[§378] Rev 22:20-21: A Final Prayer to Christ and John's Benediction

Revelation 22:20: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

The same angel that spoke with divine investiture of authority throughout Revelation chapter 22 testifies again in this verse as though he was Christ,1 saying: Surely I come quickly.2 This is the third repetition of this saying in Revelation 22, and the seventh in the Book of Revelation as a whole.3 On three occasions the saying warns unrepentant people4 that Christ's judgment will come quickly upon them.5 On four occasions, Christ promises to come quickly into the individual lives of righteous people that come unto him.6 That is, he promises to unveil himself to them as stated in Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:68, saying: "Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will." This promised unveiling offers comfort and hope to every longsuffering saint in life or in death.7 And if it so be that Christ's unveiling comes quickly to people at the Second Coming for the first time, then it will come as a great day for those who are repentant and dreadful day for those who are not.8

John says Amen after the angel (speaking as Christ) promises that he will come quickly.9 The Amen confirms10 the truth of Christ's words.11 Amen is sometimes translated as verily to affirm the truth of words spoken by Christ, who is the God of Amen.12 John's affirmative Amen treats everything in the Book of Revelation as if confirmed by an oath.13 His Amen is a further assurance that all Christ's promises in the Book of Revelation will be fulfilled.14

John also prays on behalf of all righteous saints,15 saying: Even so, come, Lord Jesus.16 John's words are similar to the ancient Aramaic prayer‒Marana tha‒which prays for Christ's Second Coming and recognizes his divinity as the Lord Jesus.17

Revelation 22:21: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

John's apostolic benediction18 prays for the saints in all ages,19 saying: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.20 This common benediction21 invokes the Savior's love, mercy, and influence on all his saints.22 Without the grace of Jesus Christ, people cannot be saved in the kingdom of God even after all they can do.23

John concludes the Book of Revelation with the word, Amen,24 which means so be it.25 So be it, in the sense that every jot26 and tittle27 of the written prophecies in the Book of Revelation will be fulfilled.28 Moroni prophesied in Ether 4:16, that John's revelations shall be "unfolded in the eyes of all the people." Today, "the time is at hand that they shall be made manifest in very deed."

For, behold, I am about to call upon them to give heed to the light and glory of Zion, for the set time has come to favor her. Call ye, therefore, upon them with loud proclamation, and with your testimony ... that they may be left also without excuse— And that I may visit them in the day of visitation, when I shall unveil the face of my covering.

— Doctrine and Covenants 124:6-8


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[§378] Rev 22:20-21: A Final Prayer to Christ and John's Benediction