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1:1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
In the opening verse of Revelation, our LORD tells us how He speaks to us. He speaks to us through Christ who is the Word of God (John 1:1-14). The KJV does not capitalize the pronouns Him, His or He when refering to diety and in all four instances where these pronouns are used in verse 1, they all refer to our LORD.
The statement that this is the "Revelation of Jesus Christ" indicates that the communication before us is about the LORD Jesus. Christ is the focus of the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation; He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Revelation. According to Strong's Concordance, the word Revelation means "laying bear, making naked, a disclosure of truth, instruction, concerning things before unknown". Jesus was and is both the source and the object of the Revelation mentioned in verse one.
The heavens, earth and mankind were all created by God. This is truth from the Bible and the scientists who push evolution to children with no other alternative are not only lying, but setting themselves up for their own destruction unless they repent of their lies.
Gods Word also tells us that we are accountable to Him for that which we do whether it be good or evil. All men are sinners and those who die without a Saviour to pay the penalty for their sins are subject to spiritual death which is eternal damnation.
Jesus Christ. The LORD Jesus came to earth and was despised, forsaken, grieved, oppressed and afflicted; a man of sorrows. He would be rejected, suffer and eventually be murdered as a sacrificial sin offering to pay the penalty and cover the sins for His people who by His grace, put their trust in Him.
In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. :
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1,14).
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:8,9).
Although Jesus was and is Divine, He came to earth and took on a human nature, experiencing the same fellings that we as humans do. He was hungry, thirsty, tempted, weary, He wept, etc. He was born of a virgin, died, rose from the dead and will return again. :
"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11).
Until He comes again in the clouds of glory, He speaks to us through God's holy Word, the Bible.
servants. The word translated "servants" is from the original Greek noun "Doulos" and when used in connection with Christ, it signifies one who is an attendant and gives up their own will to advance the cause of Christ throughout the earth.
things which must shortly come to pass. There is little doubt that the book of Revelation is predictive prophecy. To rejecting this type of interpretation ignores both the manner in which it is written and the theme as well. Although verse 19 in chapter 1 indicates that some of the things mention took place before and during the time of its writing, for the most part, the visions and prophecies contained in the book will be fulfilled toward the end of time. In other words, the events described in the book of Revelation will take place immediately before, during and after the second coming of Christ. The majority of the book identifies with things pertaining to the end of time. These things include the great tribulation, the judgement of the unsaved and the establishment of the new heavens and earth. The message was sent and signified by the LORD's angel. Almost always when used in a singular sense, "His angel" refers to the LORD Jesus. The word "angel" can also be translated as "messenger" and Christ is the chief messenger to mankind. Therefore, we know Christ is in view here and not the celestial angels of the Cheribum and Seraphim type.
signified. The word "signified" means to manifest or make known. It comes from the Greek semiano and is also found in five other places in the New Testament: John 12:33; 18:32; 21:19; Acts 11:28 and Acts 25:27.
angel. The word translated "angel" here comes from the Greek noun, masculine "Aggelos" and is found 186 times in the New Testament of King James Bible. Of these 186 times, it is translated as "angel" 179 times and as "messenger" 7 times. The word is found far more often in the book of Revelation than any other book in the the New Testament. In Revelation it occurs 72 times, a much greater number than the number of times it is found in Luke which uses the word 26 times, second most than any other book of the Bible.
In the Old Testament the word is translated from the Hebrew word "Mal'ak", which is also a masculine noun. In the King James Version of the Old Testament it is found 214 times, being translated as "angel" 111 times, "messenger" 98 times, ambassadors 4 times and variant 1 time. In the Old Testament it is found most often in the book of Judges, where it occurs 26 times, again a number far below the 72 times that we find the word in Revelation in the New Testament Greek.
We also find the word "archangel" twice in the Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 4: and Jude 9. Like "His angel" this word refers to Christ. Archangel comes from a similar Greek word, "Archaggelos", noun masculine, and literally means "chief of the angels". By reading the context of these verses and comparing scripture with scripture, we can say with confidence that this refers to the LORD Jesus. :
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
"But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince." (Daniel 10:21).
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." (Daniel 12:1).
John. In the New Testament, we read of five different men named John. The name John means "Jehovah has been gracious". The five Johns we read of are: (1) The father of Simon Peter called Barjona (John 1:42; Matthew 16:17). (2) A Jewish official mentioned in Acts 4:6. (3) the Apostle Mark, also called John (Acts 12:12,25). (4) John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1). (5) The Apostle John (Matthew 4:21).
John here refers to the apostle John who also wrote the gospel and epistles bearing his name; the writing style and the fact that there is no other John found in the Bible who was alive at the time seem to confirm this.
1:2. Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
As early as the first half of the second century, we read authors such as Justin Martyr stating it was the conviction of church at that time that the Apostle John was the inspired author. There is no doubt that the Apostle John was most qualified. As an apostle John was perhaps as close to Jesus than anyone while our LORD was alive during His ministry in the flesh on the earth. The apostle John witnessed Christ crucified and was among Jesus' closest disciples. :
"As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James." (Mark 5:36,37).
John learned in person from our Teacher Jesus and here in Revelation is used to pen the inspired message of the book of Revelation.
1:3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
The theme of the book of Revelation is: "Victory in Christ". And here in only the third verse of the book we very well may have the "key verse" in the book. This verse should be underlined in everyone's Bible. If nothing else is gained from Revelation, we here have an exhortation stating that those who read, hear and heed the things written herein ae blessed of the LORD. Likewise in Luke 11, we read:
"And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:27,28).
It is interesting to note the importance of this. Not only does John record this fact in the third verse of the first chapter, but due to its importance, we also find it in the very last chapter of the book of Revelation. We therefore have a key phrase appearing both at the beginning and end of the book. :
"And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." (Revelation 22:6,7).
We should also note there are three things involved in order to obtain our LORD blessing.:
a.) to read
There can be no greater use of ones time than reading God's Word the Bible. The Holy Spirit working through God's Word the Bible is the instrument through which God saves His children. :
"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:15-17).
Besides reading the Word of God, one must also be able to hear the Word. This does not mean physical hearing, but spiritual. God must open our spiritual ears to the truths contained in His Word. :
"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him." (John 12:37-41).
Third, we must keep or do the things written in the Bible. A person can read the Bible all day long, but if they are not doing God's will as is taught in the Bible, then they are giving evidenced that they may not be saved. :
"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (1 John 2:3-6).
1:4. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne
Here we read to whom the verse is addressed to in a literal sense. What is meant by this is just as the epistles were sent to first century churches in different cities such as Rome, Corinth, Galatia, etc., likewise, Revelation was written to "the seven churches which are in Asia". We must however keep in mind that this is not speaking solely to those whom it is addressed. The Bible itself tells us that it was written for Christians in every era. In other words, it is written for us today. :
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:21).
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:12-17).
Grace be unto you, and peace. Two of the blessings God gives to His children are grace and peace. It is interesting to note that the phrase grace and .... peace is found 17 times in the New Testament and in every case grace always precedes peace. This is truly amazing because it shows the manner of Divine inspiration in which the Bible was written. Furthermore, this fact offers a pretty safe conclusion that one cannot have true peace without first having grace. Grace means "unmerited favor". It is the very essence or nature of salvation. We are saved by grace through Christ's faith. :
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10).
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16).
Mankind by nature is sinful, because of this no one can or will truly seek God unless bestows His grace upon them. :
"There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:11-18).
This is why grace always precedes true peace: one must first become saved by grace before they can know peace in a spiritual sense. If someone is not saved, they are not at peace with the LORD. This harmonizes with the fact that the source of peace is the LORD:
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7).
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27).
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith" (Galatians 5:22).
Throughout the Bible, the number seven points to perfection. This phrase typifies the perfection of God the Holy Spirit as He pours forth His gospel into all the world as part of His Divine scheme of redemption from everlasting past to everlasting future. Amen!
1:5,6. And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Here Christ is described as the Faithful witness. He bore witness of all that is spiritual in His life, death and resurrection. Even before He came to Earth in the flesh, Prophecy bore witness that Christ would come as a witness to the peoples. :
"Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee." (Isaiah 55:4,5).
When Jesus was born this fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah. The life of Jesus served as witness in that He is the very essence of both the Old Testament and New Testament written Word. He is the Word. The words that He speaks are Spirit and life. :
"Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:54-63).
Christ also gave witness in death in that He showed a level of humility that is infinately perfect. :
"Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8).
Of course the death of Jesus was neither the end nor a defeat it was only just the beginning of victory for His people. When Jesus died He served as a substitute for sinners. :
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
Jesus also served as a faithful witness in His resurrection declaring Him the Son of God with power. :
"who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 1:4) nas.
first begotten of the dead. Some incorrectly identify this phrase with Christ having a beginning. This is not correct; Christ is from everlasting past. To understand this we must as always use the Biblical rule of comparing scripture with scripture. In 1 Corinthians 15 we read:
"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
By comparing these verses, we see that what is spoken of in Revelation is pointing to the fact that Jesus was the first to arise as on the last day all will arise to have a brand new glorified body added to their already glorified soul existence. :
"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." (John 5:28,29).
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (Daniel 12:1-4).
Jesus was by incarnation born of the virgin Mary but He always existed in heaven in the everlasting past before this. Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. :
"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints." (Revelation 13:8-10).
And hath made us kings and priests unto God. When Christ saves an individual, they become a king and true follower of Him as King of kings.
We are priests in the sense that as we witness to others and bring the gospel to the unsaved world we are being used by God as His ambassadors. Each true child of God is a member of the eternal church; we are brothers and sisters making up the body of Christ. As priests we are to be servants of Christ, to praise Him, to share the gospel and minister to others, especially those of the household of the faith as we read in Galatians 6.
God and his Father. This phrase is pointing to the fact again that Christ is God as we read in John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:8. One can see how this phrase is grossly misunderstood by the spiritually blind and those with simple minds who pluck one phrase in the Bible out of context and attempt to make doctrine without consulting or truly understanding heavenly doctrine.
One closing note regarding vv.5,6 here in Revelation 1, careful study shows the verses to be a fulfillment or spiritual portrait of some much, much older prophecy. :
"Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel." (Exodus 19:4-6).
"But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations." (Isaiah 61:6-11).
It truly is amazing how the LORD witnesses through His word.
1:7. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
When Jesus was teaching by the seaside in Galilee He told the parable of the sower. When explaining the parable in Matthew 13:37, He declares Himself the Sower of the seed. When He is finished sowing, He will come again on the clouds of glory and the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2) will be no longer. This is why the subject of salvation is so important. So much of what we read here in Revelation 1:7 is related to the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 13. :
"Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:36-50).
Likewise Daniel prophecied of this event. :
"I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13,14).
every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him. Critics abuse this verse when they try to make it refer to the misconception that John was literally saying there would still be some soliders who literally took part in Christ's crucifixion alive at the second coming of Christ, therefore Christ never came (in the first century) as promised. This is preposterous. What is being said simply is that when Christ comes again every individual who is unsaved will stand for judgement when Christ comes again and this includes some who crucified Him, they will see Him again too.
John, the inspired author will again get into this in more detail throught the book of Revelation. One section that parallels this phrase in Revelation 1:7 is in chapter 14 where it is written:
"And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs." (Revelation 14:14-20).
all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. This points to the wailing of those who now have no hope of salvation, it is the end of the world and without Jesus as their Saviour there is nothing for them but judgement and despair. :
"And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" (Revelation 6:15-17).
Oh my. Those who are unsaved have rejected the True Christ and now must stand guilty before Him.
Even so, Amen. Verse 7 closes with this phrase after the very scary language in the former part of the verse. This is pointing to the fact that we should know even in light of the unsaved being judged and alot of the aspects we cannot compprehend about it now in this lifetime, however we can know that what is being done is being done all in accordance with God's good will. How comforting is that dear friend?
1:8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Here in this verse Jesus calls Himself Lord God and asserts His diety. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet and identify with the fact that He is from everlasting past. We find similar language in Isaiah 41. :
"Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he." (Isaiah 41:4).
The word Almighty is found 10 times in the New Testament. In the KJV it is translated Almighty 9 times and Omnipotent once, it is from the Greek "pantokravtwr", and in 9 of the 10 times we find the word it is in Revelation and once in 2 Corinthians. :
"And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:18).
On this note Christ closes the introduction to the book of Revelation. As the book unfolds, it is interesting to observe that the divisions in the outline of Revelation occur in this sequence: 3-3-3-4-3-3-3.
I. chapter 1:9 - 3: Letters to the 7 churches.
1:9. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Here the Apostle John gives the setting and location of where he received the revelation of Jesus.
John. John is the Hellenized form of Jonathan which means "gift of God". There is no doubt the Apostle John was a Jew as we see from his writing style that he was firmiliar with the Jewish customs such as funerals, weddings, feast days. Jonathan, the Old Testament namesake of the apostle John gave up a great glory as son of King Saul in order that God's anointed may have superiority. The "gift of God" that all true believers receive is salvation by grace. So we see that John here is a spiritual portrait of all true believers.
your brother. When one becomes saved, they become part of the eternal church which is all true believers who make up the body of Christ. We are all brothers and sisters regardless of what nationality we are, where we live and what we look like. Furthermore, when one becomes saved, as a true believer they are obligated to both give and receive special treatment from other believers seperate and apart from the way we look at the unsaved of the world, even though we are to love them as well. In Galatians 6 we read:
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9,10).
companion in tribulation. Here John notes that along with other Christians, he also shared in tribulation. This sets aside the myth that Christianity is a social gospel where physical blessings are attained because of good works. On the contrary, the Christ centered life is one that is very much often filled with rejection, afflictions and sufferings. Each day every single Christians has their own cross to bear because we are in the world, but not of it. Many are hardened from coming to Christ because of this. But we must keep in mind, this is just part of God's good providence. As Christians we are almost certain to experience trials and tribulations because too often these are means of keeping us humble. We go forth with our feet shod with the gospel of peace, but the material world does not want our message. Therefore, the world will try to discredit, ridcule, oppress and belittle us. The world and its lusts are passing away quickly, therefore as Christians persecution may often be intense. It is often hard to understand why the world is so evil and why many will be unsaved. We must keep in mind however that all things are done with God's good purpose in view. God is infinite and we cannot understand alot of things while we are in the flesh. But we must say focused on the LORD who will reveal much of this to us when we are with Him in heaven.
in the kingdom As Christians, we are not only partakers of the tribulations that relate to the Christ centered life, but we are also companions in the joy. Part of the joy is knowing that all believers are in the kingdom. When John the Baptist served as a forerunner to Christ he preached: "saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.". - Matthew 3:2. Again as John alludes to, entering the kingdom of God goes hand in hand with suffering tribulation. In the book of Acts we likewise read:
"Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22).
As members of the kingdom of God, we are instructed by the Bible to proclaim the kingdom. :
"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done." (Acts 8:12,13).
As believers we are also to work in and for the kingdom. :
"And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me." (Colossians 4:11).
The Bible also tells us that the kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. :
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." (Romans 14:17-19).
Finally, the kingdom of God is both eternal and can only be entered into by a Divine call. :
"For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:11).
was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Here John mentions the fact that he was exiled due to His testimony of Jesus. Although John was in exile, we can take comfort from this example knowing that as things happen in our lives, we may wonder why they happen, but ultimately God is in charge and everything is working together for His good. So even if we have been exiled or have suffered being away or a loss of a loved one, somehow it is according to God's good purpose. We must continually wait quietly upon the LORD knowing that He is watching and will abundantly bless us and give us rest in heaven. :
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28).
1:10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
I was in the Spirit Note similar use of the phrase in Revelation 4:2: .
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald." (Revelation 4:1-3).
The Lord's day The LORD's day is Sunday. It is the first day of the week on which Christ arose. This is the day we gather together to worship the LORD and exhort and encourage other believers through the Word.
"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." (Acts 20:7).
The LORD's day is different from the day of the LORD
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 1:3-6).
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4).
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" (2 Peter 3:10-12).
voice, as of a trumpet. The voice John hears is the voice of Christ. We know this from vv.12ff. This identifies with other passages that speak of the sound of the trumpet at judgement day. Throughout the Bible the use of musical instruments as well are a sign pointing to the judgement or wrath of God. :
"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." (Matthew 24:29-31).
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:51,52).
The voice is "like" a trumpet. This means it is not a literal trumpet but this is the best description the inspired apostle offers by Divine revelation here.
1:11. Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Jesus is from everlasting to everlasting; He is eternal God. As LORD, He now instructs John to write what he sees in a book. Of course the book spoken of refers to the Bible. God has given the Bible to mankind from Genesis to Revelation. He has given us His written word for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness that we may be equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17). In the last chapter of Revelation God instructs us that His word is now complete and we are not to add or to take away from the instructions contained therein.
