The Great Invitation

Wes Terry

Broadview

The Millennium • Sermon • Submitted a year ago

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INTRODUCTION

Last words matter. They reveal a lot about our character and our priorities.

Last words are meant to make an impact and leave a lasting impression. We even have the phrase “famous last words.”

Benjamin Franklin: Daughter told him to change position in bed so he could breathe more easily. He replied, “A dying man can do nothing easy.”

Pete Maravich: “Pistol" Pete collapsed during a game. His last words: “I feel great.”

Groucho Marx: “This is no way to live!”

Winston Churchill: “I’m bored with it all.”

Leonardo da Vinci: “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.”

If that’s true for us, how much more so for God’s words. In Revelation 22 we have the last words not only of Jesus but of the entire Bible.

These are words that Jesus wants us to remember so that they might frame how we live in the days preceeding his return.

Is it any surprise that the famous last words of Scripture make up a great invitation for sinners to come and experience salvation?

I’m not surprised by it whatsoever. It’s central to God’s character and heart. Our God has a great evangelistic heart and impulse in all that he says.

This morning we’re going to examine those famous last words and draw out seven final invitations from Jesus to us.

As with most epilogues - the content of this final section is also a great review of the major themes of the entire book.

Read The Text

Revelation 22:6–21 (CSB)

6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown them to me. 9 But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you, your brothers the prophets, and those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”

10 Then he said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. 11 Let the unrighteous go on in unrighteousness; let the filthy still be filthy; let the righteous go on in righteousness; let the holy still be holy.”

12 “Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work. 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, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17 Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.

18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. 19 And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, which are written about in this book.

20 He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone. Amen.

Seven Final Invitations

As you can see from these final words of Jesus out God delights in inviting people to himself. To experience deliverance and salvation in his name.

Our God is a missionary God. He’s always inviting people in.

You can see this theme developed in both Old and New Testaments. (Psalm 66:5-6; 95:1-2; Isaiah 1:18; 55:1-3; Matthew 4:19; 11:28-30; 25:34; Mark 10:21; Revelation 3:20)

To keep with the theme of revelation I want to try and draw out seven invitations from God to his people here at the conclusion of our study of this great book.

These seven invitations are all shaped by the main point of this section which falls under two basic headings: (1) God’s words are reliable and true. (2) Jesus is coming soon.

Be Obedient to the Word of God

Here’s how John begins in verses 6-7.

Revelation 22:6–7 (CSB)

6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

The first invitation is to be obedient to (or keep) the Word of God.

John ends the book of Revelation the same way he started. (Rev 1:1-3)

He establishes Revelation as an authentic prophecy from God.

He establishes a link between God’s blessing and our obedience.

Finally he establishes the nearness of Christ’s return.

First, He establishes God’s Word as dependable and true. God’s words are dependable and true because GOD HIMSELF is dependable and true and he is the one who has inspired the words of this book.

When the Bible speaks, God speaks. The Holy Spirit spoke to and through the servants of God who perfectly recorded what God wanted his people to know. God has chosen to reveal himself through His Word.

Secondly, John establishes a link between God’s blessing and our keeping of his Word.

Did you see that in verse 7? Blessed is the one who “keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

It’s the same blessing that John placed at the beginning of this book. (Rev 1:3) (there it was a blessing on reading and hearing in addition to doing. This time it’s only “doing.” Now that we’re at the end of the book keeping is all that’s left to do!)

God’s blessing on your life is attached to your keeping of his Word. Blessing and keeping always go together.

(There’s a blessing in hearing. There’s a blessing in speaking. But the greatest blessing is on keeping or doing the good as revealed by our heavenly Father.”)

Finally He establishes the nearness of Christ Return. What is the motivation for keeping God’s Word? It’s the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Since Jesus is coming soon we ought to commit ourselves to keeping his Word. It’s a central theme of the entire book of Revelation.

More Than Just “Doing”

Notice also the word “keep” and not just the word “obey.” I think the word obedience is fine to covey John’s meaning but keeping entails more than obeying the commands of Scripture.

