The church of Christ

At Granby, MO

What do we Believe?

John’s Vision of Christ 

Introduction: 

Review the background of the letter. 

Text:  Revelation 1:9-20 

Body: 

I.   John’s Commission   (Verses 9-11) 

Verse 9   John strongly identifies with his readers as a brother and companion in the tribulation.  (James 1:2)   “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,”   They were in the kingdom by being brothers.  The kingdom will stand forever.  (Daniel 2:44)   John was on the island of Patmos, situated off the southwest coast of Turkey.  It was small, rocky, treeless and about ten miles long and six miles at the widest point.  John was exiled on Patmos in an effort to silence the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.  The Greek word translated testimony literally means “witness.”  (Revelation 6:9)

 Verse 10   John wrote under inspiration.  This was similar to Ezekiel.      (II Samuel 23:2, I Corinthians 2)

• The Lord’s Day, Sunday, belongs to God.  Jesus was raised; the church began; the church worshiped; the gospel was preached.
• The voice was as a trumpet.  This was clear and loud in order to call attention to it.

Verse 11   The seven churches in the province of Asia were roughly in a circle geographically.  They represented the entire body of Christ.  John received the revelation from Jesus, the First and the Last. 

II.   Christ’s Glory and Majesty   (Verses 12-20) 

Verses 12-14   John had also seen other visions of Jesus glorified.  The white appearance is parallel to the description of Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration.  Jesus was received into heaven at the Ascension.

• Christ – He has closeness to the churches in that He knows their struggles, problems, and weak and strong points. (Daniel 7:13)
• Clothing – This is the clothing of a high priest or royalty.
• It denotes purity.  (Isaiah 1:18)

• His eyes are all-seeing.  When the book is opened, all must give an account to the all-knowing God. (Hebrews 4:13)  The fire would indicate His righteousness and His judgment of everything impure. 
• Seven golden lamp stands are the seven Churches.

Verses 15-16 

• His feet were like fine brass and able to trod underfoot all who opposed Him.  (Revelation 19:11-12)
• “Many waters” – Power  (Ezekiel 43:2, Daniel 10:6)
• “Stars” – Angels of the seven churches
• “Sword” – His word, the judging power of the Word of God   (Hebrews 4:12)
• “Face” – Transfiguration  (Matthew 17)

Verse 17   Now imagine standing before Christ!

• Jesus – He is not going anywhere; He is still around at the end of time.
• Fear not – (Romans 8:18)

Verse 18   The “keys” of Hades and of death describe Christ’s authority over those who have died and over their present resting place. Hades is the place where the spirit goes upon death.  Hades will be vacated at the end of time.  (Revelation 20:14) 

Verses 19-20  

Angels are messengers. 

Invitation: 

Jesus is in our midst. 

Bobby Stafford

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