What does "the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come'" signify for believers? Setting the Scene “ ‘The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” ’ ” (Revelation 22:17) stands near the close of Scripture’s final chapter—a climactic invitation flung out to the very last page of God’s Word. Here the Holy Spirit and the redeemed Church unite in a single voice, urging all people to receive Christ and anticipating His imminent return. Who Are “the Spirit” and “the Bride”? • The Spirit – the Holy Spirit, divine Author and Preserver of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21). • The bride – the collective body of believers, pictured as Christ’s wife (Revelation 19:7; Ephesians 5:25-27). Together they form heaven’s evangelistic chorus. The Essence of the Invitation • “Come” is present-tense, urgent, and open-ended—no one is excluded. • The call is both vertical (toward Christ’s return) and horizontal (toward lost souls). • The invitation is grace-based: “Let the one who desires take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). Four Dimensions of the Call “Come” 1. Salvation for the Thirsty • Parallels Isaiah 55:1 – “Come, all you who are thirsty….” • Echoes Jesus’ words: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). 2. Fellowship for the Hearer • “Let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’” — every believer who has heard and believed now passes the invitation on (2 Corinthians 5:20). 3. Anticipation of Christ’s Appearing • The Church, empowered by the Spirit, longs for the promised return: “Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20). 4. Assurance of Free Grace • “Drink freely” underscores that salvation is without cost to the recipient yet costly to Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 1:5). Implications for Daily Life • Speak the Gospel plainly—join the Spirit’s call. • Maintain a posture of expectancy; Christ could come today (Hebrews 9:28). • Guard against spiritual complacency; the invitation implies urgency (Revelation 22:12). • Cultivate holiness; a purified bride longs for her Bridegroom (1 John 3:2-3). Living in Expectation • Romans 8:16, 23 reminds that the Spirit within believers groans for final redemption. • Anticipation fuels perseverance amid trials (James 5:7-8). • Joy is anchored not in circumstance but in the certainty of the wedding feast to come (Revelation 19:9). Assurance for the Thirsty • No sin is too great, no past too stained—the invitation is unrestricted. • The verb “come” is singular; God addresses each heart personally. • The promise of “water of life” guarantees eternal satisfaction (John 4:13-14). Connection to Other Biblical Invitations • Genesis 7:1 – God to Noah: “Come into the ark” (safety). • Matthew 11:28 – Jesus: “Come to Me, all who are weary.” • Revelation 22:17 – Spirit & bride: “Come” (final echo). God’s call is consistent from first book to last—one seamless appeal to enter His salvation. Final Encouragement Hear the cry of both heaven and the Church. Receive the free water of life. Then echo the same cry to a parched world while watching for the soon-appearing Bridegroom, confident His promised “Come” will soon become visible reality. |
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