Revelation 22:20-21 is about the anticipation of Jesus Christ’s return and the final invitation for believers to seek his grace and presence.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.
Setting the Scene for Revelation 22:20-21
The scene in Revelation 22:20-21 takes place in the heavenly realm, where John, the author of the book of Revelation, is receiving a vision from an angel. In this final chapter of the Bible, John is witnessing the culmination of God’s plan for humanity and the establishment of the new heaven and new earth. The setting is described as a place of great beauty and splendor, with a river of the water of life flowing through the city of God.
In this particular moment, Jesus Himself speaks, declaring, “Surely I am coming soon.” The scene is filled with anticipation and expectation as Jesus promises His imminent return. John, who had been exiled on the island of Patmos, is now in the presence of the glorified Christ, receiving these final words of revelation. The angel who had been guiding John throughout his visions is also present, as well as other heavenly beings who are witnessing this momentous occasion.
As the vision comes to a close, John records the words of Jesus, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” The scene is one of reverence and awe as the heavenly beings echo this sentiment, eagerly awaiting the return of their Lord and Savior. The setting is one of peace and joy, as the promise of a new beginning and eternal life in the presence of God is about to be fulfilled.
What is Revelation 22:20-21 about?
The writer in this verse is expressing a deep longing and hope for the return of Jesus Christ. It reflects the eager anticipation of believers for the second coming of Jesus, where he is believed to return to Earth to establish his kingdom and bring about ultimate justice and peace. The verse captures the yearning of believers for the fulfillment of God’s promises and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. This verse reminds us of the importance of faith and hope in the Christian belief system as we reflect on it. The final prayer for Jesus’ return serves as a powerful reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their trust and confidence in God’s plan for the world. It encourages us to stay vigilant, righteous, and prepared for the coming of Jesus, knowing that his return will usher in a new era of divine rule and redemption.
So, let us ponder upon the significance of this verse and ask ourselves, are we living our lives in a way that reflects our yearning for Jesus’ return? Are we actively spreading love, compassion, and justice in the world in anticipation of his coming? May this verse inspire us to hold onto our faith with unwavering conviction and to live each day in hopeful expectation of the glorious return of our Savior.
Understanding what Revelation 22:20-21 really means
These verses mark the culmination of the Bible, nestled in the closing chapter of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. They serve as a poignant conclusion, encapsulating the core of Christian hope and the eagerly awaited promise of Jesus’ return. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon,’” are the words of Jesus Himself, affirming the imminence of His return with unwavering certainty and a sense of urgency. This declaration underscores the unshakable promise that believers hold onto, anchoring their faith in the anticipation of Christ’s imminent arrival.
In response to Jesus’ proclamation, the Apostle John echoes a heartfelt sentiment, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” This profound utterance reflects a deep yearning for the presence of Christ, embodying a prayerful invitation for His swift return. The use of “Amen” signifies agreement and truth, while the plea for Jesus to come back conveys a longing for His divine presence to be manifest once more among His people. The final benediction, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen,” bestows a blessing of grace upon all believers, emphasizing the indispensable role of grace in the Christian faith.
These verses find resonance in other biblical passages, such as Matthew 24:30-31, where Jesus foretells His return in power and glory, instilling a sense of awe and reverence. Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul vividly describes the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of believers, offering a glimpse into the profound significance of this event. Titus 2:13 further reinforces the importance of eagerly anticipating the blessed hope of Jesus’ return, urging believers to fix their gaze on the promise of His coming.
The relevance of these verses extends to believers today, offering a beacon of hope and encouragement amidst life’s trials and tribulations. They serve as a poignant reminder to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual preparedness and readiness for the awaited return of Christ. The assurance of grace, encapsulated in the final benediction, provides solace and fortitude in the daily walk of faith, sustaining believers in their journey towards the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan.
Consider a family eagerly awaiting the return of a loved one from a long journey. Their preparations, anticipation, and longing mirror the Christian’s expectation of Jesus’ imminent return. Just as the family’s actions reflect their love and hope, believers are called to live out their faith in a manner that demonstrates their readiness and anticipation for the glorious return of Christ. These verses stand as a powerful testament to the promise of Jesus’ return, urging believers to stand firm in faith, live in the grace of the Lord Jesus, and remain vigilant in anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s divine plan.
How can we come quickly?
Jesus says He is coming quickly in the closing remarks of the Book of Revelation. This emphasizes the imminence and urgency of His return. The phrase “coming quickly” conveys the idea of a swift and sudden arrival, urging believers to be ready and watchful for His coming at any moment. It serves as a reminder for followers of Christ to live expectantly, with a sense of anticipation and preparation for the return of the Lord.
Furthermore, the mention of Jesus coming quickly also highlights His faithfulness and reliability. He will indeed fulfill His promise without delay just as He promised to come back. This assurance brings comfort to believers, knowing that Jesus is faithful to His word and will return in His perfect timing. The urgency in His message serves as a call to action for believers to be faithful and steadfast in their faith, to be ready for His return and to eagerly await His coming with hopeful expectation.
Application
Let’s not wait for tomorrow to share the faith; today is our moment to shine bright and bring light to the hearts in need. Embrace the imminent return and spread the gracious promise to all corners of our modern world. Let’s ignite hope, sow seeds of kindness, and build bridges of understanding. Will you leap into action with me, creating ripples of positivity that will echo through eternity?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.