WORDS OF TRUTH
We live in a
day of conflicting claims for various religions (they can't all be true), and
the desire to be tolerant of all others (if it's true for you, it's true). Yet
how do we as Christians determine what we believe? We regard Jesus Christ as
our faithful witness (1:4–5). He is the only
religious leader who has risen from the dead.
So, when you read John's description of the vision, keep in mind that his words are not just good advice; they are truth from the King of kings. Don't just read his words for their interesting and amazing portrayal of the future. Let the truth about Christ penetrate your life, deepen your faith in him, and strengthen your commitment to follow him—no matter what the cost.[1]
Revelation 1.4-5 ~ John to
The Seven Churches Which Are in Asia: Grace Be unto You,
And Peace, From Him Which Is, And Which Was, And Which Is to Come
|
B. The Great Announcement to the Churches, 1:4–8 |
|
a.
From God: The eternal & unchangeable God b.
From the Holy Spirit c.
From Jesus Christ |
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia:
Grace be unto you, and Peace, from Him which is, and
which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are
before His throne; |
a.
He is the faithful witness b.
He is the first to arise c.
He is the Prince over all rulers of the earth d.
He has redeemed us |
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and
the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.
Unto him, that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, |
|
e.
He has exalted us |
6 And
hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and
ever. Amen. |
a.
He is to be seen by all b.
He is to be seen by those who killed Him: They
will mourn because of Him |
7 Behold,
he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all
kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. |
a.
The Alpha & Omega b.
The One who is, was, & is to come c.
The Almighty God |
8 I am
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and
which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. |
4. The People in the Preface (Revelation1:4, 5).
The people for whom the book was written include
all believers of every age. Here we note the believers to whom the book was
first sent.
• The site of the people. "John
to the seven churches which are in Asia" (Revelation1:4). The book was sent first to seven churches in Asia. "Asia" was not the continent
of Asia, but a province of the Roman Empire often called "Asia Minor."
Today it would be the western part of the country Turkey. The seven churches in
Asia to whom John wrote are named in Revelation1:11. They are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis,
Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
• The salutation to the people. Every epistle has a salutation at the beginning of the epistle, and this book, which is also an epistle—a letter to the seven churches of Asia, has a very instructive salutation at the beginning of the letter. "Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; and from Jesus Christ" (Revelation1:4, 5). There are three noteworthy features of this salutation. First, the similarity of the salutation. This is similar to the greetings in Paul's epistles and to the common Greek greeting ("grace") and Hebrew greeting ("peace" shalom). Second, the sequence in the salutation. "Grace … peace." Spiritually the Grace of God must come to us before the Peace of God does. Third, the source of the salutation. There are four greeters in the salutation to the churches. (1) The servant. "John to the seven churches" (Revelation 1:4). His name appears before the greeting. (2) The Sovereign. "From him which is, and which was, and which is to come" (Revelation 1:4). This corresponds to the identity of Jehovah God as the "I am that I am" (Exodus 3:14) and speaks of the eternal God Who has no beginning or end. (3) The Spirit. "From the seven Spirits which are before his throne." "The seven Spirits" speak of the One Holy Spirit who is manifested in a sevenfold way. "He is spoken of here as seven-fold" (Newell). He is elsewhere in this book symbolized as "seven lamps of fire" (Revelation 4:5), and in Zechariah, He is symbolized by the seven-lamp candelabra (Zechariah4:2, 6). (4) The Savior. "And from Jesus Christ" (Revelation1:5). Christ is the prominent One in the book of Revelation.[2]
B. The
Great Announcement to the Churches, 1:4–8
(1:4–8) Introduction: this is the great announcement to the churches. Note: there were seven churches in Asia to which this great announcement was being made. The churches will be named and discussed in a later passage. When they are, it will be seen that they are representative of all churches of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world. For now, the great announcement is the subject to be discussed. What is the great announcement proclaimed to the churches of the world? It is fourfold.
1.
Grace and Peace are Yours (vv.4–5).
2.
Christ is the great Savior, the wonderful
Redeemer (vv.5–6).
3.
Christ is coming again (v.7).
4.
Christ is the Almighty God (v.8).
1 (1:4–5) Grace—Peace: announcement one—Grace and Peace are yours. The church must know that it can experience Grace and Peace.
