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Revelation – Part II
(Revelation
1:1-8)
Verse 1:
This letter is a revelation, an unveiling, an apocalypse. Note
there is just one revelation and it came from God. It is about
Christ and was passed by Christ through an angel to John.
The message was “signified,” conveyed by a series of signs and
symbols. Therefore, the book is filled with figurative language.
This verse warns the readers of taking a literal approach in
interpreting its message.
The word translated “shortly” can be translated several ways
depending on the context. It can mean “quickly” or “speedily”
referring to how fast it happens. It can also refer to the events
beginning to take place soon.
Verse 2:
John wants it to be known that he faithfully recorded what was
revealed. The report was accurate and reliable. He makes it clear
that this revelation was indeed the Word of God. (Revelation
22:18-19)
Verse 3:
This verse begins with the first of seven “blessed” statements in
the book. A blessing is pronounced upon all those who hear the
words and keep them. Note
James 1:22.
Obviously then one is capable of understanding the words of this
prophecy to the degree that he can obey them. “Time is at hand” –
We need to heed those words because many events mentioned would soon
start to occur.
Verses 4-5:
This is written to seven churches of Asia. Since there were other
congregations in this area, these are probably representative of
churches everywhere.
The salutation comes from:
(1) the eternal One, the Great I Am, the One not bound by
time, God in heaven
(2) Seven Spirits – the Holy Spirit ‘Seven’ is possibly an
allusion to completeness of His work. (Isaiah
11:2)
(3) Jesus Christ was faithful in every aspect. Everything He
has promised to them can be relied upon. (Hebrews
6:10);
“first born of the dead” – Jesus was the first one raised from the
dead who would not die again. (I
Corinthians 15:20);
“ruler of Kings of the earth” – This would greatly encourage the
persecuted Christians to whom this was written. (Daniel
7:13-14)
“loosed from our sins” – We are freed from sin’s guilt. This takes
place when one is baptized. (Acts
22:16)
Verse 6:
“Made us” (past tense) – “A kingdom of priests” Each Christian is
a priest. He/she offers worship directly to God the Father.
(I
Peter 2:5) Each
Christian is a citizen of Christ’s kingdom. (Colossians
1:13-14) We are
translated into that kingdom when our sins are washed away in
baptism. (Acts
22:16)
Verse 7:
Jesus is coming back! (Acts
1:9-11) Every
one shall see Him. Some will be glad; most will be sad. (Matthew
7:13-14) This
shows His coming will be universal. (John
5:28-29)
Verse 8:
The Lord Jesus Christ was present at the beginning of time and He
will be there at the end. He is eternal. There was never a time
when He didn’t exist. (John
1:1-3)
This description of Christ as eternal and all-powerful would
encourage the Christians not to give up or compromise because Jesus
was more powerful than any emperor or world ruler. (Ephesians
1:19-23)
Bobby Stafford
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Revelation
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