Interpretation of the Bible / Revelation 22:20
The Book of Revelation is one of the most fascinating and mysterious books in the Bible. It contains symbolic visions and prophecies that have been interpreted in many ways throughout history. Revelation 22:20 is one of the last statements in the book, containing a long-awaited promise to millions of Christians around the world: the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Context of the verse
The Apocalypse of John is a book written in vision, in which the apostle is led by the Holy Spirit through time and space to see what will happen in the future of mankind. The author was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the Gospel, and there he wrote this book to give hope to the persecuted Christians of his day and to all future generations.
Revelation 22:20 is in the last chapter of the book and contains the last words of Jesus Christ to John. In this passage, the Lord calls Himself the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (v. 13). He then declares that His words are faithful and true (v. 6) and that He is coming soon (vv. 12, 20).
The second coming of Jesus Christ
The second coming of Jesus Christ is one of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity. It is the long-awaited moment when the Lord will return to earth to establish His kingdom and judge the living and the dead. This teaching is found in many parts of the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments.
The Book of Revelation is one of the books that offers the most detail about the second coming of Jesus Christ and the period preceding it, known as the “end times.” According to this book, the coming of the Lord will be a spectacular and bold event in which the mighty of the earth will tremble at His presence (Revelation 6:15-17). He will come with the armies of heaven and set up His throne in Jerusalem (Psalm 2:6).
The urgency of preparation
The fact that Jesus Christ assures us that He is coming soon is a constant reminder to Christians of the urgency to be prepared. Although we do not know when that day will come, we cannot rest on our laurels; we must live in holiness and watchfulness, always expecting His coming (Matthew 24:42-44).
The coming of the Lord should also motivate us to spread the gospel to those who have not yet received it. We must labor in His work until He comes (1 Corinthians 15:58), and live lives of love and mercy that reflect His love and qualify us for His kingdom (1 John 2:28-29).