The Book of Revelation is appropriately and accurately pronounced Revelation, not Revelations plural. It is a revelation from God to the Son of God, who revealed it to the Apostle John, the same John who wrote the fourth gospel and the three letters of John. That the Revelation was first given from God to Jesus Christ and then John is not something you’ll often hear emphasized. Nevertheless, it is in the first line of the first verse. On that note, St Bede, a doctor of the church and one of the earliest exegetes and commentator on the Book of Revelation in the early seven hundred wrote, “As was his custom, John refers the glory of the Son to the Father and testifies that Jesus Christ received the revelation of this mystery from God.” This is critical information to realize if someone attempts to characterize the Son of God as lesser in value than the Father. The fact that the Son of God received the Revelation from God the Father does not make Jesus inferior to the Father in any way. Jesus Christ is Himself God; on this point, Matthew Henry wrote, “Though Christ is Himself God . . . He sustains the office of mediator between God and man; He receives His instructions from the Father.”
1Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
A mediator is one who resolves or reconciles disagreement between two conflicting parties or persons. In our case, the conflicting parties are God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness. Interestingly,
God, being rich in grace and mercy, overlooks what we, as enemies of God, deserve, which is death and eternal torment under God’s anger for those who do not repent. Jesus Christ serves as the one who reconciles us to God through his life, death, and resurrection. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ comes a better covenant between God and man. A covenant where the works of the law are not mandated for justification. It is a better covenant that involved the sacrifice of Jesus, who was not a sinner and broke no law of God, living a fully righteous life, yet as the mediator, He became sin on our behalf and suffered the death owing to the sinner. Now, we are reconciled to God, not by any good works or deeds of our own actions, because as good as we attempt to be, we still break God’s law in deed and thought. Our reconciliation is a result of Christ’s good deeds. Christ’s righteousness. But what does Christ’s righteousness have to do with mine? Since we are unrighteous and can never have righteousness of our own, how then can we be justified before God to enter heaven? We can’t, and we won’t. Our only hope is in Jesus Christ. Our faith in Jesus Christ alone is our righteousness.
The disobedience of Adam plunged the world into sin, but the obedience of Jesus Christ catapulted salvation for many. Our belief, our faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all He is, and all He did is our justification as sinners to have peace with God, and it is all through faith.
I hope you realize that Christianity is the only religion whose doctrines teach that man’s justification to enter heaven is based on the works of someone else. While the rest of the religions of the world are blinded to believe their justification is based on their own individual works. Well, thank God for Jesus Christ as mediator because I don’t want the burden of having to carry the load of sin on my back. And hoping that God forgives my sins without certainty. If people want to justify themselves with their own merit or lack thereof, they can join one of the false religions and cults of the world. As for us, we rest assured in our eternal security because we are justified by faith!
I have been fascinated with the Book of Revelation since I first read it at about the age of 11. The third verse grabbed my attention when I began to read. I understood verse three as a promise from God. If you read this Book, hear this Book, and keep it, God will bless me. I didn’t know how God would bless me; I only knew that God was good, so any blessing, whatever it may mean, was good. But I’ll show you how the Book of Revelation was a blessing several years later.
I had already been reading the Bible occasionally for a few years before reading Revelation. But when I finished reading Revelation entirely, my mind was blown. I thought I discovered something new that no one else knew about. Of course, that is not objectively true. Still, it was subjectively true because who else in my eleven-year-old world has read the Book of Revelation? Thereafter, I was on fire. I’d carry my Bible everywhere I went, whether to the corner store to buy bread or whatever. I’d go to my friends’ houses and read portions of Revelations to them, such as the seven trumpets, seals, and bowls. None of us knew what in the world we were talking about. But I remember how impressed we all were with the Book. It would have been nice if we had someone to guide us. Listen, do not ever think you are too old or too young to read the Bible. There is no such thing as too late or too soon. Parents, do not ever think your child is too young to comprehend scripture, theology, or biblical doctrine. Do not insult their intelligence or the power of God through His word, but guide them.
In the old days, Jewish parents began teaching their children the scriptures at the age of five. So, it is likely that Timothy was just as privileged. Let me give you an example of how reading the scriptures at an early age saved me from false doctrine. Fast forward four or five years later, I’m 15 or 16 years old. Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons would knock on my door. I’d invite them in because, at that time, I didn’t know the differences in our theologies, or that we have different systems of theologies, or developed theological worldviews. I just knew they believe in Christ, and so do I; come on in. Everything they were telling me at face value sounded good. What alarmed me from the JW’s was their rationalization of needing a new translation from Charles Taze Russell. What alarmed me from the Mormons was their rationalization of needing another testament of Jesus Christ from Joseph Smith. When I heard these things, I was immediately reminded of:
On a side note: Isn’t it interesting that in the first chapter of Revelation, God pronounces a blessing for those who read, hear, and keep the Book. But in the final chapter of Revelation, God pronounces a curse for those who maliciously mishandle the Book in any way. I think it highlights how critical and necessary disciplined bible study is.
