The Time of Christ's Return is Near

The book of Revelation is the grand finale of Scripture. It makes known to us God's sovereign plan for history and assures believers that Jesus Christ is and will be victorious.

The book was written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It’s a book that was given to help strengthen persecuted believers while at the same time remind every generation that no matter how dark the world becomes, God's purposes will not fail.

The book begins with the risen Christ walking among His churches (Revelation 1-3). These passages remind us that Jesus isn't distant from His people. He knows their faithfulness, their failures, their suffering, and their opportunities. He calls His church to remain faithful until the end.

In chapters 4 and 5, the scene shifts into heaven. God is seated on His throne, completely sovereign over every event on earth. The Lamb who was slain, Jesus Christ, is declared worthy to open the scroll because, through His death and resurrection, He purchased people from every nation for the Father.

From there, Revelation unfolds the coming judgments of God through the seals, trumpets, and bowls. The rebellion of mankind reaches its climax as Satan empowers the beast and false prophet to deceive the nations. Yet throughout these judgments, God continues to call people to repentance.

The Lord also preserves a faithful remnant, seals His servants, and proclaims the gospel throughout the earth. Though evil looks like it’s powerful on earth, its defeat is shown to be certain and its power is revealed to be seasonal in nature. The power of evil will come to an end.

Jesus then returns in glory as King of kings and Lord of lords. The armies of heaven accompany Him as He defeats His enemies with absolute authority. Satan is ultimately bound for 1,000 years, released briefly afterward, and then finally thrown forever into the lake of fire.

The final judgment follows. Every unbeliever stands before the great white throne and is judged by Jesus according to what is written in the books. Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life experience eternal separation from God.

But that isn't where the story ends.

God creates a new heaven and a new earth. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven as the dwelling place of God with His redeemed people, and every effect of sin is completely removed forever.

As Revelation 21:4 beautifully promises:

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

The Bible doesn’t end with destruction, but with restoration. God's people dwell forever in His presence, worshiping the Lamb who redeemed them.

A Look at Revelation 22:6-21

The final section of the Bible leaves readers with certainty, urgency, and hope.

The angel begins by declaring:

"These words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 22:6)

Everything John has seen isn't symbolic wishful thinking or religious imagination. These are God's own promises. Because God can’t lie, believers can build their lives upon these promises with confidence.

Then Jesus speaks:

"And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." (Revelation 22:7)

The word "soon" doesn't just emphasize timing. It also communicates certainty and suddenness. From God's eternal perspective, Christ's return is always near. When He comes, it will happen quickly and decisively.

John is so overwhelmed that he falls before the angel and attempts to worship him in his confusion. Immediately the angel corrects him, and it surprises me a little that John was willing to admit this even happened.

but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” (Revelation 22:9)

Even the most glorious angels refuse worship because worship belongs to God alone. Throughout Revelation, every holy being that was created points attention away from itself and toward the Creator.

Next comes an important contrast. Earlier in Scripture, the prophet Daniel was instructed to seal up his prophecy because its fulfillment was still far away. John receives the opposite instruction:

"Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near." (Revelation 22:10)

The message of Revelation is meant to be proclaimed openly. Every generation of believers should read it, obey it, and find hope in it.

Jesus then announces His coming judgment.

"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done." (Revelation 22:12)

Salvation is never earned through works. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. Yet our works demonstrate the reality or sincerity of our faith, and believers will receive rewards while unbelievers will face righteous judgment.

Jesus also declares His eternal identity:

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Revelation 22:13)

History begins with Him and ends with Him. Nothing exists outside His authority. He created all things, and every promise throughout Scripture ultimately rests upon His eternal nature.

The invitation of God’s grace continues even at the end of the Bible.

"The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price." (Revelation 22:17)

This is one of the most beautiful invitations in all of Scripture. God's final message isn't merely a warning of judgment. It's an invitation to salvation. Anyone who thirsts may come freely because Jesus has already paid the price.

