The Final Invitation

“The Final Invitation”

Revelation 22:12-17

Scripture Reading

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Introduction: When I was a child we used to play a game called Hide and Seek. One of us would cover our eyes and count to ten and then we would say, “Ready or not here I come.” I was reminded of this old game when I read verse 12 and the text that follows it. By the time you get to Revelation 22 and verse 12 the Savior is saying much the same thing, ready or not hear I come. I think all of us realize that there is a huge difference between a child’s game the Second coming of Christ. His coming has eternal consequences.

I. The Savior’s Coming – “…And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me…”

The very last event on God’s prophetic calendar is the second coming of Jesus Christ. His return will be:

1. Sudden – In the twinkling of an eye

2. Secret – No man knoweth the hour

3. Swift – Faster than you can think a thought

4. Spectacular – He cometh in the clouds

5. Seen – Every eye shall see Him

6. Soon –

“It won't be very long till earth shall pass away

It won't be very long till works of men decay

But Jesus has prepared a happy dwelling place

For all who look above and trust His matchless grace”

Lyrics to “It Won’t Be Very Long”

That day is coming and time and man’s probation will be over. Today He would be your Savior if you will let Him but on that Day He will be your judge. Today He invites you to come but the day will come when the invitation will be closed.

Second:

II. The Spirit’s Call- “…And the Spirit…say come…”

The Scriptures teach the absolutely necessity of the call of the Holy Spirit. John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

The context of Jesus' statement explains how God draws men and women to Himself. There is nothing mystical about it. The following verse in the context (John 6:45) reveals how God draws men unto Himself. "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me." Note the words "taught" and "every man" (all drawn the same way; by being taught) and "hear" and "learn" and "come". These are not mystical words. They are common, everyday words which are used to describe how it is that people are drawn to Christ.

What is it that is taught and heard and learned? The means or method by which God "calls'' or "draws'' all men is the Gospel. “And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 2:14). There is no special, mystical anointing of the Holy Spirit, but rather, the Holy Spirit calls men through the gospel; and it is the gospel that is the power (Romans 1:16).

God draws people unto Himself through the teaching of the gospel. The preaching of the gospel is God's power, his drawing power, to save (I Corinthians 1:18-21). Therefore, all people, when they hear the gospel, at any moment, have the ability to respond to God's gospel call. They also have the ability to reject it (Acts 13:45-48). The Expository Files

The Holy Spirit:

1. Calls you

2. Convicts you

3. Convinces you

4. Compels you

5. Cleanses you

6. Converts you

The Holy Spirit invites you to come to Jesus, He is doing so today but there will come a day when the Spirit’s invitation will be closed.

Third:

III. The Saints Command – “….the bride say, come. And let him that heareth say, come…”