Revelation 22:20 - Meaning and Application

We have now come to the close of the whole vision, and it ends in three ways.

Christ gives his farewell to his church. After showing these things to his people on earth, he seems to take leave of them and return to heaven. But he parts from them with great kindness, and assures them it will not be long before he comes again: “Behold, I am coming quickly.” When he ascended into heaven after his resurrection, he left his followers with the promise of his gracious presence. Here he leaves them with the promise of a speedy return. If anyone says, “Why has his coming not happened, when so many ages have passed since this was written?” let them remember that he is not slow toward his people, but patient toward his enemies. His coming will be sooner than they expect, sooner than they are ready for, and sooner than they want. To his people, it will come at the right time. The vision is for an appointed time, and it will not delay. He will come quickly. Let this word stay in our ears, and let us work hard so that we may be found by him in peace, without stain and without blame.

The church answers Christ’s promise with all her heart. She first declares her firm belief in it: “Amen,” that is, so it is, and so it will be. Then she shows her deep desire for it: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Let my beloved come quickly, like a deer or a young hart on the mountains of spices. This is the heartbeat of the church. It is the breathing of that gracious Spirit who lives in and gives life to the body of Christ. We should never be satisfied until we find that same spirit in us, making us look for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. This is the language of the church of the firstborn, and we should join with them often, reminding ourselves of his promise. What comes from heaven in a promise should be sent back to heaven in a prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus. End this time of sin, sorrow, and temptation. Gather your people out of this present evil world and take them to heaven, where there is perfect purity, peace, and joy. Finish your great design, and fulfill all that word in which you have caused your people to hope.”