R J Plugge

The Revelation R J Plugge

The Revelation of Jesus the Christ ends by assuring its readers that He is coming "soon" (Rev.22:7). John quotes Jesus's repeated statement that He will come soon (Rev.1:1; 22:7, 12, 20). Indeed, Jesus did come "soon" to John. Physical life on earth is short for everyone. And the judgments upon first century Jerusalem also came "soon." But, the text apparently should be read as saying He's coming "quickly." It again speaks to the speed of His coming, not the timing of "when." He comes suddenly. He comes unexpectedly to the unsaved; as unexpected as a sudden heart attack (Mt.24:42-44; 25:13; Lk.12:39). But, He is welcomed by the saved that are always in fellowship with Him and looking forward to their union with Him (Jn.17:24; Heb.9:28; Lk.12:43; 21:27; 1Thes.5:4).

John declares: "The Spirit and the bride (Church) say come"; and he promises "whoever wishes" can take the free gift of the water-of-life (Rev.22:17). The Church on earth yearns for the final "wedding feast" (Mt.22:2; 25:10).

John again states that God will judge; and he adds a warning about adding or subtracting from the original text of this book, i.e. The Revelation (Rev.22:19). The text within The Revelation then ends with a benediction: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen"