Blessed by the Book - The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Revelation 1
The intent of this applied research project is to take an overview of the first three chapters of the book of Revelation, specifically to look at the letters written to the early church. In these chapters, we see messages to real, local churches. In this section, I want to lay some foundation in the form of introduction before we study the churches.
Revelation is a book that mostly speaks of things that are yet to occur. The saved will live in the presence of God forever. Those who do not know Christ as their Savior will only face the doom and damnation of this book! Prophecies have been fulfilled before, and in God’s time, all will be fulfilled. The end of the times of this earth, as we know it, is closer than the world believes and there must be a new urgency in the church.
The word "Revelation" comes from the Greek word from which we get our word "Apocalypse". It means the disclosure or unveiling of the truth. Even though we are going to cover the first three chapters, we must understand that this entire book is an unveiling of the judgement that will come. It is unalterable, unstoppable, unchangeable, and undeniable! To say you do not believe does not change the fact that Jesus will rapture His church, send tribulation to the world, return bodily, and rule and reign forevermore. This is not an exhaustive study, but hopefully a practical one.
First of all, this is not the Revelation of John, it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ as stated in verse 1. It is the Revelation of the Word that was “made flesh and dwelt among us.” The delivery boy was John. As a side note, if we study the Gospels, we find that the best friend of Jesus while on earth was the Apostle John. Faithfulness always brings trust. God chose to give the responsibility to pen this book to the churches of Asia Minor to John, in my opinion, because John was faithful. John could be trusted, so when God wanted these truths written, He dictated them to this elderly apostle.
In Revelation, chapter one, we must notice the blessings of the Book. In verse 3, we find that there is an individual blessing for those that will read the book. A blessing for Preachers who will read it and teach it to their congregations seems to be implied. Preachers will be blessed for teaching this book of prophecy. It is a blessing on the one who proclaims. Today it may be applied that a blessing would be on the reader as well. It would do us good to note that, unlike when it was first written, today it is available for all to read for themselves. Paul instructed Timothy to be faithful to read in 1 Timothy 4:13, that says, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
In addition, there is a blessing for those that hear. This does not mean that they merely had the sounds of the book pass through their auditory system, but that they have open ears and understand. As we will see, to all seven churches, it is said: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Eight other times we see Jesus using the same words. God wants us to listen. How many times do we hear the words but never hear the message? The Word of God is clear in its instruction, so many times, we can admit that listening is a problem for mankind. Just a few of the verses include:
Proverbs 19:20 “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise...”
Proverbs 15:31 “The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.”
Ecclesiastes 5:1 “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil”.
It is necessary when we study the Word that we are careful to take the instruction that it gives. We must never be guilty of merely knowing what it says without applying it to how we live and think.
Not only is there blessing for reading and hearing, but also for heeding. It says that those that “keep” the things will find blessings on their lives. The word “keep” gives the indication that one has not only heard, but learned. After it is learned, there is action put to the learning. That is keeping the teachings of the things found in the book, and in that, blessings are found. We must keep, learn and apply the commandments of God. This same word is used in 1 John 5:3, and it says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” Then in 1 John 5:21, it says,“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” We must not only learn, but we must guard against other things becoming so important in our lives that we worship them. And the way we walk in the ways that we should is found in the twenty-first verse of the book of Jude, where we read, “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” If we are to learn the things of God, we will keep ourselves from the things of the world and keep ourselves to the things of God through His love.
We have see the blessings of this book of prophecy, now let us look at the recipients of the book. It is seen in verses 4 through 6 that the church is the target audience of what this book of prophecy contains. It was not intended for the world, though the world has used the apocalyptic messages for their own stories, but was penned for the benefit of God’s people. It is interesting to note that Jesus sent letters to seven churches. Most have agreed that the number seven is a number that represents perfection or completion. This letter was written to a complete church. Its prophecies would be fulfilled once the church was complete.
We also see contrasting churches that are brought into the spotlight of the Scriptures. All but one of the churches were commended, and all were reprimanded. It must be noted that each church was a literal church. Seven literal churches received letters that were dictated by Jesus and penned by the Apostle John. To our benefit, we must see that each church exhibited attributes that exist in churches today. All seven letters can be applied to churches for our benefit. The benefit of looking back on the church age, we can also see that each church seems to represent a different section of this dispensation. It is my belief that these sections of the church age overlap. Today we must see each church as a literal church, yet the messages can be applied. Elements of all still exist within our churches. At the same time, it is evident that dominant traits exist in the past and today.
