Category: Revelation

Revelation starts with these words: “The revelation of Jesus Christ…” In this first chapter, God opens the curtains of heaven to show us His Son in all His glory and majesty. In light of this unveiling, a promise is given to the reader: “…blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).
John faithfully recorded everything he saw of the revelation of Jesus. He reported what he saw in this letter which was to the seven churches in the province of Asia. This revelation was given to John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos.
A Vision of Jesus
In verses 12-16, John describes Jesus Christ. Much of the language he uses is from the Old Testament, particularly the books of Daniel, Zechariah, Ezekiel and Isaiah. As a matter of fact, Revelation references the Old Testament more than any other New Testament book. John saw Jesus as majestic, powerful and in control. This vision moved John to fall at His feet in fear, “as though dead.”
Jesus reached out and touched him and then spoke the words we all need to hear from our Lord, “Don’t be afraid.”
The reason we need not fear is that Jesus is  the faithful witness, the first to rise from the dead, the ruler of all the kings,  the Alpha and Omega and  the One who holds the keys of death and the grave.
Seven
John uses the number 7 often through chapter 1 – the seven churches, the sevenfold Spirit, seven gold lampstands and seven stars.  Seven represents completeness or fullness. Keep this in mind whenever you come across the number 7 in Revelation.
The Gospel
Jesus’ death and resurrection stand as the centerpiece of this first chapter. Through this good news, Jesus freed us from our sins and cast away our fear (verses 5, 17 and 18).
Revelation for You

• What blessing do you expect in reading Revelation?
• In what ways does John’s vision of Jesus change your thoughts about Christ?
• What do Jesus’ words, ‘don’t be afraid” mean to you?

The New Testament writers were tapped by God to tell the story of Jesus Christ. It is a good news story from start to finish. At the birth of Jesus Christ, the angelic message was this: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
The culmination of this good news story is the book of Revelation.  Its message is one of hope and victory. Concerning Revelation, John said this, “…blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).
As you read Revelation, let these four principles guide you through.

1. Revelation is about Jesus (Revelation 1:1). It is God’s final revelation about His Son. The Greek word for Revelation is apokalupsis. It is where we get our word apocalypse. It means an uncovering or unveiling. In Revelation, God lifts the curtain to reveal Jesus Christ in His glory and majesty.
2. Revelation is properly understood when read through the lens of the Gospel. Paul spelled out the Gospel very clearly in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,…” The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Revelation, you will see the good news carried out to its full extent.
3. Revelation rests on the promises of the New Covenant. Hebrews 8:10-12 spells them out.
   • Power: I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.
   • Assurance: I will be their God, and they will be my people.
   • Relationship: No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, “Know the Lord,” because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
   • Forgiveness: For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
4. Revelation promises a blessing to those who hear and take to heart what is written in it. Read expecting that blessing.