The Revelation

Even So, Come, Lord Jesus
Lesson 39 Bobby Stafford

Even So, Come, Lord Jesus

Introduction — Revelation 22:12–21
Revelation closes with Christ’s sure promise, a universal invitation, and a solemn warning. These final words steady persecuted saints and summon every hearer to faithful obedience and living hope.

Christ’s Promise and Identity

“I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work” (Revelation 22:12). The risen Lord identifies Himself as “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (22:13). He sees, He knows, and He repays. For the churches crushed by Rome, this assured judgment meant courage; for all believers, it anchors daily holiness in the certainty of Christ’s reign and return.

Blessed Access to the City

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14). Obedient faith receives restored access to life with God, pictured as entering the holy city and eating from the tree of life once barred in Eden. This blessing belongs to those whose robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb and who keep His word with steadfast endurance (Revelation 7:14; 2:10).

A Clear Boundary at the Gates

“Outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie” (Revelation 22:15). Heaven is pure and holy. The list warns against settled allegiance to sin and deceit. The Lamb’s book holds the names of the faithful; unrepentant rebellion forfeits entrance (Revelation 21:27).

The Lord of Scripture and the Son of David

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). Jesus is both source and fulfillment—David’s Lord and David’s Son (Acts 2:29–36). His word to the churches is divine testimony, binding and true.

The Great Invitation

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). The Holy Spirit invites through the revealed word, and the church echoes the call. Thirsty souls find living water without price (John 7:37; Isaiah 55:1). Every disciple who has heard is commissioned to pass along the invitation.

A Solemn Guard on the Word

“If anyone adds to these things… If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy…” (Revelation 22:18–19). The Lord places His seal on Scripture. Tampering with the message incurs judgment and forfeits inheritance. Reverent submission protects both doctrine and hope.

A Closing Prayer for Readiness

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). The church answers promise with prayer. Grace sustains vigilance: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (22:21).

Even So, Come, Lord Jesus Sermon Outline:

• Text and Theme: Revelation 22:12–21 — Promise, invitation, and warning.

• I. Christ’s Sure Promise (Revelation 22:12–13)

  • Coming quickly; reward according to works.

  • Alpha and Omega; sovereign Judge and Shepherd.

   

• II. Blessed Access (Revelation 22:14)

  • Obedient faith; robes washed; right to the tree of life (Revelation 7:14).

  • Entrance through the gates; covenant home.

   

• III. The Boundary of Holiness (Revelation 22:15; 21:27)

  • Sins that exclude; love of truth that preserves.

  • Names written in the Lamb’s book of life.

   

• IV. Jesus, Son of David and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16; Acts 2:29–36)

  • Root and Offspring of David; Messianic fulfillment.

  • Testimony sent to the churches.

   

• V. The Universal Invitation (Revelation 22:17; Isaiah 55:1; John 7:37)

  • Spirit and bride say, Come; the church repeats the call.

  • Thirst quenched by the water of life.

   

• VI. Guarding the Revelation (Revelation 22:18–19)

  • No adding, no taking away; reverent submission.

  • Hope protected, inheritance secured.

   

• VII. Prayer and Readiness (Revelation 22:20–21; 2 Peter 3:10)

  • “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

  • Grace for watchfulness and faithfulness.

   

Call to Action
Open your heart to the Lord’s promise and invitation. Come in obedient faith, be washed in the blood of the Lamb, and walk in His commandments with steadfast hope. Keep His word without alteration. Pray, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus,” and live ready for His appearing—faithful unto death, assured of the crown of life.

Key Takeaways

• Christ comes with reward according to works (Revelation 22:12).

• Obedient faith grants access to the tree of life and the city (Revelation 22:14).

• Unrepentant sin excludes from the holy city (Revelation 22:15; 21:27).

• Jesus is David’s Root and Offspring, the Morning Star (Revelation 22:16; Acts 2:29–36).

• The Spirit and the bride invite all who thirst to come (Revelation 22:17).

• Scripture must be received without adding or taking away (Revelation 22:18–19).

• The church prays and lives in readiness: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20; 2 Peter 3:10).

Scripture Reference List

• Revelation 22:12–21 — Promise, invitation, warning, and benediction.

• Revelation 7:14 — Robes washed in the blood of the Lamb.

• Revelation 21:27 — Only those in the Lamb’s book enter the city.

• Acts 2:29–36 — Jesus enthroned as David’s promised Son.

• Isaiah 55:1 — Water of life freely offered.

• John 7:37 — “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.”

• 2 Peter 3:10 — The day of the Lord comes as a thief.

• Revelation 2:10 — Be faithful unto death; receive the crown of life.

• Revelation 14:13 — Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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