Believer's Immediate Responses to Christ's Return (Revelation 22:6-12)
This sermon delves into the concluding verses of the Book of Revelation, bringing its grand prophetic narrative to a close. It offers a profound reflection on how the anticipated return of Jesus Christ should fundamentally shape the life of every believer.
This sermon explores Revelation's epilogue, emphasizing that Christ's imminent return demands immediate obedience, worship, proclamation, and service from believers. It is a call to live with urgency and holiness in light of eternal realities.
Overview
The sermon begins by placing Revelation 22:6-12 as the epilogue to the entire book of Revelation, signifying the culmination of God's glorious purposes. It reaffirms the truthfulness of all John has seen and heard, underscoring that these prophecies are faithful and true. The central theme of this concluding passage, and indeed the entire book, is the imminent return of Jesus Christ, highlighted by the repeated declaration, "Behold, I am coming quickly."
The preacher elaborates on the New Testament's consistent emphasis on Christ's imminent return, explaining that early believers lived in constant anticipation without a fixed timetable. This imminence, which means Christ could return at any moment, demands four immediate responses from Christians. The first response is immediate obedience, which involves heeding and guarding the words of this prophetic book.
The second response is immediate worship, as demonstrated by John's overwhelming reaction to the revelation and the angel's directive to "Worship God" alone. This deep adoration is a fitting response to the grand scope of God's plan. Following this, the third response is immediate proclamation; the words of this prophecy are not to be sealed up but spread, as they either fix one's destiny in righteousness or amplify unrepentant sin.
Finally, the sermon calls for immediate service, motivated by the understanding that Christ's return includes rewards for believers based on their works of eternal value. These rewards are not about status but about an increased capacity for worship and service in the eternal state. Ultimately, Revelation is presented not as a source of curiosity or elaborate charts, but as a profound motivation for godly living and earnest witness.
Key points
- Revelation 22:6-12 serves as the epilogue, confirming the absolute truth and imminent fulfillment of all prophecies in the book.
- The phrase "Behold, I am coming quickly" is repeated to emphasize the urgency and unexpectedness of Christ's return, not its speed.
- The New Testament church consistently believed in the 'imminence' of Christ's return, meaning He could come at any moment, which shaped their daily lives.
- Believers are called to immediate obedience, which involves heeding and guarding the words of Revelation, translating to a life of holiness and zeal for the lost.
- Immediate worship of God alone is the appropriate response to the overwhelming majesty and truth of the revelation, as John was instructed by the angel.
- The message of Revelation must be immediately proclaimed, as it serves to fix eternal destinies, leading to either greater righteousness or deeper wickedness.
- Immediate service is required because Christ brings rewards based on works of eternal value, motivating diligent action in anticipation of the judgment seat.
In John MacArthur's words
“Revelation is not entertainment. It is not high-class fascination. It is motivation to live a godly life.”
“The imminent return demands immediate obedience.”
Outline
- I. The Epilogue of Revelation (Revelation 22:6-12)
- A. The Purpose of the Epilogue: Wrap-up and Confirmation
- 1. All of God’s purposes have been attained; the eternal state is present.
- 2. Parallels between the prologue and epilogue bracket the book's heart.
- B. The Imminence of Christ’s Return
- 1. Repeated declaration: “Behold, I am coming quickly” (Revelation 22:7, 12, 20).
- 2. The term “quickly” (tachu) means speedily, hastily, or soon; also unexpectedly, like a thief.
- 3. New Testament belief in imminence: Jesus could come at any time, even in their lifetime.
- a. 1 Corinthians 1:7: Eagerly awaiting the revelation of Jesus Christ.
- b. 1 Corinthians 4:5: Live in expectation until the Lord comes.
- c. 1 Corinthians 16:22: “Maranatha” – an Aramaic watchword for “the Lord comes.”
- d. Philippians 3:20: Eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
- e. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10: Turned to God to wait for His Son from heaven.
- f. 1 Thessalonians 4:15: Some believers may be alive at His return.
- g. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12: Warnings against idleness due to preoccupation with His return.
- h. Titus 2:12-13: Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of Christ Jesus.
- i. James 5:7-9: Be patient, for the coming of the Lord is near; the Judge is at the door.
- j. 1 John 2:28; 3:2: Abide in Him, so we may have confidence when He appears.
- 4. God reinforces this reality: it’s coming soon, live in the light of its nearness.
- C. Heavenly Confirmation of Truth (Revelation 22:6)
- 1. Angel states, “These words are faithful and true,” affirming the entire apocalypse.
- 2. Revelation comes from God, the God of the spirits of the prophets, making it equally inspired and literal.
- 3. God’s prophetic record is perfect; what is written will happen exactly as stated.
- II. The Believer’s Immediate Responses to Christ’s Imminent Return
- A. Immediate Obedience (Revelation 22:7)
- 1. Christ is the speaker: “Behold, I am coming quickly.”
- 2. The sixth beatitude: “Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.”
- 3. Heeding means to keep, hold fast, guard, and obey the words.
- 4. Obedience applies to the commands in Revelation 2-3 and the overall spirit of the book.
- 5. Living in the light of the second coming means: loving Christ more, disconnecting from the perishing world, longing for heaven, and witnessing to the lost.
