The Gracious Invitation of our King - Revelation 22:6-21

““Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”” (Revelation 22:7, NIV). 

In these concluding remarks of John's vision, the reader is faced with the affirmation of the trustworthiness of this Book; and also John includes the Seventh benediction recorded in the Book of Revelation. But the key is that reminder of Christ's "soon" Second Return.

⁶ The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place" . . . ⁹ But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” 

"This is remarkably like the opening verse of the Book of Revelation, where the sequence was as follows:

God → Jesus → angel → John → servants" [1]

"The unique truth and trustworthiness of the revealed word (and words) of God are underscored seven times in the last two chapters of Revelation, as indicated first in 21:5, as repeated in 22:6, 7, 9, 10, and then in the solemn warning in vv. 18 and 19 to anyone who “takes away from the words of this book.” [2]

Here is a summary of the benedictions (blessings in this Book):

Blessed is the one who reads aloud, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy	1:3
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord	14:13
Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on	16:15
Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb	19:9
Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection	20:6
Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book	22:7
Blessed are those who wash their robes	22:14

The promise of Christ's coming, also includes an invitation to come. “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17, NIV).

The point of the Revelation is assurance -- assurance to the Church that Christ is on the throne and has conquered.  The Church is encouraged to be faithful even unto death.  But the Book is also an evangelistic Book.  In view of God's truth, "Come."  “Surely I am coming soon.”[3]  This promise not only assures the Church of the proximity of Christ's coming but also the assurance that there is no more revelation outside of this Book.  This ends all time.  There is no more.  These words comfort the Church ". . . by guaranteeing that his final advent, which he promised at his first coming, will soon occur and thus bring to completion what he has revealed throughout the book." [4]

"Then listen to the voice from the throne. It is the pleading voice of the Master, His tender, final invitation: ‘And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely.’ The emphasis is on the word freely. Glorious sovereign grace! This is the love of God, so touching and tender, which is addressed here to all those who have been made conscious of the need of living water. Let them not hesitate. Let them come. Let them take. It costs them nothing. He paid the price. So let them come, take and drink." [5]

Those who hear and head this inspired and authoritative Word from You are blessed seven-fold. This is all of your grace. Those that hear the invitation to come are given eternal life.  May the Church be an intentional voice that recites Your invitation to a lost and perishing world. Maranatha, come Lord Jesus.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Revelation 22:21, NIV)  

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1. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (417). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

2. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2496). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

3. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Re 22:20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

4. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (1155). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.

5. Hendriksen, William (1998-06-01). More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 210). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition