Word of Encouragement

Volume VI: Complete

(Issues 1-35)

 

 

Word of Encouragement

Vol. VI, Issue 1

 


The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Part Four: Jesus the Speaking King

 

Introduction

Jesus is the Speaking King who speaks through His Holy, Inerrant and Infallible Word so that His people might grow in the grace and knowledge of the LORD.  Today's study is from Revelation 1:9-18, entitled Jesus the Speaking King.  This will be a two-part study of how Christ speaks to His people.

 

You will remember that in the Old Testament God fed His people with manna and water so that they would be filled and their thirst would be quenched.  The purpose of this provision was so that His people would be sustained, strengthened and fit to finish their pilgrimage to the Promised Land.  Jesus is the Manna and the Water who feeds us and quenches our thirst through His Word.  He is the Speaking King who reminds us that if we are to live a holy life before the face of God we need to know that it must be by every word that proceeds from His mouth.  If we are to grow in Christ-likeness, it will not be by might, nor by power, but by God's Spirit and Word working in and through us!  Today, the Speaking King gives to His people His Word so that we might be sustained, strengthened and fit to finish our pilgrimage to the New Heaven and the New Earth.

Revelation 1:9-18: I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea."

12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Comforting Words

When I was young and would get scared and afraid as I grew up and realized the world around me was not always a safe and kind place, I would rely upon listening to the comforting words of my mother as she encouraged me that "everything would be alright".  One time in school I experienced trouble with a bully (I still remember his name: Mark Dunahoo- - Wow, I hope he's doing well!), and for almost a year I dreaded going to school on the bus, because he would hit me on the back of the head, call me names, and laugh at my less than fashionable Sears Best sneakers.

 

When I would get home, I wanted to talk to mom.  I wanted her to know I was troubled.  Then she would speak, and her words would comfort me and remind me that everything would fine.  She would say to me that life holds these troubles, but I was not to fear, but I was to face my troubles courageously.  Thank God for mom's words of encouragment to me!

 

But thank God for Jesus' words of encouragement to us all in His Word.  As we studied in the previous lessons, John, as well as the churches to whom he was writing, was experiencing pain, trouble, and the difficulties that come from living in this scary and sometimes fearful world because of the Evil One.  This passage in Revelation 1:9-18 was (and is) an encouragment from Jesus to His congregations that "everything was (is) going to be alright" because he has conquered death, hell and the devil and he IS the First and the Last, the Living One who holds the very keys of Death and Hades (vv. 17-18).  In John 16:33, Jesus told his disciples that in this world they would have tribulation, but not to fear for he had overcome the world.

 

This passage reveals Jesus as the Speaking King who speaks word of encouragement to his people so that they will keep trusting him, remain faithful in their day-to-day challenges, and to continue to be obedient to His Word no matter the challenge.  Jesus addresses the seven churches of the Province of Asia, correcting, rebuking, and encouraging them through His Word (Rev. 2-3; cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17).  As we learned in earlier lessons, the churches were seven true historical congregations, but their virtues as well as their vices are those experienced by all congregations since Jesus was exalted to God's right hand.

 

"Speak Lord, Your Servants Are Listening"

Today, Jesus still speaks through His Word to His people.  In fact, God has set apart the first day of the week as the Lord's Day, so that Jesus' people will be strengthened on their pilgrimage and given help by the Holy Spirit and the Word to learn more of Christ and their need for him.  In many churches, the pastor raises his hands at the beginning of the service to remind the people of God that from the call to worship, the rest of the worship service is dedicated to hearing the Word of Jesus, the Speaking King. 

 

This is the reason why the pastor doesn't say: "Hi, how are you? My name is Pastor Bob, and this is what I need to say to you today."  Historically, what pastors in Christ's Church have said is: "Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  The greeting is from the Lord and the pastor speaks and stands in Christ's place.  This too is all because of God's grace and has nothing to do with the pastors own inherent righteousness.  The pastor stands and speaks in the name of Christ clothed in Christ's righteousness just as the congregation stands to hear the Word of Christ clothed in Christ's righteousness.  The sermon when exegetically derived and faithfully preached, is the very Word of Christ, the Speaking King!