So I told the JW’s and Mormons No! The Book of Revelation says you are not supposed to add or take away from anything written in the Bible, and that is what you guys are doing! They did not return. Circle back to Revelation chapter one, verse three. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it. Now, does that not sound like a blessing from God? That one verse I read when I was eleven ultimately affected my senses to recognize false doctrine as a teenager and possibly save my soul! I give God glory because it is not about anything I did but what God did through His providence.
I’m sure some of you have had a similar experience with God. Our lives are extraordinary in the fact that we are created in the image of God. As a result, we have a sense of transparency where we, as physical creatures in a physical dimension, can communicate with the one and only true Supreme God. We communicate with God in prayer, worship, and studying His Holy written word, the Bible. The Holy Bible is inspired by God (2Timothy 3:16-17). The Holy Bible was written for our instruction, endurance, encouragement, and hope (Romans 15:4). The Holy Bible where Jesus said the earth and heaven may pass away, but His words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). The Holy Bible which is the living and active word of God (Hebrews 4:12). The Holy Bible which was decreed and ordained before the creation of the world. Did you know that?
1Corinthians 2:7 (ESV) But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
1Corinthians 2:7 (KJV) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.
I know the verse does not say the word bible, but what do you think the secret, mystery, and hidden wisdom of God is? Where do you think we should receive what we impart and speak? Where do you think the mysteries of God are revealed from? Only from the written wisdom of God, that he decreed and foreordained before the ages, before the world’s creation as it is written. He did that for us. Isn’t that astonishing? There are some who are not content with relying on the written Word of God. Some attempt to rely on external spiritual sources other than the Bible and the Holy Spirit. So, let me add a word of caution for anyone who may be tempted by tarot cards or fortune reading. Any attempt to receive spiritual knowledge or guidance in any capacity apart from the written word of God and direct worship and prayer to God alone is sorcery, evil, wicked, demonic, and idolatry. I know we experience calamities in life. But endure it and be faithful to God. Is it worth compromising your soul for a quick lie from an evil spirit? Would you trust a sorcerer whose power is not of the Holy Spirit but a demonic spirit? Listen to the Apostle Paul in
Do you want to be a participant with demons? We need to repent of anything ungodly. Our culture and society need to repent of anything ungodly. Our politicians and authority figures must repent of anything ungodly and look to Christ! Look to the Bible. The Bible contains the power of God used as His means to save sinners, the Gospel of Christ, the Gospel of God. The Gospel of God is miraculous. It is an eternal Gospel. Have you ever heard the phrase “eternal gospel?”
Revelation 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.
Listen, angels are not on earth preaching the gospel to all nations, languages, and people. The preaching of the gospel is the responsibility of those who are set apart for the Gospel of God, as the Apostle Paul stated in Romans 1:1. Let me state a point of clarity. I am not implying that we are apostles or angels. Whether the office and title of Apostleship continued after Paul or that Paul was the last Apostle is up to theological debate. I am of the persuasion that Paul was the last Apostle. Paul said in 2Corinthians 12:12 that the signs of a true Apostle were signs and wonders.
2Corinthians 12:12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
Not only was an Apostle preaching the gospel. But remember that Christ gave the disciples the ability to perform miracles. It served as a testimony that pointed to Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone of the Apostles who laid the foundation for the Church of Christ. We do not see instances in scripture where the Apostles appointed other apostles. Instead, we see passages where the Apostles appoint elders.
Acts 15:6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.
Interestingly, it says the apostles and the elders were gathered together. Not the apostles and other apostles. But elders, and who appointed elders? The apostles and appointed elders.
An apostle was someone who was discipled and sent by Christ to preach the gospel accompanied by the sign of performing miracles comparable to those of their master, Jesus Christ. Following the death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, the apostles were commissioned to go to all nations to make disciples of all nations and baptize them. Interestingly, Jesus didn’t say make apostles of all nations. I’m just saying. The apostles then spread the gospel, performed miracles, established churches, and appointed elders. Remember, the Apostle Paul said the sign of a true apostle is accompanied by signs and wonders comparable to Christ’s. We no longer need the ability for signs and wonders for the testimony of Jesus Christ. We now have the written word of God and the Holy Spirit to point us to Jesus Christ. As I said, it is a debatable issue, and nothing any church should divide over.
