Come Quickly, Lord Jesus of Grace!

Revelation 22:18-21

   18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
   20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”  Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
   21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

We read and take heed to this book and its revelation of God’s will and plan.  It is not wise to speculate on the difficult things here, for that often adds things as if to put words in God’s mouth and change what He said by adding meaning that is not intended. This is not wise, for it is what brought original sin into the world to begin with (Genesis 3:1).  What God has indeed said is what we listen to, not rebelling as we ask, ‘did God indeed say’ these things written here.  Of course this applies to all of God’s word, but this book seems to carry a special warning to us. Here it is told plainly that if we change and so teach more than what God said He will do, we risk the consequences of the plagues stated throughout the book.  Likewise, we must not take away from the words, making God less a judge or not holding us accountable.  We risk losing rewards of honor and glory to God, and if our names are written in His Book, we may mislead others in our failure to teach the whole counsel of God in His Scriptures.  John heard and was shown these things which he witnessed and testifies to us that they are true, and to remind us here that He is coming sooner than we think and not when we expect.  His grace is with us who believe, sustaining and giving hope as we endure all things to the planned end and a new beginning with our Lord and Savior.  Lord Jesus, come quickly!  So it is written, so it shall certainly be done.  Amen and amen.