Chapter 15
Conclusion
12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.” (Re 22:12-14 NAS)
The Book of Revelation ends by bringing our focus back to our present. The message of this book and its end focus is on the importance of being ready to meet our Lord. Although this book was penned more than two thousand years ago everyone who has read it has been challenged to examine their own relationship with Jesus Christ. Have we considered the words of Jesus as he pleaded with those in the churches to repent? Have we had ears to hear what Christ has said to the churches? Or is Christ still standing at our door requesting that we would open the door so that He might fellowship with us? Are we clothed in righteousness or are we in need of repentance?
“3 ¶ Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” (2Pe 3:3-4 NAS)
We are in the last days but no one knows for sure when our last day will be. Now is the day of salvation for we have no promise of tomorrow. The characteristic of those who mock is that they are seeking to satisfy their own sinful desires. Those who are being mocked desire nothing more than Jesus righteousness and are eagerly awaiting His return. But we cannot wait in silence, for the love of God has filled our hearts. The assurance of our salvation is available to everyone while there is still time. It is love that compels us to speak and it is love that has delayed the judgment. All that is recorded in this book will come to pass, the judgments and the rewards.
“9 ¶ The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 ¶ Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” (2Pe 3:9-13 NAS)
The patience of the Lord will not last forever, for the day of the Lord will come in which He will judge the world. That day will catch people unaware because they have rejected the love of God that has come to us through Jesus Christ. Peter is rehearsing this factual conclusion that all of Scripture is leading us to. Since this is the unavoidable conclusion, what sort of people should we be in regard to holy living and godliness? Peter is concluding his final letter to believers, those who have acknowledged the truth of the Scripture. The serious tone of his final words cannot be ignored. We who have received the riches of God’s knowledge and grace have a grave responsibility to live in the light of that knowledge and grace.
“Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,” (2Pe 3:14 NAS)
I have attempted to share with you what I believe our focus should be as we are rapidly approaching the end of the age. I could not say it any clearer than it is stated in this verse from Peter. We cannot take for granted the knowledge and grace we have been recipients of. Our first responsibility is to live in accordance to that grace and to be found living righteously before our Lord. Secondly, we have a responsibility to let the light of the gospel live through us as a testimony to a dying world for the time is short.
“16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.” 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” (Re 22:16-17 NAS)
“20 ¶ He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” (Re 22:20-21 NAS)
People have spent their lives and fortunes seeking the fountain of youth that they might extend the length of their lives. Jesus has offered to give of the fountain of life so that we might live forever. Jesus’ final words in this Book of Life are to extend His invitation to all that will come. Come if you are thirsty, for whoever wishes may take of the water of life without cost.
As I witness those around me ignoring this call at this crucial time in history, I ponder the following verse and say, “Even so, Lord Jesus, come!”
“7 Now shall not God bring about justice for His elect, who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? 8 “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them speedily. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Lu 18:7-8 NAS)
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (Re 3:20 NAS)