Christ Revealed
Notes
Transcript
v.12:
Here we see seven individual lampstands, which represent the seven churches (v.20).
v.13:
With the seven lampstands representing the seven churches, Christ is found right in the middle.
In the context of the letters we will soon see, we are to understand that Christ stands in the midst of His church - as her judge.
v.14:
White- sinless purity. Also wise and eternal as the Ancient of Days.
Christ is pure, wise and eternal, the Ancient of Days
Christ is pure, wise and eternal, the Ancient of Days
Daniel 7:9
Daniel 7:9
“I watched till thrones were put in place,
And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His garment was white as snow,
And the hair of His head was like pure wool.
His throne was a fiery flame,
Its wheels a burning fire;
Eyes like fire - His penetrating insight. They reveal all, nothing is hidden.
In this case, the reference is to His witness of the life of the church - both good and bad - Christ stands as judge.
His eyes are like fire, penetrating and revealing
His eyes are like fire, penetrating and revealing
Daniel 10:6
Daniel 10:6
His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.
Revelation 19:12
Revelation 19:12
His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
v.15:
Refined brass feet - The image of judgment continues.
It was in the brazen altar that sin was judged by the refining fire.
The slain sacrifice, with the atoning blood already spilled, was placed onto the brazen altar, where the carcass was consumed by fire.
His feet are refined brass, like the brazen alter that consumes the sacrifice
His feet are refined brass, like the brazen alter that consumes the sacrifice
Revelation 2:18
Revelation 2:18
“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,
‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
The sound of many waters - This is the voice of authority!
It is the voice that called the universe into existence, and the voice that will call His own from the grave.
His voice is like the sound of many waters, impossible to miss
His voice is like the sound of many waters, impossible to miss
Ezekiel 43:2
Ezekiel 43:2
And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.
Revelation 14:2
Revelation 14:2
And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.
v.16:
The seven stars will be explained later.
The two-edged sword represents God's word
The two-edged sword represents God's word
Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
It is this mighty and powerfully piercing word, that will be the basis on which Christ judges the church.
Like the sun - Just as one cannot look upon the sun, Christ, in His Glory, is more than we can bear to gaze upon.
His glory is like the sun
His glory is like the sun
Matthew 17:2
Matthew 17:2
and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
vv.17-18:
The effect that this vision had on John was nothing less than paralyzing.
However, the Lord brings John back to consciousness, because He has some things to say.
Notwithstanding a healthy fear of God which is necessary, and keeps one from sin, here John is given some reasons why a believer should not fear.
Christ is the First and the Last.
He is the eternal Almighty. He is the creator, and therefore in control.
He was dead but lives forevermore: Christ has conquered death, and passes eternal life to all believers.
He has the keys: Christ is the judge. It is He who decides our fate. As such, He has provided eternal life for those who call upon Him. Through His blood, He has taken away the sting of death.
Only by rejecting Him, will He unlock hell to admit another soul.
v.19:
John is now instructed to record this vision.
This book is, no doubt, the very reason that John, of all the apostles, was spared martyrdom.
v.20:
Though the most common usage of the word for angel refers to a heavenly messenger, that usage is not universal.
The word simply means messenger, and has been used in other ways.
The word angel means messenger, and has not always been used to refer to heavenly angels
The word angel means messenger, and has not always been used to refer to heavenly angels
2 Corinthians 12:7
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
James 2:25
James 2:25
Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
It seems clear by the way that the following letters are addressed, that the angel/messenger in question is one who has authority, accountability and responsibility for the state of the church.
There is simply no biblical evidence that heavenly angels posses any such role in the church.
Therefore, the usage of angel in this case, must refer to the person who holds the ultimate accountability for the church, the Pastor.
With this, Christ will begin to issue His letter to the churches.
He will stand as judge, and His word will be the standard.
We have no excuse not to follow His word.
We have been given the standard, told ahead of time as to how we will be judged.
We have received ample warning.
We know what He expects and requires, the rules have been carefully laid out.
We are without excuse. any rebuke or condemnation will be of our own making.
How will you respond?
One thing stands out that is common to all of the churches. It is a promise of deliverance to those who hear the Word of God and are faithful.
We are to hear the Word of God and be faithful
We are to hear the Word of God and be faithful
Romans 10:17
Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
John 10:27
John 10:27
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
To those who hear the Word of God and faithfully follow Him
To those who hear the Word of God and faithfully follow Him
Matthew 25:23
Matthew 25:23
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
It is far better to hear “well done, good and faithful servant” then to hear “depart from me, i never knew you”