What’s coming next for you? Graduation? Marriage? Retirement? Maybe it’s just lunch, a football game tonight, or the next vacation. We’re wired to anticipate the future—the next milestone, the next adventure, the next “coming attraction.” Hollywood banks on it. They invented the cliff-hanger and fill screens with trailers to hook us on what’s coming next.
But living only for “what’s next” can rob you of the joy of “right now.” Ecclesiastes counsels us to savor today. Still, waiting for what’s coming can be good. It trains us to delay gratification. A dollar saved every weekday for 40 years becomes a used car. A dollar spent every day on lottery tickets, as one man I knew did for decades, leaves you broke. The question is: what are you waiting and sacrificing for?
For Christians, the answer should be far bigger than a new car, a vacation, or even a career milestone. Revelation 22 shows us three realities of what’s coming and what’s already here: revelation, invitation, and benediction.
Revelation: Already Given
At the close of the Bible, we’re reminded that God’s revelation is complete. You don’t need to wait for new “prophets” with golden tablets or visions in caves. When you need direction about salvation, life, or truth, God points you back to His Word. “These words are trustworthy and true” (v.6).
Our impressions, feelings, even traditions aren’t infallible—but Scripture is. That’s the heart of sola scriptura: the Bible alone is God’s infallible guide. It doesn’t mean God never leads by His Spirit or through wise counsel. It means every leading must be tested by His Word. Revelation itself is infallible, even when our interpretations aren’t.
And it’s already unfolding. Jesus promised these things “must soon take place” (v.6) and declared, “Behold, I am coming soon” (v.7). How can that be when 2,000 years have passed? First, Jesus warned His followers to be ready for a long wait. Second, “soon” is measured by God’s standard, not ours. As Peter wrote, the Lord isn’t slow; He’s patient, waiting for people like you to be born and believe. Finally, Revelation did start happening quickly. Satan was cast down in Jesus’ ministry. Christ reigns now, putting His enemies—greed, lust, selfish anger—under His feet. Much of what we hope for in heaven has already begun (Hebrews 12:22).
Invitation: Come
Even as judgment falls, God issues an invitation. Verse 11 shows His sovereign control: “Let the evildoers still do evil…and the righteous still do right.” He’s not wringing His hands over rebels. He lets sinners be who they are. But He also calls the thirsty to come (v.17): “Let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”
God promises to satisfy the thirsty—and then He invites them. The invitation is the means He uses to fulfill His promise. If you’re thirsty for eternal life, this is how you receive it. Wash your robes in the blood of the Lamb (v.14). That’s an image of Jesus’ death removing your guilt. By His sacrifice, your filth is paid for, your sin is cleansed, and you are justified—declared right with God. The blessing of eternal life, symbolized by the tree of life, is for those washed in the Lamb’s blood.
But not everyone enters. “Outside,” verse 15 warns, are the liars, idolaters, and the sexually immoral—those who refuse to come and be cleansed. The invitation is open, but it is serious. Jesus comes quickly to repay everyone for what they’ve done (v.12). Repent now so that you’re not repaid in judgment later.
Benediction: Grace
Revelation ends with both a warning and a blessing. Don’t add to God’s Word. Don’t take away from it (vv.18–19). We don’t sit in judgment over Scripture; Scripture judges us.
Then comes the final good word—grace. “Surely I am coming soon,” Jesus says (v.20). Indeed, He’s been coming ever since—through His Spirit, His Word, His Kingdom breaking into our lives now. Our response? “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
If Jesus is the one you long for—more than money, more than success, more than family or career—the benediction is for you: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you” (v.21). Grace now. Grace for what’s coming. Grace for eternity.
So what’s coming? For those who thirst, for those who long for Christ, what’s coming is already here—and yet still on the way. His Kingdom has begun; His final coming is sure. The best is not just next. The best is Him.
For the full exposition of Revelation 22:6-21, listen:
Covenant Reformed Baptist Church is Caswell County’s & Danville’s Reformed church.