The Omega (Revelation 22)

Pastor Bob and Janet
May 6, 2018
3 min read

Finality is defined as an irreversible ending. When I think of what things have finality, I can't come up with many. I think of a father's words, "That's it! No more discussion!" However, under one's breath, a disrespectful child could have mumbled more words. A football game may end in a defeat, but there are more games. Some may believe that death is a finality, but the scripture reveals that that certainly is not true. Revelation 22, however, does have an element of finality. It is the Omega. The Omega is the final letter in the Greek alphabet. Jesus calls himself the Omega is Revelation 22. It is he that has the final word in the order of the world. Revelation 22 is the final chapter of God's Word, and Revelation 22 is all about the Omega.

I. The Description of the Holy City

Our faith journey that began in Genesis One will have been turned into reality when we see the Holy City in heaven. Revelation 22 will accomplish what Genesis had intended. The River of Life is flowing from the Throne of God. The Tree of Life is on the banks of the river. Its leaves have healing powers for the nations. Nothing is cursed. There's no rotten fruit or any weeds to pull! The throne of God and of the Lamb is there, and they are being served by the ones whose names are in the Book of Life. God's glory will stamp out any darkness, and their reign will be forever. The Omega has ended a fallen world and he has orchestrated the end in great detail. If he is able to be in such control of the universe, can he not orchestrate the events of your life? Indeed he can and he will when we surrender to his will and way.

II. The Testimony of Christ

In verses 12-16, Jesus himself testifies who he is and how that makes him worthy to give this invitation to believers. He declares that he is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, and the Beginning and the End. He was there at creation, and he is here at creation's end. Those are his credentials, and here is his invitation. Because he is God, he is worthy to admit his followers (those who have washed their robes) into the Holy City. That is the reward for following Christ and not turning away. He also mentions those who are not his followers- those who practice magic, the sexually immoral, murderers, idolators, and those who practice falsehood. For the unbelievers, they will never be allowed in, and according to the previous chapter of Revelation, they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.

III. The Invitation to Come

This invitation it solely to the church- to the ones who have placed their faith in Christ when they were alive on earth. The one who is worthy is able to issue the invitation. Jesus offers the invitation to any who hear, to those who are thirsty, and to those who wish to take the free gift of living water. Finally, Jesus assures us that he is coming soon. Then there is a warning given. This warning displays the finality and truthfulness of the scripture. We are never to add to or take away from the truth of the Word of God. Our command concerning the scripture is to share the truth of God's Word. We are to bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Acts 13:47) and be a witness at home, across our community and nation, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Revelation is a book that is written not to discourage or make believers afraid. It is written to encourage believers to persevere and look forward to our amazing award in eternity. For the unbeliever, look at the cross of Christ, and believe that he died to forgive you of every sin you've ever or will ever commit. We look forward to reigning with Christ in the Holy city. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Come! Amen.