The Person of the Revelation
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Revelation 1:1-3
Scofield in his study Bible does a great job spelling out an overview of the book of Revelation.
But in his last lines of the introductory statements on the book, he says, “Interpreters of the Revelation should bear in mind two important passages: 1Pe 1:12; 2Pe 1:20; 2Pe 1:21”
12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
This Revelation was written for all to hear, not just to be kept for a select few.
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
There is no private interpretation, be wary of people who say, “God has revealed the secret interpretation to me.”
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Man has not revealed this to us, but God, as he moved men to write as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Scofield continues saying,
“Doubtless much which is designedly obscure to us will be clear to those for whom it was written as the time approaches.”
We may not be able to see all the answers clearly now, but as time progresses, and these things begin to come about, those who are living then will clearly see.
The theme of the book of Revelation is undoubtedly that of the Person of Jesus Christ.
The culmination of the book is the entrance of the Kingdom of Christ which begins the great judgement on earth.
And is culminated in the reign of Christ and His Second Coming.
The Bible is full of illuminating references to these times.
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Others may mock Christians and their view of history, present and future…but the Word of God is clear, and we must present God’s Word as it is written in it’s literal context.
Just like the rest of the Bible we should take interpret the book of Revelation literally, that is in their plain and normal sense.
This does not mean that we do nto recognize figurative language.
As one website tries to explain, “This means that we start out by taking the words in their most normal meaning. If I say My house is red, you will understand what I mean. There would be no question about it. However, if I say Listen to this parable about the Homeowner, or used comparative words like the word like as in like a roaring lion, you would understand that my words might not be meant to be taken literally, but possibly figuratively.”
The very specific numbers used in the book of Revelation point us to taking this interpretation stance as well.
The number used are very specific:
12,000 from each of the 12 tribes will receive the Holy Spirit poured out on them (144,000)
Specific amount of time the heavens are silent when the Lamb breaks the seventh seal - 30 minutes
The scorpions of the earth are given the ability to torment people who rebel against God for five months.
Specific number given to the army after the sixth trumpet - 200 million.
The two witnesses are allowed to prophesy for a specific number of days - 1,260 days.
If we are to take this book allegorically, why would we be given specific numbers?
There are images found in the Book of Revelation, but they are explained by the writer in much detail.
The Lamb having seven horns and seven eyes (Rev 5) is Christ because it is explained that it is a Lamb appearing as if it was slain.
The Four horsemen are described in detail
The red dragon we are told is Satan. (Rev. 12:1-9)
What would be the need for allegory if the images are already explained by the author.
So as we journey through this book let’s strive to take the literal-grammatical method of interpretation.
We will find also that to do otherwise is bordering on a very dangerous precipice.
There is a curse that comes specifically to anyone who changes this book
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
We must be careful!
So Let’s look at the Person of the Revelation.
In doing so we must first look at:
I. The Process of the Revelation
I. The Process of the Revelation
The word revelation means unveiling.
How was this unveiling come?
First we see that it was:
A. Given by God
A. Given by God
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
We are specifically told that we have been given this revelation of Jesus by God, the Father.
More specifically the Father gave it unto God the Son, who shewed it to us.
The fact that God the Father has revealed this truth does not take anything away from the deity of Christ or His equality in attributes to the Father.
The Son has yielded to the Father, and has limited His omniscience purposefully out of submission.
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Jesus is perfect in both deity and humanity
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
So in His submission to His Father, the Father reveals to His Son these truths for His servants.
Secondly we see that this revelation was
B. Signified by His Angel
B. Signified by His Angel
1b ... and he sent and signified it by his angel ...
The word signified is translated from the Greek word semaino (say-mah'-ee-no).
This word means to give a sign, or to make known.
So we see that it was revealed By the Father to Jesus
Then the angel was charged with showing the sign, or making it known to us…by way of being
C. Revealed by John
C. Revealed by John
1c ...unto his servant John:
The first part of verse 2 says, Who bare record of the word of God...
John was the scribe who bore record, and wrote it down for us.
What a process!
Why did God choose to do it this way?
I don’t know, but that is How God the Father chose for it to happen.
But one thing is for certain, what is being proclaimed, as the first of verse two says, “Who bare record fo the word of God”
This phrase is used 42 times in the New Testament, and always refers to the word given by God.
These are the very words revealed by God.
So this is the Process of Revelation, now let us see...
II. The Person of the Revelation
II. The Person of the Revelation
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
The scribe writes what is spoken to him through the angel, by Jesus Christ.
A. The Person of Christ
A. The Person of Christ
We have seen that this is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
It is revealed who Christ is, as He is seated upon the right hand of God, upon His throne.
In a little while we will see a description of Christ as John saw him.
And what a picture of holiness and power!
But we will get there eventually.
But let us never lose sight of the fact that this revelation is a revelation of Jesus Christ!
Do not lose the focus that God has given us!
secondly it is a revelation of:
B. The Testimony of Christ
B. The Testimony of Christ
It is the Testimony of Jesus Christ, and it is the revelation of Jesus Christ.
It is the revealing of the truth of Him, the Gospel, or as John Gill writes, it is the
“Gospel, which testifies of the person of Christ, of the truth of his divinity, and reality of his human nature; of the union of the two natures, divine and human, his person: of his several offices, of prophet, priest and King; of what he did and suffered for his people; and of the blessings of grace which they receive by him.”
