That They May Enter

Day 365: Revelation 22:1-21

“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.” - Revelation 22:14 ESV

The Bible has finally come full circle with the close of Revelation. When Adam and Eve made their self-exalting decision in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24), God drove them out of the garden and away from the tree of life. He said if they ate the fruit from the tree, they would "live forever" (Genesis 3:22).

One of the things I am looking forward to most in heaven is seeing Jesus' face (Revelation 22:4). I wonder what the expression on his face will be. Perhaps it will be the look of a friend who has been patiently waiting to give you the perfect gift, which flows nicely into a giant bear hug.

All of the time that God cherished with Adam and Eve in the garden will be restored as it was in the beginning. Not only that, but this new house will be full of so many diverse people that decided to "wash their robes" in the blood of the Lamb (again, Revelation 7:14).

We may well hear Jesus, in the end (which is really a glorious beginning), say something like this to us: Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. (Matthew 25:21)

William Barclay says it nicely while commentating on Revelation 22:14: “It is Jesus Christ who in his cross has provided that grace by which alone we can be forgiven; but we have to take that sacrifice to ourselves. To take a simple analogy, we can supply soap and water, but we cannot compel a person to use them. Those who enter into the city of God are those who have accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ."

Are you washed and ready? If not, read more here.

For those of us who have washed, we say, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.”