Reading Revelation 22:8-16 A Heavenly Encore and a Final Word
- Thad DeBuhr
- 5 days ago
- 12 min read
Have you ever found yourself so captivated by a powerful speaker, a charismatic leader, or even a celebrated artist, that you begin to elevate them to an almost divine status? It’s a human tendency that stretches back through history, a subtle yet dangerous drift from revering the message to worshipping the messenger. Even John, the beloved disciple, who walked with Jesus, heard His words firsthand, and was given incredible visions of God's future kingdom, succumbed to this temptation. Twice in Revelation, including in the very last chapter we're diving into today (Revelation 22:8-16), John falls at the feet of the angel, ready to worship him. And both times, the angel gives a stern, unwavering rebuke: "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you... Worship God!"
This isn't just an ancient anecdote; it's a timeless warning. If John, so close to the source of divine truth and so committed to Jesus, could still fall prey to worshipping a created being, then anyone can. We see this human inclination throughout history, from ancient peoples deifying their kings and heroes, to cults forming around charismatic leaders who demand absolute devotion. In many cultures, spiritual figures have historically held immense power, sometimes leading to veneration that blurs the lines between respect and idolatry.
Today, this phenomenon manifests in various ways, often subtly within Christian circles. Pastors, especially those who lead mega-churches or have significant media platforms, can unintentionally or intentionally become celebrity figures. Their followers might treat their words as infallible, their presence as more vital than personal communion with God, or their approval as more significant than God's. The focus shifts from the transformative power of Jesus and His Word to the personality, success, or charisma of the individual leader.
Consider some of the wealthiest pastors in the world with massive congregations. While it's not our place to judge hearts, certain indicators can reveal if people are worshipping the messenger rather than Jesus. When immense wealth is flaunted, often through lavish lifestyles, private jets, and opulent residences, it can suggest a focus on earthly kingdom-building rather than the humble servanthood exemplified by Christ. When the pastor's name, brand, or image becomes more prominent than the gospel message itself, or when loyalty to a specific leader or church supersedes devotion to the universal Body of Christ, it's a red flag. Furthermore, if a pastor's sermons consistently revolve around their own experiences, achievements, or interpretations without deeply rooting in biblical truth, it can foster a culture of leader-worship. Signs might also include:
Blind obedience: Following a pastor's every word or instruction without seeking biblical discernment or personal prayer.
Excessive praise: Elevating a pastor's attributes to an almost divine level, or defending their flaws unquestioningly.
Focus on the visible: Being drawn more to the spectacle, production, or personality of the leader than to the spiritual depth of the message.
Isolation: Encouraging followers to cut ties with those outside the immediate church or leader's influence.
The angel's repeated warning to John is a stark reminder: our worship, our ultimate loyalty, our deepest devotion, must be reserved for God alone. The message is paramount, and the messenger is simply a conduit. Let's delve into Revelation 22 and heed this crucial truth.
Setting the stage: Revelation 22:8-16
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving into the very last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22. Specifically, we're looking at verses 8 through 16. If you've been following along in Revelation, you know it's been a wild ride – visions, beasts, angels, and a whole lot of dramatic imagery. Now, as N.T. Wright points out in his book, Revelation for Everyone, we're in the final act, the wrap-up, where John, the guy who saw all these crazy things, is getting some last-minute instructions and reassurances.
Think of it like this: John has just witnessed the grand finale – a new heaven and a new earth, a new Jerusalem, and God making His dwelling with humanity. It's been an overwhelming experience, and understandably, John is feeling a bit awestruck. In verse 8, he tells us, "I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me."
Now, this isn't the first time John has been tempted to worship the angel. Back in Revelation 19:10, he did the same thing, and the angel gave him the exact same warning: "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!" It's a crucial point, and one that scholar John MacArthur often emphasizes: true worship is reserved for God alone. The angel is simply a messenger, a servant, just like John. This repetition is super important. It’s like the angel is saying, "Hey, buddy, remember this? Don't get carried away by the amazing messenger; focus on the amazing message-giver!"
The team at Walkingthetext.com often talks about how ancient cultures revered messengers, sometimes even seeing them as divine. But here, the angel is actively pushing back against that notion, making it crystal clear that all glory belongs to God. This isn't just a polite refusal; it's a profound theological statement.
Then, in verses 10 and 11, the angel tells John, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” This is a contrast to the book of Daniel, where Daniel was told to seal up his prophecies (Daniel 12:4). Why the difference? As Craig S. Keener highlights in his commentaries, Daniel’s prophecies were for a distant future, but Revelation’s are "near." This doesn't necessarily mean tomorrow morning, but rather that the unfolding of God’s plan is now in full swing, moving toward its conclusion. There’s a sense of urgency.
