THE PERSON OF CHRIST

REV. 1:16-20

  LESSON 3

Introduction: We have been looking at the person and work of the glorified Son of God.  To see Him as we shall see Him is a look into the future to which every child of God yearns to experience.

         I.      I. Explanation

a.        The more we understand about God the Son, the more we learn of God the father

1.        John 1:1,4, John 10:30, John 12:45

2.        The son of God reveals the Heavenly Father.

b.       Review

1.        In His priestly garments

2.        His hair was white as snow

3.        Eyes as a flame of fire

4.        His feet as fine brass

5.        His voice the sound of many waters

       II.      A look at His unveiled person (Vs 16)

a.        In His right hand seven stars

1.        Spiritual rulers are held and maintained in the right hand of the Son of man.

a)   Power and authority

b)  Protection and possession

c)   Seiss says, “What a lesson for pastors as to the holiness of their office.  If they are unfaithful, none can deliver them out of that hand; but if true to there position, none can touch them or  quench their light.(I Peter 1:5)

2.        Out of His mouth a sharp two-edged sword

a)   We never read of our Lord putting His hands on His enemies.

b)  He speaks and there justice is sure and swift.  (Rev. 19:15)

3.        His countenance was as the Sun shineth in his strength

a)   Once the spittle of man rested on His face.(Matt. 26:67)            

b)   Now divine glory more brilliant than the tropical sun at midday is seen on His face.

1)       He is spoken of as the light of the world. (John 8:12)

2)       Sun of righteousness to Israel (Mal. 4:2)

3)       Bright and morning star to the Churches.  (Rev. 22:16)

     III.      John reaction to the glorified Son of God (Vs 17-18)

a.        I fell at His feet as were dead.

1.        Remember this beloved old apostle had laid his head against the breast  of Jesus.

a)   He had a loving close relationship with Jesus.

b)  He had out run Peter to the tomb.

2.        When the glory and power of the Son of God is no longer veiled, His righteousness is revealed to be consuming fire.

a)   The glory of God had the same stunning effects on  other occasions.

1)       Abraham. Gen 17:3

2)       Ezekiel.  Ez. 3:23

3)       Daniel.   Dan. 8:17

4)       Disciples on mount of transfiguration ( Matt 17;5,6)

b)  Those who do not fall down before God at the revelation of His glory and majesty face immediate judgment. ( Gideon – Judges 6:22-23, Isa 6:5)

b.       The words of our Lord to John.

1.        He put His hand upon Him and declared, “fear not.”

a)   The touch of His hand

b)  The comfort of His voice ( II Tim 1:7)

2.        As if there is any question, Jesus testifies of His own position.      

a)   First and last

b)  That liveth and was dead and am alive

c)   Keys of hell and death

1)       Sovereign over physical death, He has the keys; death demands body.

2)       Hell or Hades claim the soul at death of unbeliever and is state of conscious misery as seen in the rich man in Luke 16:23.

     IV.      The command of our Lord to His servant John (Vs. 19,20) 

a.        The Lord Himself gives the outline of the book

1.        The things referred to, “as already been seen” are contained in chapter 1

2.        The “things which are” most naturally include chapters 2 and 3 with the seven messages Christ delivered to the Churches.

3.        “The things which shall be hereafter from chapter 4 to the end of the book

4.        The key to understanding Revelation is found in this outline

b.       The mystery of the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks

1.        We are left with no doubt as to who the seven stars or seven golden lamp stands refer to.

a)   The seven pastors

1)       Angel signifies a messenger

2)       Also employed as a representative

2.        The lamp stands are the Churches.

a)   No doubt as to who these symbols refer to

Concl.   We are now ready to start with our study of the second division of This Book of Gods Word.