1 Corinthians 16:22- “If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!”

Extended Explanation

This verse is one of Paul’s strongest and most urgent statements in 1 Corinthians. As he closes his letter, he declares that anyone who does not love the Lord is under a curse. The word “cursed” comes from the Greek word “anathema,” which means to be set apart for destruction or under God’s judgment.

This might seem harsh at first, but Paul is emphasizing a serious spiritual truth: rejecting Jesus has eternal consequences. The entire message of the Bible points to Jesus as Lord, and to reject Him is to reject God’s offer of salvation.

The second part of the verse, “Come, Lord!” is a plea for Christ’s return. The phrase “Come, Lord” is actually the Aramaic word “Maranatha”, which was a common prayer in the early church. It expresses the eager expectation of believers for Jesus to return and establish His kingdom.

So, in one short verse, Paul captures both the seriousness of rejecting Christ and the hope of His second coming.

Historical Context

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to a church struggling with sin, division, and false teaching. Throughout the letter, he called them to be faithful to Christ. But he knew that not everyone in the church truly loved the Lord. Some people were still living in sin, following false teachers, or questioning the gospel.

In the first-century world, Christianity was a radical belief. Many people rejected Jesus, and persecution against Christians was increasing. Paul’s words remind the Corinthians that there is no neutral ground—either a person loves and follows Jesus, or they stand opposed to Him.

The phrase “Maranatha” was significant for early Christians. Many faced suffering, and this prayer—“Come, Lord!”—was their hope for Jesus to return and bring justice, peace, and eternal life.

Theological Implications

1. Loving Jesus is not optional—it’s essential. This verse makes it clear that rejecting Christ leads to judgment. Salvation is found only in Jesus (John 14:6).

2. God’s judgment is real. While God is merciful, those who refuse to love and follow Jesus will be separated from Him. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus about the reality of judgment (Matthew 25:31-46).

3. Believers should long for Jesus’ return. The prayer “Come, Lord!” expresses the heart of a Christian who desires to see Christ return and establish His kingdom.

4. The church must remain faithful. Paul’s warning challenges Christians to examine their hearts: Do we truly love the Lord, or are we just going through the motions?

Literary Analysis

This verse contains two powerful statements:

1. A warning against rejecting Jesus. – “If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed!”
2. A longing for Jesus to return. – “Come, Lord!” (Maranatha)

The contrast is striking. Those who reject Christ face judgment, but those who love Him eagerly await His return.

Paul often ended his letters with blessings, but here, he includes a serious warning. This shows the urgency of the gospel—people must choose where they stand with Jesus.

The use of “Maranatha” is also significant. This is one of the few Aramaic words found in the New Testament, which suggests that it was a commonly spoken phrase among the earliest Christians.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 3:18 – “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (The same truth Paul is emphasizing.)
• Matthew 10:32-33 – “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
• Revelation 22:20 – “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Echoing Paul’s “Maranatha” prayer.)
• Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
• 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 – “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Our love for Jesus must be genuine. Christianity isn’t just about belief in a set of teachings—it’s about truly loving Jesus and following Him.

2. We must be urgent in sharing the gospel. If rejecting Christ leads to judgment, then sharing the message of salvation is crucial. We cannot assume that people will turn to Christ later—the time to follow Him is now.

3. We should long for Jesus’ return. This world is broken, but one day Jesus will come back and make all things new. We should live in anticipation and readiness for His return.

4. Faith in Jesus determines our eternal future. This verse challenges us to consider: Am I truly following Jesus, or am I living for myself?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, this verse might seem harsh, but it actually reveals God’s love and justice.

• God offers salvation to all. He desires that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). The warning here isn’t about God rejecting people—it’s about people rejecting God’s love.
• God is patient, but judgment is real. Just as a loving parent warns their child of danger, God warns us about the consequences of rejecting Him.
• Jesus’ return is an act of love. The prayer “Come, Lord!” reflects our desire to see God’s justice, peace, and restoration fulfilled.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the dividing line. Those who accept Him receive eternal life, while those who reject Him remain under judgment (John 3:36).

2. Jesus Himself warned about false believers. In Matthew 7:21-23, He said that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who truly love and obey Him.

3. Jesus promised to return. The early Christians prayed, “Come, Lord!”, echoing Jesus’ own promise: “I will come again and take you to myself.” (John 14:3).

4. Jesus bore the curse so we could be saved. Paul says that those who do not love Jesus are under a curse, but the good news is that Jesus took that curse on Himself at the cross (Galatians 3:13).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do I truly love Jesus, or am I just following Christian traditions?
2. How does this verse challenge me to take my faith more seriously?
3. Why do you think Paul included both a warning and a longing for Jesus’ return in the same verse?
4. How can I be more urgent about sharing the gospel with those who do not know Christ?
5. What does it mean to pray, “Come, Lord!” in my daily life?