How does Revelation 22:21 connect with Ephesians 2:8-9 on grace? The Final Word is Grace Revelation 22:21 — “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.” Grace Defined and Delivered • Grace is unearned favor flowing from God’s heart. • It is given “of the Lord Jesus,” underscoring His finished work on the cross (John 19:30). • The word “all” (or “all the saints”) shows the sweep of God’s kindness—no saint is outside its reach. Grace Experienced: Salvation Explained (Ephesians 2:8-9) Ephesians 2:8-9 — “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” • Grace initiates: God makes the first move toward sinners (Romans 5:8). • Faith appropriates: we simply receive what God provides (John 1:12). • Works eliminated: human effort has no power to earn salvation (Titus 3:5). • Boasting silenced: all glory goes to Christ alone (1 Corinthians 1:31). Grace Extended: The Closing Benediction (Revelation 22:21) • Scripture’s final line echoes the gospel’s opening note—grace. • The benediction is not wishful thinking; it is a Spirit-sealed guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). • God’s last word to His people matches His first move toward them—pure, sovereign kindness. Thread of Grace from Genesis to Revelation • Eden: God covers Adam and Eve with skins—an act of grace (Genesis 3:21). • Exodus: the Passover lamb shields Israel—grace through substitution (Exodus 12:13). • Cross: Jesus, the Lamb of God, takes away sin—grace perfected (John 1:29). • New Creation: Revelation closes with eternal fellowship, sustained by grace (Revelation 21:3-4; 22:21). Living in the Light of Grace • Rest secure: salvation is anchored in God’s gift, not our grit (Hebrews 4:9-10). • Walk humbly: grace leaves no room for pride, only gratitude (Colossians 3:17). • Share freely: as grace has reached us, we extend it to others (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Look forward: the same grace that saved us will carry us home (1 Peter 1:13). |
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