This phrase appears three other times in Revelation, in Revelation 1.9 and Revelation 12:17, as well as twice in one verse in Revelation 19:10.
It is a key phrase for this book.
The word testimony is translated from the word for martyr.
Same as the word for bare record that was used earlier.
They both mean to give witness to something or someone.
John is not only testifying of what Jesus tells him, but also all the things that he saw.
John was the last surviving apostle of Jesus.
His personal character and reputation were unimpeachable.
35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.
12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
John was well known for his trustworthy word.
John was given this sign through an angel, and John was actually able to write what he saw.
What a privilege, to not only be transported through time to hear the testimony of the Lord, but to actually be able to see it in person.
As we go through Revelation you will be able to see how that John is an actual observer of these events.
Events that are still in the future.
As this witness, it is interesting that this word being used comes from the word martyr…since John is the only apostle to not be martyred.
Nothing theological there…just an interesting word usage.
So we have seen the Process of the Revelation
and we have looked at the Person of the Revelation...
Now let us look at...
III. The Promise of the Revelation
III. The Promise of the Revelation
The Promise of Revelation is two fold:
A. The Promise of Imminence
A. The Promise of Imminence
Revelation 1:1 told us that it was shown the “things which must shortly come to pass...”
People for centuries have expected the return of Christ.
But there is one major difference today, and that is the fact that 75 years ago a Jewish State was established.
Jewish people for the first time since the beginning of the church age have been going back to their homeland.
For centuries people have looked at their current situation and have tried to explain away prophecies that foretold this happening.
We must remember what Peter said in...
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
What may seem like a long time to us, means nothing to God.
Psalm says this very similarly.
4 For a thousand years in thy sight Are but as yesterday when it is past, And as a watch in the night.
God created time when He created the sun and the earth.
God is not held by time, as is even seen in John’s own experience as He has been transported through time to witness these events.
The coming of the Lord is imminent.
Are you ready to face your Lord?
Tomorrow is not promised.
Are you ready for His coming?
Not only is the Promise of the Revelation a Promise of Imminence, but verse three tells us it is...
B. The Promise of Blessing
B. The Promise of Blessing
3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Here we see a promise given to those who read, hear and keep these words.
This is the first of the Seven Beatitudes of Revelation.
This word translated Blessed is the same word that is used in Matthew 5
Matthew 5:3-11 gives us the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount.
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
This verse contains the first of the Seven Beatitudes given to us in Revelation.
The blessing is given to those who Read, Hear and Keep the words of this book.
I know it is sometimes hard to comprehend all that is in this book, but as Andrew Fuller once said, “‘It is that to the New Testament church, which the pillar of the cloud was to the church in the wilderness, guiding it through the labyrinth of anti-Christian errors and corruptions. It must not be neglected under a notion of its being hard to be understood. As well might the mariner, amidst the rocks, neglect his friendly chart, under an idea of its being difficult to understand it.”
Charles Spurgeon said, “To induce us to give the most serious attention to the subject, a blessing is pronounced on those who ‘read, and hear, and keep,’ the words of this prophecy, especially as the time of its fulfillment was at hand. There does not appear to be any other part of Scripture that is prefaced with such an inducement to read, and understand, and practically regard it.”
So God promises a blessing to those who read it, heart it, and keep it!
Conclusion
Conclusion
In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul is speaking to the church at Thessalonika regarding the coming of Christ.
He tells them that famous, and well used verse, 1 Thess 5.2
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
But in verses 4-5 he reminds them, and us that as Christians we should not be taken by surprise!
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Then Paul warns us not to sleep, as those who are in darkness…but...
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Then he says ...
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
This is one of the reasons I believe in a pre-tribulational rapture.
Plus the point that the church is never mentioned in Revelation anywhere from chapter 4-20.
If we are on earth during the tribulation, why is the church not mentioned during the chapters that describe the major world event that we are supposed to be going through.
The word rapture comes from the Latin translation of 1 Thess 4.17
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The words translated caught up in English, is translated in Latin as Rapiemur - The translation of this word into English is Rapture.
so the church uses the word Rapture to describe the event when the Christians will be caught up in the air with Christ.
I believe that the timeline of revelation appears like this:
Chapter 1 is the Introduction of Revelation
on the timeline we see Christ’s first coming.
And his death on the cross which ushered in the church age.
Chapters 2-3 is the Letters to the seven churches
Both of these chapters cover the Church age, which began with the death, burial and Resurrection of Christ, and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
The rapture takes place at a time determined and known only by the Father.
This will usher in a Seven year tribulation period, that is split in half.
A 3 1/2 year period of peace, followed by a 3 1/2 period of turmoil and destruction.
These are described in Chapters 6-19
Then Christ will come back to earth and usher in the 1,000 year reign of Christ.
This is found in Chapter 20:1-6
in Chapter 20:7-14 we see the Great White Throne Judgment.
And in Chapters 21-22 we see the New Heaven and New Earth.
It is going to take us a while to go verse by verse through this book.
But be patient and be faithful!
Remember there is a blessing to those who read, hear and keep these words!