Comfort and warning: (22:6-21):
Heaven is more than a destination, it is a motivation. Knowing that we shall dwell in the heavenly city ought to make a difference in our lives here and now. The vision of the heavenly city motivated the patriarchs as they walked with God and served Him (Heb. 11:10, 13-16). Knowing that He was returning to the Father in heaven also encouraged Jesus Christ as He faced the cross (Heb. 12:2).
The Glorious Heaven:
The challenges of every believer: (22:6-12):
The words of the Revelation are true because the Lord sent His angel to John to show what must soon take place. The prophecies recorded by the earlier prophets were literally fulfilled in the book of Revelation.
From (22:7 ff) onwards, the speaker is no longer the angel, but the Lord Jesus Christ. He pronounces the sixth of 7 beatitudes “Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book” (22:7). The challenges for each believer is:
- Guard the prophecy: (22:7a): All believers are called to protect the book of Revelation. It must be defended against those who deny its relevance, against critics who deny its authority and against interpreters who obscure its meaning. For that matter all the Scripture must be guarded or protected as Paul said (1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:13-14). We must not add to the Word of God or take anything from it. And this responsibility is especially great in light of Christ’s return.
- Heed the book:(22:7b): It is command to long for Christ’s return. After reading the book of Revelation, believers must love Christ more and more, seek to be more like Christ, hope for their resurrection bodies and anticipate their eternal rewards. Believers must also understand the fearful judgement awaiting for the un-believer and call them to repentance and saving faith of the Lord Jesus Christ.