THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST
REVELATION 1:8-15
Introduction: Our study opens as we view the person of the Lord Jesus. Dr. John Walvoord wrote of Revelation 1: “If no more had been written than that contained in his introductory portion of chapter 1, it would have constituted a tremendous restatement of the person and work of Christ such as found in no comparable section of Scripture. ”
I. Background
a. As a child of God who wants to know more about Jesus this should really catch your attention.
b. In chapter 1 verse 8 we see Christ who is the ONE coming
c. “I AM” – denotes deity from Genesis to Revelations.
1. Moses burning bush
2. John – I am the bread; I am the water; I am the door. ( John 10:9-10)
d. Alpha and Omega – First and last letter of Greek alphabet
1. This is eternal character.
2. The beginning and ending, ALL centers on HIM.
e. The eternal character of the Almighty
1. As the Father is the same yesterday today and forever so is the Son.
2. Here Christ’s immutable character is in view.
3. In the name Almighty we have expression of the very highest.
a) In creation, in sustaining and in judgment. (Col 1:16,17)
II. John from Patmos to the seven churches concerning past, present and future (Vs 9-12)
a. John for the cause of Christ from Patmos (Vs 9)
1. As John begins to write in exile, it reminds us of Daniel. (Dan. 7:15)
2. John links himself with them as brother and companion.
3. John was exiled to Patmos for preaching Christ.
a) Small rocky island, 10 miles long, 6 miles wide in the Aegean Sea southwest of Ephesus
b) History states that Domitians had sent him to work in the mines even when he was old.
c) Nothing separates us from Gods love.
b. In the Spirit on the Lords Day ( Vs. 10)
1. Some feel this was first day of week that the early church worshiped on.
2. Others feel this was “the Day of the Lord” of which John was to write.
3. The Spirit of God was about to unveil the ages.
4. The voice of the trumpet
a) At Mt Sinai God broke the silence with the trumpet.
b) Something important to men is about to be unveiled. (I Thess. 4:16)
c. The Seven individual Churches are mentioned (Vs 11)
1. Each plays an important role
a) Each stood by itself
b) Each had a definite character.
d. The Apostle turns and beholds seven golden candlestick or lamp stand (Vs. 12)
1. At this point his back was to the Churches and face was toward the kingdom.
2. John was looking ahead but God directed Him to what was present.
3. Seven is the number of completion or perfection, and God signifies diving righteousness.
III. The description of the glorified Christ(Vs. 13-16)
a. The Son of man (Vs. 13)
1. Emphasizes His humanity (Isa. 9:6)
a) As Son of God He quickened the dead
b) Son of man we see Him in judgment.
2. Clothed down to the foot
a) Best explained by Priestly garments which were designed for glory and beauty
b) In midst of Churches is significant. (Heb. 4:14-16)
c) He is our High Priest in heaven
3. In the gold we see His divine righteousness and glory set forth.
a) In contrast in John 13:5, He girds Himself and washes His disciple’s feet which is a whole different ballgame
b. The features of the Son (Vs.14)
1. His head and hair were white as snow.
2. “In this is the color of deathlessness and holiness”
a) This goes back to Daniel &13-14
b) All of this points to the second Adam. ( Romans 5:14-21)
3. Eyes were as a flame of fire.
a) Here is keen penetrating judgment which searches out and exposes evil.
b) In the look of those eyes is a burning all penetrating intelligence.
c) It can be discomforting or of inspiring warmth.
d) David said “search me oh God.”
c. His feet denote judgment, and His voice accomplishes His will. (Vs. 15)
1. The brass speaks of judgment and stands for unyielding strength in judicial judgment.
a) His feet will tread down the wicked and crush the Antichrist and Satan.
b) Beautiful are those feet to those who love Him, Mary. (John 11:32)
c) Terrible to those who will be crushed by them. (Heb. 2:8, Isa. 63:3, Rev. 19:15)
2. His voice as the sound of many waters
a) With His voice 10 times in Genesis, God called creation into existence.
b) The order was called out of chaos and darkness.
c) His voice calmed the angry Galilean Sea and hushed the winds and waves.
d) The majesty of His voice reveals POWER to which human authority must bow.