Preparation for Christ's Revelation

Revelation can be the most puzzling and difficult book in the Bible for some people. Many groups make a big deal about multiple seminars trying to unlock the supposed clues to the End Times. A plethora of books have been written about Revelation, several claiming to have the true answers.

Then there is the incredible imagery and portraits of terror, as well as the horrifying cataclysmic disasters. These would rival any Hollywood movies.

On top of that, try to get everybody to agree on one interpretation. This can and often leads to intense debate with a less than sanctified approach to those who may differ from our interpretation.

However, if we can simply look at Revelation 1.1, and hold that banner in front of us as we march through the pages of Revelation, I believe we shall be blessed.

Revelation 1:1 (NASB95)

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, . . .

Revelation is not designed to be a mystery that only a few can understand. You see, the central focus of this book is Jesus! Everything we read and study in this book must be done in relation to what the events and writings reveal about Jesus Christ.

Before we go any further, we need to understand that the best method of interpretation of the Bible is literal. Here in Revelation, there is also an incredible amount of symbolic language used. We cannot afford to wast a lot of time trying to figure out minute details—such as who exactly is the anti-Christ; exactly what events are going to occur before the Church is raptured, etc. Rather, we must look at the passages in light of what they reveal about Jesus.

Also, please understand that I will not be delving into every single aspect of this book, as there is so much to cover that we could spend the next several years in Revelation, if I attempted to do so. But I will cover what I believe God wants us to hear and learn at this time.

So today, as we begin our series in the book of Revelation, we shall begin with the first eight verses. In the first two verses, we’ll look at the Preface to the Book. In verses 3-6, we’ll briefly study the Provisions of the Godhead. And in the last two verses, we’ll see the Promise of His Coming.

Preface to the Book - 1.1-2

Revelation 1:1–2 (NASB95)

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.

As I mentioned in the introduction, verse 1 holds the key to understanding this book. Verse 19 of chapter 1, also gives a very simplistic outline of the book of Revelation. So, let’s just start there right now.

Which you have seen . . . is what we discover in chapter 1.

Which is now . . . is found in chapters 2-3.

Which will take place later . . . can be found in chapters 4 through the end of the book.

This is a great way to outline the book of Revelation, which also helps to give us a better understanding.

Now, let’s go back to verse 1. Remember how I stated that this book is not meant to be full of hidden, impossible to comprehend ideas. God’s intent was to make it clear to us what He intended. When talking about the end times, quite often you will hear the phrase or word apocalypse or a form of it used.

In the Greek, the word for Revelation is apokalypsis. When that word is used, it probably brings to our minds images of horrific actions and judgments which create destruction and doom for humanity. However, the word in the Greek language literally means revealing or unveiling. There is actually nothing terrifying about the word apocalypse or apocalyptic itself. In fact, it is somewhat humorous how the world and even a number of authors have used this word to signify unspeakable, unbelievable horrors. Now, we all know that it simply means revealing or unveiling. See, you and I are supposed to get it since God has revealed it to us. Plus, it is given to God’s bond-servants, those who truly belong to Jesus. No wonder the world has no clue.

Now, we’re aware that verse 1 gives the main message of the book of Revelation, the unveiling or revealing of Jesus Christ. Thus, we can recognize what the focus is not. It is not on Israel. It is not on the Gentiles. It is not upon the Church. It is not on unbelievers. It is not even focusing on the anti-Christ. What is the focus of the book of Revelation? It is Jesus Christ!

This is what you can take away from these first two verses. As a result of this understanding, we can know that everything from here on is based upon the absolute truthfulness of Jesus Christ. The focus is upon Christ and His program.

Provisions of the Godhead - 1.3-6

Revelation 1:3–6 (NASB95)

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. 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, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

There is a blessing for all who hear and take to heart what is written in this book, according to verse 3. The word for blessed carries the same meaning as that found in the Beatitudes. It is not enough to just read this book of the Revelation. One must hear it in such a way that they are changed and live differently as a result of what they have read and heard. If an individual looks at this book simply as something fascinating and technical, then they have missed the point. If this sort of prophecy simply holds a spell-binding fascination, then there will be no benefit to you in your work for Christ.

When an individual approaches Revelation, as with all Scripture, we do so, seeking the Holy Spirit’s illumination and guidance on how we can live in view of our relationship with Christ. Dr. Edgar James, in his commentary states: God wants us to live in the light of the great hope we have in Him. And when we do, it will have a purifying effect on us. I believe he is absolutely correct.

This book was written by the apostle John to seven churches, specifically. Now when you look at a map, these church locations form a circle. Looking at that map, and at the same time looking at chapters 2-3, we will discover that they are listed in order as a person would travel from one place to the next location. Their actual geographic location was in what is currently the western part of Turkey. Why these seven particular churches were chosen, is known only to the Holy Spirit. However, they do represent qualities of obedience and disobedience found in all ages in a variety of churches.

Now for those who would deny that the Bible teaches the Triune Godhead, or the Trinity, the last part of verse 4 and the first part of verse 5, gives clear evidence of this truth. The angel, who is working with John in this vision, states that the message is from all three members of the Godhead.

