A Systematic Expository Study on the book of REVELATION
STUDY 2: CHRIST’S GRACE, GLORY AND DOMINION
Revelation 1:4-6
In the introduction to this Revelation, John indicates the first recipients of the message. “John to the seven churches which are in Asia.” The seven churches are named by Christ in Revelation 1:11. “Unto the seven churches which are in Asia: unto (1) Ephesus, and unto (2) Smyrna, and unto (3) Pergamos, and unto (4) Thyatira, and unto (5) Sardis, and unto (6) Philadelphia, and unto (7) Laodicea.” Although these seven churches are named as the first recipients of the Revelation, the book is not restricted to them. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy” (Revelation 1:3). “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9). “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches” (Revelation 22:16).
Why are seven churches named and chosen to be the first recipients? The book of Revelation is full of sevens. In this book we find seven churches, seven Spirits, seven candlesticks, seven stars, seven lamps, seven seals, seven horns, seven eyes, seven trumpets, seven thunders, seven vials or bowls, seven mountains, and seven kings. We also find seven beatitudes (blessedness), seven years of judgment, seven I AM’s of Christ and seven doxologies in heaven. Why is the number seven so prominent? Seven is the number that represents fulness, completion or completeness, perfection. The seven churches were chosen to represent all the churches. The message in the Revelation is for the whole Church.
GRACE AND PEACE FROM THE TRIUNE GOD
Revelation 1:4,5a; 4:8; 11:17; 16:5; Isaiah 11:2; Revelation 5:6; Isaiah 55:4; John 18:37; Psalm 89:27; Colossians 1:18; Revelation 17:14; 19:16
Here is trinitarian benediction of grace and peace coming from the triune God. “From Him which is, and which was, and which is to come” (from God the Father) “and from the seven Spirits which are before His Throne” (from God, the Holy Spirit) “and from Jesus Christ” (from God, the Son).
It is the desire of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit that we have grace - saving grace, sustaining grace, sanctifying grace and sufficient grace. It is God’s desire that we have peace - peace with God, peace in our hearts, peace that passes understanding, peace within and among ourselves.
The eternal God is referred to as “Him which is, and which was, and which is to come.” From the eternal past to the eternal future, He is ever the same. He is the everlasting Father, who is the same in the absoluteness of His unchanging nature and eternal existence.
The Holy Spirit is described as “the seven Spirits” of God. The number seven is symbolic and means fulness, perfection, and completeness. It is used to describe the plenitude of His fulness, perfection, and completeness. The Holy Spirit in His glory, fulness and perfection desires and bestows grace and peace on the Church.
“Jesus Christ is (1) the Faithful Witness, and (2) the First begotten of the dead, and (3) the Prince of the kings of the earth.” As the Faithful Witness, He testified to the eternal truth of God and was Himself the Truth. He died bearing witness to the truth. And He rose from the death - “the first begotten” the pre-eminent of all who are raised from the dead. And He, Christ, is “the Prince (the Ruler) of the kings of the earth.” Jesus Christ is King and what a King He is! He is the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2), He is the King of Israel (John 1:49), He is the King of glory (Psalm 24:7), He is the King of the saints (Revelation 15:3), He is the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). By virtue of His atoning work, in the power of His resurrection from the dead and in the royal authority of His eternal Kingship, Jesus Christ pronounces grace and peace on us.
GRATITUDE AND PRAISE TO THE REDEEMING GOD
Revelation 1:5b,6a; I Timothy 1:12-15; Ephesians 5:2; I John 3:16; I Corinthians 6:11; I John 1:7; Exodus 19:5,6; I Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:10; 20:6
These verses contain the reasons for our praise and gratitude to God and to Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer. Three things come to focus: (1) He loved us, (2) He washed us from our sins in His own blood and (3) He has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father.
“Unto Him that loved us”. What a remarkable thing that He should love us! He loved us first, even before washing us! He loved us while we were unclean and defiled. And He loves us now after washing us and bringing us to Himself. Before going to the Cross and while on the Cross for our sins, He loved us. Going up to glory and now seated on the throne, He loves us. When the earth and the present universe would have gone out of existence, He will still continue to love us!
“Unto Him that... washed us from our sins in His own blood.” We did not work or labour for the washing or cleansing. By faith in His atoning blood, we were washed, cleansed, forgiven, saved.
Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
One translation says He loosed us from our sins, that is, He released us from the load, burden and binding chains of our sins.
“Unto Him that... hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father”. What dignity and honour! What a place of service He has assigned us! As kings we have authority as we reign in life on behalf of Christ to carry out His will. And we shall sit on the throne with Christ to judge angels and the world! As priests, we have access to God for ourselves and on behalf of others. We can pray and we can intercede.
What a privilege is ours! He loved us, He loosed us and He lifted us.
GLORY AND POWER ASCRIBED TO THE SON OF GOD
Revelation 1:6b; 5:12; Hebrews 13:20,21; II Timothy 4:18; I Peter 4:11; 5:11; II Peter 3:18; Jude 25; I Timothy 1:17
Jesus Christ has right to everlasting praise - “To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen”. He is exalted and honoured by the Father and those who are redeemed by Him worship and adore Him.
This is the First of the seven doxologies in the book of Revelation. It is remarkable how these doxologies grow as we move on in the book. Here, there are two notes of praise: “to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” In Revelation 4:9-11, there are three notes of praise: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour and power”. In Revelation 5:13, the doxology grows to four notes of praise: “Blessing, and honour, and glory and power, be unto Him”. And later we read of Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 7:10-12).
As we grow in love, spiritual understanding and consecration to God, so does our praise and adoration to God grow. We say “Amen” with John! To Him be glory in and through our lives. May He be glorified in our hearts, homes, lives, and through our actions now and for ever more.
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