Ø
Grace means the favor and
blessings of God. It means that God takes an active role in our lives; that He
looks after and takes care of us; that He provides all the good and beneficial
things of life for us whether physical, material or spiritual. We do not deserve
the Grace of God, but God loves us. Therefore, He showers us with His Grace,
His favor, and His blessings.
Ø Peace means that we can have Peace with God and with men; that we no longer have to feel that God is far away from us, nor that God is hovering over us, watching every little move that we make. God is not evil; He is not seeking every chance to condemn and punish us. God seeks only one thing with us and that is Peace.
Peace
also means that men no longer have to be divided, separated, and discriminated
against; nor do they have to be fighting, warring, stealing, and killing each
other. Man can now have Peace—Peace with God and Peace
with each other.
This is the first great declaration to the church. The great gifts of Grace and Peace are now available to man. But note where. It is not found among men. Neither God's Grace (favor) nor the great gift of Peace can be found upon earth. Grace and Peace come only from heaven, only from God and His Spirit and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
1.
Grace and Peace come only from
the eternal and unchangeable God. Note how God is described: "God who is and who was and who is to come."
Ø
God is.
Ø
God was.
Ø
God is to come.
That is, God is eternal, and He is unchangeable. He is the infinite God, the only living and true God. He is today as He was, and He shall be the same in the ages to come. This means the most wonderful thing: God has infinite power and knowledge. He knows that we need His Grace, His care and provision, and His Peace. And He has the power to give us Grace and Peace. All we have to do is go to Him—to Him who is the source of Grace and Peace.
V
"But
God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when
we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace
ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in
heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might show the
exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ
Jesus" (Ep. 2:4–7).
V
"And
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Ph.
4:7).
V
"For
the Grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope,
and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who
gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, exhort,
and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee" (Tit. 2:11–15).
V
"Not
by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he
saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which
he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified
by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal
life" (Tit. 3:5–7).
2. Grace and Peace come from the Holy Spirit of God. Note that the Holy Spirit is called the "seven Spirits." The number seven in the Bible simply means completeness, fullness, and perfection. Thus, the seven spirits mean the Holy Spirit in all His fullness. The Holy Spirit is before the throne of God in all of His perfection and fullness. Therefore, the believer is to find Grace and Peace in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit of God who lives within the believer in order to fill the believer with the Grace and Peace of God.
Thought 1. Our duty is to learn to walk in the Spirit; to allow Him to fill us with God's Grace and Peace.
V
"But
if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that
raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his
Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Ro. 8:11).
V
"But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law" (Ga. 5:22–23).
3. Grace and Peace come from Jesus Christ. It is Christ who brought the Grace and Peace of God to earth. This is clearly seen in the next note.
V
"Peace
I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth,
give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid"
(Jn. 14:27).
V
"These
things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the
world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer I have overcome the world"
(Jn. 16:33).
V
"Being
justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus" (Ro. 3:24).
V
"In
whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according
to the riches of his grace" (Ep. 1:7).
V
"For
he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle
wall of partition between us" (Ep. 2:14).
V "To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Col. 1:2).[3]
"Grace Be
unto You, And Peace, From Him
Which Is, And Which Was, And Which Is to Come"
GRACE (Forgiveness,
Love, Mercy)
What are some aspects of God's Grace?
BIBLE READING:
Nehemiah 9:1–38
KEY BIBLE VERSE: In your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are! (Nehemiah 9:31)
God's Grace is our only hope!
Israel was devastated by times of intense rebellion and sin. Yet when the
people repented and returned to God, he delivered them. God puts no limit on
the number of times we can come to him to obtain mercy, but we must come in order to obtain it, recognizing
our need and asking him for help. This miracle of Grace should inspire
us to say, "What a gracious and merciful God you are!" If
there is a recurring problem or difficulty in your life, continue to ask God
for help, and be willing and ready to make changes in your attitude and
behavior that will correct that situation.