To keep God’s Word means to have your mind shaped by it’s truth. Having your worldview formed by the worldview of the Bible. Having your mind shaped into the mind of Christ.

Listen to this quote, “Scripture is not a passive cadaver, waiting for curious medical students to dissect it in their quest for information. It is a living, double-edge sword that proceeds from the mouth of the triumphant Son of Man and pierces the thoughts and intents of our hearts. It is a hammer that shatters, a seed that grows, rainfall that never returns to its Giver without accomplishing the mission on which he sent it. Scripture has a job to do in us.” (Dennis Johnson, Triumph of the Lamb)

Be True In Your Worship of God

The second invitation is in verses 8-9.

Revelation 22:8–9 (CSB)

In verses 8-9 we’re given an invitation to be true in our worship of God.

It’s a bit humorous that John gets so wrapped up in this vision that he falls down at the feet of the angel who is speaking to him and begins to worship the angel.

This isn’t he first time John has made this mistake. He did the same thing a few chapters earlier. (Rev 19:10)

Then and now the angel rebukes him and tells John to get up and worship God instead.

Why is John mentioning this again here at the end of the book? It’s because who or what we worship is a major theme of Revelation.

Who or what your worship determines everything else about you.

All of life is worship. Everybody worships something because we were born worshippers.

You can choose to worship the true God of the universe through the exaltation of Jesus Christ. Or, you can exchange the true worship of God with a lie. False worship. Doctrines of demons.

It’s one or the other. Nobody worships nothing.

Good But Not Ultimate

It’s easy enough to not worship “bad things” but here John is worshipping a “good thing” that isn’t the ultimate thing. That’s still idolatry.

There are probably not many people in this room who are worshipping Satan or bowing down to wooden idols in their home. More likely our worship is grounded in the American Dream of wealth, health and influence.

Some men will worship their jobs and influence in the work place.

Some women will worship the safety and security of their children and sacrifice all else to preserve those things.

Some young people will worship being accepted by their peers and make sacrifices to ensure their popularity.

Some worship pleasure. Some worship pain. Some worship themselves. Everybody is worshipping something.

The most seducing forms of idolatry are also the most subtle. It usually happens slowly, over time. Gradually - sometimes without our awareness - God is no longer the most important reality in our life. Something or someone else takes his place.

God’s Kindness & Our Repentance

Notice also the kindness of God in his rebuke of John. Remember, John had already make this mistake a few chapters earlier.

The Lord - through this angel - doesn’t rebuke him in a way that utterly destroys John. It’s actually pretty gentle given the circumstances. (I know guys who if you make the same mistake twice they get pretty hot!)

It’s a reminder of God’s kindness in dealing with our idolatry. He is so patient. He waits for us to come to our senses and always holds out an open arm to receive us when we finally wake up. He’s such a good father.

Be Public With the Truth of God

The third invitation is in verse 10. Revelation 22:10

Revelation 22:10 (CSB)

10 Then he said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near.

Interestingly, this is the exact opposite of what God tells the prophet Daniel when he received HIS prophecy. (Dan 12:4 “But you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal the book until the time of the end...”)

Here, Jesus is saying the opposite. Why? Because we’re invited to be PUBLIC with the Truth of God. Specifically, the truth about Christ’s return.

What’s the motivation for this “coming out of the closet?” It’s the nearness of Christ’s return.

It’s an encouragement for us - during this World Missions Emphasis - to get the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Where it isn’t known, make it known!

We dare not silence the Word of God by our disobedience, indifference, laziness, greed or neglect. We must preach it and teach it faithfully.

Time is Running Out

Why? Because there’s coming a time when the opportunity to respond to the Gospel will be no more.

Revelation 22:11 (CSB)

11 Let the unrighteous go on in unrighteousness; let the filthy still be filthy; let the righteous go on in righteousness; let the holy still be holy.”

It’s the same thing God told Daniel in Daniel 12:10

Daniel 12:10 (CSB)

10 Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.

