Bible Prophecy - Revelation 1 - Jesus our High Priest (Part 1)

Revelation 1 sets the tone for the rest of the book: it establishes Christ at the center of the story. Christ, the great I AM, is the central theme of the book of Revelation. Jesus is the heart of Revelation. It's not what you know, but who you know. A message from Revelation 1. 1:1-3 The book of Revelation is a loving message from Jesus Christ to His precious bride, the church, revealing the things that must soon come to pass. It is meant to be understood by His people, with a blessing promised to those who read, hear and keep the things revealed in these prophecies. God wants us to study and understand Bible prophecy. The word “Revelation” comes from the Greek “apokalupisis” (Strong’s # 602) which means: “an unveiling of”. The very name of this book disproves the common assumption that it cannot be understood. Despite the many different interpretations of Daniel and Revelation, the Bible says that the wise “will” understand them. Matthew 24:25; Daniel 12:10. This book is said to be the “Revelation of Jesus.” He is its author; it is a message straight from Him. Revelation continues where the four gospels and the book of Acts left off, and shows us what Jesus has done since then, is doing now and will do for His church in the future. Revelation 1:19. “The time is at hand.” This book of prophecy contained messages needed by the Church in John’s day, by the Church throughout its history and for us as individual Christians today. The message for today is especially relevant, for we are living in the “time of the end” and “the time is at hand” when the final events portrayed in the book of Revelation will sweep over the world and bring the great controversy to a spectacular conclusion. 1:4 There were seven literal churches in Asia to which John directed this letter. Seven is also a symbol of perfection, wholeness, or completeness in prophecy. The term “seven churches” indicates the whole or complete church through all ages. The “seven spirits” denote the perfect Holy Spirit of God. 1:10 John was “In the Spirit,” meaning he was in vision, “on the Lord’s day.” The only day the Bible calls “the Lord’s Day” is the seventh-day Sabbath. Isaiah 58:13; Mark 2:28; Exodus 20:11. Of all the eight times that “the first day” [Sunday] is mentioned in the New Testament it is never called holy, blessed, the Lord’s day, or anything but a common working day. 1:11 “Alpha and Omega” are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. Jesus calls himself the A to Z, “the First and the Last.” Jesus Christ is God Eternal. His love is constant and sure. He is everything we need from beginning to end. See Isaiah 41:4; 48:12. 1:12-13 Revelation 1:20 tells us that the “seven golden candlesticks” represent the seven churches.” In the days of ancient Israel, the seven golden candlesticks were in the holy place of the Sanctuary. Exodus 25:31-40; 2 Chronicles 4:7. The clothing Jesus is wearing here is the attire of a high priest. This is a picture of Christ watching over and guiding His Church, and ministering as High Priest in the holy place of the heavenly Sanctuary. Christ appears here “like unto the Son of man,” in human form. He forever identifies Himself with humanity. 1:20 Seven stars - The seven stars are the angels of the seven Churches. The word angel means a messenger whether human or divine. The messengers of the Churches are the teachers or ministers/leaders as seen in Daniel 12:3, where the wise/teachers, margin, that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars. Christ holds them in His right hand of strength. Seven golden candlesticks - These are the seven Churches. They also show aspects of the Holy Spirit. Revelation 4:5. This is why we have throughout the messages to the Churches, “he that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” 2:7, 11, 17, 29 and so on. It is a message from the Holy Spirit to Christ's Church. Christ is amongst His Church through the presence of the Holy Spirit. End Times Bible Prophecy:    / @endtimesbibleprophecy-f5b