“‘Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’ Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Revelation 22:12-15)
What powerful images are conveyed by these words that close the book of Revelation. They provide comfort and hope to believers but serve as a warning to others of the end result of sin and unbelief. They face eternity outside of God’s Kingdom because what they believe and how they live indicate that they are opposed to the tenets of that Kingdom.
Such opposition often is characteristic of the ideals of the United States and most of the nations of the world. Although most nations may claim to pursue freedom from oppression, want, hunger and fear, in practice most rulers and politicians lie because. Invariably those who seize power by force or mob rule, or are elected or appointed to positions of trust, power, and responsibility fall victim to greed, pride, and corruption. For all human efforts, all human striving to produce a peaceful and perfect world have failed and continue to do so. Though successful by worldly standards, the powerful, wealthy, and famous are really losers as long as they ignore God and His Word and forget that He is in control, not them.
True freedom or joy is found not in laws that are designed to foster equality, or promote autonomy and self-determination, or the ability to make free choices. The source of joy and true freedom is found in these closing words of the Book of Revelation: surrender and total submission to God who loves us. He encourages us to remain faithful, to persevere in faith in the midst of persecution, suffering, sacrifice, and loss. God’s outpouring of wrath upon sinful humanity will definitely take place as He says. We need to hold fast to the light of Christ and that vision we have seen of our reward. If we persevere, we will receive blessings and joy beyond what we have ever imagined that will more than make up for what we have lost for the sake of faith in Christ.
Jesus Christ alone has the only true and permanent solution for all the world’s troubles. And He has entrusted that key to us, His church: the gospel of salvation found only in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. May we ever be faithful to uphold and preach this truth.