11-11-2018 Church, Jesus. Jesus, Church Revelation 1:4-8
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Introduction:
In 2012, Journalist Rachel Rodriquez reported on a moving ceremony in which 150 people were made United States citizens. A sense of hope and optimism permeates her interviews with individuals who took part in that ceremony and with other naturalized citizens.
News: Journalist Rachel Rodriquez describes a moving ceremony in which 150 people were made United States citizens. A sense of hope and optimism permeates her interviews with individuals who took part in that ceremony and with other naturalized citizens.
She records one of her interviews:
One new citizen said, “For me, American citizenship means freedom of expression and to live and work in a free country.… To be an American is not just a great honor, but also an obligation to do more and reach higher.” Another said, “In some ways, we immigrants are the lucky ones; we see more clearly the opportunities that this great nation affords all its people.”
Just as citizenship in a new nation grants privileges for those citizens, salvation brings more than forgiveness for sins; it also brings citizenship in God’s kingdom. Jesus has not simply saved us from judgment; he has saved us for his mission. The message of the cross is that we who were once rebels can now serve the King. That is good news!
Jesus has saved us from our sins and even saved us for so much more!
Transition:
This morning has a bit to do about Jesus and His word. Continuing in Revelation, John is still in the greetings and uses this morning’s verses as if the churches are meeting Jesus for the first time.
John highlights the return of Christ and the sovereignty of God, two realities that would both comfort suffering Christians and challenge complacent Christians.
Scripture Reading:
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,
5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
John began to address the recipients of this letter, a letter that would be sent along the roads through the various cities with the churches to whom John was writing. After this brief greeting comes a doxology of praise to God that starts in verse 6. This Doxology, or praise to Jesus, tells us a lot about Jesus. In fact, a bit of our Christology can come from just these few verses.
Transition:
first, we can start to see Jesus in God, the Father, and God, the Holy Spirit
I. Who He Is (v.4-5)
I. Who He Is (v.4-5)
This is the Christ John Knew
Jesus told John to write to the seven churches that knew and trusted John and had read his earlier letters. These were literal churches in literal cities. The letter was addressed so that it could be read and passed on in a systematic fashion, following the main Roman road clockwise around the province of Asia (now called Turkey).
This is the Christ John Knew
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,
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“to the seven churches that are in Asia”
A.The Father.
“Him which is, which was, and which is to come” (v. 4), that is, the eternal God. YHWH stands above history; He is not limited by time.
These seven churches are addressed individually in - Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, but these were not the only churches in Asia at the time. For example, Troas (), Colosse (), and Hierapolis () also had churches and are in Asia.
B.The Spirit.
These were not the only churches in Asia at the time. For example, Troas (), Colosse (), and Hierapolis () also had churches. Why did the Lord direct John to write to these seven in particular? but why only seven?It is possible that the number seven, as with the other sevens in the book, signifies completeness. While the seven churches were actual churches, they also represented all churches throughout the ages.
So this leads to asking: Why did the Lord direct John to write to these seven in particular? and why only seven? It is possible that the number seven, as with the other sevens in the book, signifies completeness. And while the seven churches were actual churches, they also speak to us today, they likely represent to a certain extent all churches throughout the ages and in today’s word, but more of that to come in the those chapters.
This book makes great use of symbolic numbers. The number seven is used fifty-four times. In other portions of Scripture, seven represents completeness. The fact that the Lord Jesus specifically addressed seven churches of John’s era tells us, as we have already noted, that these churches represent the entire or complete church throughout the centuries.
William Hendriksen writes,
“Seven” is the number of completion and stands for the fullness of the Spirit. In 4:5, we see that the seven-fold Spirit is symbolized by seven lamps; and in 5:6, by seven eyes. Christ has the seven-fold Spirit (3:1); the Spirit points to Christ.
As this number seven occurs again and again and is everywhere symbolical of completeness, we may safely take for granted … that it indicates the entire church throughout the full span of its existence to the very end of the world. Thus interpreted, each individual church is, as it were, a type, not indicating one definite period in history, but describing conditions which are constantly repeated in the actual life of the various congregations.
In addition to the number seven, we will find emphasis placed on the numbers 1,000, 144,000, 666 and others as well. Each of these has symbolic significance.