A day is coming when change will no longer be possible. It’s true in a general sense but it’s also true for you, personally. It’s true for us, as a church, called to live on mission.

Souls are at stake. Eternal destinies are in the balance. Eventually, one’s character will be forever fixed in a final condition. Some fixed in a wicked state in hell. Other fixed in a holy state in heaven.

Be Prepared for the Judgment of God

The fourth invitation is in verses 12-13.

Revelation 22:12–15 (CSB)

12 “Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work. 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, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.

The fourth invitation is to be prepared for the judgment of God. Christ is coming soon and when he arrives so also does the day of our judgment.

When Jesus talks about his “reward” or “recompense” it’s talking about wages or payment for the work that someone has done.

You’ve heard the phrase, “payday someday.” It’s true. Whatever a person sows, that’s what they’re going to reap. You reap what you sow, greater than you sow and later than you sow.

We prepare ourselves for “that day” by how we live in “these days.”

Did you notice the blessing in verse 14, “blessed are those who wash their robes...” This is the only time that word is used in a present tense active voice.

In other words, it’s not just talking about the act of “justification” that happens to us, by God, when we repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

We’re talking about the ongoing work of sanctification that happens progressively in our life as we surrender to the work of the Spirit and are transformed into the image of Christ.

Washing your robe entails perseverance in your faith and rejecting compromise and temptation (like the 7 churches). It’s a long obedience in the same direction.

How you live in the here and now matters to God. We’re not saved BY our works but our works give evidence of our salvation.

If there is not transformed life then there’s no evidence of Christ’s presence in your heart!

Dirty Robes = Dogs Outside

The consequences of a life without Christ are described in verse 15.

Revelation 22:15 (CSB)

15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

Outside of what? Outside the city gates! Outside of heaven. The consequences of being “unprepared” for the day of judgement is being cast out of God’s presence for ever.

Either you are saved by Christ and give evidence of that salvation through your transformed life. Or you reject that cleansing and are left outside God’s Holy City with the rest of those who want nothing to do with Jesus Christ.

John describes them as “dogs.” Not because dogs don’t go to heaven (they might!) but because dogs were an OT euphemism for “godless people.” Rejecters of God and his truth.

(In Deut 23:17-18 it’s used of male prostitutes;

of the heathen in Matthew 15:22ff

and the Judaizers by Paul in Phil 3:2)

Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ

That leads me to the fifth invitation which has been building all along but found explicitly in verses 16-17.

Revelation 22:16–17 (CSB)

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17 Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.

The fifth invitation is simply to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Hear his invitation and accept it. Drink from the living water. Receive him into your life.

Notice these titles that Jesus is assigning to himself.

The root and descendant of David.

The bight and morning start.

The Alpha and Omega,

The first and the last,

The beginning and the end.

The Christology of the book of Revelation is just breathtaking! I wish I had time to develop each of these titles (maybe next week!)

Jesus is making explicit that this invitation is coming FROM HIM. It’s a personal invitation for a personal relationship with the creator of the universe.

The Titles of Jesus

The root (meaning he came before King David) and the descendent (meaning he’s the rightful heir of David’s throne). It’s a statement of his kingly status and his divine status.

When he says he’s the Alpha and Omega, first and last, beginning and end (Rev 22:13) he’s not just addressing his eternality.

The words “beginning and end” speak to something way beyond that. It’s the greek words “arche” and “telos.” Those are philosophically dense words.

The word “arche” conveys the idea of the source or origin from which something comes. In English we have the word “archetype.” It’s the “ideal” or “perfect” representation of a thing.

Jesus is using it in that sense. All of creation begins in him and flows from him and in their idealized state point right back to him.

The word “end” is the Greek word “telos.” We have the study of teleology or the study of the final design or purpose of a thing.

If I asked you “what is the end of a pencil” what would you say? The tip? The eraser? Neither! The end of a pencil is “to write.” Pencils are made for writing. Food is made for eating. Cars are made for driving. That is their telos. That which something was made for. The perfected or finalized state of a thing.