Verses 5 and 6 show us changed churches. Each letter is addressed to the angel. That is the earthly leader of the church, the pastor. The word “angel” means a messenger that is sent from God. Albert Barnes wrote that this angel of these churches was “the minister; the presiding presbyter; the bishop—in the primitive sense of the word bishop—denoting one who had the spiritual charge of a congregation.” It is this leader that would expound the message to the church, and this leader that would give an account for the message being delivered. No pastor should take the ministry where God has placed him lightly. Many are pious in their position demanding the respect of people. I was once told by my mentor, that respect that has to be demanded in not deserved. It is kind of like the man who constantly reminds his wife he is the head of their house, he is not if he has to keep saying it. The church is to follow the leadership of their pastor has he follows God, that is a Biblical principle. But the pastor is not to abuse God’s flock. Notice what Hebrews 13:17, says: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” The “obey” part is the lightest part of the verse. Every pastor, every messenger sent to lead a congregation should be aware that we are watching for the souls of people, God’s people. We must give an account, it will not be an option. These “angels” had a great responsibility before them.
These letters were written to those that had experienced the love of God. The love of God is the very essence of the “church.” How wonderful it is to recognize that God loves us. Think of Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” It is a personal love, He loved me. It is a priceless love, because Jesus, God incarnate, gave Himself for me. It is beyond our imagination and intellect to comprehend this gift. We cannot explain it, but we can accept it. A gift provided by God “who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.” (Ephesians 2:4)
Not only are the saved loved, but they have been washed. This word is one that was used to describe the process of washing blood out of a wound so that it would heal properly. Jesus has washed the impurity of myself away with HIS blood. The same word is used to describe what the Philippian jailer did for Paul and Silas. In Acts 16:33, it says, “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.” He washed their stripes to prevent infection. And Jesus washed me clean so that the impurity of my sin would be eternally purged.
Not only are we loved and washed, but we have been elevated to a new position. According to verse 6, we have been made to be kings and priests. And Jesus did that for us.
We are kings because our ancestry has been replaced. The bloodline of Adam has been replaced in the saved with the bloodline that gives the rights to the throne of God. We are blood relation to Jesus by His own blood. He has made us kings. But not only has our ancestry been replaced but our access has been changed. We are not priests. A priest is one who is granted access. A priest can go directly to God. We do not have to go through the Aaronic priesthood to access the Holy of Holies, we can now approach God ourselves. Jesus has changed our access. In 1 Peter 2:5, the Bible says, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Our sacrifices are not those of rams, goats, and doves, but Spiritual sacrifices of our lives and worship.
We have seen the blessings of this book and the recipients of the book, but nothing would be of value without the Redeemer of the book. This is His distinction. Have you ever looked up “redeemer” in a Thesaurus? It was interesting to me that when I referenced the word in the Word Perfect Thesaurus, it said, “Christ, Immanuel, Jehovah, Messiah, and Savior.” If a secular Thesaurus can admit it, what is wrong with the world? Our Lord has the distinction of being a faithful witness. He is the truth, the source of truth. A witness is one that can tell the truth of something. Our Faithful Witness was faithful unto death. He is supreme in death because He is supreme in His resurrection. Others were raised from the dead, but none but Christ remained that way. Jesus is above all others because of His resurrection. He lives so that all that trust Him can live. He is also supreme because of His authority. Matthew 28:18 reveals that all power is Christ’s. In our text, He is called “the prince of the kings of the earth.” This shows that He is supreme in His reign. He is the Chief ruler over all authority.
We also see His Deity. In verses 8 and 11, He declares Himself as the Alpha and Omega. These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. He is the first and the last and all that is in between! Colossians 1:16-17 declares, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” He is Jehovah, the self existent God that needs no other. All things were begun by Him, and all things will end by Him. He is the Almighty, “which is, which was and which is to come.” The Revelation of Jesus Christ is a book that blesses its recipients with a message from the Almighty Redeemer. So it should be read and applied.