 

However, some think of the sermon as just another nice speech, or a gentle message that should cause us all to feel good inside and meet our so-called "felt needs".  But the sermon is much more than this.  The sermon on the Lord's Day is the pastor standing in Christ's stead speaking His Words to His people.  What happens in the sermon is unique to all over times of listening to the Word of God.  Some of us listen to the Word of God in the car on CD or cassette; some listen to the Word of God on the radio.  But nothing compares to listening and hearing the Word of God through the sermon preached on the Lord's Day when an authorized (ordained) representative of Christ (minister) stands up in the place of Christ to speak Christ's Words to His people. (Note: This is not to say that private Bible reading is not important- -it is!  However, there needs to be a distinction between the true and public worship of the Living God, and our private time before God).

 

On the Lord's Day, the Holy Spirit is present to apply and accomplish God's tasks and desires through the Word as the sermon is being preached.  The sermon on the Lord's Day, when the people of God are gathered in a special way in obedience to God's commands, is extremely important for hearing the Speaking King every week.  When we hear the Speaking King revealed here in Revelation 1, we are reminded of Jesus' life, death, resurrection and ascension for his people.  We are reminded that no matter how difficult our situation, no matter how much pain we are suffering, no matter how strong our desire for a particular sin, that Jesus is the First and the Last, the Living One, and He is the One we look to for grace, mercy, and forgiveness in our time of need.

 

Remember to Never Forget!

Jesus is the Holy One who has gone before us and represented us.  Jesus is the Speaking King that reminds us again and again that we need his help and his grace.  The people of God are diverse, but there is one thing about us all that is important for us to remember: We so easily forget God's grace and goodness in our lives!  Thus, God graciously stoops in our weaknesses and inadequacies to speak to us at least weekly through the Word by the Speaking King.

 

But do we have ears to hear what the Speaking King is saying?  When I would go back to school after hearing the reassuring and comforting words of my mom, once I got back on the bus, out of her sight and presence, I would practically forget everything she said to me.  Listening to the Speaking King as well as reminding ourselves of his promises, goodness and strength, will help us in our struggles against the world, flesh and the devil.  In Revelation chapters 2-3, the Speaking King speaks to the different congregations as their King and Lord.  He corrects, rebukes, and encourages them.  For every congregation to whom he speaks, he says "For those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit says (present tense) to the churches.

 

We should be reminded of this as well.  Once we leave the sermon, our morning or evening devotions, how soon we forget and how easy it is for us to forget all of what Jesus the Speaking King has said, and is saying to us!  If we are to understand more of the depth of His love for us; if we are to understand His grace and the tight grip by which he holds us all; If we are to realize more each day that we are indeed the children of God, then we need to meditate up His Words.  In John 15, Jesus told his disciples, if my words abide in you and you abide in me, you will bear much fruit.  He promises that we will bear much fruit -- eternal and holy fruit- -that will never be taken away, but will continue to produce a harvest of righteousness.

 

Remember that Jesus is the Resurrected and Living King, He is the Coming Judge and King, and He is the Speaking King!  May God remind you today of what he has said to you.  May you be reminded of all he has done for you in Christ and what he has told you he has prepared for those who believe.  May you meditate and ponder in your heart of hearts the depths of His grace and the magnificence of his glorious love for those He loves!  In our next study we will take a look at how Jesus as the Speaking King speaks with a double-edged sword.

 

Next Study: Jesus the Speaking King, Part II

 

Soli Deo Gloria!

 


For Further Reading

Herman Bavinck- The Last Things: Hope for this World and the Next. Edited by John Bolt. Translated by John Vriend. Published by Baker Books, 1996

G. K. Beale- The Book of Revelation, New International Greek Testament Commentary, Eerdmans, 1999

G. C. Berkhouwer- The Return of Christ. Studies in Dogmatics Series. Published by Eerdmans, 1972

Dennis Johnson- Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation, P&R, 2001

Vern S. Poythress- The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation, P&R, 2000

 

 

Rev. Charles R. Biggs

9 S. Locust Street

Round Hill, VA 20141

www.APlaceforTruth.org

crbiggsman@adelphia.net

 

 

Word of Encouragement

Vol. VI, Issue 2

 


The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Part Four: Jesus the Speaking King, Pt. 2

 

Introduction

In our last study we were encouraged that Jesus is the Speaking King who continues to speak to His people through His Word by His Spirit.  We should thank God that He truly has always kept his Word to His people and never left them as orphans in this world.  Rather, God has stooped down to us to give us His very Word.  This Word strengthens and sustains His people until He returns.  This Word of God, however is a double-edged sword.  While it promises blessings to those who know the Speaking King and obey His Word, it promises curses to those who will not hear it.

