In the last chapter of the Bible, God gives us complete assurance. John writes in Revelation 22:6, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true.” God will complete His story.
- God’s Word is inerrant. It is without error.
- God’s Word is infallible. It will not lead you astray.
- God’s Word is sufficient. It is all you need.
- God’s Word is complete. Do not add or take away from it.
When you neglect the study of Revelation (or any of the 66 books of the Bible!), you get an incomplete picture of God’s story. Revelation 22:10 reveals, “Then he instructed me, ‘Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near.’” I fear some churches “seal up” prophetic words and do not get the complete truth.
We are commanded by God to explore Revelation, to attempt to understand the meaning of these texts, and to teach the content of this last book of the Bible. Revelation is meant to encourage you, not scare you. The book is not like the opening to a horror movie! In fact, quite the opposite. Jesus says in the first chapter, “Don’t be afraid!” The last book of the Bible provides this answer: How is God going to make everything right?
Sin has far-reaching impacts. Entire people groups can be wiped out because one tyrant with a lot of power is delusional. And we cry out like Habakkuk: “God, fix this now!” Revelation is the story of God making everything right for all eternity. Jesus speaks four times in Revelation 22. Three times, He says, “I am coming soon.” Look at the progression of what He says.
1. Obey My words. (verse 7)
2. Because I have the power of judgment. (verse 12)
3. And it is My rightful place to do so. (verse 16)
4. “I am coming soon!” (verse 20)
What should we do now? We’ll discuss the answer to this question on Sunday. Onward, church!