How important are one's last words? We'll always remember and cherish the last words a parent, mate, child, or good friend spoke to us.

Have you considered God's final words to mankind? Let's look at Revelation 22:12-20.

"...to give every one according to his work." (v.12) God will judge each person according to his work-not his parents' work, not Adam's work, but his own work! He'll place blame or praise where it belongs, on each person's shoulders.

"I am the Alpha and Omega, ... the First and the Last." (v.13) He has all authority and the right to render judgment; He is God's Son. His verdict will be just and impartial.

"Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life ..." (v.14) The obedient will receive blessings. This principle is eternal. God expects us to obey Him in all things {Hebrews 5:9}.

''But outside ... sexually immoral... whoever loves and practices a lie." (v.15) Those who live and practice sin will find themselves on the outside looking in, forever separated from God.

"... I am the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." (v.16) He is the only Savior promised through prophecy; He came and fulfilled His Father's will {Revelation 5:5}.

"And the Spirit and the bride say 'Come'! And let Him who hears say, 'Come'! ... " (v.17) This is the Lord's invitation to all mankind. His grace and mercy, as well as the power of His shed blood, is ours to take in simple, trusting obedience.

" ... If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues written in this book; if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy City, ... " (vv.18,19) God gave easy-to-understand instructions concerning the handling of this book. DO NOT TAMPER WITH IT! Yet, that is exactly what many have done. Has any other book been so twisted, perverted, or taken out of context as Revelation? Many teach doctrines that are contrary to plain Bible teaching-a 1,000-year reign, establishment of a physical kingdom in Israel, a purified earth, and a host of other strange things. It is dangerous to tamper with God's word.

" ... Surely I am coming quickly ... The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all." (vv. 20, 21) This statement tells of the certainty of His coming. Until He does, God's grace will keep us. These last words comforted those who were, at that time, suffering intense persecution. And they also help us to fully understand that the reward will be worth the struggle. AMEN!

What can we say about these final words? They are as sure as any other scripture passage, and they give us much to ponder. Still, there is much more meaning, since they reveal the Holy Spirit's last message concerning God's mind.

I am reminded of Christ's final words prior to His death on the cross. "...It is finished!..." {John 19:30} Jesus had finished the work His Father sent Him to accomplish-the sacrifice for sin, the debt payment. We now have hope. Man's awful work was done, and God's wonderful work-a remedy for sin-had been revealed. We can count on the final words of scripture. They give us much to soberly ponder.