Sermon 262

SERMON 262 — THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION (PART 2)

Text: Revelation 1:1–8
Dates referenced: 6-28-70; 1-8-50; 2-16-64
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

This is the first sermon in a series on the opening chapters of Revelation.Tonight we continue examining the introduction to the book, a passage filled with rich truth about Christ, the church, and the nature of prophecy.Let us consider carefully what this introduction teaches us.

I. THE INFORMATION THIS PASSAGE GIVES ABOUT THE CONTENT OF THE BOOK

A. The title: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”
1.It comes from Christ and concerns Christ.
2.It is a prophecy, as verse 3 states.
3.It is given by the Triune God:
 a.From God the Father
 b.Through Jesus Christ
 c.By means of His angel
 d.To John
 e.For Christ’s servants
4.John is the faithful recorder of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

B. The purpose: “To show His servants things which must shortly come to pass.”
1.“Must” indicates certainty — nothing can prevent their fulfillment.
2.“Shortly” means they begin immediately; we live in the last era of God’s plan.
3.The book reveals the unfolding of history under Christ’s sovereign rule.

II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT GIVEN TO THOSE WHO STUDY THIS BOOK

A. God promises a blessing
1.A unique blessing is attached to the reading and hearing of this prophecy.
2.This assures us that study of Revelation is profitable.
3.Though difficult, God guarantees reward to the diligent.

B. A blessing for the reader
1.In the early church, one person read Scripture aloud to the congregation.
2.Because Revelation is challenging, God especially encourages the reader.
3.The preacher who expounds the book receives this blessing.

C. A blessing for the hearers and doers
1.Those who listen to this prophecy are blessed.
2.Those who keep, obey, and treasure its teachings are especially blessed.
3.This blessing is more valuable than discovering a rich uranium deposit.

III. THE SALUTATION WHICH JOHN BRINGS TO THE CHURCHES

A. Addressed to the seven churches of Asia Minor
1.These seven congregations represent the church in all ages.
2.The greeting applies to Christians everywhere.

B. The greeting
“Grace be unto you, and peace.”These blessings come from the Triune God:
1.From God the Father: “He which is, and which was, and which is to come.”
2.From the Seven Spirits — a symbol of the Holy Spirit in His fullness.
3.From Jesus Christ, described in three majestic titles:
 a.The Faithful Witness
 b.The Firstborn of the Dead
 c.The Ruler of the Kings of the Earth
Grace and peace flow only from Him.

IV. THE SONG OF PRAISE TO CHRIST

A. “Unto Him that loveth us”
1.Christ’s love is present, continuous, and personal.
2.John knows this love; every believer experiences it.
3.This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus loves His people.

B. “And washed or loosed us from our sins in His own blood”
1.He has freed us from guilt.
2.He has broken sin’s power.
3.This redemption came through His sacrificial death.

C. “And hath made us kings and 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 and ever. Amen.”
1.This is the desire of every true Christian.
2.All glory and authority belong to Christ.
3.Amen — so let it be.

CONCLUSION

The introduction to Revelation reveals who speaks, why He speaks, how He speaks, and to whom He speaks.It lifts our eyes to Christ, the Faithful Witness, the risen Lord, the King of all kings.As we study this book, let us remember the promise:Blessed are those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy.