Anathema or Maranatha? — 1 Corinthians 16:22
A sobering and hope-filled teaching on the dividing line of eternity—
loving Christ and longing for His return.
1 Corinthians 16:22 KJV scripture image about Anathema and Maranatha, showing the eternal difference between rejecting Christ and longing for His return.
📖 Scripture Focus
“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema. Maranatha.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:22 (KJV)
Anathema or Maranatha — The Line of Eternity
Paul’s closing words carry a weight we cannot ignore.
To love Christ is to be saved, secure, and longing for His return.
To not love Him is to remain under judgment.
“Anathema” means accursed, cut off from God’s blessing.
“Maranatha” means, “Our Lord is coming.”
In one short sentence, Paul draws the line of eternity:
without Christ — judgment
with Christ — hope
Jesus Himself said:
“He that believeth on him is not condemned:
but he that believeth not is condemned already.”
(John 3:18)
“I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
(John 14:6)
But for those who love Him, the cry is different:
“Come, Lord Jesus!”
(Revelation 22:20)
Our hearts wait in hope, longing for the day He appears in glory.
To love Christ is more than a feeling—
it is trusting Him, treasuring Him, and
obeying Him from the heart.
“If a man love me, he will keep my words:
and my Father will love him.”
(John 14:23)
So the question is personal:
Do I love Him?
What Does This Mean?
“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:22 (KJV)
Key Words
Anathema — a Greek word meaning accursed, cut off, or devoted to destruction.
It refers to being under God’s judgment, separated from His blessing.
Maranatha — an Aramaic phrase meaning “Our Lord, come” or “The Lord is coming.”
A declaration of hope and a reminder of His return.
The Message
Paul is closing his letter with urgency.
If someone does not love Jesus, they remain outside of salvation and
under judgment.
And because Jesus is coming, this truth is not distant—
it is immediate.
This is not a casual statement.
It is a line drawn in eternity.
Application
Sobering Warning:
Loving Christ is not optional—
it is the dividing line between life and judgment.
Hopeful Reminder:
For those who love Him, “Maranatha” becomes a cry of hope: “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Daily Practice:
Examine the heart—
do I treasure Christ above all?
Am I living ready for His return?
In short:
To reject Christ is to remain under judgment.
To love Christ is to live in hope, ready for His coming.
Going Deeper
“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already.”
(John 3:18)
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
(John 14:6)
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
(Revelation 22:20)
The dividing line is not hidden.
It is clear.
And it is personal.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You are the dividing line of eternity.
Thank You for loving me first.
Teach me to love You in truth, to obey Your Word, and to long for Your return.
Let my life echo the cry of the early church:
Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
📖 Additional Scriptures to Sit With
Philippians 3:20
Titus 2:13
Ephesians 6:24
1 John 4:19
What Comes Next
Every heart responds to Jesus.
Some receive Him.
Some reject Him.
Scripture makes this distinction clear:
Anathema or Maranatha? — 1 Corinthians 16:22
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