The book of Revelation ends with a final exhortation from the Lord Jesus to his followers. He tells us he is coming soon to bring blessing on the righteous and punishment on the wicked, so we must be ready. Six times in v. 7-21 it refers to Jesus’s second coming, and four times these final events are said to be “soon.” The coming of Jesus is imminent; it could be in any generation so we must be ready for his return and not lose any time in calling people to repentance and faith (Rev. 22:10).

Jesus, God’s own Son, is perfectly righteous and has all authority to judge each person according to their works (Rev. 22:13). He promises he will bless whoever washes their robes in his blood (22:14, cf. 7:14)—whoever believes in him has forgiveness of sins and will stand before God justified. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we bear the fruit of this forgiveness as we live for God’s glory.

Jesus offers the water of life to all who are thirsty (22:17), all those who recognize their need of God’s grace. But those who reject his grace and persist in their idolatry and immorality show themselves to be his enemies, and he will conquer them (22:16) and punish their sin (22:15). 

In light of the second coming of Jesus, the promise of blessing and the warning of coming judgment, the church is called to be ready. Being “ready” means staying faithful to Jesus through suffering and resisting the sinful world system that seeks to seduce us with greed, sexual immorality, and worldly power (22:7). Readiness means, we give God all our worship and allegiance (22:9). And it means submitting ourselves to his word and trusting in his promises to come bless and judge.

Taking it home: What steps will you take to be ready for the coming of Jesus?