Revelation 22:12-21: "Come, Lord Jesus"
Read: Revelation 22:12-21
The final cry of Scripture is the great longing for Christ’s return. Revelation ends with the Lord who is coming, the blessing of those washed by the Lamb, and the church’s answer: “Come, Lord Jesus.” Jesus speaks again, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every person according to what he has done” (Rev 22:12). Revelation closes with the nearness of Christ’s coming and the certainty of His judgment. The same book that promises grace also warns that deeds matter. God remembers the faithfulness of the saints, the blood of the martyrs, the corruption of Babylon, and the rebellion of those who worship the beast (Rev 6:9–11; 14:12–13; 18:5, 24; 20:12–13). Jesus then says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Rev 22:13). This language has framed the whole book (Rev 1:8; 21:6). Christ stands over the beginning, the end, and everything between. He is Lord over the whole story. The Lamb who was slain is the Lord of history.
A blessing follows. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates into the city” (Rev 22:14). This reaches back to the great multitude who washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:14). It also reaches back to Eden, where access to the tree of life was guarded after sin entered the world (Gen 3:22–24). In New Jerusalem, the washed enter the city and receive access to the tree of life. What was barred because of sin is opened through the Lamb. Outside are the dogs, sorcerers, immoral persons, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood, separated from God and his glory in the lake of fire (Rev 22:15). This repeats the moral gravity of Revelation 21:8 and 21:27. The city is open to the redeemed, but Babylon’s uncleanness does not enter.
Jesus then gives His own testimony. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches” (Rev 22:16). The book was given to real churches facing compromise, persecution, false teaching, idolatry, and weariness. The risen Christ still speaks to His churches through this prophecy. Jesus identifies Himself as “the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star” (Rev 22:16). He is the promised Davidic King, the fulfillment of the messianic hope that will reign with justice unlike the beasts of the world. Isaiah spoke of a shoot from the stump of Jesse who would judge with righteousness and bring peace (Isa 11:1–10). Numbers spoke of a star coming from Jacob and a scepter rising from Israel (Num 24:17). Jesus is David’s source and David’s son, the King whose coming signals the dawn.
Then the Spirit and the bride say, “Come” (Rev 22:17). The one who hears is invited to say, “Come.” The thirsty are invited to come and take the water of life without cost. Revelation ends with both warning and invitation. The same book that warns of plagues, judgment, and the second death also offers the water of life freely.
A final warning follows. If anyone adds to the words of this prophecy, God will add to him the plagues written in the book (Rev 22:18). If anyone takes away from the words of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and the holy city (Rev 22:19). This echoes covenant warnings not to add to or take away from God’s word (Deut 4:2; 12:32). Revelation must be received as God gave it. Its warnings should not be softened. Its promises should not be reduced. Its hope should not be hidden. Its call to worship God, resist the beast, come out of Babylon, endure faithfully, and long for Christ must stand. But it comes with a final promise from Jesus saying, “Yes, I am coming quickly” (Rev 22:20). The church answers, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” This is the final prayer of Revelation. The book ends with grace, because it is needed: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” (Rev 22:21).
Lord Jesus, keep Your people faithful, keep them ready, and come soon.