BIBLE READING:
Ephesians 1:3–2:10
KEY BIBLE VERSE: He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:7–8)
God's Grace makes our salvation
possible. Grace is God's voluntary and loving favor given to those
he saves. We can't earn salvation, nor do we deserve it. No religious,
intellectual, or moral effort can gain it, because it comes only from God's
mercy and love. Without God's Grace, no person can be saved. To receive
it, we must acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves, that only God can save
us, and that our only way to receive this loving favor is by faith in Christ.
God's Grace should lead us to serve
others with love. We become Christians through God's unmerited Grace,
not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service
on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help
and serve others with kindness, charity, and goodness, and not merely to please
ourselves. While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God's
intention is that our salvation will result in works of service. We are saved,
not merely for our own benefit, but to serve him and build up the church (Ephesians 4:12).
BIBLE READING:
Romans 2:1–16
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Don't you realize how kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Or don't you care? Can't you see how kind he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin? (Romans 2:4)
God's Grace leaves no room for
self-righteousness. When Paul's letter was read in the Roman church, no
doubt many heads nodded as he condemned idol worshipers, homosexual practices,
and violent people. But what surprise his listeners must have felt when he
turned on them and said, "You are just as bad!" Paul was emphatically
stressing that nobody is good enough
to save himself or herself. If we want to avoid punishment and live eternally
with Christ, all of us, whether we have been murderers and molesters or whether
we have been honest, hardworking, solid citizens, must depend totally on God's Grace.
Paul is not discussing whether some sins are worse than others. Any sin is
enough to cause us to depend on Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. We
have all sinned repeatedly, and there is no way apart from Christ to be saved
from sin's consequences.
Related Topics: Forgiveness, Love, Mercy[4]
Peace (Calm, Quiet, Rest)
Peace Defined
What is Peace?
BIBLE READING:
Psalm 122:1–9
KEY BIBLE
VERSE: Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. May all who love
this city prosper. O' Jerusalem may there be Peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. (Psalm 122:6–7)
Peace is wholeness. The Peace
sought in these verses is much more than the mere absence of conflict. It
suggests completeness, health, justice, prosperity, and protection. The world
cannot provide this Peace. Real Peace comes from faith in God
because he alone embodies all the characteristics of Peace. To find Peace
of mind and Peace with others, you must find Peace with God.
BIBLE READING:
John 14:1–31
KEY BIBLE VERSE: I am leaving you with a gift—Peace of mind and heart. And the Peace I give isn't like the Peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27)
Peace is resting in God's
sovereignty. The end result of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives is deep
and lasting Peace. Unlike worldly Peace, which is usually defined
as the absence of conflict, this Peace is confident assurance in any
circumstance. With Christ's Peace, we have no need to fear the
present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the
Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ's Peace (see
Philippians 4:6–7 for more on experiencing God's Peace).
Peace is the calming of internal
conflict. Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at
war within us. The Peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to
restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict. Jesus
says he will give us that Peace if we are willing to accept it from him.
BIBLE READING:
Romans 5:1–11
KEY BIBLE
VERSE: Since we have been made right in
God's sight by faith, we have Peace
with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. (Romans 5:1)
Peace is reconciliation with God. We now have Peace with God, which may differ from peaceful feelings such as calmness and tranquility. There is no more hostility between us, no sin blocking our relationship with him. Peace with God is possible only because Jesus paid the price for our sins through his death on the cross.
Peace
Achieved
How can we find Peace?
BIBLE READING:
Genesis 21:1–7
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Who would have dreamed that I would ever have a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age! (Genesis 21:7)
Peace is the by-product of trust in
God. After repeated promises, a visit by two angels, and the appearance of
the Lord himself, Sarah finally cried out with amazement and joy at the birth
of her Son. Because of her doubt, worry, and fear, she had forfeited the Peace
she could have felt in God's wonderful promise to her. The way to bring Peace
to a troubled heart is to focus on God's promises. Trust him to do what he says.
BIBLE READING:
2 Chronicles 14:1–15
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Asa told the people of Judah, "Let us build towns and fortify them with walls, towers, gates, and bars. The land is ours because we sought the Lord our God, and he has given us rest from our enemies." So, they went ahead with these projects and brought them to completion. (2 Chronicles 14:7)
Peace is a by-product of obedience.
Asa's reign was marked by Peace because he "did what was pleasing
and good in the sight of the Lord his God." This refrain is often repeated
in Chronicles—obedience to God leads
to Peace with God and others. In the case of Judah's kings, obedience to
God led to national Peace, just as God had promised centuries earlier.
