Revelation 22:12-21 – “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.” Notice that this warning applies only to this scroll (Revelation). The principle applies to all of scripture though for the rest of scripture Deuteronomy 4:2 may be a better choice to quote “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.” Another verse is Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. 6 Do not add to his words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” Of course we understand that that we are not to add to God’s Word or take from it. As if God needed editing!
“And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” God’s Word is holy and meant to bring us life, to keep us alive and to steer us away from evil and to keep us living with Him, as in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15-17). God’s Word to Adam was to keep Him safe and from evil and God’s Word to us is likewise to keep us safe and in fellowship with Him and leading us to Eternal Live with Him (2 Timothy 3:16).
The same Word that used to say that if anyone “takes words away from this scroll of prophecy” is also used in stating that “God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City.” That word “aphaireō” means to take away from or to remove from. Now, one cannot take away from, or remove from, something that one did not have. For example, one cannot take a Word from the Bible if that word is not in it. Something cannot be taken from anyone unless someone first has it. This word definitely means to take something from someone that someone already has. The same word is used, with the same meaning of taking away what one has, in Luke 1:25, 10:42, 16:3 and Romans 11:27. Therefore, it seems clear that eternal life is something being taken away.
Revelation 22:14 states that those who have the right to the tree of life are those who are believers, who have had their robes washed, and we know that only happens by believing in Jesus.
“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” Jesus again (Revelation 22:7) Himself gives testimony that the Words in Revelation are true. He then states that He is coming soon (again stating the same as in Revelation 22:7). Family, this our hope, this is what we are looking forward to, for Him to return and take us to be with God forever. Let us keep our hearts, and our minds and our eyes straining for the return of Jesus. He is the reward of our faith. Praise God! Thank you Jesus!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.