John records this for the benefit of the seven churches in Asia and for Christians everywhere, throughout history. Revelation highlights the unseen realities that these congregations were ignoring.
C.The Son.
We’ll see fuller in the next verse.
So John sends greetings to the churches in Asia Minor as he was commanded to do (v. 11). He then reviews the wonder of the Godhead, naming each of the Persons of the Trinity
The Trinity—
the Father (the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come), the Holy Spirit (the sevenfold Spirit), and the Son (Jesus Christ)—is the source of all truth (; ; ).
A. The Father.
“Him who is, and who was, and who is to come” (v. 4), that is the eternal YHWH. YHWH stands above history; He is not limited by time.
B. The Spirit.
“from the seven spirits”
What Seven Spirits, or WHICH seven spirits is he talking about?!?!?
We know it cannot be the seven spirits of the seven churches because John is saying that this letter is FROM the 7 Spirits. It would be ridiculous (as some claim) for the seven spirits to be the churches’ spirits writing to themselves, so really it is divine spirits. It cannot be the Angels that are watching over the church because John would have used the word Messengers to refer to the angels as he does in the later verses.
As we saw a moment ago, “Seven” is the number of completion and, likely stands for the fullness of the Holy Spirit. How do we know? Well, in 4:5, we see that the seven-fold Spirit is symbolized by seven lamps; and in 5:6, by seven eyes. Christ has the seven-fold Spirit (3:1); the Spirit points to Christ.
C. The last mentioned in the trinity here: The Son.
We’ll see fuller details in the next verse.
These were not the only churches in Asia at the time. For example, Troas (), Colosse (), and Hierapolis () also had churches. Why did the Lord direct John to write to these seven in particular? It is possible that the number seven, as with the other sevens in the book, signifies completeness. While the seven churches were actual churches, they also represented all churches throughout the ages.
and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
Christ is presented in His three-fold Person as
Prophet (faithful witness),
Priest (first begotten of the dead, that is, highest ranking/privileged of those raised from the dead), and
King (prince of the kings of the earth).
John Calvin expounded on this three-fold ministry of the Messiah.
First, Jesus lived as a faithful witness to the Father and the Father’s plan, attesting to what is true and exposing the lies of Satan. Doing so, Jesus provides the ultimate example for believers. The supreme expression of his faithfulness was his obedience unto death on a cross () as a perfect Prophet and as a perfect Priest offering the perfect sacrifice and mediating perfectly.
Second, he is the firstborn from the dead,
What does that mean???!?
The title “firstborn of the dead” for Jesus is of great theological importance
In referring to Jesus as the firstborn of the dead, John is drawing words and imagery from which celebrates the kingship of David and his line with phrases like “the firstborn,” “the highest of the kings of the earth,” and the idea that the Messiah’s throne will be a “faithful witness in the sky.” Calling Jesus firstborn portrays him as the heir of David, exalted and lifted up as the representative of his people—the perfect King.
firstborn does not equate to first created!
As “firstborn of the dead,” Jesus is both first in time and first in preeminence. As the first to be raised from the dead, Christ is the founder and initiator of the new era God is bringing about through Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Jesus’ resurrection from death opens the way for all who trust in him to follow him in a resurrection like his when he returns. This is important because it shows that our ultimate hope is not just for our souls to go to heaven, but for our physical bodies to be raised to new life like Jesus’ was. He is the firstborn of the resurrection.
meaning that Jesus’s resurrection guarantees our future resurrection (; ) and that he is now the sovereign Lord over all things, including death (; ).
and last, he now reigns as exalted Lord over all earthly rulers and kingdoms (; ). Jesus is our example as the faithful witness, our hope for a future resurrection, and the object of our faith as the exalted Lord.
Bible: Refer to the story of Jesus and the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee (). Partway through the journey, with Jesus asleep in the front of the boat, a storm crashes down, threatening to capsize them. After pulling for all they are worth, the disciples finally wake Jesus, perhaps hoping he will help bail water. Jesus stands up and stops the storm with a word, demonstrating his lordship over wind and wave. Our God is with us in the middle of any circumstance. He is the Lord of the sea who is with us in the boat! Tell a modern-day story of someone who powerfully experienced the presence of Jesus during a troubled time.
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Then, John praises God for the three-fold work that Christ accomplished on the cross: He loved us, washed us (or freed us) from our sins, and made us a kingdom of priests in verse 6.
