Sermon 258

SERMON 258 — THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Text: Revelation 1:1–8
Preached: June 28, 1970 (also referenced: 1-8-50; 2-16-64)
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

Tonight we begin a series of sermons on the opening chapters of the great book of Revelation.Before we may understand the visions, we must understand the introduction, for it tells us where this book comes from, to whom it is given, what it contains, and who will be blessed through it.Let us look together at these opening eight verses.

SUBJECT: THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION

I. THE INFORMATION GIVEN ABOUT THIS BOOK

A. The title — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
1.It comes from Christ.
2.It concerns Christ.
3.It is given in the form of a prophecy.
4.The revelation is from the triune God: from the Father, through the Son, by an angel, to John, for His servants.John is the faithful recorder of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

B. The purpose — to show things which must shortly come to pass
1.Must indicates certainty; nothing can prevent their fulfillment.
2.Shortly means the events are imminent; the last age has already begun.
3.The revelation unfolds God’s plan from the ascension of Christ until His return.

II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT GIVEN TO THOSE WHO STUDY REVELATION

This book begins with a beatitude, the first of seven in Revelation.

A. A promised blessing
1.God Himself pronounces a blessing on this study.
2.It assures us the effort will be profitable.
3.This is true of all Scripture, but here it is explicitly promised.

B. A blessing on the reader
1.In the early churches, one person publicly read Scripture to the congregation.
2.A blessing is promised to this reader.
3.The difficulty of Revelation makes this encouragement especially helpful.

C. A blessing on the hearers and keepers
1.Those who listen to this prophecy are blessed.
2.Those who keep it — obey it, treasure it — are especially blessed.
3.This blessing is more precious than the discovery of a rich vein of uranium.

III. THE SALUTATION FROM JOHN

A. Addressed to the seven churches of Asia Minor
1.These are representative churches.
2.The greeting extends to the entire church of Christ in every age.

B. The greeting: Grace be unto you, and peace
This comes:
1.From God the Father — He who is, who was, and who is to come.
2.From the seven Spirits — a symbolic description of the Holy Spirit in His fullness.
3.From Jesus Christ, described in three titles:
 • The Faithful Witness,
 • The Firstborn of the Dead,
 • The Ruler of the Kings of the Earth.
All grace and all peace flow from Him.

IV. A SONG OF PRAISE TO CHRIST

A. Unto Him that loveth us
1.Christ’s love is present and continuous.
2.All believers experience it.
3.Jesus loves me, this I know.

B. And loosed us from our sins
1.He has freed us from sin’s power.
2.He has removed sin’s curse.
3.He did this by His own blood.

C. And made us a kingdom, priests unto God
1.We belong to His kingdom.
2.We are His servants.
3.We draw near to God through Christ.

D. To Him be glory and dominion forever
1.This is the desire of every true saint.
2.Christ alone deserves all glory.
3.Amen — let it be so.

CONCLUSION

The introduction to Revelation gives us the source of the book, the purpose of the book, the blessing attached to the book, and a vision of Christ that should fill every Christian with hope.May we approach this series with reverence and eagerness, for a special blessing is promised to all who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy.