Revelation 1

The Revelation of Christ

As an apostle and Bishop of Asia Minor, John relates the Lord’s greeting of grace and peace, and he reviews the wonder of the Triune Godhead.

• Grace–>God sends His wish for their goodwill.
• Peace–>may they find perfect contentment in Him.

The Christ John Knew, Revelation 1 :4-8

A. The Father–>”Him which is, was, and to come,” the eternal Jehovah. God is not limited by time.

B. The Spirit

1. Seven = fulness of the Spirit
2. In 4:5, 7 lamps–>7-fold Spirit–>the Holy Spirit
3. In 5:6, 7 eyes–>7 Spirits of God (Isaiah 11:2). Christ has the 7-fold Spirit. The Holy Spirit points to Christ–>John 14:26,

C. The Son

1. The Three Offices of Christ a. Prophet–>faithful witness, John 14:24. b. Priest–>first-begotten of the dead. c. Potentate–>Prince of the Kings of the Earth
2. The Three-fold Work of Christ on the Cross a. He loved us–>Greater love, John 15L13. b. He washed us from our sins. c. He made us a Kingdom of Priests.

3. Seven References of the Second Coming: 1:7; 2:25; 3:3; 3:11; 22:7; 22:29 a. Second Coming is Public (Daniel 7:13; Acts 1:8); the Rapture is Secret. b. Gentiles will mourn because of Him. c. Jews will look on Him Whom they Pierced, Zechariah 12:10-12; Matthew 24:27-30.

The Christ John Heard, Revelation 1 :9-11

A. John’s Situation–>exiled on an island, 70 miles from Ephesus.

1. Mark 10:35-45, John and James asked for thrones; in later years, they received tribulation. a. James was killed, Acts 12:1-25. b. John was exiled for preaching the Word.
2. John mentioned “the sea” 25 times in Revelation.
3. Yet, he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day!

B. John Heard a Voice as a Trumpet.

1. In Old Testament, trumpets called Israel to assembly, to war, and to proclaim special days, Numbers 10:1-36.
2. In New Testament, trumpets call the church home, gathers Israel, and announces war on the world, Revelation 8:2.

C. John Wrote What He Saw to 7 churches in Asia Minor.

The Christ John Saw, Revelation 1 :12-20.

A. The Glorified Christ in the Midst of the Churches

1. White hair = Christ’s Eternalness, Daniel 7:9.
2. Eyes of flaming fire = Christ’s eyes of all-knowing and judgment, Daniel 10:6; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:12.
3. Feet of brass = refers to the brass altar where sin is judged.
4. Roaring voice of sea = refers to the Power of Christ’s Word, Hebrews 4:12.
5. His glorious countenance shines brighter than the sun. In Revelation 22:16, Christ is the Bright and Morning Star, not Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12).
6. Golden Lampstands: Christ is the Light of the World; we are to hold the light and let Him shine!

B. The Glorified Christ is worshipped.

1. When Christ was on earth, John lay on His bosom, John 13:3.
2. Now Christ is glorified, and John falls at His feet in worship.

C. The Glorified Christ calms our fears!

1. He lives!
2. He holds the keys of Hell and Death!

D. The Glorified Christ gives the key to understanding Revelation, Revelation 1 :9.

E. The Glorified Christ stands in the Midst of the Churches and examines their spiritual condition with His fiery, piercing eyes.

Conclusion

It does not matter what a denomination or the world thinks of a church. What matters is what Christ thinks of a church.

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