READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Revelation 22:12-21 serves as an epilogue to the entire book of Revelation – summarising and echoing key theological convictions.
- “Alpha & Omega” (Rev 22:13, see Rev 1:8)
- “the washed robes” (Rev 22:14a, see Rev 7:14)
- “the tree of life” (Rev 22:14, see Rev 2:7, 22:2)
- “the gates of the city (Rev 22:14b, see Rev 21:21,25)
- “the interpreting angel” (Rev 22:16, see Rev 1:1)
- “the Root of David and the Morning Star (Rev 22:16, see Rev 5:5, 2:28)
- “the Bride” (Rev 22:17a, see Rev 21:9)
- “the water of life” (Rev 22:17b, see Rev 7:17, 22:1)
These converge into four key themes.
1. A Promise to Fulfil (Rev 22:12-15, 16)
- Promise that His Purposes will be accomplished
Jesus declares, “I am the Alpha and Omega” (Beginning and End) at the
o Start of Revelation (1:8),
o Start and end of the Vision (1:17, 21:6),
o Start of the Epilogue (22:13).
The Greek word for ‘beginning’ is ‘arche’ meaning first in the series, the original. This reminds us that Christ is the original design and source of all creation – relationships, sexuality, work, social order. All things were created in Christ, through Christ and for Christ (Colossians 1:16).
The Greek word for ‘end’ is ‘telos’, meaning destiny, purpose. This assures us that Christ has the absolute say; He holds the final purpose and destiny of everything.
Since He is the beginning and the end, all of history is within His knowledge and control. Therefore, we can persevere now to walk in Chirst’s ways, knowing that in the end, His ways will prevail.
- Promise of Reward
Jesus says He will repay “according to everyone’s work” (Rev 22:12), not just in terms of works of righteousness, but of faithfulness.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes” (Rev 22:14) echoes the vision in Rev 7:13–14, where the faithful are described as those who have persevered in righteousness and the sacrificial love of Christ. Jesus Himself enters the final battle wearing a robe dipped in His own blood (Rev 19:13) – a powerful image of victory won through His own sacrifice.
Those who persevere in righteousness will be welcomed into the eternal city and eat from the tree of life (Rev 22:14). The city is Paradise, and they will be in the company of God’s People and enjoy God’s Presence. The tree of life represents perfect communion with God, untouched by sin or temptation.
- Promise of hope in the darkest of times
Jesus calls Himself the bright Morning Star (Rev 22:16). Bob Goudzwaard in Idols of our time, explains that the morning star often appears between two and three at night, when the night is at its darkest. ‘Yet when you see the morning star, you know that the night has been defeated. For the morning star pulls the morning in behind, just as Jesus pulls the kingdom in behind Him.’
In our darkest hours, Jesus calls us to trust and cling on to Him; He is present and will bring the dawn.
2. A Warning to Heed
Jesus also issues warnings:
- Warning of the outcome of persistent rejection of God (v15). Revelation cautions against the mark of the beast (Rev 13:15-18). The beast represents the systems of the world controlled by the Evil One. To have the mark refers to someone who is a slave to the world.
Instead, we are called to bear God’s mark – His name on our forehead (Rev 14:1, 7:3, 3:12) – a sign of a beautiful intimate relationship with God. Let us examine our hearts, repent of any any persistent sin or disobedience and turn to God. Judgement and justice will prevail against the enemies of God.
- Warning against minimizing and manipulating God’s Word (Rev 22:18-19, Deut 4:2, 12:32). Scripture should be represented in its fullness, not selectively for personal gain or purpose.
We must preach and practice the fullness of God’s Word. For example, the preaching of grace must be accompanied by the preaching of repentance. The message of faith cannot be separated from the message of the works of faith. Charity must come alongside piety.
3. An Urgency to Grasp
Three times in Revelation 22, Jesus announces, “I am coming soon”. This shifts the expectation of His return from ‘inevitable to imminent’ and ‘someday to any day’ (Greg Morse, He comes quickly). Paul, Peter and John echoed this urgency.
- “The night is almost gone, the day is at hand…” (Rom 12:11-12)
- “The end of all things is at hand…” (1 Pet 4:7)
- “Children, this is the last hour…” (1 John 2:18)
Why the urgency when Christ has not returned for the past 2000 years?
Urgency does something to our discipleship posture. We are called to be intentional disciples, urgent in the way we walk right with God.
- Come out of darkness, out of the city (Rev 18:4) and into His light. We must urgently lay aside darkness and put on the armour of light (Rom 13:11-14). Light protects and reveals – so that we may see clearly and choose wisely.
- Wake up from spiritual slumber and apathy. We are asked to get ready our lamps (Mat 25:1-13), get dressed in fine linen (Rev 19:8).
- Share and live the gospel! The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.
Hear the clarion call – “One more for Jesus!”
4. An Invitation to Respond
It is significant and beautiful that both the Spirit and the Bride reciprocally say, “Come!”. This is an open invitation to all who are thirsty – to receive the free gift of the water of life (Rev 22:17).
Jesus has paid the price. Peace, comfort, meaning, and purpose are freely available to all who drink this water of life.
Will we respond like the Bride with longing and love, and say, “Come, Lord Jesus”?
(Sermon notes by Stella Chiam)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
a. Read Revelation 22:12-21. What stands out to you? - Recall Sermon
a. What is one imagery which reminds you of what you have learnt in previous chapters of Revelation?
b. What does it mean for Jesus to be the Alpha and Omega? How does that change the way you live or trust in Christ?
c. Jesus is also the Morning Star. How does that comfort or encourage you?
d. What warning did John give to those who are persistent in their rejection of God? How can you apply the warning about how God’s Word is to be treated?
e. What does urgency in the light of Christ’s return mean for you? What is God calling you to do?
f. What are you thirsty for today? What hinders you from coming to Christ to drink of His living water? Will you come? - Relate Personally
a. What is one discipleship lesson you have gleaned from the message? - Commit to Action
a. In what ways is God calling you to act in response to the message?
b. What steps will you take this week to apply the lessons learned from the sermon?