In this first chapter we also notice an urgency of this book. Why are we blessed to read, listen and heed these writings? First of all, it is declared in verse three that “the time is at hand.” What time? This is the declaration of the start of the church age. In the eyes of God, the church age is brief and will end as quickly as it began. These first three chapters give an overview of this age and then the Apocalypse describes the ending of time. So the time of serving God, reaching the lost, and the time of opportunity to be saved is now. Romans 13:11 states, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” Every day that we live, every breath that we breathe brings us closer to the redemption of our bodies and the gathering of the church to Christ. James 5:8 says, “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” The early church believed in the imminent return of Christ. Even some would cast doubt on the return of the Lord. As centuries have passed, eschatological theories have been added leading many to believe that Jesus will brutally take His bride through judgment. Whether it is called Post Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, or Pre-Wrath, they all have the flaw that the return of Jesus is not imminent. The return of Christ can come at any moment. The early church believed in the imminent return of Christ. They were not expecting to go through the tribulation. I realize there are some verses that can be twisted, but when we see the expectations of the early believers, it is simple. They were waiting, looking for the Son to return. 1 Thessalonians 1:10, says, “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” I am delivered from the wrath which will come upon this world and I await Him. In Titus 2:13, Paul wrote that we should be “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” I am not looking for a beating, I am looking for Jesus to come!
Jesus will return for His church, meeting us in the air, and take us to the Marriage Supper while the earth goes through His wrath. That is the beginning of His return. He will return to earth at the end of His wrath with His church by His side. Man’s skepticism has caused these false doctrines. These doubts are not new. In 2 Peter 3:9-11, the Apostle Peter declared, “ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” Jesus is coming and all will be judged. Verse 7 declares the time that the lost of the world, including those that crucified our Lord, will be judged. In Revelation 20:15, the warning is given, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” But currently we live in a day of grace. We have been given the message of hope! Our name can be in the book! We can see God do great things, and we should. We can enjoy the benefits of all that God can do for and through us. Yet, Jesus taught His disciples that there was a greater reason to rejoice. The very evil spirits were subject to the disciples, but Jesus admonished them “rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” There is nothing greater than knowing that you have the security of knowing your name is penned in the Lamb’s book of Life. And there is coming a day very soon that God will remove His church just before His wrath is poured out upon the world.
Imagine if you heard a news report that 1000’s were missing! Are you Ready? We call the event the Rapture because Jesus will snatch away those that belong to Him. This is not sensationalism, but Biblical truth. The Saved, those who are really in the body of Christ will not go through the Tribulation. If you are saved, then the Book of Revelation, the Apocalypse should motivate you to keep or heed to these prophecies and tell others. We are to rejoice and be ready.
I read the story of a poor servant-boy named John that worked for a rich doctor in London, England. John’s master loved the Lord Jesus and often had church meetings in the large living room of his home. At one of these meetings the doctor talked about the coming of the Lord Jesus to take to Heaven all those who believe in Him. Everyone else, he said, would be left behind. After the meeting was over, the doctor said, "Well, John, I just want to tell you that if Jesus comes before I die, I shall no longer want the things I have now. He will take me away with Him and then you may have my house and all my money." Such an offer took John by surprise. He could only stammer his thanks. That night he lay awake wondering why his master had offered him all that wealth. Suddenly he thought, "Why should I want a house and furniture, a car, horses, and money after the Lord comes? How terrible it would be to be left behind, even if all my master’s belongings were mine!" Soon he could bear the thought no longer. He slipped out of bed, ran quickly down the hall to the room where his master slept and knocked on the door. "Why, John," asked the doctor, "what’s the matter? What do you want?" "Please sir," answered John, "I don’t want your house after the Lord comes, or your car, or horses, or money." "Well, John, what do you want?" "Oh sir, I want to be ready when the Lord comes, to go with Him to Heaven." Right there in the doctor’s bedroom John put his trust in the Lord Jesus. Right there John was saved. Right there John was ready for the Lord’s coming. It is imperative, as we have begun these studies, that we recognize the importance of believing that Jesus is coming again. People are dying without Christ while the church has become apathetic. We must take these telegrams to the church to heart and return to the God that has redeemed us.