- 6. Revelation’s purpose is motivation for godly living, not curiosity or eschatological charts.
- B. Immediate Worship (Revelation 22:8-9)
- 1. John’s overwhelming response: he fell down to worship the angel.
- 2. The angel’s correction: “Do not do that. I am a fellow servant… Worship God.”
- 3. Worship of God alone is a continuous theme throughout the book of Revelation.
- C. Immediate Proclamation (Revelation 22:10-11)
- 1. Command: “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.”
- 2. This message is for Christians (blessing) and for producing obedience and worship.
- 3. Proclamation fixes eternal destiny: those who do wrong will do more wrong; those who are righteous will be more righteous.
- 4. Rejecting God’s warnings sets one’s character in an eternal mold of increasing wickedness.
- 5. Preaching Revelation is an instrument of salvation or damnation; men need to be ready.
- D. Immediate Service (Revelation 22:12)
- 1. Christ’s declaration: “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”
- 2. Believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) to receive rewards.
- 3. Works will be tested by fire; only gold, silver, and precious stones (works of eternal value) will survive (1 Corinthians 3:9-15).
- 4. Rewards are believed to be capacities for worship, service, and joy, not crowns or status.
- 5. We serve diligently to receive a full reward (2 John 8) and to honor Him at His coming.
- III. Conclusion: Dedication to Obedience, Worship, Proclamation, and Service
Scripture references
- Revelation 22:6-12
- Revelation 21:9
- Revelation 22:1
- Revelation 21:5
- Revelation 19:11
- Revelation 22:16
- Revelation 22:18-19
- Revelation 1:1
- Revelation 1:3
- Revelation 1:11
- Revelation 2:5
- Revelation 2:16
- Revelation 3:3
- Revelation 3:11
- Revelation 4
- Revelation 5
- Revelation 6
- Revelation 7
- Revelation 10:11
- Revelation 14:12
- Revelation 15
- Revelation 16:15
- Revelation 19
- Revelation 19:10
- Revelation 20
- Revelation 21
- Revelation 22:5
- Revelation 22:20
- 1 Corinthians 1:7
- 1 Corinthians 4:5
- 1 Corinthians 16:22
- Philippians 3:20
- 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
- 1 Thessalonians 4:15
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
- Titus 2:12-13
- James 5:7-9
- 1 John 2:28
- 1 John 3:2
- 2 Peter 3:11
- 2 Peter 3:14
- John 14:15
- John 14:21
- John 14:23
- John 15:10
- 1 John 2
- 1 John 5
- 2 Corinthians 5:10
- 2 Corinthians 5
- 1 Corinthians 3:9-15
- 1 Corinthians 4:5
- 2 John 8
- Isaiah 46:9-10
- Daniel 8:26
- Daniel 12:4-10
- Matthew 17
- Matthew 25:10
- Luke 13:25
- Hebrews 1:14
- 1 Timothy 6:20
- 2 Timothy 1:13-14
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
+ 3 more verses — Read Revelation of John 22 in full context →
9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
+ 9 more verses — Read Revelation of John 4 in full context →
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
+ 12 more verses — Read Revelation of John 5 in full context →
1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
+ 15 more verses — Read Revelation of John 6 in full context →
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
+ 15 more verses — Read Revelation of John 7 in full context →
11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
+ 6 more verses — Read Revelation of John 15 in full context →
15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
+ 19 more verses — Read Revelation of John 19 in full context →
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
+ 13 more verses — Read Revelation of John 20 in full context →
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
+ 25 more verses — Read Revelation of John 21 in full context →
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
Insights
Believers are called to an eager anticipation of Christ's return.
Worship is the only appropriate response to God's ultimate plan.
Our actions now echo into our eternal destiny.
Questions & answers
What is the primary message of Revelation 22:6-12 in this sermon?
This passage serves as the epilogue to Revelation, confirming the truth of its prophecies and emphasizing that Jesus Christ's imminent return demands immediate responses of obedience, worship, proclamation, and service from believers.
Why does the sermon stress the phrase 'I am coming quickly'?
The phrase 'I am coming quickly' is repeated to underscore the urgency, soonness, and unexpected nature of Christ's return. It calls believers to live in constant readiness, rather than focusing on the speed of His arrival.
What does it mean for believers to 'heed the words of the prophecy of this book'?
Heeding means to keep, guard, and obey the entire spirit of Revelation. This translates into loving Christ more, seeking holiness, longing for heaven, witnessing to the lost, and living a life motivated by His coming glory.
Why did John attempt to worship the angel, and what was the angel's response?
John, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the revelation, collapsed in worship before the angel. The angel immediately corrected him, stating he was a fellow servant and directing John to 'Worship God' alone, emphasizing that only God is due worship.
What is the significance of the command 'Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book'?
This command means the message of Revelation is not to be hidden but widely proclaimed. Proclaiming these truths has a profound effect, as it helps to fix people's eternal destinies, either confirming them in righteousness or hardening them in wickedness.
What kind of reward does Christ bring for believers when He returns?
Christ brings eternal rewards based on works done in the body that have eternal value. These rewards are understood not as status, but as an increased capacity for worship, service, and joy in the eternal state.
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