Revelation 22:17-21 · Revelation

Come, Lord Jesus

The Spirit and the bride invite those who hear to come and take the water of life freely. A warning is given against adding to or taking away from the words of the prophecy. Jesus affirms His imminent return, and a blessing of grace is pronounced upon all.

Summary

This passage from Revelation 22:17-21 concludes the Book of Revelation, a prophetic vision given to John around 95 AD. It holds significance as the final words of the New Testament, offering both a call and a warning. The characters involved include the Spirit, the Bride, Jesus, and God. The passage opens with an invitation from the Spirit and the Bride, urging those who hear to come and take the water of life freely, highlighting an open call to salvation (verse 17).

The passage then transitions into a solemn warning. John testifies that anyone who adds to the words of this prophecy will face the plagues described in the book, and anyone who takes away from the words will lose their share in the book of life and the holy city (verses 18-19). This establishes the importance of preserving the integrity of the prophetic message. Following this, Jesus affirms His imminent return with the statement, "Surely I come quickly," to which John responds, "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (verse 20).

The passage concludes with a blessing, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (verse 21). This final verse establishes a sense of closure and hope, leaving readers with the assurance of Jesus's grace. The passage presents the conclusion that Jesus's return is certain and imminent, and it emphasizes the importance of readiness and faithfulness in response to the prophetic message.

Chiastic structure

ⓘ
A

Revelation 22:17

“And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

B

Revelation 22:20

“Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

A'

Revelation 22:21

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.”

Both A and A' focus on the invitation and grace offered to believers, with A inviting to partake in the water of life and A' extending the grace of Jesus Christ.

Interpretation and theological stakes

The passage in Revelation 22:17-21 emphasizes the certainty and imminence of Jesus Christ's return. The text concludes the New Testament with a dual emphasis: a call to salvation and a warning to preserve the integrity of the prophecy. The invitation to "come" and take the water of life freely suggests an open offer of salvation, while the solemn warning against altering the prophecy underscores its sanctity and the dire consequences of tampering with it. This final section of Revelation underscores the importance of readiness and faithfulness as believers await Jesus's return, reassuring them of His grace and imminent arrival.

The dispensationalist interpretation argues that the passage emphasizes the immediacy of Christ's return, suggesting it could happen at any moment. This view focuses on Jesus's statement, "Surely I come quickly" (verse 20), as a literal indication of His impending arrival. Dispensationalists see this as a call for constant vigilance and preparedness among believers. The repeated invocation to "come" (verse 17) serves as an urgent invitation for individuals to accept salvation before it is too late, reinforcing the belief in the unpredictability and imminence of the Second Coming.

In contrast, the Catholic interpretation emphasizes the specific warning about altering the text, which pertains particularly to the Book of Revelation. This view highlights the importance of preserving this prophecy's integrity, as seen in verses 18-19. The Catholic tradition often reads this as a caution not just about textual fidelity but as a broader sacredness of revealed scripture. The emphasis on the warning suggests that the passage is concerned with maintaining the holiness and authenticity of the message, rather than primarily focusing on the timing of Christ’s return.

When considering both interpretations, the passage urges a dual focus on fidelity to the prophetic message and readiness for Christ's return. The call to maintain the integrity of the prophecy reflects a broader responsibility to honor divine revelation, not just in expectation of Christ's return but as a fundamental aspect of faith. The tension between immediate anticipation and careful preservation of the prophecy suggests that the faithful are called to live in a state of both expectation and reverence, balancing hope for the future with respect for the sacred word in the present. This duality offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the passage's significance.

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