The Time is at Hand
Revelation 1:3 - Blessed is he (any true believer) that readeth (studies), and they (true believers) that hear (understand) the words of this prophecy (the messages in the book of Revelation), and keep (cherish, honor, protect, obey, serve, live) those things (the precious saving truths) which are written therein (in the book of Revelation): for (because) the time (kairos) is at hand.
The English word “time” is translated from both Greek words "chronos" and "kairos." Is there a significant difference in their meanings?
The definite article “the” in verse 1:3 designates “the time” to be a fixed and definite period of time.
The Greek word “kairos” refers to a period of time during which things are brought to a crisis or a specific objective is to be accomplished. It often refers to "the decisive epoch waited for." (Epoch = A specified period of time in history or in a person's lifetime, typically one marked by notable events or particular characteristics).
“The time” here refers to the prophetic time period (kairos) preceding Christ’s first advent. Now that the prophetic time period had been fulfilled (completed), the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ leading up to His crucifixion and ascension (the gospel) had begun.
Revelation 22:10 repeats the exact phrase of 1:3 - And he (the angel, Gabriel) saith unto me (John the Apostle), Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book (the prophetic messages in the book of Revelation): for (because) the time (kairos) is at hand.
The only other verse in Revelation in which the word kairos is used in the same context and referring to the same time period is verse 12:12:
Revelation 12:12 - Therefore (now that the kingdom of God - the kingdom of Grace - is come, verse 12:5) rejoice, ye heavens (all the unfallen angels and all the inhabitants of all the unfallen worlds), and ye that dwell in them (the true believers who live by faith in the heaven places – and not “dwelling” on the earth or in the sea). Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea (wicked humans) for the devil is come down unto you (unbelievers), having great wrath (anger, rage), because he (the devil) knoweth that he hath but (only) a short time (kairos).
“Short” is a relative term used here in contrast to the length of Lucifer-Satan’s existence (that being eons, with one eon generally considered to be a billion years). “Short” here is not in relation to the typical human lifespan (80+/- years) and does NOT imply that Christ’s return was predicted in the Bible to be "in close proximity" "in the near future” from a human perspective.
The “short time” referred to in 12:12 is the time period from Christ’s ascension (12:5) to His return.
“A short time” does NOT mean the same thing as “the time is at hand,” but in this case, it does refer to the same period of time in that the “short” (definite, limited) time period (2000 +/- years) leading up to Christ’s return is “at hand” (has begun, is now).
Looking again at verses 1:3 and 20:10, it becomes obvious that both verses refer to the same prophetic time period between Christ’s first and second advents.
In the prologue of Revelation (1:3), we are encouraged to study, understand, and live (keep) the messages in the book of Revelation in order to be blessed (saved) at Christ’s return, because “the time is at hand.” Now, during each of our individual lifetimes is when we are to get and stay right with God through faith in Christ for His loving sacrifice AND ongoing ministry as our high priest in heaven (Hebrews 2:17).
In the epilogue of Revelation (22:10), John is commanded to NOT seal the message of Revelation because “the time is at hand.” Gabriel is warning us that we need the message NOW! We are NOT to wait for some point in time (chronos) in the future to study Revelation when many wrongly presume it will become understood and applicable. NOW is when all true believers need to study (read), understand (hear), and obey/live (keep) its message of truth and be saved - not because Christ's return has always been eminent, but because our fragile lives in dangerous, sin-sick world is short and unpredictable.
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (everything between 1:3, when the book was given, and 22:12, when Christ returns) explains the final phase of God’s Plan of Salvation - a distinctive and decisive period of time (kairos).
The book of Revelation explains this time period, the time spanning from His ascension to His return, as being “the time” during which Christ’s character is to be developed and revealed in/through His servants.
On an individual basis, this kairos is each of our lifetimes. We are called to serve as “the revelation of Jesus Christ” pointing everyone around us in this lost and dying world to the Saviour.
Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom (the kingdom of glory to come) shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come - the end of "the time" - the gospel dispensation until the 2nd Coming of Christ.
