Reaching the Finish Line
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Reaching the Finish Line
1. Stay Focused on What Is True
Throughout Revelation, we’ve been warned about deception and falsehood designed to lead us astray. From Satan to the false prophet to Babylon, falsehood stands in contrast to God’s truth. The words of Revelation are described as trustworthy and true, coming directly from God through Jesus, to the angel, to John, and then to us. We are reminded not to doubt or distort this truth but to accept it fully. John, as an eyewitness, confirms the reliability of what he saw and heard, even sharing his own embarrassing moment of attempting to worship the angel. We are called to worship God alone and stay anchored in His truth.
2. Be Faithful and Alert
John is instructed not to seal up the words of this prophecy because the time is near. Unlike in Daniel’s time, when prophecy was sealed for the future, Revelation is to remain open because Christ’s return could happen at any moment. The call is urgent: live faithfully and be alert. Even though it’s been centuries without Jesus' return, that doesn’t diminish the certainty of His promise. We must live as though His return is imminent, preparing ourselves daily. Whether He returns during our lifetime or after, living in readiness is always the best posture.
3. Come to Jesus
There will be a day when the opportunity to turn to Jesus is gone, but today is not that day. We are invited to come and be washed in the blood of the Lamb, granting us access to the tree of life and entry into the holy city. The contrast is clear: those who remain in sin remain outside. All sin separates us from God, but His grace offers us a way back through Jesus’ sacrifice. The invitation extends to everyone—those who are thirsty and desire the water of life may come freely. Now is the time to respond and to invite others to come as well.
4. Revere the Word of God
A stern warning is given against adding to or taking away from the words of Revelation. This is more than a caution to scribes or printers; it’s a command to uphold and honor God’s word as it is. We must not twist Scripture to fit our own preferences or dismiss its teachings. We uphold the truth of Jesus’ deity, His sinless life, His death and resurrection, His return, and the eternal destinies He sets before us. Revering the word means letting it shape us rather than us shaping it to our liking.
5. Long for Jesus’ Return
The book concludes with a strong, repeated reminder: Jesus is coming soon. We are called to live in anticipation and readiness, not to delay in repentance or service. Even if someone tried to “time out” repentance perfectly, they would miss the joy and purpose of living fully for Christ now. We are invited to fix our eyes on Jesus, serve Him, love others, and lay up treasures in heaven. The final call is to live today in such a way that we are prepared to meet Him tomorrow.
The grace of the Lord Jesus is offered to all who believe and receive Him. Confess your sin, trust in His forgiveness, and rest in His promise of salvation and eternal life.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: Reaching the Finish Line
Date: Aug 25, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Revelation 22
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