Revelation 22:6 - Meaning and Application

Here we have a solemn confirmation of this book, and especially of this last vision. Some think it applies not only to the whole book, but to the whole New Testament, and even to the whole Bible, as the closing and confirming of Scripture.

First, this is confirmed by the name and nature of the God who gave these revelations. He is the Lord God, faithful and true, and so are all his words. Second, it is confirmed by the messengers he chose to reveal these things to the world. Holy angels showed them to holy men of God, and God would not use his saints and angels to deceive people.

Third, these things will soon be confirmed by their fulfillment. They are things that must happen quickly. Christ will hasten, he will come soon, and then he will settle every doubt. Then those who have believed and kept his words will prove to be the wise and happy ones.

Fourth, it is confirmed by the honesty of the angel who had guided and explained these visions to John. This angel was so careful for God’s honor that he refused John’s religious worship, and more than once rebuked him for offering it. One who was so zealous for God’s glory would never come in God’s name to lead people into mere dreams and false impressions. It also confirms the honesty of the apostle John that he confesses his own sin and foolishness here, even after falling into it again. By leaving this failure on permanent record, he shows that he is a faithful and fair writer.

Fifth, it is confirmed by the command to leave the book of prophecy open, so all may read it. People could work to understand it, raise objections, and compare the prophecy with events. God deals openly and freely with everyone here. He does not speak in secret, but calls all to witness these words (Revelation 22:10).

Sixth, the book’s effect on people confirms it as well. Those who are filthy and unjust will use it to grow worse, but it will strengthen, confirm, and further make holy those who are upright before God. It will be a fragrance of life to some and of death to others, and so it will show itself to be from God (Revelation 22:12).

Seventh, it will be Christ’s rule for judgment on the great day. He will give rewards and punishments according to whether people’s works agree with God’s word or not. For that reason, the word itself must be faithful and true.

Eighth, it is the word of him who begins, completes, and rewards the faith and holiness of his people (Revelation 22:13, Revelation 22:14). He is the first and the last, the same from beginning to end, and his word is the same as well. By this word he will give his people, who shape their lives by it, a right to the tree of life and an entrance into heaven. That will fully confirm the truth and authority of his word, since it contains the title and proof of that settled holiness and happiness prepared for his people in heaven.

Ninth, this book condemns and shuts out of heaven all wicked and unrighteous people, especially those who love lies and practice them (Revelation 22:15). So it could never itself be a lie.

Tenth, it is confirmed by the testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of prophecy. Jesus, as God, is the root of David, and as man, David’s descendant. In him divine and human greatness meet, and he is far too great and too good to deceive his churches or the world. He is the source of all light, the bright Morning Star, and as such he has given his churches this early light of prophecy, to assure them of the full light of the perfect day that is coming.

Eleventh, it is confirmed by a open invitation to all to come and receive the promises and blessings of the gospel, those streams of the water of life. These gifts are offered to all who feel a thirst in their souls that nothing in this world can satisfy.

Twelfth, it is confirmed by the united witness of the Spirit of God and of that gracious spirit found in all true members of the church. The Spirit and the bride join together in testifying to the truth and excellence of the gospel.

Thirteenth, it is confirmed by a very solemn warning, which condemns and curses anyone who dares to corrupt or change God’s word by adding to it or taking from it (Revelation 22:18, Revelation 22:19). Whoever adds to God’s word brings on himself all the plagues written in this book, and whoever takes away from it cuts himself off from all its promises and privileges. This warning stands like a flaming sword to guard the canon of Scripture from ungodly hands. God set such a fence around the law (Deuteronomy 4:2) and around the whole Old Testament (Malachi 4:4), and now, in the most solemn way, around the whole Bible. This assures us that Scripture is most holy, fully authoritative, and of the highest importance, and that it is under the special care of the great God.