heeds the words of this prophecy (Revelation 22:7)
- Blessed are those who wash their robes. They have the right to enter the city and partake of the tree of life (Revelation 22:14)
The distinction between righteous and wicked
(Revelation 22:11)
The wicked will continue in unrighteousness and the righteous will move deeper into righteousness. The form of the terms indicates a continuing state of being. The wicked become more wicked (II Timothy 3:13). The righteous press on toward godliness (Hebrews 6:1; II Corinthians 7:1).
God’s people will clean up their lives and live in His city, but outside are the evil (Revelation 22:14-15). “Dogs” is a reference to sexually immoral people, particularly homosexuals (Deuteronomy 23:17-18; Philippians 3:2; II Peter 2:22). In other words, everything needed to be said has been said. If a person is still unchanged, then let them remain as they are, no more will be given.
An invitation to become a follower of God
(Revelation 22:17)
The invitation is similar to Isaiah 55:1. It is opened to all (Hebrews 2:9; I John 2:2; John 3:16). This invitation is extended by the Holy Spirit, the church and each Christian.
Warnings against altering the book
(Revelation 22:18-19)
When God reveals the future it is important for people to pay attention to His words, but a revelation is useless if it is altered. God has taught many things and every word is important (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Galatians 1:6-10; II John 2:9-10).
