The end of a thing is better than the beginning. The Lord has promised rewards for those who will be faithful to the end. The book of Revelation in John’s vision which was in stages, affirms John’s revelation of the truth revealed to him by the angel. He warns sternly that the revealed word of God must not be tempered with, and nothing should be added or subtracted. The focus of today’s lesson explains the conclusion of John’s message. It also serves as a reminder that in God’s Kingdom, everyone will be rewarded appropriately, and no one will be substituted for another.
John experienced an amazing encounter with the angel who revealed the events to come, John fell at the angel’s feet in worship. The angel warned that the prophetic words of the book should not be kept secret. This is followed by series of warnings and affirmations. In verse 11, he said “let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right and let him who is Holy continue to be Holy”. Verse 12 announced the promised reward, he said “Behold I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done”. Verse 13 reveals the identity and authority of Christ as the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
• Discuss the implication of verse 12 to believers
• What is the meaning and significance Jesus gave to this passage?
Jesus pronounced blessings on the righteous in verse 14, for those who have washed their robes clean. He said that they possess the right to eat from the fruit of the Tree of life. In contrast, evil doers will be exiled outside the city. The dogs are those who love and practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the adulterers and those who love and practice false-hood will have no place in God’s kingdom (verse 15). In verse 16, Jesus affirmed the authenticity of His true identity as the one who sent the angel with the message to the churches, saying “I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star.” In verse 17, Jesus gave an invitation to all who are willing to accept the offer of the free gift of the water of life to come. Although Christ came and died for all so that we might have eternal life (John 3:16) only those who wash their robes will enter the new city and eat the fruit of the tree of life.
• What are the benefits that awaits believers when Christ shall come in glory?
• What are the lessons believers can learn from verse 16 of the scripture?
As John concluded his message, he gave a final warning as it is recorded in verses 18 and 19 that no man should add or subtract from the words of prophecy of His book. In verse 18, if any man shall add unto the words of prophecy, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book, while in verse 19, the scripture says “if any man shall take away from the words of the book of the prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy city. Verse 20, testifies of His coming with the phrase “I will come quickly”. This statement declares the eminence of Jesus’ coming and to ensure that we keep ourselves pure, for nothing unclean shall enter into God’s kingdom. As believers, we need the Holy Spirit’s guidance to interpret the word of God because there is no substitute.
• Is the warning in verse 18 and 19 of the scripture limited to this scripture only or to the entire word of God?
• Explain why it is difficult for people to accept the good news of the gospel?
• The Lord will reward.
• The lord will judge sin.
• No one should add or subtract from God’s word.
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds anything to them, God will add to the plagues described in this book. And if anyone take words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the Holy city, which are described in this book.
Revelation 22:18-19.
