Revelation 1 - Eternity At Last

Eternity At Last
A popular Christian message on hats and t-shirts reads, "Eternity". The message is short and sweet. But what is the point? It has its origin in the book of Ecclesiastes where the Bible states:
"He has put eternity in their hearts,except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end." (Eccl. 3:11, NKJV)
God has indeed put eternity in the hearts of men and women around the world.It strikes a deep chord of apprehension for anyone who seriously ponders entering eternity. Though some may deny the implications for their own life, no one can escape that basic knowledge that we pass from time into eternity and there we meet God -- some to glorification and the rest to condemnation. On what basis will you meet God in eternity?
Against this backdrop of eternity, we look at the first chapter of the book of Revelation, specifically titled "The Revelation of Jesus Christ". "Revelation" means an unveiling. In this last book of the Bible, our LORD Jesus Christ is unveiled in all His glory and holiness. He is the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". (Rev. 19:16, NKJV) The future also is unveiled, history written in advance of which God alone is privy, including:
An assessment of the various types of churches during John's time, and certainly a divine commentary on churches throughout history.
The time of great tribulation predicted by the prophets (Isaiah 2:12; Jer.30:7; Joel 2:11) and by Christ (Matt. 24:21; Mark 13:19; Rev. 2:22) where God's wrath is poured out on the earth and those who dwell in it with fire and finality.
The promised millinniel kingdom is brought about by our LORD and then the final judgment of all people.
In the last two chapters, this book unveils "a new heaven and a new earth", (Rev. 21:1, NKJV) the final resting place for believers.
Revelation is a book which is mysterious to many because of ignorance -- caused by refusing to study it. Others make a cursory attempt and then give up. A few find the tremendous blessing (Rev. 1:3) in the study of Revelation using many wonderful study guides and commentaries available today. The challenge before us is to study and heed the message of Revelation:
Main Thought: The LORD Jesus Christ is coming again to claim and purify His own -- the world which He created and the people who love Him.
Scripture Passage: Revelation 1:1-20
The promise of Christ's return is certain. (Rev. 1:1-3)
The person of Christ reveals His divine nature and absolute authority. (Rev. 1:10-16)
The power of Christ holds all things together and brings all things to consummation. (Rev. 1:17-20)
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants-- things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. (Rev 1:1-3, NKJV)
1. The promise of Christ's return is certain.
This revelation was given by God through an angel to the Apostle John. It was given to show the people of God "things which must shortly take place". What makes it difficult to understand is the symbolism and descriptions in the text. To gain some insight into this, think about John's historical background? He was a 1st century man-- no phones, no TV, no helicopters or planes, no intercontinental ballistic missiles. The revelation he received from God and wrote from the point of view of a 1st century man. This had the curious effect of hiding the meaning of many symbols in this book for centuries until history unfolded its multiplicity of possibilities.
God predicted as much to the prophet, Daniel: "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." (Dan 12:4,NKJV) God predicted a time when knowledge and information would greatly increase and people would traverse the globe. In this time, the end-time prophecies would begin to unfold. Today we have tools for studying the Bible today that would have been impossible to accomplish with the same breadth and precision in earlier times. Consider also a situation that everyone around the world can view instantaneously. This was written in the book of Revelation but would have been impossible for a 1st century person to understand -- satellites and telephone wires surrounding the entire planet were unknown in his time. So the unfolding of the message of Revelation has become much clearer in this "Information Age".
The point to emphasize here is that these things "must" take place. There fulfillment in time is a certainty. God, who knows all things whether past, present, or future, provides this revelation as history written in advance. The second coming of our LORD Jesus Christ is a certainty.
Because the return of Jesus Christ is near, the Bible says we must urgently strive to obey the word of God. In so doing, we will be blessed. This is always true of studying and putting into practice the word of God. But the book of Revelation comes with a specific blessing for those who study and heed its message. Since our LORD will return soon, we must renew the sense of urgency to know Him and follow Him through His divinely-inspired word.
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." 12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. (Rev 1:10-16, NKJV)
2. The person of Christ reveals His divine nature and absolute authority.(Rev. 1:10-16)
Here John hears the LORD speak with clarity and authority, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last" (Rev.1:11, NKJV). He is the Eternal One, "the beginning and the End,' says the LORD,' who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty'" (Rev.1:8, NKJV). John was given in this revelation from God another chance to view the risen Christ in all His glory. Here is what John saw:

Decription (from NKJV) Meaning
I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, ... He had in His right hand seven stars. (Rev. 1:12-13,16) This description of the resurrected, glorified LORD Jesus Christ "like the Son of Man" appears in part both in Ezekiel 1:25-28 and Daniel 7:13-14. It presents the LORD God who identified with us by taking on humanity forever in a glorified body.
