March 6, 2025Revelation of Jesus Christ

Each day I post the last day signs Jesus warned us about in the hope that I may lead someone to Christ's salvation. I know from the signs our generation is just about at the point where the 7 year tribulation is going to begin. What all these signs tell us is those who reject Jesus as their messiah only have a short time to receive him and his free gift of salvation before all hell breaks out on this earth. If you haven't taken Jesus yet you need to know what you will be facing during the tribulation period! The book of Revelation is a book you will need to know by heart. You are not going to like planet earth during those 7 years. Truth is, your odds of making it through the entire 7 years is very slim at best. There is a better way to go. Just ask Jesus now to forgive your sins. Ask him to come into your heart so you may begin your new life in Christ. We know from God's word that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus will be saved. Make your road today one that is going to lead you to heaven. 

Today I started a series on the book of Revelation. I need your feedback. Today I started a series on the book of Revelation. I need your feedback. How many people want me to continue past today’s 7 verses ? If you would like me to continue the book of Revelation teaching leave me a comment.

 

Revelation 1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."

Explanation:

1. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" – The word Revelation comes from the Greek word apokalypsis, meaning "unveiling" or "disclosure." This book reveals Jesus Christ in His glory, His role in the end times, and His ultimate victory over evil.

2. "Which God gave unto him" – This shows the divine order of revelation: God the Father gave this message to Jesus Christ, who then passed it on.

3. "To shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass" – The purpose of this revelation is to inform Christ’s followers (believers) about future events, particularly those related to the end times. The phrase "shortly come to pass" suggests urgency, meaning these events are imminent from God’s perspective, though they may unfold over time.

4. "And he sent and signified it by his angel" – The message was communicated through symbolic visions and signs, delivered by an angel to the apostle John.

5. "Unto his servant John" – The apostle John, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, was chosen to receive and record this revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos.

Revelation 1:1 establishes that this book is a divine message from God, revealed through Jesus Christ, given to John to share with believers. It is a prophetic unveiling of end-time events, emphasizing Christ’s authority and the certainty of what is to come. Knowing that we are in the last days everyone should be up to speed when it come to the book of Revelation. 

Revelation 1:2 ² Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Explanation:

1. "Who bare record of the word of God" – This refers to the apostle John, who faithfully recorded what he received. The word of God here signifies divine revelation, showing that what John writes is not his own invention but comes directly from God.

2. "And of the testimony of Jesus Christ" – John is not only recording God’s words but also the direct testimony of Jesus Christ. Jesus is both the source and the subject of Revelation, revealing truths about Himself, His plans, and His ultimate victory.

3. "And of all things that he saw" – This confirms that John’s account is based on firsthand visions and revelations given to him. The book of Revelation contains many symbolic and prophetic visions that John was shown and instructed to write down. Knowing that Jesus never lied and will never lie, everything we read in the book of Revelation is truth and will come to pass. Revelation 1:2 emphasizes John’s role as a faithful witness, recording God’s word, Jesus Christ’s testimony, and the supernatural visions he received. This verse underscores the divine origin and truthfulness of the book of Revelation, affirming that it is a trustworthy prophetic message for believers. Let me break it to you very clear. If you read this book and do not believe what is in this book you are on the wrong road to where you will be spending your eternal life after you pass on. Rejecting Jesus' truth is a first class ticket to the gates of hell. Not a good trip to be on! 

    

   Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

   Explanation:

   1. "Blessed is he that readeth" – A special blessing is promised to those who read this book. In ancient times, Scriptures were often read aloud in churches because many people could not read. This blessing encourages believers to engage with the message of Revelation.

   2. "And they that hear the words of this prophecy" – Hearing implies not just listening but actively paying attention and understanding the message. Since Revelation contains prophecies about the end times, hearing and comprehending them is crucial.

   3. "And keep those things which are written therein" – The real blessing comes to those who not only read and hear but also obey and live by the truths in Revelation. This suggests that Revelation is not just about knowledge but about action—remaining faithful to Christ, preparing for His return, and standing firm in trials.

   4. "For the time is at hand" – This phrase indicates urgency. The events described in Revelation were already beginning to unfold in John’s time and would continue until their ultimate fulfillment. From God's perspective, time is short, and believers must always be prepared.

   Revelation is the only book in the Bible that specifically promises a blessing to those who read, hear, and obey its message. It emphasizes the importance of taking prophecy seriously because the return of Christ and the fulfillment of these events are imminent. Many will say it has been almost 2,000 years since Jesus was on earth, and for this reason they refuse to believe he will come back. Let us keep in mind what Peter said about this time span. 2 Peter 3:3-4 "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,⁴ And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation".  What Peter wrote is taking place in our society right now!

   Revelation 1:4"John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne."
   

   Explanation
   "John to the seven churches which are in Asia" John, the author of Revelation, is addressing seven specific churches in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey). These churches—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—were actual congregations but also symbolically represent the Church throughout history.

   
   "Grace be unto you, and peace" A common biblical greeting that expresses God’s undeserved favor (grace) and spiritual well-being (peace) toward believers. This greeting reassures Christians that God's blessings and protection are with them, even amid persecution.

