Back to the Future (Part 23)

In the last chapter of Revelation were hear three voices encourage and instruct the readers of this precious book: an angel, the Lamb, and finally the apostle John.  John, the recipient of this letter, pens the epilogue in the form of three points of encouragement and warning.  First, there is always a blessing upon those who are redeemed (14-15).  This is a reoccurring theme in the whole Bible, which goes contrary to the world's teaching.  Those who flee sin and have a hatred toward those actions that displease God, will aways be approved by God; while those who practice sin will never be able to inherit heaven.  Second, John gives us the prayer of the Holy Spirit and the Church.  This one word prayer is always on the lips of the Holy Spirit, and should be on the lips of each blood-bought Christian - "COME!"  This prayer has two purposes: first, to invite the lost to the Living Water.  Second, it is a prayer that invites God's Kingdom to come even now. 

The final word of instruction from John includes a curse that must be understood in light of Deut. 29:19-20.  When a covenant was entered into by two parties, the consequences for not keeping the document and agreement were usually listed at the end of the document.  God has placed a curse upon all those who have disguised themselves as wolves in sheep's clothing in the church.  Any false teacher who adds or takes away from this book and from God's Word will find themselves under God's curse of eternal judgment and separated from His eternal presence.  This warning is directed to anyone who thinks they are bigger than God and choose to deliberately tamper with Scripture and teach false doctrine.  No true believer would ever deliberately tamper with Scripture.  We may mistakenly teach or interpret God's Word, but to knowingly change what God has said into a lie is worthy of God's death penalty.  Never forget, at the beginning of this book we are given a wonderful blessing each time we read and obey it (1:3).  If we daily remember who is in control of our lives and who has the whole world in His hands, then our lives will be less stressful.  Until next time, keep walking close with Christ Jesus.    

Back to the Future (Part 22)

We have been looking at the last chapter of the Bible, written by the apostle John, to Christians around the world.  The final words are words of encouragement to those who are going through great persecution for being a follower of Christ.  Many who read this book are discouraged, hurting, and looking for any sign of hope for the return of Christ.  So it should not surprise us that the last chapter is filled with words of encouragement, from three different sources, to Christian readers living in various stressful times.  The first words came from the lips of an angel in the form of three commands:  Believe in God's true word!  Worship God alone!  Continue living holy lives was you wait for Christ's return! 

The second person to speak and encourage the Christian reader come from the lips of the Lamb, Christ Jesus.  Notice what Jesus has to say to the believer as they live expecting and waiting for God's kingdom to be completed on this earth as it is in heaven.  First, Jesus states that He will always bless the obedient (22:7).  Those who "heed" are those who obey, protect, and guard God's Word in their lives.  If we choose to obey all of God's written word, then there is a continual blessing on those believers.  Second, Jesus emphasises that He is coming quickly (22:7,12-13,20).  The word "quickly" does not mean in a few minutes, but rather implies that the clock has been started, and it cannot be stopped by man or event.  Jesus Christ is coming soon and everything is on course for that event.  Third, Jesus encourages the reader to always remember that He is the author of the book (22:16).  Human nature has a demonic tendency to put the Bible on the same level of any other religious book or secular book written by men.  The Bible has it's origins from the very lips of God, and it is a miracle that He used sinful men, led under the power of the Holy Spirit, to pen the words that He spoke.  If we believe that He wrote this book, then everything in it's pages is complete and true, just like God's own character.  And we have this assurance that if we completely believe and obey Jesus' final instruction to us, then you and I will live out a victorious Christian life and will have less stress as we wait for His return.  Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.