Jesus Himself explains the meaning of this part in verse 20: "the seven stars are the angels [messengers] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches". So Jesus is holding the churches in His hands -- the church belongs to Him as does the messenger of the church, the pastor. This strikes both reverence and comfort that we are in His hands. We belong to Him.
clothed with a garment down to the feet (Rev. 1:13) This was the type of robe worn by priests, indicating His divine role as our righteous and great High Priest -- the One who intercedesto the Father on our behalf.
and girded about the chest with a golden band. (Rev. 1:13) Only those in authority wore such bands around the waist or chest. That His was golden indicates His superior and supreme authority over us and over all.
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, (Rev. 1:14) That His head and hair were "white as snow" indicates His great wisdom and His ancient nature -- the "Ancient of Days"(Micah 5:2) and the "Father of Eternity". (Isa. 9:6)
and His eyes like a flame of fire;(Rev. 1:14) Literally, the sparks were jumping from His eyes! This piercing gaze can only refer to His judgment rendered in later chapters -- both of the church and of the world.
His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, (Rev. 1:15) The glowing of fine metal refined in a furnace represents the purity of our LORD. That His feet are represented in this way speaks of Him setting His feet on what is His in order to purify it like Himself. This world and the people in it are going to undergo a fiery trial unlike any other time in history (see Rev. 4-19).
and His voice as the sound of many waters; (Rev. 1:15) There are many voices today which seem to drown out the voice of the LORD -- TV, radio, the hustle and bustle of life. Yet there is coming a time when we will hear His voice unmistakeably.
out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, (Rev. 1:16) What is described in the Bible as a two-edged sword but the word of God! (Heb. 4:12) The word of God speaks that which pierces the heart and judges our inner thoughts and outer actions. The word which our LORD speaks is righteous and authoritative.
and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. (Rev 1:16) This refers to the glory of God. In the Old Testament, God's glory filled the Temple, a symbol of His holiness and His presence there. At Solomon's dedication of the Temple to God, the glory of God drove the priests out of the Temple -- it was too much to stand. Just as we cannot gaze directly into the sun without turning away at its magnificence, so we are unable in these corrupted bodies to see the glory of God without being consumed.
Such a vivid description of the person of Christ leaves no doubt as to who He is or His absolute authority over all things. He is the LORD God, the Almighty, the Creator of all things. What response can there be to such a vision but to fall face down before Him in worship and adoration -- let us do so even now!
17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches." (Rev 1:17-20, NKJV)
3. The power of Christ holds all things together and brings all things to consummation. (Rev. 1:17-20)
The response of Jesus to John's fear is absolutely thrilling. John says that the vision of the glory of the LORD was terrifying and he fell before Him as though dead. Isaiah shared a similar feeling as He glimpsed the LORD Jesus Christ on His throne and ran out of the Temple. But how did the LORD Jesus respond to John's fear: DO NOT BE AFRAID! When One with such holiness and authority tells you "do not be afraid", what do you do? You lose your fear -- but not your reverence for Him.
I have a sign for my son no matter what happens, no matter where we are, I give him a "thumbs-up" sign. He knows that this means, "I love you and I'm proud of you". He had some fear of going to school for the first time but I gave him the "thumbs-up" and he went anyway. He often fears going into new group situations with other boys and girls. But I encourage him and give him the "thumbs-up" -- and he keeps going. Jesus' laid His right hand on John (a sort of "thumbs-up" from Jesus) and John was OK. After Jesus' message to him, the Bible says John looked up. (REv. 4:1)
Though we live in fear and trepidation of what the future may hold, who has the power to cause us to stand in the midst of great fear? Jesus!
Though our "sins be as scarlet," who has the power to forgive our sins and wash us "white as snow"(Isa. 1:18)? Jesus!
Though the world seems to be falling apart, who alone has the power to hold it together? Jesus!
Though life itself may ebb away from aging bodies, who has the power over life and death? Jesus!
