March 30: A MESSAGE TO MANKIND
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20
He who testifies… The testimony of Jesus—in its entirety—is trustworthy beyond all question. Here, He reminds us for the very last time of His certain return. It is interesting that today’s declaration is His sixth such statement in Revelation, the book of sevens. The number six is man’s number. When our world was made, man was created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:27-31). Christ’s six declarations of His coming are: 1:7; 3:11; 16:15; 22:7; 22:12; & 22:20.
The book of Revelation brings us the conclusion of the story that began in Genesis: a story of six “thousand-year days” (2 Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:4); a story of man’s opportunity to choose for himself where to place his loyalty, either to Christ or Satan. The story of fallen man will not continue forever. Revelation unambiguously lays out the denouement of the entire narrative, and the final chapter is racing to its close.
Notice that the end is never actually reached in the book. Each vision given to John is presented in a literary strategy that progresses to the point of the anticipated conclusion; then the next vision circles back around to another series of progressive revelations of fallen earth’s history and/or heaven’s activity for the salvation of man, all amid Satan’s efforts to mislead and deceive God’s beloved people. John’s visions are exactly what is necessary to lay out prophecy to emphasize man’s opportunity to make right choices. God’s involvement throughout is evident: the letters (2&3), the inauguration of the risen Lamb (4&5), the opening of the seven seals and the sealing of God’s people for “battle” (6-8:1), seven trumpet judgments that are redemptive (8:2-11), the “flyover” of the history of the controversy between Christ and Satan (12), the development of Satan’s coercive worldwide organization which builds upon visions found in Daniel (13), the spiritual “military units” standing with Jesus, ready for the end-time battles that accompany the delivery of the three angels’ messages to the world (14), seven bowl judgements that are punitive (15&16), a closer look at the pre-advent judgments of God’s enemies that will fall, revealing a final window of mercy to escape these judgments (17&18), the sound of Heaven’s host in celebratory anticipation of the wedding supper that is soon to take place in Heaven (19:1-10), Jesus and His army of angels coming to rescue His betrothed, leaving those who chose to stay in Babylon as food for birds (19:11-21), Satan bound and left to roam a deserted earth for a thousand years, resurrection of the wicked dead, Satan continuing with his same old, deceptive ways, final judgment executed (20), the earth made new plus a description of God’s Holy City that is to ultimately settle upon the earth (21), and a recap of essential reminders (22).
Many have accepted parts of the Bible while rejecting other parts. Paul implored his hearers not to delay placing their complete, unreserved loyalty and trust in God. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2b). Beloved, do not delay. It is your enemy who is working feverishly to detain and delay you. John’s gospel account includes these words from the lips of our Master Teacher:
“And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.” John 14:29