Jesus is also saying THAT of himself. He is the “end” of all things. Meaning all things exist FOR HIM. All things were created BY HIM but also all things were created FOR HIM. Jesus is the final destination towards which all of history will end.

Romans 11:36 “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.”

Bright Morning Star

Finally, the last title Jesus assigns to himself in verse 16 is “the bright and morning star.”

Isn’t it interesting that the last title Jesus gives to himself in the Bible isn’t King of Kings or Lord of Lords. It’s “Bright Morning Star.”

The reference to the “bight morning star” is a reference to the brightest star in the middle of the darkest night. (usually Venus)

It begins to appear when night is the darkest and the star shines SO BRIGHTLY that it’s the only thing you can see when the dawn finally comes.

Usually when you first see the morning star there’s still about 4-5 hours of night left. But the presence of the morning star signifies that the time of the night is about to end.

Jesus is assigning that truth to himself. The night ended at the resurrection of Jesus and it’s just a matter of time until the night finally disappears and all that’s left to see is the beautiful face of Jesus.

The Great Invitation

This is who invites you into a personal relationship with himself. Jesus! The alpha and omega, first and the last, beginning and end, root and descendent of David and the bright morning star.

No wonder everybody else joins in on the chorus.

The Spirit and the Bide = the NT Church

The one who hears = Believers

Let the one who is thirsty, come.

If you have a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy let that wake you up to the fact that you were made for something and someone who is not FROM this world but from a world that is to come.

The only way to satisfy that thirst and quench that desire is to repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Heed the Warning Of God

The sixth invitation is an invitation to heed God’s warning. Revelation 22:18-19

Revelation 22:18–19 (CSB)

We don’t have time to delve into this warning but it’s a warning against perverting God’s word.

God’s words are not just for keeping and preaching they’re also to be perfectly preserved because they contain truth without any mixture of error.

Certainly this warning applies to the content of the book of Revelation but it has a wider application as well.

No true believer would ever tamper with the words of Scripture. Which implies that many today who “profess” faith in God don’t actually believe in the God of the Bible but rather the God they’ve fashioned for themselves by picking and choosing the parts of the Bible they want to believe.

In fact, a person’s response to the Word of God (especially the difficult parts that you wish you could add or subtract from) is a great indication of whether they belong to God.

Believers love the Word. Unbelievers hate the Word.

Believers obey the Word. Unbelievers disobey the Word.

Believers receive the Word. Unbelievers reject the Word.

What does your relationship with God’s Word say about you.

Pray for Christ Return

The last invitation is given in the final verses of the book. Revelation 22:20-21

Revelation 22:20–21 (CSB)

20 He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone. Amen.

The final invitation of Revelation is for God’s people to pray for Christ’s return.

Not only do they pray that Jesus will come. But also that God’s grace would sustain his people until that day comes.

Some people ready verse 20 and scoff because these words were written close to 2,000 years ago.

How can Jesus be “coming soon” when so much time has passed? (Did Jesus, Paul and John all get it wrong or does “soon” mean something other than we think it does?)

Throughout Scripture there’s a tension. There’s a sense that Jesus is coming soon. There’s also a sense that Jesus may tarry in his coming as.

When you put Jesus’ second coming on the timeline of God’s creation of this world, his choosing of Abraham and dealings with the nation of Israel, the incarnation of Jesus and the commissioning of the church - the second coming of Jesus could fit in the category of “soon.”

Why does he delay? 2 Peter 3:9

2 Peter 3:9 (CSB)

9 The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

We cannot disagree with Jesus’s reasons for being patient. It’s a call for us as his bride to continue saying to the world, “Come!”

We cry out to Jesus, “Maranatha, Lord, come!”

We cry out to the nations, “Come to Jesus as Lord.”

God did not make a mission for his church. He created a church for his mission.

The question is, will we be a people who take Jesus up on his invitation?

Conclusion

From the moment sin entered history, God has been on a rescue mission to save sinners. He displays his glory through the salvation of people from every nation, every tribe, every tongue and every language.

The invitation at the end of this book is the same invitation that stands in front of us this morning. What will we do in response?