Worthy is the Lamb: I Hold the Keys to Death and Hell

By the close of the first century, Christianity had become a hated and despised religious sect in the Roman Empire. Writing to Emperor Trajan early in the second century, Pliny, the Roman governor of Bithynia, scorned Christianity as a “depraved and extravagant superstition,” and complained that “the contagion of this superstition has spread not only in the cities, but in the villages and rural districts as well.” The Roman historian Tacitus described Christians as “a class hated for their abominations,” while Suetonius dismissed them as “a set of men adhering to a novel and mischievous superstition.”

Apart from the natural hostility of fallen men to the truth of the gospel, Christians were hated for any number of reasons.

Politically, the Romans viewed them as disloyal because they refused to acknowledge Caesar as the supreme authority.

Religiously, Christians were denounced as atheists because they rejected the Roman pantheon of gods, and because they worshiped an invisible God, not an idol.

Socially, Christians, most of whom were from the lower classes of society, were despised by the Roman aristocracy. The Christian teaching that all people are equal threatened to undermine the hierarchical structure of Roman society and topple the elite from their privileged status.

Economically, Christians were seen as a threat by the numerous priests, craftsmen, and merchants who profited from idol worship.

It is in this setting that John records the visions Christ gives him. The persecuted, beleaguered, discouraged believers in Asia Minor to whom John addressed the book of Revelation desperately needed encouragement. It had been 70-something years since Jesus ascended into heaven. The church was losing its first love, compromising, tolerating sin, becoming powerless, and distasteful to the Lord Himself.

This powerful vision of Christ’s ministry to them would provide great hope and comfort to the wondering and suffering churches to whom John wrote. It should provide comfort to the wondering and suffering churches today.

Our text for this morning tells us that in these Last Days, the Church needs ...

To Witness

To Worship

• To Worship

To Wait

• To Wait

I. IN THESE LAST DAYS WE NEED TO WITNESS

“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” (, NIV84)

1. the author of the book begins simply, “I, John, your brother ... “

a. John — one of the Apostles, a disciple of Jesus — is writing to churches filled with followers of Jesus

a. John — one of the Apostles, a disciple of Jesus — is writing to churches filled with

followers of Jesus

b. it’s a reminder that we are a household of faith

c. for many, that household of faith becomes their family

1) it’s among a congregation of people called Christian where they receive love and acceptance — in some case more than they do from among blood kin

acceptance — in some case more than they do from among blood kin

2) that’s especially true in those places where conversion to Christ is seen as a betrayal of family, culture, and even the state

betrayal of family, culture, and even the state

2. John also reminds us that those of the household of faith are partners in Christ, and partners with follow believers

partners with follow believers

a. John writes, “I am your companion,” and then lists three things he is our partner in ...

in ...

1) the tribulation

2) the kingdom

3) patient endurance

A. WE ARE PARTNERS IN TRIBULATION WITH OTHER BELIEVERS

1. believers will have tribulation in this world

a. suffering for Jesus is the normal lot of God’s people in this age

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (, NIV84)

• “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (, NIV84)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (, NIV84)

b. behind the affairs of human history are mighty spiritual powers in conflict with each other

other

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (, NIV84)

2. the Church stands between the two

B. WE ARE PARTNERS IN THE KINGDOM WITH OTHER BELIEVERS

1. the church is the people to whom the Kingdom has come, and who will inherit the Kingdom when it fully comes

Kingdom when it fully comes

a. until then, it is the object of Satanic hatred, and is destined to suffer tribulation

1) tribulation here includes all the evil that shall befall the church in the church age, but especially the great tribulation at the end of the age

but especially the great tribulation at the end of the age

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” (, NIV84)

2) I’ve never figured out why so many American Christians think this doesn’t apply to us — that somehow we get to “opt-out” of tribulation and sorrows

to us — that somehow we get to “opt-out” of tribulation and sorrows

2. we are part of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken regardless how harsh the tribulation

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”” (, NIV84)

a. this Kingdom is our better and lasting possession

“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” (, NIV84)

C. WE ARE PARTNERS IN PATIENT ENDURANCE WITH OTHER BELIEVERS

1. because of current, and soon-to-come tribulation, patient endurance is needed

a. Jesus told his disciples ...

