The statement “Behold I am coming soon” in Revelation 22:7 refers to Jesus Christ’s promised second coming. This verse comes at the end of the book of Revelation, which records the apostle John’s vision of future events leading up to Christ’s return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
The book of Revelation reveals that before Jesus returns, there will be a time of great tribulation on the earth (Revelation chapters 6-19). This will culminate in the battle of Armageddon, where nations will gather to fight against Christ. But Christ will defeat all His enemies and return as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-21). After this, Satan will be bound and Christ will reign with His saints for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-6). At the end of this millennium, Satan will be released for a time and will deceive the nations into rebelling against Christ’s rule. But fire from heaven will destroy them. Satan will then be thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented forever (Revelation 20:7-10).
It is after these events that John sees a vision of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21-22. With the old sinful world done away with, God establishes a perfect new creation. The New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride for her husband (Revelation 21:2). There will no longer be any death, mourning, crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4). God will dwell with His people, and those who overcome will inherit all things (Revelation 21:7).
In this context of describing the glorious future kingdom, Jesus declares “Behold, I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:7). The emphasis is on the present tense – “I am coming.” Though it may seem like a long time to us, for God the time is near. Jesus will certainly return to fulfill all that the prophets foretold and all that Revelation reveals. This statement reminds us to be watchful and prepared for His return. Just as Jesus repeatedly told His disciples before His first coming that the time was near, He tells us again before His second coming that He is coming soon.
What are some key things to note about this statement by Jesus?
1. It refers to Christ’s second coming
The book of Revelation concerns the “revelation of Jesus Christ” – His unveiling in glory at the end of the age (Revelation 1:1). When Jesus says “I am coming soon,” He is referring to His second coming in power and great glory, when every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). This will complete God’s plan of redemption through the Messiah. Jesus came the first time in humility to die as the Lamb of God for the sins of the world. But He is coming again as the triumphant Lion of Judah and conquering King.
2. No one knows the day or hour
Although Jesus says His coming is soon, He does not reveal the precise timing. He states, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32). The exact time remains a mystery hidden in God’s sovereign plan. We cannot calculate a date, so we must always be spiritually prepared.
3. Wait eagerly with patience
Knowing Christ’s return is near should produce in us an eager yet patient waiting. The apostle Paul writes of this hope as we look forward to “the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). Like the watchmen longing for dawn, we passionately desire to see our Savior while also willing to endure until the Father’s appointed time.
4. Live holy and godly lives
Peter exhorts believers to “be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace” (2 Peter 3:14). Since we know everything will be revealed when the Lord returns, we should live in holiness and purity. We are to avoid being caught up in the corruption and immorality of the world.
5. Be ready at any time
Jesus compares His second coming to a thief in the night – it will be sudden and unexpected (Matthew 24:43-44). We must be ready at all times, keeping our spiritual eyes open. Watching for Christ’s return should motivate us to faithfully serve God in whatever time we have left before He appears.
6. It will happen quickly when it occurs
Revelation 22:7 says “Behold, I am coming soon!” Jesus emphasizes the swiftness of His return. When He comes, it will happen in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52). The present age will abruptly come to an end. The timing is unrevealed but the speed will be instantaneous.
7. Jesus fulfills His promises
We can have absolute confidence that if Christ said He is coming soon, He will keep His word. He reminds John’s readers, “These words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 22:6). All God’s promises find their fulfillment in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20). What God says will surely come to pass.
8. Christ will complete His redemptive work
The second coming of Jesus will bring God’s plan of salvation history to its climax. All things will be united under the rightful ruler, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:10). The new creation will be freed from sin and death forever. The reign of Christ will fulfill all prophetic anticipations of God’s everlasting kingdom.
9. The dead will be raised and all face judgment
When Jesus returns, He will raise to life all who have died, both believers and unbelievers (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; John 5:28-29). There will be a final judgment where every person gives an account before God (Revelation 20:11-15). Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will enter God’s eternal kingdom.
10. Believers should anticipate His return with joy
For believers, Christ’s second coming is a blessed hope (Titus 2:13). We will see our Savior face to face, be freed from sin’s presence, and enter our eternal reward. The return of Christ signifies the end of suffering, darkness, tears, and death. No wonder the Bible urges us to look for the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Jesus’ statement “Surely I am coming soon” in Revelation 22:20 is a promise all believers can cling to. While we do not know when He will return, we have the absolute assurance that Christ will keep His word. Our response should be one of joyful anticipation, holy living, and eager preparation for that great day when He comes again in glory.