THE WAY THE BIBLE ENDS -- Monday:
"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Rev 22:20-21
What a marvelous way for the Bible to conclude! A promise of Christ's return, and a blessing upon the people. Again, the Lord testifies He is returning. That is a central message in Scripture – something consistently held before the saints. It is not the coming of an antichrist that is the point, but the coming of Jesus. The coming of the "first beast" is important, but the coming of the Lord Jesus is more important. It is essential to comprehend the dangers of the coming of the "second beast," but it is more essential to discern the coming of the Lord. Understanding something of the involvements of the "great harlot" and "Babylon the Great" is important, but to understand the coming of the Lord is more important.
By saying "Surely I am coming quickly," the Savior is emphasizing the suddenness of His return. He will suddenly interrupt the affairs of men, bringing time and history to an abrupt conclusion. It could happen at any moment. Your troubles could be interrupted by the Lord's return! The weaknesses with which you now grapple will suddenly and effectively terminate when the Lord comes.
If you are weighed down with the affairs of this life, Jesus says: "Surely I am coming quickly." If you are being persecuted for righteousness sake, the Lord says: "Surely I am coming quickly." Perhaps you are discouraged in your labors, tempted to think they are in vain. To you, the Lord says: "Surely I am coming quickly." If you are languishing on the bed of sickness, or hindered in frustrating ways, Jesus says: "Surely I am coming quickly."
And how does faith respond to that glorious promise? What does the heart of those fatigued by the battle say to a word like that? What of a wearied Apostle on a lonely Isle, isolated from his brethren? What will he answer to such a Divine affirmation.
Ah, weary soul, hear John's shout reverberate through nearly two thousand years, and let his words be your own. "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" "Amen," meaning, let the promise stand just as it is! That is the way we want it. That is what we long for. We believe what our Lord has said, and will conduct our lives in preparation for His return. "Amen!" We receive the word as stated!
"Even so" – come just that way! Quickly, suddenly, and without announcement! Break through the din of carnal noise, and interrupt the transient things of this world! Come now! Come swiftly! Come surely! Do not hesitate! When the word comes, fly swiftly to the harvest, taking us to Yourself! Bring a sudden end to our troubles! Quickly bring Your reward with You! Conclude the dominance of the wicked, and elevate the saints to their seats of judgement (1 Cor 6:2-3).
Those who are "saved by hope" speak in this manner. They know the return of their Lord will mean the end of all their sufferings and trials, and the beginning of an eternal reign with Christ (2 Tim 2:12).
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Here are the final words of the Bible – the last words to Christ's body, which is the church. They are found in a book many have disassociated from "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." Settle it in your mind, such a word could not be a fitting conclusion for a book devoid of grace. The grace of God has been vividly depicted in the care and sustenance of the church, the overthrow of all of her enemies, and the proclamation of the glory of her future state
Why is it called "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ?" Most of the time, we read of "the grace of God" (24 times). But ten times we read of "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 16:20,24; 1 Cor 16:23; 2 Cor 8:9; Gal 6:18; Phil 4:23; 1 Thess 5:28; 2 Thess 3:18; Phile 25), and one time of "the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess 1:12). It is Christ's grace because He is the Cause and Dispenser of it. He alone has given God the Father a just reason to bless us, lavishing His love and favor upon us. It is ever true, "God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph 4:32). God has been favorably impacted by the death of His Son, and so can you!
As eternity rolls its ceaseless cycles on, God will "show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:7). Throughout eternity, in honor of God and His great salvation through Jesus Christ, the saints will shout: "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb" (Rev 7:10).
In this world, we come to believe and embrace that truth. In the world to come, we will see more fully the grandeur of what we have now known only in part (1 Cor 13:9,12). Just as our vision expands, so will our expressions – and it will all be to the glory of the conquering Lamb. We will both see and say more. We will be more satisfied than we have ever been before – and all because of the "grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is He who satisfied God, destroyed the Tempter, and brought unspeakable joy to us. All praise to Him!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for such a sitting conclusion to "the volume of the book."