The English word “time” is translated from both Greek words "chronos" and "kairos." Is there a significant difference in their meanings?
- Chronos = Chronological or sequential time; quantitative; variable; referring to a specific point in time.
- Kairos = A proper or opportune time for action; qualitative, permanent; referring to a distinctive period of time.
The definite article “the” in verse 1:3 designates “the time” to be a fixed and definite period of time.
The Greek word “kairos” refers to a period of time during which things are brought to a crisis or a specific objective is to be accomplished. It often refers to "the decisive epoch waited for." (Epoch = A specified period of time in history or in a person's lifetime, typically one marked by notable events or particular characteristics).
- Example: Mark 1:14-15 - Now after that John (the Baptist) was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time (kairos) is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
“The time” here refers to the prophetic time period (kairos) preceding Christ’s first advent. Now that the prophetic time period had been fulfilled (completed), the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ leading up to His crucifixion and ascension (the gospel) had begun.
Revelation 22:10 repeats the exact phrase of 1:3 - And he (the angel, Gabriel) saith unto me (John the Apostle), Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book (the prophetic messages in the book of Revelation): for (because) the time (kairos) is at hand.
The only other verse in Revelation in which the word kairos is used in the same context and referring to the same time period is verse 12:12:
Revelation 12:12 - Therefore (now that the kingdom of God - the kingdom of Grace - is come, verse 12:5) rejoice, ye heavens (all the unfallen angels and all the inhabitants of all the unfallen worlds), and ye that dwell in them (the true believers who live by faith in the heaven places – and not “dwelling” on the earth or in the sea). Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea (wicked humans) for the devil is come down unto you (unbelievers), having great wrath (anger, rage), because he (the devil) knoweth that he hath but (only) a short time (kairos).
“Short” is a relative term used here in contrast to the length of Lucifer-Satan’s existence (that being eons, with one eon generally considered to be a billion years). “Short” here is not in relation to the typical human lifespan (80+/- years) and does NOT imply that Christ’s return was predicted in the Bible to be "in close proximity" "in the near future” from a human perspective.
The “short time” referred to in 12:12 is the time period from Christ’s ascension (12:5) to His return.
“A short time” does NOT mean the same thing as “the time is at hand,” but in this case, it does refer to the same period of time in that the “short” (definite, limited) time period (2000 +/- years) leading up to Christ’s return is “at hand” (has begun, is now).
Looking again at verses 1:3 and 20:10, it becomes obvious that both verses refer to the same prophetic time period between Christ’s first and second advents.
In the prologue of Revelation (1:3), we are encouraged to study, understand, and live (keep) the messages in the book of Revelation in order to be blessed (saved) at Christ’s return, because “the time is at hand.” Now, during each of our individual lifetimes is when we are to get and stay right with God through faith in Christ for His loving sacrifice AND ongoing ministry as our high priest in heaven (Hebrews 2:17).
In the epilogue of Revelation (22:10), John is commanded to NOT seal the message of Revelation because “the time is at hand.” Gabriel is warning us that we need the message NOW! We are NOT to wait for some point in time (chronos) in the future to study Revelation when many wrongly presume it will become understood and applicable. NOW is when all true believers need to study (read), understand (hear), and obey/live (keep) its message of truth and be saved - not because Christ's return has always been eminent, but because our fragile lives in dangerous, sin-sick world is short and unpredictable.
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (everything between 1:3, when the book was given, and 22:12, when Christ returns) explains the final phase of God’s Plan of Salvation - a distinctive and decisive period of time (kairos).
The book of Revelation explains this time period, the time spanning from His ascension to His return, as being “the time” during which Christ’s character is to be developed and revealed in/through His servants.
On an individual basis, this kairos is each of our lifetimes. We are called to serve as “the revelation of Jesus Christ” pointing everyone around us in this lost and dying world to the Saviour.
Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom (the kingdom of glory to come) shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come - the end of "the time" - the gospel dispensation until the 2nd Coming of Christ.
“Blessed is he that keeps those things which are written therein (in the book of Revelation): for the time is at hand.”
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