What is the meaning of Revelation 16:15? Behold “Behold” is Heaven’s way of saying, “Pay close attention!” Jesus breaks into the flow of judgment bowls with a personal announcement—just as He does in Revelation 22:7, “Behold, I am coming soon”. The command is a gracious pause, reminding us that even amid wrath, the Lord is still addressing His servants. • It signals urgency—what follows is not optional advice but essential preparation. • It highlights that this promise is as certain as the plagues already being poured out. I am coming like a thief Jesus declares His return will be sudden and unforeseen by the careless. Matthew 24:43–44, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, and 2 Peter 3:10 (all) repeat the same image: a thief does not announce his arrival, yet his coming is very real. • The timing is intentionally undisclosed, urging continual readiness. • The simile does not imply stealthy motives—only the element of surprise for the unprepared. Blessed is the one who remains awake This is the seventh beatitude in Revelation. To “remain awake” pictures spiritual vigilance, not physical insomnia. Mark 13:35–37: “Stay alert… so that when he comes suddenly, he will not find you sleeping”. Practical ways to stay awake: • Daily fellowship with the Lord through Word and prayer (Luke 21:36). • Expectant longing for His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). • Active obedience—doing the Master’s will until He comes (Luke 12:43). And clothed In Scripture, clothing often represents character. Revelation 3:5 promises overcomers will be “clothed in white garments,” while Revelation 19:8 defines fine linen as “the righteous acts of the saints”. • We first receive Christ’s righteousness (Galatians 3:27). • We then walk in practical purity, keeping our garments unspotted (Revelation 3:4). Being clothed is both a gift and a responsibility. So that he will not go naked Unclothed believers picture those caught off-guard, having neglected holiness. Genesis 3:7 shows that after sin, Adam and Eve realized their nakedness, an emblem of guilt. 2 Corinthians 5:3 expresses the longing “not to be found naked” at Christ’s appearing. • Neglecting sanctification leaves one spiritually exposed. • Nakedness before a holy God brings loss, not damnation for the saved, but shame. And let his shame be exposed Revelation 3:17 warns the complacent church, “You do not realize that you are wretched… naked”. Public exposure of shame echoes Isaiah 47:3. At the judgment seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:12–15), works done in the flesh will be burned, and what remains will declare whether we honored Him. • God would rather cover us now (Proverbs 28:13) than expose unrepentant sin later. • The prospect of shame is meant to motivate earnest readiness. summary Revelation 16:15 interrupts the unfolding wrath to remind believers: Jesus’ return is imminent and unexpected; blessing belongs to those who stay spiritually alert and keep the garments of Christ’s righteousness unsoiled. By living watchfully and walking in holiness, we avoid the disgrace of being found spiritually naked and instead welcome our Lord with confidence and joy. |
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