Revelation 22:20 — He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Explanation of the Verse
This verse is the second-to-last verse in the entire Bible. It is Jesus speaking directly and personally: “Yes, I am coming soon.” This is a final confirmation that everything we’ve just read in the book of Revelation is true and trustworthy. Jesus has already said several times throughout the chapter that He is coming soon (verses 7 and 12), but here, it is emphatic—“Yes,” He says, “I am.” It’s not a wish. It’s a promise.
Then comes the response: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” This is John speaking on behalf of every believer who longs for Jesus’ return. “Amen” means “so be it” or “let it be true.” And “Come, Lord Jesus” is a prayer. It is the heart’s cry of a people who are waiting and watching for their Savior.
This final exchange between Jesus and His people is deeply personal and full of hope. It’s a promise from the Lord and a prayer from the Church. Together, they close the Bible with the certainty that Jesus is coming back—and that those who know Him are eagerly looking forward to it.
Historical Context
The early Church faced persecution, rejection, and hardship. Many believers had already died for their faith. Others lived under constant threat. When John wrote Revelation, Christians were being crushed under Roman rule and tempted to compromise in a world that was hostile to the gospel.
In that setting, these words would have been like water to a dry soul. “Yes, I am coming soon” wasn’t just about the end of the world—it was a promise that the suffering wasn’t forever. Jesus was returning to make everything right.
And the response—“Come, Lord Jesus”—wasn’t just poetic. It was a deep, aching prayer for justice, peace, and the presence of Christ to come in fullness. It echoed the cry of every believer who has ever longed for God to make things right.
Theological Implications
This verse gives us a powerful truth about the return of Jesus: it is certain, it is personal, and it is soon. The word “soon” doesn’t mean we can predict a date. It means that His coming is the next major event in God’s plan. Everything that needs to be done for salvation has been accomplished. Now we wait—not with fear, but with hope.
It also shows us how we are meant to respond: with longing, readiness, and prayer. Saying “Come, Lord Jesus” isn’t just about wanting the world to end. It’s about wanting Jesus to be fully present, to reign in righteousness, to wipe away every tear, and to be united forever with His people.
This verse also reminds us that the end of the Bible—and of history—is not chaos. It’s not destruction for destruction’s sake. It’s the coming of the King.
Literary Analysis
This verse brings the entire book of Revelation—and the whole Bible—to a close in a beautifully personal way. It begins with Jesus’ voice and ends with the believer’s response. This call-and-answer format gives it a liturgical feel, almost like a final benediction.
The sentence is short, but every word is loaded with meaning. “He who testifies to these things” refers to Jesus, the faithful and true witness. “Yes, I am coming soon” is a reaffirmation of His promise. And “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” is a simple but deeply emotional response.
The verse is filled with urgency and hope. It does not explain everything, but it ends with the confidence that Jesus is returning, and that is enough.
Cross-References
- Revelation 1:7 — “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him…”
- John 14:3 — “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:22 — “Come, Lord!” (Maranatha, in Aramaic)
- Philippians 3:20 — “We eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
- 2 Peter 3:9-10 — “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… The day of the Lord will come like a thief.”
- Titus 2:13 — “While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is an invitation to live with open eyes and a ready heart. Jesus is coming back. That means this life is not all there is, and that justice, peace, and healing are on the way.
It’s also a call to stay faithful. We don’t know the exact time, but we know the truth. He will come just as He said. So we live each day with purpose, with joy, and with expectation.
And most of all, it’s an encouragement. If life feels broken, hard, or overwhelming, this verse tells us the story isn’t over. Jesus is coming soon, and He will make everything new.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Only a loving God would make a promise like this. He doesn’t leave His people in the dark. He doesn’t leave sin and pain unaddressed. He promises to come again—not in anger toward His people, but in mercy, to bring them home.
God’s love is not passive—it moves toward us. His promise to return is part of His deep care. He hasn’t forgotten us. He’s not late. He’s waiting for the right time, and until then, He speaks comfort and encouragement to His people.
This verse is God saying, “I will not leave you as orphans—I will come to you” (John 14:18).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the center of this verse. He is the one who testifies to the truth. He is the one who promises to come soon. And He is the one we long for. He is not just the message—He is the reason for the message.
His first coming brought salvation. His second coming will bring restoration. His return is not a new idea introduced at the end of the Bible—it is the fulfillment of everything God has been doing from the beginning.
When we say, “Come, Lord Jesus,” we’re not asking for escape—we’re asking for Him. We want to see His face, live in His kingdom, and worship at His feet forever.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Do you live each day with the expectation that Jesus could return at any moment?
- What does it mean in your life to pray, “Come, Lord Jesus”?
- Are there areas where you’re living more for this world than for the world to come?
- How does Jesus’ promise to return give you comfort in difficult times?
- How can you share the hope of His return with others who may not yet believe?