We will be looking in Revelation chapters 1-5. These chapters are loaded with rich insight and truth about Who God is and what He has done for us. We will be looking specifically at the ultimate authority of God and the oneness of The Father, The Son, and The Spirit. Let us start in chapter one.
The book of Revelation is a book of security and judgement. For the person who puts their trust in God’s promise of salvation by faith through Jesus The Messiah, there is security in His faithful word that He will never leave them. Also, they will spend eternity with Him. It is a book of judgement in that those who have not trusted God at His word concerning salvation through His Son, Jesus. They will be cast away from Him because of the lack of belief in Him and His only way of salvation.
The message in Revelation begins with God (The Father) as the ultimate authority giving the revelation to Jesus. Jesus then sends this revelation to John through His angel. John follows by writing it down for us to read and be encouraged by it. In chapter 1:4-8, John sends greetings and some defining points about Jesus, believers, and God. Today we will be looking at verse four.
John begins by sending a greeting of grace and peace to the seven churches from The One on the throne (God), The Spirit, and Jesus Christ. This is more than just a simple greeting but gives the hearer a comfort of friendship and acceptance from the speaker. It is also important to note that “grace” is mentioned first then “peace” following. The word “grace” has the idea of favor and good will that is felt toward another. “Peace” has the idea of being at harmony or free from anxiety. There is an inner rest within the spirit. It is important for the reader to understand that God’s heart is one of graciousness toward them. If one has the graciousness of God then peace will naturally follow. This is the idea that God wants to relay to the reader or hearer.
The greeting is from the three individuals, The One on the throne, The seven Spirits, and Jesus Christ, expresses the oneness and unity of the Godhead. It is important to note that in the bible God presents Himself as three individual persons but acts in unison as one being equal to each other. What is known as The Trinity of God. This is what we are seeing here. This idea of someone being three persons yet one cannot be fully understood by our finite minds but that does not negate the reality and validity of this fact about God. Today, we will be focusing on The One on the throne.
In verse four we read about the aspect of God’s eternalness. It is shared with us by the words used “Who is, Who was, and Who is to come.” This is a similar use of language that we find in Exodus 3:14-15, when God had introduced Himself to Moses on Mount Horeb and sent him to Pharaoh to deliver Israel from the bondage of Egypt. God called of Himself, “I AM WHO I AM.” The language also implies Him being The Creator of all because the idea is that there was nothing before Him. He was/is eternally existent. Later in verse eight, the idea is touched upon again with Him saying that He is the Alpha and Omega. There was nothing before Him and will not be after Him because He will never end.
What a comfort to us that when the time of the end of the world comes, those who have put their trust in God through His Son will be in the hands of This eternal and never-ending only God. It is not only then but now we are in the loving hands of the Almighty God.
Praise be to Him through Jesus Christ for eternity!!!
Love Daniel
Posted on September 28th, 2006 by Daniel
Filed under: Truth To Live By