In Revelation 22:12–21, the Bible’s final chapter, Jesus announces His imminent return, offering a transformative promise that inspires hope, purpose, and urgency for believers living in a broken world. Written around AD 95 to seven persecuted churches in Asia Minor, this passage from John’s vision in Revelation encourages unwavering faith through three main themes: the certainty of Christ’s second coming, the call to live prepared, and the urgent command to spread the gospel. Jesus’ statements, “Behold, I am coming soon” and “Surely I am coming soon,” are not mere hopes but divine promises, rooted in His eternal authority as the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. This promise can be compared to a tired soldier in a distant land, holding onto a crumpled letter from home that assures, “I’m coming to bring you back.” That letter fuels the soldier’s bravery, influences his daily decisions, and keeps his eyes on the horizon. Likewise, Christ’s promise is a letter from heaven, grounding believers’ hope and guiding them through life’s hardships with an eternal outlook.
The passage highlights divine justice and the rewards of faithfulness. In verse 12, Jesus connects His return to recompense, stating He will “repay each one for what he has done,” urging believers to stay faithful. Verse 14 blesses those who “wash their robes” through repentance and faith, granting them access to the tree of life and entry into the holy city. Conversely, verse 15 warns that the unrepentant—described as dogs, sorcerers, the sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters, and those who love falsehood—will be excluded, emphasizing the eternal consequences of rejecting salvation. Still, the universal invitation in verse 17, where the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come,” extends grace freely to all who thirst for the water of life. This open call, along with stern warnings in verses 18–19 against altering God’s Word, underscores the urgency of embracing and defending the gospel message. As 2 Peter 3:9 explains, God’s patience in delaying Christ’s return reflects His desire that none perish, but all reach repentance, offering time for salvation.
Christ’s return requires readiness, urging believers to see with an eternal perspective. In Matthew 24:44, part of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus emphasizes vigilance: “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” This is compared to a farmer diligently planting seeds, aware the harvest is near, never relaxing despite the wait. Charles Spurgeon described Christ’s return as “the medicine our souls need” during times of worldly chaos—a truth that comforts believers through their trials. Billy Graham’s statement, “We are not just passing through this world; we are preparing for the next,” reinforces that life is about preparing for eternity. Believers are encouraged to evaluate their priorities, ensuring that their lives reflect holiness and service in anticipation of Christ’s return.
The passage also urges believers to share the gospel with urgency. Revelation 22:17’s invitation to “come” is a call to warn others about a Christless eternity, much like alerting someone walking toward a cliff, asking them to consider their steps and choose the right path. Carl F.H. Henry’s words, “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time,” highlight the importance of sharing Christ’s hope with family, friends, and strangers. Jesus’ promise in John 14:3, spoken before His crucifixion, reassures believers with the personal promise of His return: “I will come again and will take you to myself.” Like a bride preparing for her groom, the church eagerly anticipates Christ’s return, shaping worship, obedience, and witness. The passage ends with a prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus,” and a benediction, embodying hope and anticipation. For those who have not yet accepted Christ, it’s an urgent call to receive Him; for believers, it’s a command to live ready and be bold in sharing the gospel. When Christ returns, the joy of salvation will reflect the believers’ expectant fulfillment, bringing them home forever to eternity. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!