“but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (, NIV84)

b. endurance is a word can also be translated as steadfastness

1) in the NT it is the characteristic of a man who does not swerve from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings

deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings

2. a time is soon coming when God’s people — even in the “enlightened” West will need patient endurance in living out the Christian faith

patient endurance in living out the Christian faith

D. WE ARE PARTNERS IN WITNESSING WITH OTHER BELIEVERS

“I, John, ... was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” (, NIV84)

1. John is a prisoner on the island of Patmos

a. It’s where residents of the Province of Asia were exiled is suspected of sedition

2. preaching the gospel was considered seditious — even treasonous

a. being a faithful witness will always be seditious to the culture because the Gospel will always be counter-cultural

will always be counter-cultural

3. the phrase “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” is used three other times in the book of Revelation

in the book of Revelation

a. every time it is used, it refers to Christians who are suffering because they are witnessing for Jesus, and preaching the Word

witnessing for Jesus, and preaching the Word

4. witnesses for Jesus are actually martyrs for Jesus

a. the word testimony in vs. 9 is marturia (mar -too -ree -ah) — does that sound familiar?

familiar?

1) it’s the word from which we get our English martyr

b. to share the word of God, and a testimony of Jesus is to live a martyr’s life

1) to share a testimony of Jesus may not involve our death in the public square, but

1) to share a testimony of Jesus may not involve our death in the public square, but it will always involve our death to self

it will always involve our death to self

a) which is exactly what Jesus meant when he said take up your cross and follow me

5. most of us here this morning will probably not die a martyr’s death

a. but all of us here this morning need to live a martyrs life — sharing the word of God, and a testimony of Jesus

and a testimony of Jesus

b. but, in time, even in America there will be the martyrdom of Christians in the public square

square

ILLUS. Earlier this year, I shared this story on a Sunday evening. Let me share with you this morning. In 2010, Chicago's Cardinal Francis George, speaking before a gathering of priests about the dangers of the secularization of our society, said, "I expect to die in bed (which he did of cancer in 2015), my successor will die in prison and his successor will die a martyr in the public square." While it's too soon to know whether the Cardinal's words are prophetic, he was completely accurate about the growing secularization of American culture.

you this morning. In 2010, Chicago's Cardinal Francis George, speaking before a gathering of priests about the dangers of the secularization of our society, said, "I expect to die in bed (which he did of cancer in 2015), my successor will die in prison and his successor will die a martyr in the public square."

While it's too soon to know whether the Cardinal's words are prophetic, he was completely accurate about the growing secularization of American culture.

c. there is an escalating hostility toward Confessing Christianity throughout Western culture, in this society shall not escape that growing hostility

culture, in this society shall not escape that growing hostility

6. Be a Witness for Jesus Anyway

II. IN THESE LAST DAYS WE NEED TO WORSHIP

“On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” 12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 17 When I saw him, I fell At his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (, NIV84)

1. John finds himself worshiping on the Lord’s day when he hears a loud voice coming from behind him

from behind him

a. he turns to see where the voice is coming from, and sees the one whom he has not seen since he ascended into the heavens 40 days after his resurrection

seen since he ascended into the heavens 40 days after his resurrection

b. he sees his Jesus

2. these verses paint a portrait of the risen, glorified Christ — and he is indescribable

ILLUS. William Hendrickson, a minister in the Christian Reformed Church, a theologian, prolific author, and the scholar who translated the book of Revelation for the New International Version of the Bible says about this passage, “The description of Christ in this passage must be taken as one whole and interpreted as such. Let us try to see it that way. Notice that the Son of Man is here pictured as clothed with power and majesty and with all and terror. That long royal robe; that golden belt buckled at the breast; that hair so glistening white that like snow on which the sun is shining it hurts the eye; those eyes flashing fire, eyes which read every heart and penetrate every hidden corner; those feet glowing in order to trample down the wicked; that loud reverberating voice, like the mighty breakers booming against the rocky shore of Patmos; that sharp, long heavy great–sword with two biting edges; that entire appearance as the sun shines in its power, too intense for human eyes to stare at — the entire picture, taken as a whole, is symbolic of Christ, the holy one, coming to purge churches and to punish those who are persecuting his elect,”

