Revelation 22 “Who May Enter”

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (vv. 12-14)

Here in chapter 22 the LORD is testifying of Himself. If you have a “red letter” Bible, verses 12-13 have been recorded in red ink indicating just that. Therefore by recognizing who is speaking, the great “I AM”, the “Alpha” and “Omega”, the beginning and the end of all things, God Almighty, we become blessed by doing His will, "believing on the name of LORD Jesus Christ whom the Father has sent" (John 6:28). Through faith in His Son, we as Christians then may enter the gates into the city and have the right to the tree of life.

Our text also indicates that when He comes it will be quickly and He will have rewards to give every believer according to their works. Meaning, there will be degrees of rewards in heaven according to the works that we do in His name (with a pure motivation). Remembering what Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel, "Take heed that you do not your righteousness before men to be seen of men, because then you have your reward"( Matt. 6:1 ), you can be sure motives will be tested by fire before rewards are handed out. 

The greatest work we can do is, sharing the “good news” (Mark 16:15) with others. It should be a natural outpouring from our redeemed lives, given in love and humility. Then if accepted, “the right to the tree of life, and entry through the gates into the heavenly city” will be recorded in the Book of Life.

If you find yourself ready to receive His Son, and inherit all that comes with that, read the prayer to the left on this page, believe it, live it, and I'll see you one day in the heavenly city.

The Truth: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keeps those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)