Studies in Revelation, Part 3

Click here for Part 1, and here for Part 2.

Today, we’re going to look at one of my very favorite portions of scripture. I hope I inspire you to dive deep into these two verses!

Revelation 1:5, “…and from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead and the Ruler of the kings of the earth.”

That the grace and truth extended to us comes from the Father, and also from Jesus, whose return is the theme of this book. He sends his blessing of grace and peace beforehand.

He is the Faithful Witness. There’s a whole lot that is packed into this title. Let’s unpack it a bit.

John 5:36, “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.” He faithfully did the works His Father sent Him to do.

John 8:49, “…I honor my Father…” Everything Jesus did was to honor His Father. He was faithful as the Son (see Heb. 3:6).

John 17:6, “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.” While He walked on the earth, Jesus was faithful with everything His Father gave into His hands.

Jesus faithfully bore witness of who His Father is every day of His life! Not only is He the Faithful Witness, He is the first of many brothers (see Rev. 2:13). He is giving us grace so that we too would be faithful witnesses.

Jesus is also the Firstborn from the dead. When he rose from the dead, He guaranteed our own resurrection. For more on this, see 1 Corinthians 15 and Colossians 1:18.

Jesus is the First of many brothers (see Hebrews 2).

Rev. 1:5 also tells us that Jesus is the Ruler of the Kings of the earth. Jesus is the perfect King the Father has established. See Psalm 2:8, Psalm 45, Psalm 110 and Hebrews 1.

Colossians 1 describes Jesus’ reign over all the universe–He reigns over the Kings of this earth as well, even though they currently rebel against Him. He will come in power and glory to manifest His Kingdom here on earth.

Revelation 1:5b-6, To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God and Father–to Him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen!

Right up front, we are told of God’s great love for us.  This is one of the few times in the New Testament where the love God has for us is presented in this gramatical tense. It reminds us of His continual and reliable love.

He has freed us by His blood. God reminds us of the cross right at the beginning, assuring us that the victory is already ours.

He has made us to be a kingdom (see Eph. 2:19-22). This can also be translated “made us to be kings…”, in other words, our royalty is established–at the cross!

And he has made us priests to serve His God and Father. The veil has been torn and we are now all priests before the Lord under the High Priest, Jesus (see Heb 7:24-28). This is an echo of what God called the Israelites to in Exodus 19:6.

The last part of this verse is a shout of praise: To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen! Praises to God resound in nearly every chapter of Revelation. Why? He is worthy! And along with that, praising God strengthens us for the tribulation we must endure in this life, whether it be every day trials or overcoming during the Great Tribulation. More on that in days to come!

God bless you!