Amen

Amen. The word is an Old English word from Late Latin from Ecclesiastical Greek from Hebrew amen meaning "truth." (That's a long way to go with the same word in each of those languages.) It is defined as "so be it" or "it is." So when you hear it shouted out during a sermon, you're likely hearing "It is -- truth!" And when it is spoken at the end of a prayer, it is likely "So be it -- let it be so." (Or it is just used as a period to say, "I'm done praying now." But that's just being lazy.)

The word is used 56 times in the ESV version of the Bible -- 27 times in the Old and 29 times in the New. It is used both ways in Scripture -- "It is so" or "Let it be so." The Bible ends with that word (Rev 22:21). And the previous verse says, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev 22:20). "He who testifies to these things" is Christ Himself. And John adds, "Amen. Come Lord Jesus!" Let it be so.

I'm looking forward to my last amen. I'm looking forward to the day that His kingdom comes in fullness and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven. I'm looking forward to the day when All tears are dried and all sadness banished and we will be forever in His presence in perfect relationship with Him. No need to say "Let it be so" anymore because it will be so. No longer any need to declare what is true anymore ("It is so") because truth will be manifest. No more denominations or deviations, no more slips or slides, no more "not yet perfect." "When He appears we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!