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The Incomparable Christ: A Study of Revelation 1:1-8

    1. Jesus is NOT one among many options religiously; He is the One and only! (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Isaiah 40:25).
    2. There are various passages that so emphasize Jesus and His Person and work that we call them Christological – meaning that anyone who engages in the study of Christ must pay special attention to them.
    3. There are at least 6 such NT passages (5 chapter “ones” and one chapter “two”)
      John 1 Lord of Incarnation Word of God
      Romans 1 Lord of Salvation Son of God
      Philippians 2 Lord of Submission Form of God
      Colossians 1 Lord of Creation Image of God
      Hebrews 1 Lord of Revelation Revealer of God
      Revelation 1 Lord of Exaltation Glory of God
    4. Revelation holds the exalted Christ up before its weary, persecuted readers. He is the reason why they (we) can deal with persecution, pain, and mistreatment. There is a truckload of truth to unpack from the opening verses.
    5. Note Revelation 1:1-5
      1. Title – The Revelation of Jesus Christ – by / about Him!
      2. Target Group – “servants” (1), “7 churches” (4), “those who read, hear & keep” (3)
      3. Subject – “things shortly come to pass” (1), “at hand” (3). Eschatology is the study of last things. Eschatophobia and eschatomania are the two extremes to be avoided.
      4. Author – John, in the Holy Spirit (1:1, 10)
      5. Publisher – Trinity Publishing Company (4-5). “One who Is, was and is to come, 7 spirits before throne and from Jesus Christ.”
      6. Nature of book – “revelation” (1), “prophecy” (3), letter (4)
      7. Need Addressed – “Grace and peace” (4)
    6. Revelation 1:5-7: 7 Pictures of Christ
      1. HE IS THE FAITHFUL ONE – FAITHFUL WITNESS (5)
        – Loyal, trustworthy & dependable. John 5:31-47; John 8:13-18; John 14:8-9.
        – Jesus & apologetics.
      2. HE IS THE RISEN ONE – FIRSTBORN FROM DEAD (5)
        – Psalm 89:27; Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15.
        – Idea of PREEMINENCE and idea of something done on our behalf –   1 Corinthians 15:20-21.
      3. HE IS THE REIGNING ONE – RULER OF KINGS OF THE EARTH (5)
        – 1 Tim. 6:15-16; Rev. 11:15; 17:14; 19:16.
        – Sovereign – Rev. 19:6
      4. HE IS THE LOVING ONE – TO HIM WHO LOVES US (6)
        –        Present participle – past, present, future.
        – John 3:16; 13:1; Galatians 2:20.
      5. HE IS THE LIBERATING ONE – – WASHED / LOOSED US (6)
        – “Blood” – 19x in Revelation.
        – Loose or wash? Textual evidence favors “loose” but BOTH true!
        – John 8:31-36.
        – Kingdom & priests – Ex. 19:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 12:28
      6. HE IS THE GLORIOUS ONE (6) – GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN
        – Glory (17x in Rev.) and power/dominion. Christ’s glory/power transcend! All other is temporary.
        – Over ANY powers that confront God’s people. 1 John 4:4.
        – Due praise / glory / worship (Rev. 5:8-14).
      7. HE IS THE COMING ONE (7)
        – “Behold” – 26x in Revelation – Things are NOT as they may seem!
        – Combines Daniel 7:13-14 and Genesis 12:3.
        – Acts 1:5-11; Hebrews 9:28.

Conclusion

The exalted Christ is worthy of our trust. He will see us through and give us a heavenly and eternal home.—Mike Vestal