Bible Studies

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The Letters
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 – Reaping Holy Rewards

Key Verses: (NIV)

• 12: "Behold! I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done." – In John's epilogue he summarizes the promise of eventual return of Christ. There is a reward system in place for the faithful who continuously strive to follow the path of righteousness that God has laid before them.
  
  
• 14: "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the gates into the city." – This is one more 'beatitude' for us to ponder. Washing our robes is accomplished through the full repentance of our sins and a knowledge that they have been forgiven and forgotten.
  
  
• 17: "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." – The church of Christ combined with the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, invite all to come and drink of the promise that leads to eternal life.
  
  
• 20-21: "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes. I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. ²¹The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." – A benediction of hope and a promise for all who believe.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Is there a Holy reward system? Are our actions and deeds being closely scrutinized? Are we earning bonus points, frequent flyer miles, or valuable coupons from the good works we perform in life? Will there be an opportunity to turn in our "Redemption Coupons" for a better seat in heaven? Will there be an accounting where Christ will evaluate how our lives have measured up? If so, how does Grace fit into the picture? Where is the promise of forgiveness and the blotting out from memory those sins we have repented? Is it possible that salvation is assured through our faith, but where we sit in the royal chambers of heaven is determined by our deeds?¹
  
  
• Have you been washed and made clean? Do you understand the differences between justification and sanctification? Do you see that you have been made right with God, justified, once and for all time by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? However, do you also realize that as you live your life you are being helped along through a process of purification or sanctification that grows you into the disciple God wants you to be? Are you allowing Jesus the privilege of purifying you through each step of your faith journey? Are you becoming more like Him each day of your life? Are you being washed and made clean?
  
  
• Are you saying 'Come?' In the midst of these final passages from John, in a section rich with promise and hope, do you see your role in the building of the kingdom being spelled out? The church, the people of Christ, is the bride. John simply states that the church, inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, is to openly and actively invite everyone to hear the message and promise of eternal life available in Christ Jesus? Who have you invited? When was the last time you said "Come?" Are you fulfilling your ministry in order that "whoever is thirsty… and whoever wishes, (can) take the free gift of the water of life?"
  

Promises of the Gospel:

These closing verses of the Bible provide us with one last view of the Gospel; one last image of who Christ is and what we as Christians are called to do. 'Blessed are those who believe in Christ for their reward is great.' Through our faith we are made holy creatures of God and will bask in His presence for eternity. With the Holy Spirit guiding the way, we, the Church, become Christ-like, doing and performing the good works in life that He would have us perform. And, with His promise of eternal life deep within our hearts, we turn outward to the world, inviting and teaching that His promise is available to everyone who seeks His thirst-quenching love.

¹"A Life God Rewards – Why Everything You Do Today Matters Forever," Bruce Wilkinson with David Kopp, published by Multinomah Publishers, Inc, 2002.

FUMC Devotionals

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