Revelation 22:18-21·~1 min

Nothing May Be Added or Removed

A solemn warning is given to all who hear the prophecy: to add to it brings the plagues written in it, and to take away from it forfeits one's share in the tree of life and the holy city. Jesus closes with the promise, 'Yes, I am coming soon,' and John responds, 'Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!' The whole book ends with a benediction of the Lord Jesus' grace upon the saints. The paragraph seals Revelation as sacred testimony to be received intact, awaited in hope, and lived under grace.

I¹⁸ testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. ¹⁹And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book. ²⁰He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! ²¹The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints.

Section summaryThe final words of the book place the prophecy under solemn covenant warning. No one may add to or take away from the words of this book without incurring the judgments or losing the blessings described in it. Jesus again testifies that He is coming soon, and John answers with the church's longing prayer, 'Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!' The closing benediction invokes the grace of the Lord Jesus upon the saints. The section seals the book with reverence, hope, and grace.

Role in the chapterThis closing section guards the integrity of the prophecy and leaves the church with prayerful expectancy and grace.