In what ways can we grow in understanding Jesus' grace in Revelation 22:21? Context of the final benediction Revelation closes with one clear, ringing sentence: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.” (Revelation 22:21). After visions of judgment, glory, and the new Jerusalem, the Spirit ensures the last word of Scripture is grace—unearned favor secured by Jesus’ finished work. Grace as the last word—why that matters - Grace frames the entire biblical story, bookending it with God’s initiative to bless undeserving people (cf. Genesis 3:15; Revelation 22:21). - It reminds believers that our beginning, progress, and destiny all rest on what Christ has done, not what we achieve (Ephesians 2:8-9). - It affirms Jesus’ sufficiency; nothing more needs to be added to His saving work (John 19:30). Growing in understanding Jesus’ grace each day 1. Look back to the cross - “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” (John 1:16) - Meditating on Calvary keeps grace personal and costly. 2. Look around at daily mercies - “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) - Naming present provisions—strength, forgiveness, answered prayer—trains the heart to spot grace in real time. 3. Look ahead to His return - “The grace of God has appeared… as we await the blessed hope—the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13) - Anticipating His coming deepens gratitude for a future secured entirely by grace. Grace that deepens our love and worship - Approach freely: “Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence.” (Hebrews 4:16) - Sing thankfully: letting “the word of Christ dwell in you richly… with gratitude.” (Colossians 3:16) - Rejoice in adoption: we worship as sons and daughters, not as fearful servants (Romans 8:15). Grace that fuels mission and witness - A universal offer: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” (Revelation 22:17) - Motivation to speak: because grace found us, we long for others to experience it (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). - Humble posture: evangelism flows from shared need, not superiority (1 Timothy 1:15-16). Grace that sustains us as we wait for His return - Strength in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) - Freedom from sin’s dominion: “Sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14) - Hope amid trial: “Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13). Grace that anchors our eternal hope Every promise of Revelation—the Lamb’s victory, a healed creation, eternal fellowship—rests on grace. Because Jesus paid the full price, not one word can fail (2 Corinthians 1:20). Putting grace into practice today - Memorize Revelation 22:21; speak it over family and church. - Begin mornings thanking Jesus for specific graces overnight and the day ahead. - Extend forgiveness quickly, mirroring the grace you’ve received (Ephesians 4:32). - Serve someone anonymously, celebrating the joy of giving without recognition (Matthew 6:3-4). - End each day recounting at least three ways His grace was evident, training the heart to rest in what He’s done. “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.” Grasp it, grow in it, and give it away until He comes. |
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