THE BOOK OF REVELATION

INTRODUCTION - The writer of Revelation lets us know that there is a great blessing in store for anyone who reads, hears and applies this book (1:3). The general theme of this book is: the triumph of the Church through Jesus Christ. As we read this book, we must not forget to read this book through Old Testament and First Century Christian ears. The early church understood Revelation and it was only because of their exposure to the Old Testament that they could understand the pictures of John's message. This morning we shall endeavor to paint a "portrait" of Christ using the various descriptions given to Him in Chapter One. This is extremely important to do, for this is the Christ who will take us through the book of Revelation. How do we think of Christ today? John will show us a vision which is incredible, and yet extremely helpful to the Church of Jesus Christ. Though the Church may despair at times, and seem like it is floundering in shallowness and emptiness, we must keep our eyes on the Christ of Revelation. By doing this we will lose all hopelessness and worry. We shall see that the Lord of the Church will certainly bring His plans to pass, and His people will eventually be victorious. Such is the theme of the book of Revelation! By looking at a variety of Scriptures in Revelation 1, we shall piece together a comforting portrait for God's people.

1) JESUS IS THE CHRIST WHO IS PROPHET, PRIEST AND KING - Revelation 1:5 - Here He is called "the faithful witness" reminding us of His ministry as Prophet, coming into this world to reveal the Father, the way of salvation, and the state of man (John 18:37). He is also called "the firstborn from the dead...cleansing us from our sins." Here is the priestly work of Christ, offering Himself up as a sacrifice for sin. He is also called "the ruler over the kings of the earth" reflecting His kingly office, King of kings and Lord of lords (Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36). Here then is the threefold work of Christ - Prophet, Priest and King, displayed for us in Revelation 1.

2) JESUS IS THE CHRIST WHO IS COMING - Revelation 1:7 - Here is the blessed hope of the Christians, especially living in John's day, who lived in a time of persecution and tribulation. He will come in the clouds, He will come for judgment, and every eye will see Him. The Christian will rejoice while the rest of the world mourns because of the coming judgment.

3) JESUS IS THE CHRIST WHO IS ALMIGHTY GOD - Revelation 1:8 - Here Jesus uses terms which only describe God - "Alpha and Omega", "First and Last", "Beginning and End", "who was and is and is to come", the "Almighty" One (Revelation 1:4; 1:11; 1:17). Clearly Christ is identifying Himself with the Father. He is calling Himself eternal and co-equal with God. Thus, His deity is proven through the use of these phrases.

4) JESUS IS THE CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF THE CHURCH - Revelation 1:10-20 Here is a picture of Christ today! This is the ascended Christ and the way we should imagine Him even now. How does this change our worship and approach to Christ when we realize that this is what He is truly like? Let us look at the descriptions individually.

A) HE IS IN THE MIDST OF THE LAMPSTANDS - Revelation 1:13 - What are these lampstands? Revelation 1:20 tells us that they are the seven churches - the entire church of Christ. The people of God have been called lights on lampstands (Matthew 5:14,15), and so it is a perfect image of the Church today. Where is Christ right now? He meets with His Church. He is standing in our midst. The Christ of Revelation 1 is always with us. How does this change our worship, our approach to Him? Is it not a great comfort to the Church to know that this Christ is always with us, especially in the midst of tribulation?

B) HE IS CLOTHED WITH A GARMENT, GIRDED WITH GOLD - Revelation 1:13-

15 - Here we see Christ in His glory and majesty. He is dressed as a King and a Warrior. He is a horrifying sight. His eyes pierce into the souls of men and His voice is like thundering waters (Ezekiel 43:2). Daniel saw the exact same person in his vision (Daniel 10:5-11) and so both John and Daniel saw Christ in His glory.

C) SEVEN STARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND - Revelation 1:16 - We are told that the seven stars are the "seven angels" of the churches (Revelation 1:20). We will find later that each of the letters of Revelation 2 and 3 are addressed to "the angels of each church" (Revelation 2:1). This is a strange form of address. Most commentators believe that the word can be translated "messenger", therefore Christ is holding the pastors, the messengers, of the churches. If you are not a good messenger - beware - Christ is holding you! If you are a good messenger of the Word of God - be glad - you are in Christ's hands!

D) THE TWO-EDGED SWORD - Revelation 1:16 - Throughout Scripture, we find the "two-edged sword" referring to the Word of God and certainly it is the same here (Isaiah 11:1-5; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12,13; Revelation 2:16; 19:11-15). It is by this powerful sword that Christ will judge men. It is the Word of God which reveals the true thoughts and intentions of the heart. It will be the standard for truth at the judgment. Why does Christ appear to the Church like this? First, He is here to purge His church, and this will be His message to the seven churches. Secondly, He is here to punish the wicked, and this we shall see unfolding in the book of Revelation.

5) JESUS IS THE CHRIST WHO DEMANDS A RESPONSE FROM YOU TODAY - There are two responses given in Revelation 1 to this image of Christ. First, the world reacts in horror (Revelation 1:7). They will mourn the coming of Christ and try to flee from Him (Revelation 6:15-17). Then, we see the Christian, who falls down at the feet of Christ, but is helped up by Christ, for He cares for His church (Revelation 1:17,18). How do you respond to this picture of the Lord? Will you run from Him, or will you, like John, fall down in worship?