Revelation 1:1-8 Series

Revelation 1:1-8

The Book of Revelation is probably one of the most difficult books in all of scripture to not only understand but as well to preach or teach. It is a vision given to John of things many of which he not only didn't understand but had difficulty describing as well. Because of this we must put these facts into its proper place in order to insure we do not make assumptions that become falsehoods but to just deal with what is clear to the best of our ability.

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

John starts of this book by making it clear that Jesus gave him these revelations for the purpose of sharing them. Will we understand it all, no but we often will have information given to us that does not become clear until sometime in the future. Still, it is important that every generation have this information so that when the day comes we are more prepared for that day.

It is important though not to rush to any conclusions that we are at this time that John reveals. I have seen far to many churches today that teach and preach that we are in that time and it seems there are always those in every generation that come to this conclusion.

If we are over anxious and hyper focused on that we are in Revelation times, what I find is then the things that Jesus teaches us in scripture are not being taught for today. Then what we should be doing in our everyday lives everyday is in many cases put aside and not carried out. That is a dangerous place for Christians to be in and adds to what is already a failing Christian atmosphere at least in this country.

John goes on to say in the second part of verse one and verse two that an angel was to sent to John from Jesus to deliver these messages of revelation. John, is one who gave a first hand account of the life of Jesus both in what he heard and saw. This is always an important point in acquiring facts and making conclusions. Is it hear say or a first hand account and John is making it clear his testimony is first hand account.

In verse three John states the blessing that is received both to those who speak these words and hear these words. John obviously understood the importance of what he has been given even though he didn't fully understand much of it. So now it is the same for us.

Greeting to the Seven Churches

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.

Who is “ him who is and who was and who is to come” we could easily come to a conclusion that here it is referring to Jesus but the issue that arises with that thought is that in verse five it mentions Jesus specifically. Could John be speaking of God? If we take verses four and five together we cans see the Trinity which fits well with the whole. God (him who is and who was and who is to come), The Holy Spirit (the seven spirits who are before his throne) and Jesus (Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth). The only issue is the Holy Spirit being referenced as the seven spirits, but again we need to understand John is doing his best to describe what he is seeing.

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.

The last part of verse five through verse six is a clear description of Jesus and His plan for His people. Jesus loves us, freed us from sin through the cross and created a kingdom for us with Him after death.

Being priests to Jesus' God and Father is a reference to the call of every single Christian to share the gospel message with the world. I want to emphasize that this is the call for every single Christian. It seems today many do not think it is their calling but the fact is it is a command no matter if you think it is your calling or not.