 

Jesus ends each message to the congregations in Revelation chapters 2-3 with "He Who has ears to hear, let him hear".  We must remember that those who do not hear, or who do not obey the Word of the Living God, those without "ears to hear" will be judged by this Word.  The disobedient and the sinful who do not have the righteousness of Jesus Christ will stand naked and ashamed before the Living God on Judgment Day to be judged by the very Word of the Speaking King that has been so precious to those He loves!  The very Word of Christ that brought life and encouragement to those who had ears to hear, will bring eternal death to those who do not have ears to hear.  Today's study will be on Jesus the Speaking King and His Words of Judgment to the unbelieving.

 

Revelation 1:9-20

Revelation 1:9-20: 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea."

 

12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

 

19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

 

Lord's Day Worship

Notice first that John was worshipping God on the Lord's Day (v. 10).  Since the time of the resurrection, God's people have worshipped Him on the Lord's Day, the first day of the week, or the day of the resurrection.  We rest and keep the New Covenant "Sabbath" or Lord's Day on the first day of the week rather than the last day of the week.  The reason for this change was because Jesus was resurrected on that day, but also that a new creation has dawned in the coming of the Spirit of God (2 Cor. 5:17-21).  Rather than awaiting the fullness of the times as in the Old Covenant, and so placing the day of worship on the last day of the week (Saturday), since the coming of Jesus the first day awaits the final day of salvation and judgment.

 

So a day of ultimate salvation and judgment is already in view for all of us who live on this side of the resurrection.  Every time we worship, we should remember that God has placed our worship on the first day to prepare us for the rest of the week, but also to remind us of the ultimate rest and restoration that is to come on the Last Day when Jesus Christ returns for His people.

 

The Glorified Jesus Near to Us!

On the Lord's Day (v.10), John hears the Speaking King.  His voice was like a trumpet - -powerful and resounding!  The Speaking King gives orders to his servant John to write to the seven historical churches in Asia, but these commands are for all of Christ's people until He returns (Rev. 1:3; 22:17-21).  When John turns he gets to see the glorified Christ.  This must have been astounding for him!

 

This was the Jesus who loved John, who he remembers walking and talking with, the Jesus who he laid his head on his breast to speak intimately as to a brother.  Now, the glorified Jesus appears before him!  John sees the glorified Jesus standing among the lampstands (v. 12-13), which reminds us that Jesus is present among His people.  As he reminded His disciples and us, He will truly never leave us nor forsake us (Matt. 28:20).  Where two or more are gathered in His name, there He promises us to be by His Spirit.  The lampstands are the churches or congregations who belong to Christ (Rev. 1:20; 2:5).

 

There is an encouragement to know that Jesus stands among his people speaking to them by His Spirit and His Word.  There is also an implicit judgment.  We know that judgment begins with the household of God (1 Peter 4:17ff).  This means that God's judgment begins with Christ our substitute, then through a process of becoming more like Christ, being encouraged, rebuked, and corrected by His Word, we are judged, forgiven, and slowly restored to be who we were ultimately created to be.  We know that He who began this work in us at regeneration, will continue you it until He returns.  We also are confident that His grace is sufficient for us to become a spotless and pure bride prepared for Jesus. 

 

The Judgment of Christ and the Christian

The Christian's judgment is Christ's judgment.  He is our substitute.  We are not judged for our sins, but He is.  We are receivers of His righteousness that does not belong to us.  Yet, God works in and through us by allowing us to experience the sufferings of Christ our Lord and King.  We are privileged participants in Christ's sufferings, persecutions and tribulations so that through this "judgment" we might be made more like Him because we are His children (Matt. 5:11-12; John 16:33; Phil. 3:9-12; Col. 1:24ff; Rev. 1:9).  Notice how Peter explains this difficult subject in his first epistle:

 

1 Peter 4:12-18: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

 

In verse 13, Peter says we share in Christ's sufferings that we may rejoice when he is fully revealed in glory when he returns.  In verse 16 and 17, Peter speaks of judgment beginning with the household of God.  The conclusion of Peter's teaching is that our only judgment as the people of God is a judgment of identification with Christ.  Our judgment in Christ leads to eternal life! 