Irregardless, do not become so passionate about titles. A title does not make what you are in Christ. Your faith in Christ will reveal what you are in Christ. We are judged not by a title but by our works that result from our faith, or lack thereof. Let’s be content with our obedience to God, be content with what the Lord provides, be content with the gifts he has given us to do His will on earth, and most of all, be content God has inclined you to believe in Christ and that your names are written in heaven. Remember what Jesus said in Luke chapter 10, when the 72 returned to Jesus full of joy at all the works they accomplished, highlighting that even the evil spirits were subject to them. What was Jesus’ response? First, he verified that their authority came from Jesus. Never forget that what we do in the name of Jesus is only according to God’s sovereign will and the authority Christ gives us. Do not think so highly of yourself. Without Christ, we can accomplish nothing for His kingdom. Secondly, Jesus said don’t rejoice in these things, significantly that the spirits were subject to them. I love the call of humility from Jesus in Luke 10:20. Jesus said, instead, rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Is your name written in heaven? How do you know? Believe in Jesus Christ. Believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord as spoken of by the writers of the Apostles Creed, “who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, he descended into hell, the third day He rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead,” Amen.
Believe, repent of your sins, and be baptized so that you may be set apart for the Gospel of God, as it is written in
Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, “The Eternal Gospel!”
This is not a literal angel flying and proclaiming the gospel across nations. The preaching of the gospel is a responsibility given to humans who believe in Jesus Christ. The word angel in Greek is Aggelos and carries the meaning of messenger. So, the angel flying overhead typifies or symbolizes the minister of the gospel, preaching in all nations against the works of the beast.
You should have noticed by now that I have been stressing the issue of accurate biblical interpretation and expressing the fervor of ministering the Gospel of Christ, and Identifying what we are in Jesus Christ through faith.
If you attempt to study the Book of Revelation, Jesus Christ needs to be the center of your heart. Jesus Christ needs to be the presupposition of your reasoning. Do not approach the Book of Revelation with a heart of wanting to discover something mystical. Do not approach the Book of Revelation attempting to find prophecies that apply to modern wars and cataclysmic events in our generation. If that is what you are looking for, your heart and mind are in the wrong place. If your heart and mind are not set on Christ as you approach Revelation, then it behooves you to instead go pick up a fictional novel. If your heart and mind are not centered on Christ, you will miss the unveiling of the most beautiful jewel the Book of Revelation has to offer, and that is Christ and His triumph and victory over sin and death throughout all history yesterday, today, and forever.
The unveiling is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. That is what the word revelation means. Revelation comes from the Greek word apokalupsis. That is where we derive the English word apocalypse, which, in our generation, we commonly associate with chaos, disorder, and destruction at a catastrophic scale. While the Greek word apokalupsis simply means the appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, and Revelation. Revelation of who?
While reading through chapters one through three. I realized that nearly every mention of Jesus seemed to be descriptive. Descriptive of who He is, His character, what He has done, is doing and will do. It makes sense if you are viewing it from the perspective of the question, who is Jesus Christ? I want to share this with you. What I did was I pulled from every verse from chapter one to chapter three, every instance where Jesus Christ is mentioned. I changed nothing of the context. I merely copied and pasted the expression of Christ and put it together in one body paragraph. The only word I added in some areas is the pronoun “He” referencing Jesus Christ.
Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. The one who loves us and frees us from our sins by His blood. He is the one coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. He is the first and the last, and the living one. The one who died and behold is alive forevermore, and now has the keys of Death and Hades. Christ is the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. He grants the tree of life to eat, which is in the paradise of God. Christ is the first and the last, who died and came to life. The one who makes he who conquers invincible to the second death. Christ is He who has the sharp two-edged sword. The one who gives the hidden manna and the white stone with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it. Christ is the Son of God who has eyes like a flame of fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. Giver of authority over nations to rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, and giver of the morning star. Christ is He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. Christ is the one who comes like a thief at an unknown hour for those who do not repent. For those who repent, Christ is the giver of white garments and never blots their names out of the Book of Life. He is the one who confesses the names of His conquerors before His Father and before His angels. Christ is the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. For the ones who conquer, He makes them a pillar in the temple of God. Never shall he go out of it, and He will write on them the name of God, and the name of the city of God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from God out of heaven and Christ’s new name. Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. Christ is the one who spits out of His mouth those who are lukewarm. Jesus is the seller of gold refined by fire, white garments, and salve so that we may be rich, clothed from our shame and nakedness, and able to see. Christ is He who stands at the door and knock. The one who comes into us and eats with us.
Finally, remember verse 3, that blessed is the one who reads aloud, hears, and keeps what is written. There is no better joy and no better peace than walking in obedience to Christ’s standard of righteousness. Although we are reconciled to God and are no longer enemies of God, we still carry the natural disposition of a sinful nature. We are born again by the spirit of God, which inclines us to desire the things of God. But we still have carnal desires we must conquer in this life. When we give up and allow ourselves to disobey God, we break that peace we have. I’m not saying we lose our salvation, but if you’ve ever fallen into transgression of God’s law as I have, it sure feels like you’ve lost God. However, unlike our unstable character and our inability to remain loyal to God, God is immutable and keeps His promises. He keeps His word. If we believe in Christ, God has saved us and nothing can separate us from the love of God. Nothing can pluck us from His hand. I leave you with three final verses.
Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.
Luke 11:28 “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Revelation 22:7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this Book.”
Descendants of Grace Monergistic Agora 