He says, "I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades [the unseen realm] and of death". (Rev. 1:18, NKJV) He is the One who has created history, guided history, and will bring history to its ultimate conclusion. The revelation of Jesus Christ is, in the end, the unveiling of life forevermore with Him in His glorious Heaven. Those who embrace Him find life forevermore. Those who do not acknowledge Him as the Sovereign LORD are "liars" who do not gain life. (Rev. 21:6-8) In Christ we find the river of life which flows from the throne of God to quench our thirst for righteousness. In Christ we eat freely from the tree of life and live forever -- the same tree once found in the Garden of Eden but now residing in the new Heaven and Earth. (Rev. 20:11-15)
Jesus Christ will bring this age to its close and usher in the final state of things called "Heaven". Those who are His are described in Rev.12:10-11 as follows:
10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." (Rev 12:10-11, NKJV)
My appeal to you today is that you would be an overcomer -- one who believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Sovereign LORD of all. Do not love your life to the death, for that is its ultimate end. But love instead the LORD Jesus Christ, the one with the power over life and death -- for in Him you find life. (John 1:4)
Reflect on YOUR life: In the book of Revelation, eternity is in full view where those who in time have trusted in the LORD Jesus Christ will dwell with Him forever and those in time who rejected His gift of salvation will dwell apart from Him in the lake of fire, Hell, forever.
Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. (Rev. 1:7, NKJV)
Will you see the LORD Jesus Christ and rejoice? Or will you mourn with those who rejected His grace and mercy? He has unveiled His salvation on the cross at Calvary where He died for your sins. He unveiled the new life He desires you to experience forever at His resurrection from the dead. He has unveiled the coming judgment of God on those who reject Him as their Savior. In eternity, the time has passed to embrace the LORD Jesus Christ. In time, Christ offers you salvation and new life for eternity. Which will you choose? "...Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Rev. 22:20-21, NKJV).

Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please send your e-mail to:
Email: ministryrequest1@WordTruth.Com
Web Site: WordTruth.Com
Copyright 1999, Randy Lariscy.

Decription (from NKJV)	Meaning
I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, ... He had in His right hand seven stars. (Rev. 1:12-13,16)	This description of the resurrected, glorified LORD Jesus Christ "like the Son of Man" appears in part both in Ezekiel 1:25-28 and Daniel 7:13-14. It presents the LORD God who identified with us by taking on humanity forever in a glorified body. Jesus Himself explains the meaning of this part in verse 20: "the seven stars are the angels [messengers] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches". So Jesus is holding the churches in His hands -- the church belongs to Him as does the messenger of the church, the pastor. This strikes both reverence and comfort that we are in His hands. We belong to Him.
clothed with a garment down to the feet (Rev. 1:13)	This was the type of robe worn by priests, indicating His divine role as our righteous and great High Priest -- the One who intercedesto the Father on our behalf.
and girded about the chest with a golden band. (Rev. 1:13)	Only those in authority wore such bands around the waist or chest. That His was golden indicates His superior and supreme authority over us and over all.
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, (Rev. 1:14)	That His head and hair were "white as snow" indicates His great wisdom and His ancient nature -- the "Ancient of Days"(Micah 5:2) and the "Father of Eternity". (Isa. 9:6)
and His eyes like a flame of fire;(Rev. 1:14)	Literally, the sparks were jumping from His eyes! This piercing gaze can only refer to His judgment rendered in later chapters -- both of the church and of the world.
His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, (Rev. 1:15)	The glowing of fine metal refined in a furnace represents the purity of our LORD. That His feet are represented in this way speaks of Him setting His feet on what is His in order to purify it like Himself. This world and the people in it are going to undergo a fiery trial unlike any other time in history (see Rev. 4-19).
and His voice as the sound of many waters; (Rev. 1:15)	There are many voices today which seem to drown out the voice of the LORD -- TV, radio, the hustle and bustle of life. Yet there is coming a time when we will hear His voice unmistakeably.
out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, (Rev. 1:16)	What is described in the Bible as a two-edged sword but the word of God! (Heb. 4:12) The word of God speaks that which pierces the heart and judges our inner thoughts and outer actions. The word which our LORD speaks is righteous and authoritative.
and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. (Rev 1:16)	This refers to the glory of God. In the Old Testament, God's glory filled the Temple, a symbol of His holiness and His presence there. At Solomon's dedication of the Temple to God, the glory of God drove the priests out of the Temple -- it was too much to stand. Just as we cannot gaze directly into the sun without turning away at its magnificence, so we are unable in these corrupted bodies to see the glory of God without being consumed.