The book concludes with a solemn warning against adding to or taking away from God's revealed Word. God's revelation is complete. His people are called to treasure it faithfully rather than reshape it according to human preferences.

Finally comes one of the greatest promises in all of Scripture.

Jesus says:

"Surely I am coming soon." (Revelation 22:20)

John responds:

"Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)

That cry has become the prayer of every generation of believers. We long for the day when faith becomes sight and our Savior returns.

The final verse leaves readers resting in grace:

"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen." (Revelation 22:21)

The Bible begins with creation. It ends with grace.

Revelation Completes the Story That Began in Genesis

Genesis introduces every major theme that Revelation brings to completion.

Genesis opens with a perfect creation. Revelation closes with a perfect new creation.

Genesis introduces the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve sinned, access to that tree was lost. In Revelation 22, the tree of life appears again, freely available to God's redeemed people forever.

Genesis records humanity's first act of rebellion. Revelation records sin's final defeat.

Genesis introduces Satan in the form of the serpent who deceives humanity. Revelation reveals his final destination in the lake of fire, where he will never deceive again.

Genesis announces the curse upon creation after sin enters the world. Revelation victoriously declares:

"No longer will there be anything accursed." (Revelation 22:3)

Genesis tells us that death entered through Adam's sin. Revelation promises that death itself will be destroyed forever.

Genesis records humanity being driven out of God's presence. Revelation celebrates God dwelling permanently with His people.

Most importantly, Genesis introduces God's promise of redemption. After Adam and Eve sinned, God declared that the offspring of the woman would one day crush the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15). That promise points directly to Jesus Christ.

Throughout the Old Testament, God continued unfolding His plan through covenants, sacrifices, kings, prophets, and promises.

The Gospels reveal Jesus accomplishing redemption through His death and resurrection.

The Epistles explain what His finished work means for the church.

Revelation shows the victorious conclusion.

The Lamb who was slain becomes the reigning King.

The suffering Savior becomes the conquering Lord.

The rejected Messiah becomes the universally worshiped King.

The One who wore a crown of thorns now wears many crowns.

Every promise God ever made finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells one unified story: The Father redeeming a people for Himself through His Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Encouragement and Application

I know it's easy to become discouraged when we look at our world. Wars continue. Evil often seems to prosper. Injustice appears to go unanswered. Our own lives include sickness, disappointment, grief, and unanswered questions. Just yesterday, I read the online post of a good friend that was supremely negative. Most of what she shares at this point seems to be.

Revelation reminds us that none of those things gets the final word.

Jesus does.

Our King isn't absent. He's reigning right now from His heavenly throne. Every event in history unfolds under His sovereign authority. Nothing surprises Him, and nothing can stop His plan.

That should give us confidence when life feels uncertain.

Revelation also reminds us that holiness should be our priority because eternity is real. Jesus is returning, and we want to be found faithfully serving Him when He comes. Our obedience doesn't earn His love. It flows from hearts that have already received His grace.

This final chapter also encourages us to keep inviting others to Christ. Until Jesus returns, the invitation remains open.

"The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.'"  (Revelation 22:17)

Someone you know may be spiritually thirsty today. They may be searching for meaning, forgiveness, hope, or peace. The answer isn't found in success, possessions, or self-improvement. It's found in Jesus Christ, who freely gives the water of life to everyone who believes.

Finally, Revelation teaches us to live with anticipation.

The early church greeted one another with the expectation that Christ could return at any time. Their hope wasn't rooted in changing political circumstances or favorable cultural trends. Their hope rested in the coming King.

That same hope belongs to us.

One day every prayer will be answered.

Every injustice will be made right.

Every tear will be wiped away.

Every promise will be fulfilled.

Every enemy will be defeated.

Every believer will be safely home.

Until that day, we keep trusting, serving, worshiping, and proclaiming the gospel.

The Bible ends exactly where our hearts should remain fixed:

"Surely I am coming soon."

And every believer can joyfully answer with John:

"Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)

© John Stange, 2026