Rabbit Trail #1: "Sealing Up" Prophecy – Daniel's Contrast to Revelation's Urgency
The angel's instruction to John in Revelation 22:10 – "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near" – stands in stark contrast to the command given to the prophet Daniel. In Daniel 12:4, Daniel is told, "But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end." Understanding this difference is crucial for grasping the intended urgency of Revelation.
Daniel's Distant Future: Daniel's prophecies primarily dealt with kingdoms and events that were still centuries away from his time, leading up to the "time of the end." The sealing signified that their full understanding would only become clear as history unfolded and approached God's final culmination. It implied a deferred understanding, intended for a later generation.
Revelation's Imminent Reality: When the angel tells John not to seal Revelation, it emphasizes that these prophecies are not for a distant, theoretical future. While they include ultimate eschatological events (like the New Heaven and New Earth), their message is meant to be proclaimed now. The "time is near" (verse 10) and "I am coming soon!" (verse 12) are not necessarily about literal temporal proximity (i.e., Jesus returning tomorrow), but about the definitive, decisive nature of God's redemptive plan being fully set in motion. The consummation of all things is no longer veiled but revealed, and its implications are immediate for how believers should live.
The Practical Implication for the Audience: For the original churches receiving Revelation, this unsealed prophecy meant it was a living, active message for their present circumstances. It was meant to be read aloud, understood, and applied. It offered encouragement in persecution, warned against compromise, and fueled hope in God's ultimate victory. Unlike Daniel's prophecy, which required a future interpretive key, Revelation was meant to be an immediate call to action and perseverance.
Why this matters today: This "unsealed" nature means Revelation isn't just a book of abstract future predictions to be endlessly debated. It's a revelation (an unveiling) for our time, demanding an urgent response. It calls us to live with an awareness of Christ's sovereignty and coming, impacting our ethics, our evangelism, and our endurance in the face of worldly pressures.
The challenging part about "Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong" isn't a license to sin. Instead, as Wright explains, it’s a stark recognition that at this point, people have made their choices. The time for repentance is now, not later. The lines are drawn, and people are firmly set on their paths. This also hints at the imminence of Christ’s return.
Verses 12 and 13 bring us to the core of the message: "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." This is Jesus Himself speaking, proclaiming His sovereignty and His imminent return. "Alpha and Omega" are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, meaning He encompasses all of existence, from start to finish. He is utterly complete and completely in control.
Finally, in verses 14-16, we get a clear picture of who gets to enter the New Jerusalem and who doesn't. "Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." Washing robes, as Keener notes, is a metaphor for being cleansed of sin through faith in Jesus. Those outside are described as "dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." Strong words, for sure, but they highlight the moral clarity of God's kingdom. And then Jesus reiterates, "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." He's the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of all prophecy, the one who brings light and hope.
Rabbit Trail #2: "Washing Robes" – A Metaphor Rooted in Ancient Ritual, Biblical Purity, and Wedding Garments
Revelation 22:14 states, "Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." This phrase, "washing their robes," is a powerful metaphor with deep roots in ancient Near Eastern culture and significant biblical precedent. Understanding its context illuminates its meaning for purification and entrance into God's presence.
Ancient Purity Rituals: In many ancient cultures, including Israel, literal washing of garments was part of purification rituals before entering sacred spaces or engaging in religious ceremonies. For example, before receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, the Israelites were commanded to "wash their clothes" (Exodus 19:10, 14). This physical act symbolized an inner cleansing and preparation to meet with a holy God.
Biblical Symbolism of White Robes: Throughout the Bible, white or clean robes symbolize righteousness, purity, and salvation. In Revelation itself, those who have been martyred and are in heaven are described as wearing "white robes" (Revelation 7:9, 13-14), explicitly linked to having "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." This ties the concept directly to Christ's atoning sacrifice.
The Wedding Banquet and Proper Attire (Matthew 22:1-14): Jesus' parable of the wedding banquet offers another crucial layer of understanding. In this parable, a king throws a wedding feast for his son. After the initial invited guests refuse to come, the king sends his servants to invite everyone they find, both good and bad, into the feast. However, one guest arrives without the proper wedding clothes (Matthew 22:11-12). The king sees him and says, "Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?" The man is speechless and is then thrown out. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was customary for a host, especially for a royal wedding, to provide appropriate garments for guests who might not otherwise have them. The refusal to wear the provided clothes would have been a deliberate insult to the host. In the parable's spiritual context, the "wedding clothes" represent the righteousness provided by God through faith in Christ. One cannot enter God's kingdom on their own terms or in their own "clothes" of self-righteousness; one must accept the cleansing and covering that God provides. This aligns perfectly with "washing their robes" in the blood of the Lamb – it's accepting God's provision for our purity.
Washing in the Blood of the Lamb: The metaphor isn't about human effort to become pure on our own, but about faith in Jesus's work. The "washing" is not through literal water or self-righteous acts, but through the cleansing power of Christ's blood shed on the cross. It signifies repentance, forgiveness of sins, and being clothed in Christ's righteousness.
Contrast with "Dogs" and Impurity: The contrast in verse 15, listing those "outside" the city as "dogs," "sexually immoral," etc., further highlights the need for purity. "Dogs" in this context refers not to pets, but to scavengers, the ritually unclean, or those considered morally debased. The distinction between "inside" and "outside" is fundamentally about spiritual purity and transformation through Christ.
Why this matters today: "Washing our robes" is not a one-time event (like initial conversion) but also a continuous process of repentance, seeking forgiveness, and living in obedience to Christ. It’s a call to daily spiritual hygiene, acknowledging our need for God's grace to cleanse us from sin, and striving to live lives that reflect the holiness of His kingdom. It reminds us that entrance into God's eternal presence is based on His grace, received through faith, which leads to a transformed life.
There's more to this Reading Revelation 22:8-16 STUDY GUIDE
BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR:
Questions to chew on and discuss (or for your journal)
A Journey Group Discussion Starter (use in your small group time)
Modern Day Application Ideas
Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this study guide? Here you go!
Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss
Why do you think the angel so strongly warned John twice not to worship him, even though John was clearly just overwhelmed by the vision? What does this teach us about who and what we should worship?
The passage says, "Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong." How does this statement, along with the idea of Jesus coming "soon," encourage us to take our faith seriously now?
Jesus identifies Himself as the "Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." What comfort or challenge does this give you in your daily life?
Journey Group Discussion Starter
Verse 15 lists those who won't enter the New Jerusalem. Thinking about this, what are some attitudes or actions that could subtly distance us from Jesus today, even if we're "inside" the church?
Want to learn more about our Journey Groups (Small Groups online or in person)
Modern-Day Application: Go from "reading Revelation" to applying the lessons and principles:
So, how do we apply this incredible passage to our lives right here, right now?
Worship God Alone: This might seem obvious, but it’s a constant battle. Are there things in your life that you give ultimate loyalty or devotion to, instead of God? Maybe it’s your career, your social media presence, or even a particular person. Take some time to truly examine where your worship lies.
Live with Urgency (and Love): The idea that the "time is near" isn't about setting dates for Jesus' return, but about living with a holy urgency. If you truly believe Jesus is coming back, how does that change how you treat people, how you spend your time, or how you share your faith? It means living out your faith, not just waiting for the finish line.
Choose Right, Now: The "let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong" isn't a free pass. It’s a call to choose righteousness today. Every small choice for good, for kindness, for integrity, is a step closer to living out the reality of God's kingdom. As Wright would say, we are to live as though God's new creation has already broken in.
Rest in His Sovereignty: Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. He's got this. In a world that often feels chaotic and out of control, remember that He is the Beginning and the End. This should bring immense comfort and peace.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN
Ready to stop wandering around like a lost sheep (no offense to sheep, they’re just not known for their navigational skills) and start living out your faith with purpose and community? Don't let your spiritual journey be a solo mission! Join a Journey Group today and find friends who are just as excited about understanding the Bible and growing as you are. Go to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about joining one, or even starting your own! We promise, it’s way more fun than trying to figure out Revelation on your own at 3 AM with a flashlight. (Unless that’s your thing, then, by all means, carry on!)
And if you're tired of feeling lost in translation when reading the Bible, swing by YourJesusJourney.com and grab our free resource, "Stop Reading the Bible Wrong: 7 Strategic Shifts that Change Everything." Just click the "Free Gift" button at the top, and we’ll send it your way today.
To learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or learn more about starting one, visit https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups today!"
You can also get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604.
To learn more about YJJ, Thad and Kaila, and Your Jesus Journey, check out our ABOUT US section: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/learn-about-thad-and-kaila-and-the-journey-church-online.
There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at www.YourJesusJourney.com!
BRAND NEW RESOURCE FOR YOU!
Unraveling biblical "end times" can be confusing. This straightforward guide cuts through the noise, explaining various views—from what Jesus taught to early church beliefs—to help you confidently understand prophecy and live faithfully today.
We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!
Comments