 

The judgment of the wicked, however, leads to eternal death.  When the Spirit of God descended on the Day of Pentecost, the fire did not judge and consume Christ's people.  Rather, the Spirit hovered over their heads.  The implicit teaching was that Christ had taken all of the judgment of God and undergone a baptism of fire on behalf of His people (Mark 10:38ff).  This was so that we could be filled with the Powerful Holy Spirit -- rather than being consumed by God in fire and judgment.

 

The Spirit of God now works in us to make us more like Christ and we experience a "judgment of grace" by being allowed to participate in Christ's sufferings.  We are identified with Christ with our own cross and one day our own crown (Matt. 16:24; 2 Tim. 4:8).  This is why John writes in his letters to the churches earlier that perfect love casts out all of our fears!  Fear has to do with judgment, and we will not be judged by God! (cf. 1 John 4:18-21).  Has God's perfect love gripped you with this reality yet?  While our present tense problems can be overwhelming in this world, we can be reminded of two important truths: (1) We are identified with Christ in His sufferings and judgment for our sins! (2) We have eternal life NOW, and await a Living Hope that will be revealed on the Last Day!

 

The Double-Edged Sword of Judgment

But what is the judgment to be like for those who do not have ears to hear what Christ has said?  Notice in Revelation 1:16, after Jesus is described as the Glorified-Prophet-Priest-King of His people (1:12-16), John sees him with a sharp double-edged sword coming from his mouth.  The Word of God is described as a sharp double-edged sword elsewhere in Scripture (Eph. 6:17-18; Heb. 4:12-13).  Here John sees the vision of this Word coming straight out of the Speaking King's mouth.  This is a sword of judgment for those who do not believe. 

 

In the Prophet Isaiah's vision of the future, God makes clear to His people that those who have repented and turned to him for help, or "those who have ears to hear" (cf. Isaiah 6:8ff) will not enter into judgment, but peace.  However, for those who do not hear or obey God's Word, they will be eternally punished (cf. Mark 9:47-48; Revelation 20:14-15).  Isaiah teaches this in Isaiah 66:12-18, which is very helpful for us having a better understanding of John's vision in Revelation 1.

 

Isaiah 66:12-18: For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees. 13 As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. 14 You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass; and the hand of the LORD shall be known to his servants, and he shall show his indignation against his enemies.

 

15 "For behold, the LORD will come in fire, and his chariots like the whirlwind, to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 16 For by fire will the LORD enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the LORD shall be many. 17 "Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig's flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the LORD. 18 "For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory...

 

In verses 12-14, God promises peace "like a river", and a relationship with God like a child cared for by a loving mother!  God will comfort all those who have trusted in him!  Yet in verses 15-18 we see a different picture.  God will come in judgment with fire, anger and fury.  However, those who sanctify and purify themselves (those spoken of above in 1 Peter 4) by God's grace, will see God's glory!  In Revelation 1, John sees a vision of Jesus' glory, the One who will come in judgment to judge the world on the day he returns.  Jesus will judge with His Word by the double-edged sword.  Contrast the passage from Revelation 1, 1 Peter 4, and the Prophecy of Isaiah with the Scripture from Revelation 19 below.

 

Revelation 19:11-21: 11 And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself. 13 And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

 

14 And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and pure. 15 And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

 

17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in mid heaven, Come and be gathered together unto the great supper of God; 18 that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of them that sit thereon, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, and small and great. 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat upon the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burneth with brimstone: 21 and the rest were killed with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, even the sword which came forth out of his mouth: and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

 

This Judgment of Christ should cause us all to tremble with fear because of the awesome power and majestic glory revealed in the return of Jesus Christ!  For the people of God we will be with him as the "armies of heaven" (v. 14), so we do not fear because we have been redeemed by the One Who has the Sword of Judgment, the Word of God.  By His grace we have been given a salvation from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:9-10), and have had ears to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  Therefore, because this Word has searched our hearts and taught us, going deeply into the hearts and minds we scarcely know ourselves (cf. Jer. 17:9), the Word has also revealed to us a Savior for sinners like us!  The Word of God has corrected, encouraged, and rebuked us and given us everything we need for life eternal and godliness!

