Revelation Online Sermon #2

THE CURSE OF PROPHECY

October 1, 2006

Revelation 22:18-19

Good morning members and visitors of The Final Call!! The Lord Jesus Christ be lifted up and exalted above all things! This morning we continue our study in the book of Revelation looking at, not the blessedness of prophecy, but the curse of prophecy. This is based on the contrast of our last message which told that one who reads, hears, and heed the words of the biblical prophecy would be blessed, or happy. Though Revelation contains a message full of terror and fear, it also contains the gospel of our Lord. Understanding this book isn't difficult, but merely a work of desire to know God's Word. For those who are members, please feel to use this message in you Sunday school or Bible study groups, wherever they meet. For those who are viewing the site as non-members, I invite you to consider making a decision for Christ as you read this message on the curse of prophecy. At this point, before I begin, please pray and ask the Lord to guide your mind, heart, and spirit into truth and discern what is the Lord's word says. After praying, please proceed through the rest of the message.

This morning, I want use to see the curse of prophecy. Just as Revelation had given a special blessing to those who read, heard, and heeded the words of this book, this book gives an equal warning to those who add or take away from this book of prophecy. What we want to look at this morning is Revelation, chapter 22, verses 18 and 19; please note that I often use the NASB version of scripture, but as you read or study this you are more than welcome to use your preferred version. The scripture is as follows:

“I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book:if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.” Rev 22:18-19, NASB

Today, we want to look at why this is so important and what types of things are in effect for the one who adds or subtracts from the book of prophecy. As you do, consider the blessedness of understanding bible prophecy (as explained in the last sermon) and ask yourself this question, “If one who reads, hears, and heeds the words of this prophecy, what happens to the one(s) that do not?” That is the main thought and will be the idea that will be challenged according.

First of all, other than a blessing offered in Revelation, there is also a curse. That curse comes for two reason: adding to the words of prophecy, and taking away from the book of prophecy. Let's focus on adding to the words of prophecy.

As you know, John the Apostle wrote this during his exile on the island of Patmos, due to his testimony of Jesus Christ. John was shown this revelation by an angel, from the Lord Jesus Christ, who received from the Father. Communicated in the Spirit of God, John writes down the things that are to come to pass. John also mentions that a blessing is given to those who read, hear, and heed the book of prophecy because the time of those things that will occur is at hand. Now, much later, when the book is being closed, the Lord bestows a curse to those who add or take away from the book of prophecy. This is widely known as adding to the Lord's Word because it's a reference to the entire Bible. This is the traditional view of many protestant churches, and is highly accepted. However, though keeping this view in mind, we will remain with the context and consider that it is referring to the book of Revelation, since it does mention prophecy. Adding to or taking away from the prophecies of this book will bring upon a curse that is affects ones life as well as spiritual life.

What we need to know in first reading these verses, we see that anyone who adds to the words of prophecy will be given the addition of plagues mentioned in this book. What kinds of plagues are given in this book? As we'll later see, many plagues consist of physical effects like boils on the skin and painful stings from scorpion-like creatures from the abyss. Some even result in affecting the areas around the world, as well as death to those whom the plague has came upon. So imagine, adding to the prophecy of this book and then suddenly it seems as though your life is being plague by demon locusts or famine or war. Let's consider our enemies, the Jehovah Witnesses, as an example to adding to the prophecies of this book. They believe that they are part of the 144,000 that will inherit the earth at the end of time; furthermore, it will only be that many that actually get a part in ruling with God in heaven. So what happens to the millions who put their faith in their teachings? Do the rest of them rule or get rewarded, or are they forgotten? I asked a JW one time, “So in other words, how can I get to heaven and rule by His side?” The answer they gave me was similar to this: “If God chooses you, then you will be one of the 144,000 that rule with Him?” My question then is, how can God choose me over you? That brings raises the question to what they believe and how can they get to heaven. Now, you know that they don't believe in Jesus being God and actually dying for our sins. I could go into more, but we'll stay on the context of our lesson. What they have done was added to the prophecy of claiming that they are the 144,000 in the book of Revelation. As a result, like scripture says, the plagues mentioned in the book will be added to them. They are cursed, according to this. Another way to think of plagues in this passage is to think of a heavy burden, a public calamity, or a wound or a blow, like a hit. Think of how the world treats these people because of what they believe. If they truly want to receive the blessings of God, then they must take God at His Word.

Not only do they add to the prophecies of God, but also take away much of what has been said. As a result, their portion of what would have been theirs has been taken away. Verse 19 tells us that God will take away their part from the tree of life and from the holy city. What is meant by this?

What want to think of “part” as being something assigned to someone for a purpose, a lot or destiny, that belongs to someone. What is meant by God taking away is that God will remove one from obtaining the spiritual resources that will help one gain eternal life. The similar thing is mentioned throughout scripture where it points to wickedness shortening life spans (Rom 6:23). If one desires to take away from the Lord in this manner, then in like manner what they continue to pursue will be lost.

Let's take a closer look at this verse though, because it mentions taking away from their portion or part from the tree of life and the holy city. We all know that those who inherit eternal kingdom will inherit eternal life. Mentioned in this book of Revelation, there have been references to the tree of life and the holy city, the New Jerusalem. Those of us who are saved, we will rule with Christ during the Millennium kingdom. For those who survive the Tribulation, as well as the OT saint and those resurrected at the 2nd coming of Christ, will take part in the kingdom for 1000 years (we'll get into this much later). These people will have an opportunity to take part in taking from the tree of life, as well as receiving their reward which it tied to duty given in the K-kingdom (1000 year kingdom). So, if we understand this verse correctly then, that would mean that those who would add to or take away from this book may already be those who are saved! I used the JW as examples, only to show how they add to the scriptures, but they have mostly taken away from it altogether. They are not believers but enemies. Instead, let's use those who may say “the tribulation is mid-way through the tribulation period.” While waiting for Christ to return, so opt to say that the church will go through the tribulation period. Others say that the mark of the beast is among us!! These things take away from what was said in the prophecy. They justify the rapture using the examples in the book of Revelation where it mentions being “caught up” or when it refers to someone saying “come up here.” These are taking away from the meanings of what these originally intended. To every believer in Christ, understanding prophecy is critical and affects how you view your Christian life as well as what you believe about Christ overall. This doesn't mean, though, that believers can loose their salvation; it is eternal and given without any effort of man; and likewise cannot be lost by such means at any time. But this does mean that studying Bible prophecy must be a diligent and careful process for both the student and teacher.

As you consider these things in your free time, please remember that isn't willingly for even one to perish, because He doesn't have any desire that any man perish (2 Pet 3:9). He wants everyone to come to the knowledge of Christ, confessing their sins, ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus Christ's work on the cross as the atonement for your sins (John 3:16, Rom 6:23). Remember, John saw “the One who was like a Lamb, slain and now living again” (Rev 5:6) That is the one, Jesus, who died for you. Live for Him, by accepting Him and the gift of salvation, so you'll be able to receive your part in the holy city and the tree of life (Rev 2:7, Rev 3:12). Never add to the words of what has been said in this prophecy nor take away from them. Be blessed by reading, understanding, and going forth in truth promoting the message of the coming King who has a future and destiny for all people. Believe no one but scripture itself and trust the Holy Spirit of God that dwells within you (2 Tim 3:16). God bless and have a wonderful morning!!

In God's love,

Reggie, Final Call Manager