Meaning of Revelation 1:7

Revelation 1:7 serves as a powerful and climactic declaration within the opening chapter of the Apocalypse, affirming the imminent and undeniable return of Jesus Christ. The verse synthesizes prophecies from both Daniel and Zechariah, emphasizing the universal visibility and profound impact of Christ's second coming. It underscores that this event will not be a hidden or subtle occurrence, but a public spectacle that elicits a range of reactions from awe and worship to grief and terror. The mention of "those who pierced him" specifically points to those who actively opposed and crucified Jesus, highlighting the ultimate vindication of Christ and the inescapable reckoning for all who have rejected him. The "mourning" of all peoples on earth signifies a universal recognition of their spiritual state and the consequences of their actions or inactions in relation to God's Son. The concluding "So shall it be! Amen" acts as a solemn confirmation and seal of truth to this prophetic statement.

Context and Background

This verse is strategically placed at the conclusion of the introductory vision of Jesus Christ presented to John. Following the initial description of Christ's glorious and awe-inspiring appearance (Revelation 1:9-19), this verse acts as a summary and a promise of what is to come. The Book of Revelation, written by the apostle John, is an apocalyptic text that deals with visions and prophecies concerning the end times, the cosmic struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of God. The language employed draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic literature, particularly the books of Daniel and Zechariah, to convey its message to a first-century Christian audience facing persecution and uncertainty.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Visible and Universal Return of Christ: The phrase "every eye will see him" emphasizes that Christ's second coming will be an unmistakable, global event. It will be seen by all, regardless of their disposition towards him.
• Judgment and Vindication: The specific mention of "those who pierced him" highlights the theme of divine justice. Christ's return will be a moment of vindication for him and a moment of reckoning for his enemies.
• Universal Impact and Response: The "mourning" of all peoples on earth indicates that Christ's return will evoke a profound emotional and spiritual response from humanity, revealing their true relationship with God.
• Certainty and Divine Authority: The "So shall it be! Amen" reinforces the absolute certainty of this prophecy, spoken with divine authority.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, Revelation 1:7 is a source of hope and anticipation. It assures them that Christ's return is not a myth but a certainty, and that he will come to establish his righteous kingdom. It calls for a life of readiness, faithfulness, and perseverance in the face of worldly opposition. For those who have rejected Christ, the verse serves as a solemn warning of an unavoidable encounter with divine judgment. It compels introspection regarding one's spiritual standing and the ultimate consequences of their choices. The verse encourages a proactive engagement with faith, urging individuals to align themselves with God's purposes before that decisive day.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Revelation 1:7 is the culmination of a long prophetic thread woven throughout Scripture. From the first promise of a "seed of the woman" who would crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15) to the pronouncements of prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, the return of the Messiah for judgment and salvation has been a consistent theme. Jesus himself spoke of his future return, often in terms of judgment and the establishment of his kingdom (e.g., Matthew 24:27-31). This verse in Revelation solidifies and climactically announces the fulfillment of these ancient promises and prophecies.

Analogies

One analogy to understand the visibility of Christ's return is the sun rising. No matter where one is on earth, when the sun rises, it is visible to all. Similarly, Christ's return will be a universally observable event. Another analogy is a great and final judgment in a court of law, where all parties involved, including the accusers and the accused, are present and witness the proceedings and the verdict.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse echoes and is echoed by numerous other biblical passages:

• Daniel 7:13: "I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him." This Old Testament prophecy is directly quoted and applied to Christ's return.
• Zechariah 12:10: "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn." This verse is a direct source for the "even those who pierced him" and the subsequent mourning.
• Matthew 24:30: "Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." Jesus' own words directly prefigure this event.
• Acts 1:11: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." This promise from the angels at Jesus' ascension reinforces the manner of his return.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." This passage describes the event of Christ's return and the resurrection of believers.