Sermon 226

SERMON 226 – THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Text: Revelation 1:1–8 (Read vv. 1–11)
Dates noted in manuscript: June 28, 1970; January 8, 1950; February 16, 1964
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

This sermon begins a series on the opening chapters of Revelation. Before understanding the messages to the seven churches, we must grasp the nature and purpose of the book. Revelation is not given to confuse but to encourage, strengthen, and bless the believer.

I. THE INFORMATION IT GIVES ABOUT ITS CONTENT (vv. 1–3)

A. Its title: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
1. It comes from Him and is about Him.
2. It is a prophecy, divine truth concerning future events.
3. It is given by the triune God: from the Father, through Christ, by means of an angel.
4. It is given to Christ’s servants, the Church.
5. The messenger is an angel who shows the visions.
6. It is recorded by John, a faithful witness.

B. It concerns things that must shortly come to pass
1. Must indicates divine necessity; nothing can prevent fulfillment.
2. Shortly means not far removed but beginning soon after John’s day and unfolding through the New Testament age.
3. The last hour began with Christ’s coming; Revelation shows the unfolding of God’s plan.

II. IT OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT TO THOSE WHO STUDY IT (v. 3)

A. The first of seven beatitudes in Revelation
1. A special blessing is pronounced.
2. God Himself promises this blessing.
3. This shows the value of studying Revelation.

B. A blessing upon the reader
1. In the early church Scripture was read aloud in worship.
2. The reader was the public reader or preacher.
3. Because Revelation can be difficult, this blessing encourages the teacher.

C. A blessing upon the hearers
1. Those who listen reverently.
2. Especially those who keep the words, taking them to heart, believing, and obeying.
3. The blessing is richer than discovering a gold mine.

III. IT BRINGS THE SALUTATION OF JOHN (vv. 4–5)

A. John greets the seven churches in Asia
1. They represent the entire Church universal.
2. They signify different conditions in the Church across the ages.

B. He bestows grace and peace
1. Grace is God’s unmerited favor in Christ.
2. Peace is reconciliation and calm of heart.
These blessings come from the triune God:
3. From Him who is, who was, and who is to come — the eternal Father.
4. From the Seven Spirits before His throne — symbol of the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
5. From Jesus Christ — the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

IV. IT RAISES A SONG OF PRAISE TO CHRIST (vv. 5–6)

A. Unto Him that loves us
1. His love is present and continuous.
2. Every believer knows this love personally.

B. Who loosed us from our sins in His own blood
1. Delivered us from sin’s power.
2. Removed the curse.
3. Accomplished redemption by His blood.

C. Who made us a kingdom, priests unto God
1. Christ is our King.
2. We are His subjects.
3. As priests we may approach and serve God.

D. The doxology: To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever
1. The heart-cry of the Church.
2. All glory belongs to Christ.
3. Amen — so let it be.

CONCLUSION

Revelation begins with certainty, comfort, and praise. It tells us who Christ is, who the Church is, and what blessings belong to God’s people. It assures us that God’s plan will unfold and Christ will return. As we move through the visions of this book, we do so with confidence that Christ loves us, redeemed us, rules over all, and will come again.