Meaning of Revelation 22:20

This verse encapsulates the culmination of the entire book of Revelation and, indeed, the overarching narrative of Christian eschatology. The statement, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon,'" is a direct affirmation from Jesus Christ himself, identified as the one who has revealed these prophecies to John. The preceding verses detail the visions of the New Jerusalem, the final judgment, and the eternal state, all of which are brought to fruition by Christ's return. The cry, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus," is not merely a passive wish but an active, fervent prayer from the faithful, echoing their deep longing for the consummation of God's kingdom and the eradication of all evil. It signifies the church's ultimate hope and anticipation for the complete fulfillment of God's promises.

Context and Background

Revelation 22:20 stands as the final pronouncement of Jesus within the apocalyptic visions presented by John. The book has systematically unveiled visions of cosmic conflict, divine judgment, and ultimate redemption, leading to the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. This verse is the concluding utterance of Christ, directly addressing the church and the world, reinforcing the certainty and imminence of his return. John, the author and recipient of these visions, is presented as the faithful witness to these divine revelations, and the verse functions as his final testimony, echoing Christ's own words.

Key Themes and Messages

• Christ's Imminent Return: The central message is the certainty and nearness of Christ's second coming. The phrase "coming soon" emphasizes that, from God's eternal perspective, the time is very close, even if human timelines differ.
• Christ as the Faithful Witness: Jesus identifies himself as the one who "testifies to these things," underscoring his role as the ultimate source and guarantor of the prophecies in Revelation.
• The Church's Eager Expectation: The response, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus," expresses the fervent desire of believers for Christ's return, signifying their readiness and longing for the full realization of God's redemptive plan.
• Hope and Consummation: The verse points to the ultimate hope of the Christian faith – the complete victory of God, the eradication of sin and suffering, and the establishment of eternal fellowship with Christ.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder to live in constant readiness for Christ's return. It encourages a life of faithfulness, obedience, and active participation in God's work, knowing that the ultimate triumph is assured. The prayer "Come, Lord Jesus" is an expression of submission to God's timing while simultaneously actively seeking His kingdom and righteousness. It fosters a perspective that transcends earthly troubles, focusing on the eternal reality that Christ's reign will be fully established.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Revelation 22:20 is the grand finale of a narrative that began in Genesis with the fall of humanity and the promise of a redeemer. The entire Old Testament prophets anticipated a Messiah who would bring salvation and establish God's kingdom. The Gospels record Jesus' earthly ministry, his death, and resurrection, which inaugurated the present age of the church. Revelation, particularly this concluding verse, brings the story to its ultimate climax: the return of Christ to fully establish his eternal kingdom. It fulfills promises made throughout Scripture regarding God's ultimate sovereignty and redemptive victory.

Analogies

One analogy for "coming soon" could be a bride eagerly awaiting her groom. While the exact moment of arrival may be uncertain to her, her anticipation is constant, and her preparations are ongoing, knowing the union is assured. Another analogy is a seed that has been planted and is growing; the farmer knows the harvest is coming, and though it requires time and patience, the eventual fruitfulness is certain. The church, like the bride and the farmer, lives in active anticipation of Christ's return, preparing itself and working until that glorious day.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse resonates with numerous other biblical passages:

• 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 mechanics of Christ's return, aligning with the anticipation expressed in Revelation 22:20.
• Matthew 24:42: "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." This highlights the need for constant vigilance and readiness, echoing the sentiment of "Come, Lord Jesus."
• 2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." This verse explains the perceived delay in Christ's return as God's patience, reinforcing the certainty of His promise.
• Philippians 3:20: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, Lord Jesus Christ." This verse underscores the heavenly hope and the focus on Christ's return as the ultimate fulfillment.