   
   "From him which is, and which was, and which is to come" This describes God’s eternal nature, emphasizing that He exists in the past, present, and future. It highlights God’s sovereignty and control over all time. This phrase echoes Exodus 3:14, where God declares, “I AM THAT I AM.”

   "And from the seven Spirits which are before his throne" The "seven Spirits" likely represent the Holy Spirit in His fullness. The number seven symbolizes completeness and perfection in Scripture. This could refer to the sevenfold nature of the Spirit as described in Isaiah 11:2, which speaks of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, the fear of the Lord, and the Spirit of the Lord.

    

   Revelation 1:5 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,"

   1."And from Jesus Christ"

   • This verse continues from Revelation 1:4, where John gives a greeting from God the Father, the Holy Spirit (symbolized by the seven Spirits), and now Jesus Christ, emphasizing the Trinity.

   2."Who is the faithful witness"

   • Jesus is called the faithful witness because He perfectly revealed God’s truth to humanity.
   • He testified of God’s plan of salvation and remained faithful even to death (John 18:37).
   • This also reassures as I stated, His words and promises are trustworthy.

   3."And the first begotten of the dead" This is a very important statement!

   • This refers to Jesus’ resurrection. "First begotten" (prototokos in Greek) means preeminent or first in rank, not the first to ever rise from the dead, but the most important because His resurrection guarantees eternal life for believers (1 Corinthians 15:20). Jehovah's Witnesses take first begotten of the dead to try and prove Jesus is not God in the flesh as we see in John 1:1.
   • Jesus' resurrection proves His victory over sin and death. 

   4."And the prince of the kings of the earth"

   • Jesus is the supreme ruler over all earthly kings and authorities, even if the world does not yet fully recognize His reign.
   • This foreshadows His future return when He will establish His kingdom as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).

   5."Unto him that loved us"

   • Jesus’ love for believers is the foundation of salvation. His love was demonstrated through His sacrifice on the cross (John 3:16, Romans 5:8).

   6."And washed us from our sins in his own blood"

   • Jesus cleansed believers from sin through His sacrificial death.
   • His blood is the means of redemption, fulfilling the Old Testament system of atonement where blood was required for forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).
   • This shows that salvation is not earned but is a gift of grace through Jesus' sacrifice.

     Revelation 1:6 "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

     Explanation:

     1. "And hath made us kings and priests"

        • Through Jesus' sacrifice, believers are elevated to a royal and priestly status in God's kingdom. 
        • Kings – This signifies that believers will reign with Christ, exercising spiritual authority and victory over sin and darkness (2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 5:10).
        • Priests – In the Old Testament, priests had direct access to God and interceded for the people. Now, all believers have this privilege through Christ (1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 4:16).

     2. "Unto God and his Father"

        • This emphasizes that our royal priesthood is for God’s service and glory.
        • Jesus’ work of redemption reconciles us to God the Father, making us part of His divine plan.

     3. "To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

        • "Glory" – Jesus deserves eternal praise for His redemptive work.
        • "Dominion" – He has absolute authority and rule over all creation.
        • "For ever and ever" – His reign is eternal, confirming that He will rule for all time.
        • "Amen" – A declaration of affirmation, meaning “so be it” or “this is true.”

     Revelation 1:7 "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."

     Explanation:

     1. "Behold, he cometh with clouds;"

        • This refers to Jesus' second coming, when He will return visibly and gloriously.
        • The imagery of clouds is significant in Scripture, often symbolizing God's presence, majesty, and judgment (Daniel 7:13, Matthew 24:30, Acts 1:9-11).
        • Unlike His first coming in humility, Jesus will return in power and glory.

     2. "And every eye shall see him,"

        • Jesus' return will be universal and undeniable. For all of you who are those scoffers as Peter warned about, you will see just how wrong you were by believing Satan's lie that Jesus will never come back.
        • This contrasts with His first coming, which was seen only by a few. His second coming will be witnessed by the entire world, both believers and unbelievers.

     3. "And they also which pierced him:"

        • This refers to those responsible for Jesus' crucifixion—both the Roman soldiers and the Jewish leaders who rejected Him.
        • It also applies spiritually to all who have rejected Christ throughout history (Zechariah 12:10).
        • This suggests that even those who denied Him will recognize Him as the true Messiah.

     4. "And all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him."

        • The return of Christ will bring mourning and distress to those who have rejected Him.
        • The word “wail” signifies deep sorrow and regret, as people realize they have opposed the rightful King.
        • This is especially true for those who have lived in rebellion against God and now face His judgment.

     5. "Even so, Amen."

        • This phrase expresses certainty and affirmation.
        • "Even so" means this will surely happen.
        • "Amen" is a declaration of truth, emphasizing that God's promises are faithful and guaranteed.

      

     Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

     Revelation 1:9  I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

      

     ^{Revelation 1:10} I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

      ^{Revelation 1:11} Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

      ^{Revelation 1:12} And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

      ^{Revelation 1:13} And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

     ^{Revelation 1:14} His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

      ^{Revelation 1:15} And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

      ^{Revelation 1:16} And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

      ^{Revelation 1:17} And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

      ^{Revelation 1:18} I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

      ^{Revelation 1:19} Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

     ^{Revelation 1:20} The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.