Sermon 249

SERMON 249 — THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION

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

INTRODUCTION

This is the first sermon of a series based on Revelation chapters 1–3.Tonight we meditate on the introduction to this great book.

SUBJECT: THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION

I. THE INFORMATION IT GIVES ABOUT THE CONTENT

A. The title: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
1. It comes from Him and concerns Him.
2. It is prophecy.
3. It is given by God, the Triune God.
4. It is given to Christ’s servants, the believers.
5. It is revealed through an angel.
6. It was shown to John, who faithfully bore witness to the Word of God.

B. It tells of things which must shortly come to pass
1. Must indicates that nothing can prevent their fulfillment.
2. Shortly means events would begin immediately; we are in the last hour.
3. These events unfold according to God’s plan in history.

II. IT OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT TO THOSE WHO STUDY IT

A. It contains the first of seven beatitudes in Revelation
1. A blessing is pronounced.
2. Promised by God Himself.
3. Study of this prophecy will be spiritually profitable.

B. A blessing to the reader
1. The one who read the book aloud to the congregation.
2. The preacher who expounds it.
3. Given the difficulty of Revelation, this encouragement is necessary.

C. A blessing to the hearers
1. Those who truly listen.
2. Especially those who keep the words of this prophecy.
3. This blessing is worth more than discovering a rich uranium source.

III. IT BRINGS THE SALUTATION OF JOHN

A. He greets the seven churches of Asia Minor
1. Representative of the Church Universal.
2. Though addressed to specific congregations, the greeting applies to all believers.

B. The blessing of Grace and Peace
1. Grace: God’s unmerited favor in Christ.
2. Peace: reconciliation with God through Christ.

C. From the Triune God
1. The Eternal One: Who was, and is, and is to come.
2. The Seven Spirits: the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus Christ:
  The faithful witness,
  The firstborn of the dead,
  The ruler of the kings of the earth.

IV. IT RAISES A SONG OF PRAISE TO CHRIST

A. Unto Him who loves us
1. John knows this love personally.
2. Us includes all believers.
3. Every child of God may say, Jesus loves me.

B. Who loosed us from our sins by His blood
1. Freed us from the power of sin.
2. Delivered us from sin’s curse.
3. Did so by shedding His own blood.

C. Who made us a kingdom and priests
1. Christ is our King.
2. We are His subjects.
3. We are priests to serve His God and Father.

D. To Him be glory and dominion forever
1. This is the desire of every believer.
2. All glory belongs to Christ.
3. All dominion is His.