Transition:
The dominion we lost in Adam we have regained in Christ.
II. Who We Are (v.6)
II. Who We Are (v.6)
I have asked this before: Does our church—especially being Baptists—have priests? YES!! Martin Luther loved this doctrine!
and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
The declaration of Christ’s sovereignty in verse 5 demands a response of worship. His ongoing love for us was demonstrated supremely at the cross, where his death brought freedom from slavery to sin. But his sacrificial work also forms us into a kingdom of priests prepared to serve God. There is not the slightest hint of a division between regular believers and a special class of priests. Rather, all believers are priests (, ). We are priests now, and we ought to behave like priests-- not as OT priests, but as NT priests to represent Him! However, scripture indicates that the full privileges associated with our new status will not be completely realized until we live and reign with Jesus for eternity.
This is an allusion to the OT terms used of Israel in and where the nation was considered to be a kingdom of priests. God chose Abraham to choose Israel to choose the world (cf. ; ). Israel was meant to be a nation of witnesses but they failed in this assigned, evangelistic task (cf. ). Therefore, God chose the Church to reach the world (cf. ). The very same phrases which were used for Israel are now used for the Church (cf. ; ; ; , ; ; ; ).
It is important to notice the corporate, biblical emphasis of “the priesthood of believers.” Western Christianity has over-emphasized the place and role of the individual alone. The NT metaphor of the body of Christ (cf. ) is a similar metaphor involving the whole church. The O.T. title was never meant as an excuse for believers to assert their individual freedoms. The focus of this context is evangelism (cf. v. 7), involving every believer, attempting to reach every lost and needy human made in God’s image for whom Christ died.
John was writing to some experiencing persecution; yet he assured them that Jesus not only continuously cared for and loved them but also had set them free, no matter how they might feel. Jesus had set them free from their sins by shedding his blood, that is, through his death on the cross. Through that blood, he had made his people his kingdom and his priests who serve before God his Father. Together, believers make up a Kingdom of which Christ is their King; individually they are priests because each has direct access to God because of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
The cross demonstrates Jesus’s love for us
Quote: Heidelberg Catechism. Written in 1563, these words have brought comfort to millions of believers, reminding us why Jesus shed his blood:
I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully [paid] for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me, that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must work together for my salvation. [By] His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.
Transition:
III. What He has Done (v.7)
III. What He has Done (v.7)
New Year’s day is coming.
I remember being a kid wondering of the changes that would occur once the ball dropped on Time Square and midnight would come. I watched the clock count down the minutes to seconds to midnight and then, Bam! The fireworks burst forth, the confetti shot through the air, and it was the new year. Much like the new year’s arrival, Jesus is sure to come, but unlike the new year’s arrival, we don’t see the countdown to that exact moment.
Jesus’ second return is coming and He will judge.
Verse 7 is the first of seven references in Revelation to the return of Christ (2:25; 3:3, 11; 22:7, 12, 20).
Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
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This return here is public, physical, and should not be confused with the rapture of the church, which is secret (). The Gentiles will mourn because of Him, and the Jews will see Him whom they pierced (; see ).
John here combines and to announce the second coming of Jesus Christ
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
Clouds are a common Old Testament symbol for God’s glorious presence (). Here in , the Messiah is described as one like a “son of man” (= a human being—physical) who comes with the clouds of heaven and is given all power and authority. But, as predicted in ,
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The land shall mourn, each family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves;
His glorious return results in sorrow or mourning from those who have opposed him, because his return will involve judgment for the wicked. (Notice here that John does not say repentance is possible when the divine judgment arrives.) God’s justice stands at both ends of Revelation (1:7; 22:7, 12, 20) and runs throughout the entire book.
Clouds are a common Old Testament symbol for God’s glorious presence (). In , the Messiah is described as one like a “son of man” (= a human being) who comes with the clouds of heaven and is given all power and authority. But, as predicted in , his glorious return results in sorrow or mourning from those who have opposed him, because his return will involve judgment for the wicked. (John does not say whether repentance is possible when the divine judgment arrives.) God’s justice stands at both ends of Revelation (1:7; 22:7, 12, 20) and runs like a mighty river throughout the entire book.
It is also important here that Revelation does not only point us to Jesus’ second coming, but it also keeps reminding us of the first coming of the Lord Jesus or of some aspect of the life of the early church:
• In the first chapter, we find a reference to Jesus’s atoning death (1:5).
• In the fifth chapter, we discover another mention of Jesus’s death (5:6).
• In 8:3–4, we have a reference to an ongoing feature in the life of the church, that is, her praying.
• In 12:5, we see a picture of the birth of the Lord Jesus.
• In 14:12–13, we find a reference to the saints’ living and dying for the Lord.
• In 15:3, there is another mention of Jesus as the Lamb, which calls our attention to his death on the cross.
• In 17:6, we find a reference to the blood of the martyrs.
• In 20:4, there is yet another allusion to the martyrs of the church.
So Revelation seems to be effectually pointing us to ‘the gospel age’. This is the age that began with the first coming of Christ and will continue until his second coming. It is the age in which the church is busy with proclamation, prayer, and persecution. We now proclaim His glorious truth, we come to his throne in prayer, and we face persecution for His name’s sake.
So What? (v.8)
So What? (v.8)
We can remain faithful as we trust and join in what YHWH is doing since His plans never fail.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
The God who is the sovereign ruler of the universe is also personally present with His people, us! God sees fit to speak directly here and toward the end in , where He again identifies himself as the Alpha and the Omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet). Combined with the threefold description of YHWH’s eternal nature repeated from verse 4 (who is, was, and is to come), these statements assert YHWH’s sovereign control over all of history. Both expressions allude to God’s identification of himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” (). The same God who provided Moses and the people of Israel with strength and power will also sustain His church. YHWH wants his people to be able to distinguish Him from the idolatrous powers that surround them, so he names himself. “He is none other than YHWH the God of Israel, the one who is also the Holy Blessed Trinity, … he who spoke out of the burning bush and spoke from the cross speaks to us today” How appropriate considering our proximity to the Christmas season! We desperately need to know both realities—that God is in control and that God is with us.
This passage echoes the larger biblical story in several ways. The churches are greeted with grace and peace from “him who is, and who was, and who is to come” (1:4, 8), who also later announces: “I am the Alpha and the Omega” (1:8). Both expressions allude to God’s identification of himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” (). The same God who provided Moses and the people of Israel with strength and power will also sustain His church. YHWH wants his people to be able to distinguish Him from the idolatrous powers that surround them, so he names himself. “He is none other than YHWH the God of Israel, the one who is also the Holy Blessed Trinity, … he who spoke out of the burning bush and spoke from the cross speaks to us today”
Conclusion:
The Lord of the past, present, and future is here today. Sometimes the only way to make sense of our individual circumstances is to see them in light of God’s larger purposes.
The God who is in control is also the God who is with us
There is the account of Jesus and the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee (). Partway through the journey, with Jesus asleep in the front of the boat, a storm crashes down, threatening to capsize them. After pulling for all they are worth, the disciples finally wake Jesus, perhaps hoping he will help bail water. Jesus stands up and stops the storm with a word, demonstrating his Lordship over wind and wave. All of a sudden, the disciples were not thinking of the storm. Jesus’ power scared the disciples more than the storm’s power that day. Our God is with us in the middle of any circumstance. He is the Lord of the sea who is with us too in the boat! Tell a modern-day story of someone who powerfully experienced the presence of Jesus during a troubled time.
Jesus Christ will come again! When Jesus Christ returns as Judge, those who have rejected him will mourn. While Revelation is not only about His return of Christ, it is certainly a big contributor about his return. As God intervened through the first coming of Christ to offer salvation, so he will intervene through Christ’s second coming to consummate salvation. He will judge and destroy evil, resurrect his people, and transform creation so that he can live among his people forever.
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3. Jesus Christ will come again! When Jesus Christ returns as Judge, those who have rejected him will mourn. While Revelation is not only about His return of Christ, it is certainly a big contributor about his return. As God intervened through the first coming of Christ to offer salvation, so he will intervene through Christ’s second coming to consummate salvation. He will judge and destroy evil, resurrect his people, and transform creation so that he can live among his people forever.
▪God the Father, the sovereign ruler of the universe, is in control of all history.
▪God the Father, the sovereign ruler of the universe, is in control of all history.
The proper response to all that God has done and all that He will do is “to God be the glory, Amen!”
▪The proper response to all that God has done is “to God be the glory, Amen!”