The Bible is so wonderful because it is God speaking to us. Not only that, a true child of God knows that no way could the wisdom of the Bible come from the minds of mere men; it can only be divinely inspired by our LORD. This is why an unsaved person can only understand the Bible from a standpoint of human wisdom, unlike saved Christians who can discern spiritual things and be obedient to them through the LORD working in them to will and do of His good pleasure. :
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:14-16).
The Bible is a book of oneness. :
"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:20,21).
The Bible also commands the believer to study it. :
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." (2 Timothy 2:15,16).
Seven churches. The churches here were located in the part of the world we now know as modern day Turkey. The fact that seven churches are mentioned poins to God's perfect purpose as the number 7 is indicitive of purpose throughout the Bible as in the seven days of creation. Just as the epistles were written to churches in Rome, Corinth, Galatia, etc. so too is Revelation addressed to churches in the first century. However, it must be kept in mind that the instruction contained herein is not only for those churches, but it is to be used for example and teaching for us today; the Bible was written for us today. This is why is it an important rule of Bible study to always keep in mind when a particular verse was written, and to whom it was written to. These are the very basics of Bible study.
1:12. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
candlesticks It should be noted here that the word translated "candlestick" here comes from the Greek noun "lucniva" and means "lampstand" which is a far better translation. This word is found twelve times in the New Testament, six of which are in the book of Revelation, see Revelation 1:12,13,20; 2:1,5; 11:4.
We see in the next verse, verse 13, that Christ is in the middle of the lampstands. Considering this and the fact that generally speaking the number seven, when used in the Bible, indicates perfection; these two spiritual pictures thus are pointing to the idea that the seven lampstands represent the sending forth of the gospel. As the elect body of believers over which Christ is the head and King, we are comissioned by Christ to be lights of the world and ambassadors for Him. Although the lampstands may be put out in many false gospels; the true elect, the eternal church or body of believers are each individual lampstands that as a whole will not be put out. This is because the anointing oil comes from the Holy Spirit Himself. Also, in chapter 11 we see the term used in relation to God's elect as the bring the gospel into the world. It also should be noted that later, in the last verse of Revelation 1, that divine interpretation is given to further confirm this where there Jesus declares plainly: "the seven lampstands are the seven churches". The statement that John turned to see "the Son of man" is consistent with the fact that John would recognize Jesus from being an apostle to His earthly ministry. The imagery here in Revelation 1:12 and in other parts of the book of Revelation is very, very similar to what we read in the book of Zechariah. :
"And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord." (Zechariah 4:1-5).
1:13. And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
in the midst. This is an often used phrase in the Bible. It appears 38 times in the New Testament alone. Here it is pointing to the fact that Christ is in the midst wherever the true gospel goes forth.
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:2-6).
"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:19,20).
clothed with a garment The idea that the LORD Jesus is clothed with a garment relates to the fact that Christ is altogether righteous. He is covered with righteousness. This is in complete harmony with what we read in the opening verses of Psalm 104. In Psalm 104 we have an account of the LORD's care over all His works. There we read:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth." (Psalm 104:1-9).
Our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ in whom dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily is full of honor and majesty. He is the Word, altogether true and honorable in every way holy and good. He is our only source of salvation. There is salvation in no other and therefore Christ deserves all praise and worship. By Him and for Him all things were created. Those who by grace take up their cross and follow Him shall always have the light of life. :
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12).
down to the foot The mention that Jesus is covered down to the foot points to the fact that there is no spiritual nakedness in Him. Christ is altogether lovely, without a spot or blemish. :
"What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem." (Song of Solomon 5:9-16).
golden girdle. This too points to the perfect and most infinite righteousness of our LORD Jesus. This imagery is taken from the prophecy of Jesus in Isaiah 11. :
"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." (Isaiah 11:1-9).
Jesus came to end anxiety created by religious ritual. He alone came to fulfill the law and He answered what the Old Testament ceremonial laws demanded and fulfilled them in full as He promised as our intercessor. :
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-19).
Christ came to free us from ceremonial laws and fulfill them. He is altogether faithful and only Christ could have done this. Because of His faith, His people will be saved and share eternity with Him in heaven. :
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16).