In our case, obedience may not always bring Peace with our enemies, but
it will bring Peace with God and complete Peace in his future
kingdom. Obeying God is the first step on the path to Peace.
BIBLE READING:
Psalm 3:1–8
KEY BIBLE VERSE: I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. (Psalm 3:4–5)
Peace is the by-product of
dependence on God. Sleep does not come easily during a crisis. David could
have had sleepless nights when his Son Absalom rebelled and gathered an army to
kill him. But he slept peacefully, even during the rebellion. What made the
difference? David cried out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him. The assurance
of answered prayer brings Peace. It is easier to sleep well when we have
a full assurance that God is in control of circumstances. If you are lying
awake at night worrying about circumstances you can't change, pour out your
heart to God, and thank him that he is in control. Then sleep will come.
BIBLE READING:
Luke 21:1–38
KEY BIBLE
VERSE: When all these things begin to
happen, stand straight and look up, for your salvation is near! (Luke 21:28)
Complete Peace will only come when
Christ returns. The picture of the coming persecutions and natural
disasters is gloomy, but ultimately it is cause not for worry, but for great
joy. When believers see these events happening, they will know that the return
of their Messiah is near, and they can look forward to his reign of justice and
Peace. Rather than being terrified by what is happening in our world, we
should confidently await Christ's return to bring justice and restoration to
his people.
Related Topics: Christ, Gospel, Security[5]
"Grace Be
unto You, And Peace, From Him
Which Is, And Which Was, And Which Is to Come"
Father God, we thank you for the hope you have given us, not only for our
future but also for living each day in this world. Without the hope of eternal
life, we would fail, fall, crumble, and drown in despair. We recognize that by
your Love, Grace, and Mercy, we have hope in this life, which leads to a heart
and mind of Peace. It is by your Grace, Lord, through which we have received
salvation, the promise we claim. We know that God's Riches at Christ's Expense
is one of many descriptions that explain Grace. We also know that Grace
receives what we do not deserve, primarily eternal life. But again, Father God,
by your Grace, we acknowledge we do not deserve a thing from you but judgment
for our rebellious hearts. We ask you, Father God, to help us repent of the
self-righteous ways that lead us away from you in pursuit of the world's lust
for the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. We ask you, Father
God, to help us abide in you so that we can walk in full assurance of your love
for us, experiencing your Grace in all that you desire.
But what is even more incredible, Lord is that we have Peace with you
because of your love, Grace, and mercy. We are whole because of your Peace
extended to our hearts and mind. We now know Peace of heart and mind because we
are no longer at war with you. Your Son's precious blood has redeemed us
through His death on the cross that paid the penalty for our sins. We have
Peace with you because of this. Father God, you are sovereign over all that is
seen and unseen, and it is by your choosing we are free from our internal and
external conflicts with ourselves and others. We praise you for changing our
rebellious, stubborn wills of heart and mind that were so bent to deny your
will and work in our lives. We know that our relationship with you, Lord is one
of trust in your Word and believing what it says you will do. As we learn to
submit more of our will to yours in obedience to your Word, teach us to
continue depending on your Word as you work in our lives for health, well-being,
and salvation as we love others into your kingdom. Father God, finally, we know
that the true and lasting Peace we will have and experience will come when your
Son, our Lord, and Savior, Christ Jesus, returns to rule and reign in this
world.
We look forward to that day, and may it be soon. We bless you, Father
God; we love all you do in us and praise you.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Revelation 1.4-5 ~ John to The Seven Churches Which Are in Asia: Grace Be unto You,
And Peace, From Him Which Is, And Which Was, And Which Is to Come
[1] Barton, Bruce B. 2000. Revelation. Edited by Grant R. Osborne. Life Application Bible
Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Butler, John G. 2010. Analytical Bible Expositor: Revelation. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications.
[3] Leadership Ministries Worldwide. 1996. Revelation. The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible. Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide.
[4] Wilson, Neil S. 2000. In The
Handbook of Bible Application,
260–61. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
[5] Wilson, Neil S. 2000. In The
Handbook of Bible Application,
451–52. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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