What is the meaning of Revelation 22:19? And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy • Revelation ends with a sober warning, echoing the consistent biblical command not to tamper with God’s revelation (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Galatians 1:6-9). • “This book of prophecy” focuses first on Revelation, yet by implication safeguards the whole canon, since Revelation closes Scripture (Revelation 1:3; 22:7, 10). • The phrase “takes away” speaks of subtraction—omitting truths, softening commands, denying judgments, or silencing promises. Any deliberate editing of God’s Word is viewed as rebellion against the Author. God will take away his share • Divine justice mirrors the offense: remove God’s words, and God removes the offender’s privileges. • Scripture pictures salvation as an inheritance or “share” granted to believers (Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:4). Here that share is forfeited, underscoring that genuine faith reveres and preserves God’s revelation (John 14:23-24). • The warning is not aimed at momentary doubts or honest questions but at willful, persistent distortion. In the tree of life • The tree of life, first seen in Eden (Genesis 3:22-24), reappears in the new creation as the symbol of eternal life (Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14). • Losing access to it means exclusion from everlasting fellowship with God. • The contrast is stark: guarding Scripture leads to “the right to the tree of life” (Revelation 22:14); tampering with Scripture loses that right. And the holy city • The holy city is the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling of God with His people (Revelation 21:2-3; Hebrews 12:22). • Nothing unclean or deceitful enters that city (Revelation 21:27). Those who mutilate God’s Word demonstrate hearts unreconciled to its Author and are barred from the city’s glory (Revelation 22:15). Which are described in this book • Every blessing Revelation unveils—life, light, worship, service—depends on receiving the book as it stands (Revelation 1:1-3; 22:18-19). • The warning bookends the promise of verse 18, where adding to the prophecy brings plagues; here subtracting brings exclusion. Together they affirm the total sufficiency and finality of Scripture. summary Revelation 22:19 places an unmistakable seal on God’s Word. Anyone who deletes, dilutes, or dismisses its message forfeits the very blessings the book offers: a share in eternal life and a place in the New Jerusalem. By honoring Scripture in full, we show true allegiance to the Lord who gave it and secure the inheritance He promises to all who overcome. |
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