Conclusion, Revelation 22: 6-21

The pageant is over, and the final curtain has been drawn.
John has seen and has shown to his audience a picture of God's care over them
in their conflict, the certainty of their triumph over the terrible conditions of the day,
and the gory which is beyond the grave which is opening before them.

All that remains is the necessity of impressing upon their minds once again
the importance of this message.
Now the Redeemer steps in front of the curtain to issue His final word.

In verses 6-7, He assures the hearers that this is a message of divine authority.
It is a message which announces upon the authority of God a speedy rescue
for His distressed people.
Blessings are pronounced upon those who in obedience to Him live the overcoming life
set out in this book.

In verses 8-9, John adds his personal testimony to the authority of the book.
His testimony would mean much to the Christians of Asia Minor.

In vs. 10-15 the importance of the book for the immediate needs of the people is indicated.
John is told not to seal the book up for some distant generation.
It is first of all for the Christians of John's own day (verse 10).
God's period of probation for the enemies of His cause has ended (verse 11).
His judgment on them is imminent (verse 12).
Preparation for meeting the conditions is to be desired (verse 14).

Verse 16 brings to their attention again the fact that this is not just some man's message.
It comes from Jesus Himself.

Verse 17 issues the invitation for men to accept the bounty which God offers.
The Spirit invites.
The bride invites.
Individual participants invite.
The invitation is extended to any who will accept its terms.

Verse 18 is a warning for the protection of the book.
Apocalyptic books were treated with great freedom in John's day.
Men cut out the part they wanted and discarded the rest.
But this is no ordinary apocalypse.

To add to it or to take from it is to incur the displeasure of God with its consequences
-- strong language to assure a preservation of the book as John sent it to them.

Verse 20 voices a final promise of the Lord's purpose to come quickly
to the aid of His persecuted people.
In acceptance of the promise and in the attitude of patience and trust,
John bows his head with his audience to whisper the reverent prayer,
" Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

Who can read this book which breathes the atmosphere of victorious faith
and courageous trust in God, with the unfailing assurance in the fulfillment of His purpose
and the victory of the Christ of the cross and the emptied tomb
without shouting with the people of the book:

" Worthy is the Lamb that was slain,
And has redeemed us to God by his blood,
To receive power, and riches, and wisdom,
And might, and honor, and glory,
And blessing, and dominion,
Forever and ever"
Amen