Revelation 1:1­–3 - Cameron Jungels - Sun PM, August 3, 2014

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1­–3)

Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/August 3, 2014

 

The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,  2 who testifies to everything he saw-- that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.  3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (Rev. 1:1-3, NIV)

 

1.       What kind of a book is this?

a.      Revelation is unique among the books of the New Testament.

b.      Revelation is unique because it is a hybrid of 3 different literary genres (all specified in the opening verses), each with its own typical components and features:

                                                              i.      Revelation is an apocalypse.

1.        Recording visions and dreams.

2.      Language is full of imagery that is cryptic and symbolic.

3.       Formally stylized, using numbers to package the information and using symmetry, repetition, etc.

4.      However, Revelation is not pseudonymous as other apocalypses are.

5.      Also, Revelation does not intend to “seal up” the contents for a later time. John knows the end has begun in the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. The beginning of the end has arrived. It is time to open up the contents for all to see and heed.

                                                           ii.      Revelation is a prophecy.

1.        Prophets: God’s authoritative spokespersons, not necessarily predictive future prophecy.

2.      Prophets often spoke into the current situations of their hearers/readers.

                                                         iii.      Revelation is a letter.

1.        Written personally from John to the churches with pastoral care and concern, as well as urgent warning.

 

2.      What (or better, Who?) is this book about?

a.      This is a Revelation from Jesus Christ and about Jesus Christ from first to last.

b.      This is a book about worship – to worship and magnify the God of the universe, the risen Son and King, Jesus Christ, and the eternal Spirit of God. Any other response short of worship fails to understand the book as it is.

 

3.      Why is the message of this book important?

a.      For John’s readers it involved events of imminent historical importance.

b.      For Christian readers of all times, it illumines the importance of a heavenly perspective on earthly affairs.

 

4.      What is there for me in this book?

a.      The opening of the letter makes clear that there is a heavenly blessing that awaits those who read, hear, understand, and keep/obey what is written in this book.

b.      This is a book of timely importance and eternal significance.

 

Main Idea: To be truly blessed in this life and the life to come is to see Jesus Christ as the reigning King of Heaven and to heed the words of his revelation.