prolific author, and the scholar who translated the book of Revelation for the New International Version of the Bible says about this passage, “The description of Christ in this passage must be taken as one whole and interpreted as such. Let us try to see it that way. Notice that the Son of Man is here pictured as clothed with power and majesty and with all and terror. That long royal robe; that golden belt buckled at the breast; that hair so glistening white that like snow on which the sun is shining it hurts the eye; those eyes flashing fire, eyes which read every heart and penetrate every hidden corner; those feet glowing in order to trample down the wicked; that loud reverberating voice, like the mighty breakers booming against the rocky shore of Patmos; that sharp, long heavy great–sword with two biting edges; that entire appearance as the sun shines in its power, too intense for human eyes to stare at — the entire picture, taken as a whole, is symbolic of Christ, the holy one, coming to purge churches and to punish those who are persecuting his elect,”

A. JESUS IS THE SON OF MAN

1. in vs. 13, John refers to Jesus as the Son of Man

a. the title is used 88 times in the New Testament, it is a reference to a prophecy in the book of Daniel

the book of Daniel

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (, NIV84)

2. Son of Man is a Messianic title that Jesus frequently applied to himself

a. when he did, he was clearly, and boldly claiming “I am the promised Anointed One”

b. every once in a while I’ll come across some scholar who’ll make the really stupid statement, “Well, Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah,” and I want to respond with, “What New Testament are you reading?”

statement, “Well, Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah,” and I want to respond with, “What New Testament are you reading?”

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (, KJV)

c. I don’t think Jesus can be much clearer as to his identity

3. Son of Man is also a clear reference to his perfect humanity

a. the Son of Man is … a man

1) Jesus was fully human

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (, NIV84)

a) no credible scholar doubts this, nor does any confessing Christian

2) Jesus was also fully God

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (, NIV84)

God.” (, NIV84)

a) many scholars doubt this, but no confessing Christian can

4. as a man, Jesus became our High Priest who offers sacrifice for our sins

a. when John describes Jesus dressed in a robe with a golden sash he is describing the dress of the High Priest on Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement — who goes into the Holy of Holies to offering sacrifice for the sins of the people

the dress of the High Priest on Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement — who goes into the Holy of Holies to offering sacrifice for the sins of the people

b. the sacrifice that Jesus offered was his very own life

1) he is the spotless lamb of God sacrificed for sin of God’s people

“But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” (, NIV84)

B. JESUS IS THE GLORIFIED CHRIST

1. long centuries ago, men stripped him of his garments, and gambled for his clothes, then they hung him naked on a tree

then they hung him naked on a tree

a. at noon, the father flung a robe of darkness over the scene to hide the nakedness of his son

of his son

2. now in his kingdom, next to the Father, John sees the Son clothed in radiance and glory

glory

a. he sees him in the glory that has been his for all eternity save for a slight interruption of 33 years on earth as the Incarnated Son

interruption of 33 years on earth as the Incarnated Son

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! ...” (, NIV84)

b. and when he sees him, John falls at his feet as though he were dead

3. the Son of Man, who is the glorified Christ is worthy of all of our praise, and worship

a. He is the Unimpeachable One — his head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow vs. 14

white as snow vs. 14

b. He is the Undeceivable One — his eyes were as a flame of fire, vs. 14

c. He is the Undeterrable One — his feet were like unto fine brass, as they burned in a furnace (vs. 15)

furnace (vs. 15)

d. He is the Unanswerable One — his voice was as the sound of many waters vs. 15

e. He is the Unparalleled One — he has in his right hand seven stars which are the

e. He is the Unparalleled One — he has in his right hand seven stars which are the angels of the seven churches v. 20

angels of the seven churches v. 20

f. He is the Unconquerable One — out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword vs. 16

vs. 16

g. He is the Unapproachable One — his countenance was as the sun shining in its strength vs. 16

strength vs. 16

4. John is in the Spirit, and he is at the feet of Jesus, the same gracious Savior he had known so well, although terrible now in his glory, and that Savior comforts him

known so well, although terrible now in his glory, and that Savior comforts him

“ ... Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (, NIV84)

a. this is the glorious, and glorified Savior whom Larry worships, and the one all those in Christ will also one day worship

in Christ will also one day worship

b. the one who died for us, is the one who will eternally comfort us

5. Our Delight Ought to Be in Our Worship of Him

III. IN THESE LAST DAYS WE NEED TO WAIT

“Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” (, NIV84)

