The Final Chapter: What Happens to Jesus at the End of the Bible?

As we delve into the concluding chapters of the Bible, particularly the book of Revelation, we engage with one of the most enigmatic and awe-inspiring narratives in Christian literature. This article explores the destiny of Jesus at the end of this epic tale, with a focus on the final declarations and the imminence of His second coming.

Revelations and the Second Coming

As Jesus himself proclaims to John in Revelation 1:8, 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.' These profound words remind us of the eternal and unchanging nature of Christ. Revelation 22:13 further asserts, 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.' These verses emphasize the absolute sovereignty and control of Christ over all of history, from the beginning to the very end.

The Cry for Judgement and Grace

The cry 'marana tha' (O Lord, come!) is heard with increasing frequency as we near the conclusion of the Bible. Versions 20-21 of the chapter underscore the urgency of Christ's coming by repeating this call three times: Revelation 22:7, 12, and 20. This phrase, drawn from Aramaic, holds significant meaning within the context of the early Church. Its use in 1 Corinthians 16:22 reveals a deeper layer of significance, reflecting both judgment for Christ's enemies and grace for the faithful.

The Didache, an early Christian catechism, provides evidence that the phrase 'marana tha' was a part of the Eucharistic liturgy. This further solidifies its importance in the ongoing Christian tradition. The Aramaic phrase 'maran atha' can be translated in two ways, reflecting different meanings: 'the Lord has come' and 'the Lord will come.' Both interpretations are relevant, as the cry for judgment is for Christ's enemies, while the plea for grace is for the saints.

The Peril and Promise of Faith

Many contemporaries question how the principles of the Bible, particularly regarding judgment, apply to modern times. The book of Revelation and the entire Bible serve as a continuous lesson for believers, highlighting the ongoing relevance and importance of maintaining faith. The apostle Paul addresses this in Romans 11:20-23, cautioning that if even the first man and woman, or the first covenant church, could be broken off the branch of the tree of life, so too could the modern Christian.

God's Revelation and Inspiration

The books of the Bible, authored by God and written through human instruments inspired by the Holy Spirit, are designed to provide truth without error. For the modern reader, these texts serve as a timeless guide, a journey of faith, and a lesson in trust and perseverance. As Revelation 3:14 and Romans 11:20-23 indicate, the message of the Bible is clear: salvation is a lifelong journey for every Christian, a historical process for God's Church.

By maintaining faith and continues in the mission of the Gospel, we can confidently anticipate the fulfillment of God's promises and bask in the river of eternal life. As believers, we must persevere, lest we find ourselves cut off, as the natural branches of the olive tree were, for falling away from the faith.