 

Warning: Judgment for Those Who Do Not Have Ears to Hear!

But for those who do not have ears to hear, they will be judged with a severe and everlasting judgment.  As no man has conceived, nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love him, so no man can conceive, nor can it fully into the heart of man the awful and destructive judgment God had for those who hate him!

 

The double-edged sword that proceeds out of the Speaking King's mouth is one of blessing and curse.  When Christ speaks, those who hear are blessed and by His Spirit enabled to be obedient to His gracious commands!  When Christ speaks, those who do not hear are cursed and will be judged by Jesus the Faithful and True One on the day he returns!  We must make sure of our calling and election, knowing that His divine power has given us everything we need as his people for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-10).  Those who do not love Christ, those who are apathetic to his Person, Work and commands must be warned that He will return with a judgment of fire.  On that day, all men without the robes of Christ's righteousness will suffer eternally for their sins against the Holy and Living God!

 

One sin against such a Holy, Majestic, and Powerful is enough to merit eternal death and damnation, yet because of God's graciousness and mercy, One act of righteousness by the man Christ Jesus is enough to satisfy divine justice and judgment and give eternal life which is the gift of God (Romans 6:23). 

 

We all so richly deserve to perish in the fires of God's judgment for our many and ongoing sins against the Holy God!  Yet, because he looks upon us with pity and mercy, he desires for all men to repent!  But please be reminded that you do not have much time to repent!  If you have not repented of your sins and turned to the Living God for salvation from death and damnation in Christ, turn now.  Flee the wrath that is to come!  If you have repented of your sins and believed upon the Lord Jesus, continue to repent daily, resting in what His Word says to you!  Continue to rest in His loving and gracious grip as you ponder the riches and depth of His mercy!

 

All of us must remember what 2 Peter 3:3-10 says:

 

2 Peter 3:1-14: This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

 

Jesus is the Speaking King may we truly hear what he says to the churches and avoid the wrath that is to come.  Do you have peace today knowing that Jesus is surely your Savior from sin and knowing that you have an imperishable inheritance preserved in heaven for you by the Loving Lord Jesus?  Do you know for sure you will avoid the wrath to come?  Remember for us to daily repent and turn from our sins to the Living God as He gives us commands, by His Spirit convicts, corrects, and rebukes us, so that rather than facing the judgment of the One who has the double-edged sword proceeding from his mouth, we might through the blessing of the Word of God, become spotless and pure and more conformed to His image!

 

By God's grace, these studies on Revelation will help you to see Jesus as Lord over all of the book.  If you will prayerfully ponder the first chapter carefully, it will help you foundationally to understand the remainder of the book.  Don't give up, but be encouraged to read the Book of Revelation.  It is indeed a blessing to read it!  It gives us hope for the future and peace for TODAY!  May God richly bless your study and may the loving-kindness and mercy of God be known to you today!

 

Next Study: Jesus the "Ever-Present-Help-in-Times-of-Trouble King"

 

Soli Deo Gloria!

 


For Further Reading

Herman Bavinck- The Last Things: Hope for this World and the Next. Edited by John Bolt. Translated by John Vriend. Published by Baker Books, 1996

G. K. Beale- The Book of Revelation, New International Greek Testament Commentary, Eerdmans, 1999

G. C. Berkhouwer- The Return of Christ. Studies in Dogmatics Series. Published by Eerdmans, 1972

Dennis Johnson- Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation, P&R, 2001

Vern S. Poythress- The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation, P&R, 2000

 

 

Rev. Charles R. Biggs

9 S. Locust Street

Post Office Box 628

Round Hill, VA 20141

www.APlaceforTruth.org

crbiggsman@adelphia.net

571.334.7420

 

 

Word of Encouragement

Vol. VI, Issue 3

 


The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Part Five: The Ever-Present-Help-in-Times-of-Trouble-King

 

Introduction

In our last issue we learned how Jesus was revealed in Revelation chapter one was revealed as the Speaking King, who ever lives to instruct and to teach His Church through His Word and by His Spirit.  Today's study will be our final study of chapter one of the Book of Revelation.  We will focus today on the presence of Jesus Christ with and among His people.  From Revelation chapter one, we learn that Jesus is also the "Ever-Present-Help