1. the apostle is commanded to write about things he has seen, and about things which are, and about things which shall be

are, and about things which shall be

a. the things he has seen is a reference to his vision of the glorified Christ

b. the things which are is a reference to the seven churches in their particular situations that we will soon learn about

situations that we will soon learn about

c. the things which shall be is a reference to everything that happens from chapter 4 onward

onward

2. John is given to understand that there are certain truths involved in the unfolding of the divine program, which only God can reveal

divine program, which only God can reveal

a. and, as we shall discover, even when God reveals the course of history during the end times there is a certain mystery concerning those events

end times there is a certain mystery concerning those events

b. we will simply have to wait to see how their fulfillment plays out

IV. APPLICATION

1. this is a message of comfort to the people of God, and Christian congregations

A. THE RISEN JESUS IS LORD OVER HIS CHURCH

1. when John hears the indescribable voice coming from behind him, and turns to look from whence it is coming, he sees seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man, (, NIV84)

from whence it is coming, he sees seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man, (, NIV84)

2. we are told vs. 20 that these seven golden lampstands represent not only the seven churches John has been instructed to write to, but is a message to the Church throughout the age

churches John has been instructed to write to, but is a message to the Church throughout the age

3. everywhere in the New Testament we are reminded that the Church is not an earthly institution ruled over by men, but the Body of Christ over which he rules as its Head

institution ruled over by men, but the Body of Christ over which he rules as its Head

a. in plain-speak, it’s not our church

1) we don’t get to run it the way we want

2) we don’t get to determine its doctrine and theology

3) we don’t get to decide its purpose and mission

b. to understand this, and live it out in amidst a local congregation will solve a lot of problems

problems

4. for Christ to be Lord over his Church, means that he must be Lord over his people, which means he must be Lord over each of you!

which means he must be Lord over each of you!

B. THE RISEN JESUS SPEAKS TO HIS CHURCH

1. when John hears the indescribable voice coming from behind him, and turns to look from whence it is coming, he sees someone “like a son of man,” ... And he had in his right hand seven stars: ... .” (, KJV)

from whence it is coming, he sees someone “like a son of man,” ... And he had in his right hand seven stars: ... .” (, KJV)

2. we are told, also in vs. 20, that these seven stars are the angels of the seven churches for whom the Christ has a message to each church

for whom the Christ has a message to each church

a. the problem most of us have with the book of Revelation today is that the explanations provided within the text are often as difficult to understand as the images they are supposed to explain

explanations provided within the text are often as difficult to understand as the images they are supposed to explain

b. for example, it is not much help to know that the seven stars in Jesus’ right had are the “angels” of the seven churches unless we know what role angels have in relation to churches

the “angels” of the seven churches unless we know what role angels have in relation to churches

3. a majority of commentators insist that these angels — the word literally means messenger — are the pastors of these churches

messenger — are the pastors of these churches

a. most of the pastors I know are appreciated and loved by their congregations, but I don’t know of any congregations who would consider their pastor to be an angel

don’t know of any congregations who would consider their pastor to be an angel

b. everywhere else in the book of Revelation, angels are supernatural messengers, and there is no reason to make an exception here

and there is no reason to make an exception here

4. the most straight-forward understanding is that these are angels of God whom He holds responsible for the life and well-being of the congregations

holds responsible for the life and well-being of the congregations

a. I don’t know that we can fully conclude from this passage that every church has a ministering angel assigned to it, but if so, that’s a comforting thought

ministering angel assigned to it, but if so, that’s a comforting thought

5. what we can clearly say is that the Christ wants to communicate truth to His people, and his Church

and his Church

a. our place is to hear what the Spirit says to the churches and be obedient to what we hear

hear

b. where do we go to hear the Spirit?

c. we turn to God’s authoritative, infallible Scriptures

C. THE RISEN JESUS DETERMINES YOUR DESTINY

“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.” (, KJV)

1. everywhere you find keys mentioned in the Scriptures they represent authority and power

power

2. Jesus, having triumphed over death and the grave, holds the keys of death and the grave

grave

a. it means he has the power to release from death and damnation those who receive the gift of salvation he offers

the gift of salvation he offers

3. it means we do not have to fear either, but can say with Paul ...

“For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, a nd the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (, NIV84)

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