The Father is listed first: . . . from Him who is and who was and who is to come . . . We even see His eternality here in the use of the verb.

The second part of the Godhead is found to be the Holy Spirit. You might find yourself scratching your head wondering where this could be in these verses. The phrase describing the Holy Spirit is . . . the seven Spirits who are before His throne. The strange teaching that this is seven distinctive spirits would be wrong. The idea that this would be angelic instead of a direct reference to part of the Godhead completely defies the context. The majority of commentators agree that this refers to the completeness and fulness of the Holy Spirit.

This is further clarified by the next member of the Godhead being described: from Jesus Christ . . . Even here, we could spend a great deal of time on the theology of the Son’s eternal ministry. Suffice it to say, we see the past, present and future represented. In the past, Jesus is described as a faithful witness. We know this to be true as He was completely obedient to the Father in His earthly life. In fact, we are told that He was obedient to the point of being willing to die in our place.

In reference to the present (John’s present time, as well as ours), He is described as the firstborn of the dead . . . He is not only the first to be raised eternally from the dead, but also holds supreme authority over the dead. Remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians, where he states: Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting? Jesus Christ has released us from our sins. We are no longer in bondage to our sin because of Jesus being the firstborn of the dead.

Regarding the future, Jesus is seen as the ruler of the kings of the earth. Even though Christ is not physically present, He is the One Who rules over all. And there will come a day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

I don’t want us to overlook an incredibly profound insight in the last sentence of Rev. 1.5: To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood—”

The Greek verb loves is in the present tense, which indicates a continuous action. Aren’t you full of joy, knowing that Christ’s love for us is not dependent on us always having our act together? His love for us never ceases.

But then there is another Greek verb that we must recognize, released. This verb, describing what Christ has done with our sins, is in the aorist tense. It was a one-time event that has eternal ramifications. Our sins have been completely removed when Jesus shed His blood on the cross. I’m so grateful that I don’t have to worry about the need for a continual sacrifice for my sin; it was done, once for all.

He will also make us to be a kingdom of priests. My friends, as believers, we are called to be priests by the necessity of our offering spiritual sacrifices and praise to God. As a result, we also have constant access to the Father through the Son.

Promise of His Coming - 1.7-8

Revelation 1:7–8 (NASB95)

Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

In these last two verses, we are given a keyhole peek into that anticipated event in which all believers should be awaiting with eagerness. It is here where we are able to shout out with all the saints of old that Jesus is coming again. It should not be a secret now, for it will not be a secret then. It will be obvious to all humanity. In fact, John writes that every eye will see Him.

We also see that there will be mourning. Wait! Haven’t we read elsewhere that there will be no tears or mourning or sadness? Think of it this way. There will possibly be those who shed tears from joy, possibly from all that has been experienced on earth to being in the presence of Jesus. However, because of the context, it seems more accurate to consider that the mourning is because of a recognition by the rebellious of the wrongness of their decision to reject Christ. There will be a terror experienced by those who realize they were wrong and were about to fully experience the consequences of their choices.

I recognize that there are some who might consider this section to be the rapture of the church. However, that seems like a wrong conclusion. The reason I believe this to not be the case is because the rapture of the church does not involve Christ coming in a visible manner. Nor will it be possible for those who took part in Christ’s crucifixion to be able to see Him at that time. When Christ comes to the earth, it will be just prior to the Great White Throne Judgment. This is when He shall permanently usher in His Kingdom.

John Phillips writes, One of the most stirring pages in English history tells of the conquests and crusades of Richard I, the Lionhearted. While Richard was away trouncing Saladin, his kingdom fell on bad times. His sly and graceless brother, John, usurped all the prerogatives of the king and misruled the realm. The people of England suffered, longing for the return of the king, and praying that it might be soon. Then one day Richard came. He landed in England and marched straight for his throne. Around that glittering coming, many tales are told, woven into the legends of England. (One of them is the story of Robin Hood.) John’s castles tumbled like ninepins. Great Richard laid claim to his throne, and none dared stand in his path. The people shouted their delight. They rang peal after peal on the bells. The Lion was back! Long live the king!

One day a King greater than Richard will lay claim to a realm greater than England. Those who have abused the earth in His absence, seized His domains, and mismanaged His world will all be swept aside.

Finally, we are reminded in verse 8 of the eternality of our Lord. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Conclusion

So, as we march through the book of Revelation, may the Holy Spirit touch each of us in a unique way so that we may live more for Jesus every day in all that we do.

My prayer is also that the Holy Spirit will touch our church as a corporate body in such a way that we will not be content to maintain the status quo. We will recognize that there is much that needs to be done and that we would be well to do it. And as a church, we will do whatever it takes to accomplish God’s purposes, even though it may seem like gigantic leaps of faith.

A good friend shared the following thought with me, that I have taken for my own, which ought to describe any who are fully dedicated to serving the Lord: Time is too short and eternity too long to waste spinning our wheels on that which doesn’t have eternal value.