We here also notice that God is teaching some truth about salvation. In the Old Testament for instance, the rock Moses struck was symbolic of the eternal church. Moses was a "type" of Christ and Aaron, wearing the mitre on his forehead as he went about his priestly duties was a picture of our LORD Jesus Christ being set apart to be our sin bearer. :
"And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD." (Exodus 28:38).
Also in Exodus 28, we see a relation to the golden girdle Christ is seen wearing in Revelation 1:13. Exodus 28 deals with the subject matter of the garments of the priests. The illusion to the high priest wearing a girdle is a spiritual picture pointing to Jesus as the one-time High Priest through whom comes a fulfillment of the ceremonial laws and forgiveness of sin.
"And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work. It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together. And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen." (Exodus 28:6-8).
1:14,15. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
his hairs were white like wool The color white when used in the Bible generally points to that which is altogether undefiled. It is also interesting to note that wool comes from sheep. Christ is the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world. This is typified throughout the Bible in places such as Psalm 51 which is a contrite sinners prayer for pardon. There we read:
"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." (Psalm 51:7-12).
God's children are made pure by the altogether lovely and washing power of Jesus' precious blood. :
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:15-23).
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7).
1:16. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
he had in his right hand seven stars. In the gospel, the right hand of God signifies spiritually the divine providence of God. Psalm 73 declares:
"Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." (Psalm 73:21-24).
We see in revelation 1:20 that the stars are the churches. Throughout history God has used assemblies in carrying out His secret providence here on earth. All true children of God in a spiritual sense are sitting at the right hand of God; we are save and secure in the LORD Jesus and cannot lose our salvation. Going back to Psalm 73, note what the Psalmist declares after noting that God has taken him by the right hand in Psalm 73:23, this harmonizes with what we read in Ephesians 2. :
"Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works." (Psalm 73:23-28).
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:4-10).
his countenance was as the sun shineth. The sun identifies with the nature of God being pure Holy Spirit. In life here on earth, we would perish instantly if there were no sun to sustain us and provide warmth and energy. We find a similar spiritual picture in Malachi 4. There we read:
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts." (Malachi 4:1-3).
1:17,18. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Note that when John saw Christ he fell as His feet as dead. This is pointing to the fact that all men are sinners. All the world stands before Christ guilty of sin because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. However, by His compassion and merciful grace, Christ came as Saviour to His people, that they may escape eternal punishment. Therefore our LORD tells John to: "fear not". This alludes to salvation. Those who are truly saved cannot lose their salvation. This teaching was also set forth by Jesus in John chapter 10. There we read:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:27-29).
Jesus also tells John that He is alive forevermore. As an apostle, John was eminently knowledgeable about the crucifixion and physical death of Jesus. Here Christ assures all believers that He has overcome death and paid for our sins, giving proof with His glorious resurrection. He came and fulfilled the burdens demanded by the law and freed His people of sin by His precious blood securing for them a home in heaven for eternity future with Him as well. Christ declares He is alive forevermore. Amen. This in turn points to the fact that His people will also be alive forevermore in glory.
"Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:51-57) nas.
I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Jesus Christ alone has the keys to hell and death. This is extremely important because a church, minister, one's own good works or anything else cannot compare. Salvation is by Christ alone. He will transform our present bodies into a ne glorified body once we are in heaven.
"It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." (1 Corinthians 15:44-49).
1:19,20. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Christ authorizes John to write or record the things he hast seen. This identifies not only with the fact that the LORD alone has the authority to do this, but also that He is the Word.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1,14).
Christ is the Word from Genesis 1:1 thru the final Amen in Revelation 22:21. He is the Messiah and fulfillment of the law.
the things which shall be hereafter. The book of Revelation is a book of predictive prophecy and the things which shall be hereafter refers to all that will take place in the future from the time of the writing of Revelation. This includes the second coming of Christ, judgement and the new heavens and earth.
"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:17-24).
seven stars. The seven stars in Christ's right hand signify the perfection of His providence as light of the world. The number seven when used in the Bible most often points to perfection. The right hand we have seen from verse 16 of Revelation 1, identifies with God's providence and the stars point to Christ being the light of the world.
"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5).
The true children of God are also refered to as stars in the gospel. In Daniel 12 God declares:
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12:1-3).
As servants of Christ we are Christians or Christ-like. We follow the example of Jesus and thus we too are lights of the world as we bring the gospel of Christ in truth. Our lights shine in truth because the illumination comes from Jesus.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16).
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