The Words are Faithful and True

2011-02-26

In the last verses of Revelation, we get a very solemn warning about the nature of the Word of God and what it means to be obedient to the Word. It is no coincidence that these verses are at the end of the whole Bible. Starting in Revelation 22:6, it reads: “These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.” The sayings spoken of are “faithful and true.” The significance of this phrase is twofold. First, it means that it is for certain. Every single last word of Revelation will come to pass, and furthermore, the words of the Bible will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). Second, Jesus is referred to as the name “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11). The words of God are embodied in the person, the Word of God. We cannot separate the two.

Keeping the sayings of the prophecy of this book in 22:7 refers to not only believing its message, but also following its commandments (22:14). Everything that John sees almost moves him to the point of worshipping the angel who is giving him the message. But the angel forbids him, and commands him to worship the message’s origin, God, and not the messenger. He is likewise commanded not to seal the sayings of the prophecy. We know from 22:16 that this means to publish the message of the book to the churches. We likewise should not hide the message of this book: that Jesus will return to the earth and judge its wickedness.

However, we know in 22:11, that many people will not turn from their wicked ways despite the publishing of the prophecy: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” There is a time when we preach Jesus Christ and his coming kingdom, but there comes a point that we should let people go their own ways if they insist. Likewise, if people turn to the preaching of Christ, then we should encourage them to continue to be righteous and holy.

In 22:12, it is clear the Jesus will reward people according to their works. He can do this because he is God Almighty (22:13). These “works” are keeping his commandments (1 John 3:23 may help us discover what these are, not to mention all of the exhortations throughout Revelation). The rewards are the right to the tree of life, and granted entrance to the city New Jerusalem.

There is an antithesis to these good works, and they are listed in 22:15. But these things are not deeds, but are listed as people who do them. In essence, these people are the dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murders, idolaters, and those who make a lie. This is the same list as 21:8, except dogs are called “the abominable.” If you consider these two lists with the list of sins in 21:17, you will notice that liars are in all three. But all of these things listed are with which the world is obsessed. In 22:16, Jesus sent the angel to John, and in turn John (including the book he recorded) testifies to the churches, and continues today.

In 22:17, the Spirit and the bride say “Come.” This bride is the New Jerusalem, and by extension, its inhabitants. But there is command here for all of those who hear this message are likewise to say “Come.” Come to Jesus Christ, who freely offers living water to the world just as he did to the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.

There comes a warning with this, however. Altering the message given in this book (and as I believe, by extension, the whole Bible) brings severe penalty: the plagues of the Book as well as having one’s place taken out of the Book of Life and the holy city. These are those who “loveth and maketh a lie.”

Jesus’ last words in the book are “Surely I come quickly.” We need to take this to heart and be ready to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to one and all, because there will be a time where his return will consummate all things.

Questions

How are the sayings of the book “faithful and true”? What is the significance of the phrase?

What does it mean to keep these sayings in 22:7?

What causes John to want to worship the angel?

What does it mean not to seal these sayings in verse 10?

Why are we commanded to let the unjust and filthy remain as they are?

Should reward be a motivation for good works?

Are the commandments in verse 14 the same as the sayings in verse 7? What are the commandments (perhaps 1 John 3:23 would give us a start)? Does verse 15 suggest anything about the nature of the commandments?

Are we like those who are “without” in any way (22:15)?

Jesus testifies in the churches by this book according to verse 16. So who is this book for?

Verse 17 commands the hearer to say “come” with the Spirit and the bride. Do you believe this is a reference to Gospel preaching?

What is the penalty for altering this book’s message?

In verse 20, Jesus’ last words are “Surely I come quickly.” How ought this to affect us? Is this our motivator for good works (like in verse 12)?