Read Rev. 22:1-21
Rev 22:11-17 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” (12) “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has 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, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. (15) Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. (16) “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (17) The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
Wow, kind of harsh there Jesus. But perhaps we should practice this a little bit more as Christians. If people want to be reprobates, let them. Does that mean we never give them a warning of the punishment to come? Well if we listen to the whole of scripture then no. But that doesn’t mean should spend an inordinate amount of time trying to convert them. Warn them, give them the gospel and if they want to continue in darkness let them.
We who are Christians should shun the deeds of darkness and live in the righteousness and holiness we were called to as we await the day of judgment. Christ is coming and his recompense is with him. If you have washed your robes in the blood of the Lamb through holy baptism you will get to eat from the tree of life and live in the presence of God. If you have chosen to not believe the good news, well you’re outside the party. You’ll be in what is called the lake of fire which was prepared to punish the angels who rebelled against God.
Jesus has the right to do this because he is God. He is the Eternal One. That is what Alpha and Omega the Beginning and End mean: The big circle representing eternity. He is David’s source as God and he is David’s descendant concerning the flesh. Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Christ, God incarnate. He’s that guy in all the stories who is the lost son of the king who is sent on a mission, gets rag tag team, goes to the point of death and comes back to defeat the enemy and win the girl (the Church).
And the good news is that you’re invited to partake of the water of life freely that you too may enjoy eternal life in and with God at the wedding feast of the Lamb. So, are you coming or not? The Spirit says, “Come.”
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for obtaining salvation for us and procuring for us the water of life in Holy Baptism. Give us your Holy Spirit that we may forever partake of this gift and live in your righteousness and holiness. Amen.