Revelation 22:12-21
In this last section this is Jesus speaking and it is reflecting back a ways and is about Jesus' return.
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.”
Recompense: to pay back for good or bad
And if there is still any doubt about who Jesus is he makes it clear once more by saying “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.
The reference to washing their robes really is just saying those who have become believers and lived by what we are told in scripture and have finished the race bearing much fruit.
These Christ says, have the right to Him, the tree of life.
No one else has the right but those who have shown themselves to be all in for Jesus. Those who have put everything before Him. Those who have given great sacrifice for Him and the mission to share the gospel.
The Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62 ~ As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
The life of a follower of Jesus gives much for this great blessing. Thus the gate is narrow.
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.”
I may add to the true churches not the false ones.
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.
The price talked about here is the price of salvation not servitude. Christ was the only one capable of paying the price for salvation. We are just called to give our lives over to him in servitude. Scripture says we are slaves to Him upon salvation, willing slaves.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
In other words any religion that says they follow Christ must follow the Bible in full. I had mentioned that even a pastor's failure to teach controversial scriptures is taking away from scripture thus may not share in the Tree of Life. That is the burden placed upon us as pastors and teachers.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
To testify is to share the gospel, they are one in the same thing.
This is why it is so important to share the gospel as we are all called to.
If you are afraid to share it or don't know how to share a proper gospel then it is extremely important that you figure it out before it is too late. Look to be discipled by someone more knowledgeable than you.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
