Sermon 220

📖 SERMON 220 — THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION (PART 2)

Text: Revelation 1:1–8
Date: (Dates referenced: June 28, 1970; January 8, 1950; February 16, 1964)
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

These opening verses of Revelation form a majestic introduction. They reveal the divine origin of the prophecy, the blessing attached to its reading, and the glory of Christ who stands at the center. This portion brings us into the solemn majesty of God speaking to His Church.

I. THE TITLE OF THE BOOK

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.”

1. A revelation from Christ.
2. A revelation concerning Christ.
3. Its purpose is to unveil, not conceal.
4. It contains prophecy for instruction, warning, and comfort — Christ’s message to His Church in all ages.

II. ITS DIVINE CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION

1. From God the Father.
2. To Jesus Christ.
3. To an angel.
4. To John.
5. To the servants of Christ.

God is the source, Christ the mediator, the angel the messenger, John the recorder, and the Church the recipient.

III. ITS PURPOSE

“To show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.”

1. Must indicates divine necessity — nothing can hinder fulfillment.
2. Shortly means the events begin soon and unfold throughout the church age.
3. The prophecy reveals God's sovereign plan in history.

IV. ITS PROMISED BLESSING

Revelation opens with a beatitude:
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear, and keep those things which are written.”

1. He that readeth — the public reader in worship.
2. They that hear — the congregation.
3. Those that keep — all who obey and take the message to heart.
A blessing greater than earthly treasure is promised to those who study and heed this prophecy.

V. ITS GREETING TO THE CHURCH

Addressed to the seven churches of Asia — representative of the entire Church with all her strengths and weaknesses.

A. The blessing of grace and peace
Coming from the Triune God.

1. From God the Father — “The One who is, who was, and who is to come.”
2. From the Seven Spirits — symbolic of the Holy Spirit in His fullness.
3. From Jesus Christ:
   a. The Faithful Witness,
   b. The Firstborn of the Dead,
   c. The Ruler of the Kings of the Earth.

VI. ITS SONG OF PRAISE TO CHRIST

A. Unto Him who loves us
A present and continual love.

B. And loosed us from our sins
Freed from guilt and bondage by His blood.

C. And made us a kingdom, priests unto God
1. We belong to Christ’s kingdom.
2. We serve as priests.
3. This calling is holy and eternal.

D. “To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
The joyful response of all true believers.

CONCLUSION

This introduction lifts our minds to the majesty of Christ, the certainty of God’s plan, the richness of divine grace, and the blessing promised to obedient readers. Before the visions unfold, God anchors His Church in assurance that Christ rules, Christ reveals, Christ redeems, and Christ returns. We must study this book with reverence and expectation.