Revelation 22:12-17
12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
We have been just told to keep God’s word as shown to John by God’s angels, and now are again reminded that Jesus is coming soon. Are we ready to reap the reward that aligns with our actions and labor in the gospel for the Lamb of God which honors the Father? He is the beginning and end of all things, the creator and Judge, the one in the beginning who is God and the End of all promises and prophecy as He planned from before He spoke us into existence. Yes, He tells us clearly that we are to be obedient in all things (2 Corinthians 2:9, 1 Peter 1:14), the primary of which is to believe in Jesus the Christ (John 6:29), relying on God’s character, command, and charter given in the garden and now made possible in the Son of God and Man (Hebrews 5:14) to hear and heed what we are to do by His grace and will. In Christ we have the right to partake of all these things, unlike those continuing in sinful rebellion who remain forever outside the gate. These are those who have rejected Christ and His righteousness, choosing to continue in and loving to practice sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, and lies. God is not mocked, yet still holds back from this final judgement that others may repent and be delivered from these due things. Jesus had John write these warnings and comforts of hope to the seven churches, reminding them all (and us) of who He is, and inviting us who thirst for Him to come freely and drink deeply of His boundless grace and mercy (Isaiah 55:1). We also as His bride, the church, also implore you to come!
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