Rev. 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Jesus Is Holy. Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. See also Rev. 4:8. God certainly is holy, but also Jesus Christ is holy, because he is the express image of the Father. His holiness is pure holiness, not a holiness which can be described or understood by man's mind. Jesus is holy from his pre-existence throughout all eternity. When he was conceived, the angel said in Luke 1:35 . . . The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Jesus Is True. Everything in Jesus' existence is the epitome of truth. Man cannot comprehend this kind of truth. He is the true Light (John 1:9). He is the true Bread from Heaven (John 6:32). His record (or testimony) is true (John 8:14). His judgment is true (John 8:16). He is the true Vine (John 15:1). He is full of grace and truth (John 1:14), for truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Pilate asked the question, "What is truth?" (John 18:38), Jesus said in John 14:6 . . . I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus Has The Key of David. He has this key in type, because he was portrayed by King David of old. He is to sit upon David's throne and rule with authority, thus depicting by the key the authority to administer his kingdom and to execute judgment. Jesus has complete authority over his kingdom and his churches. Therefore, it is with this authority that the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ are summoned to preach the Gospel of Christ to every creature. It is with this key that God's grace is bestowed upon every believer in Christ. It is with this key that Jesus summons preachers to preach his word and calls missionaries to fields of service. It is with this key that Jesus unlocked all the mysteries of future things of which he has currently only taught us through the Spirit of God. No man has this authority; only God can measure out this authority with perfection and execute it flawlessly. That is why He must open the door that no man can shut and shut the door that no man can open. His purpose is perfect, and no one can thwart that purpose (Dan. 4:35).
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Jesus Revealed In The Revelation #8
Rev. 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
In this passage we see Jesus, not as the Son of man, but as the Son of God. This is his true nature, his innate being, his sovereign existence. As the Son of God he has always existed, and he shall always exist even throughout the eternal ages.
Even the centurion, who saw Jesus on the cross dying a horrible death, after hearing the enemies of the Lord chide him about being the Son of God, tempting him to come down from the cross to prove his deity, the centurion nonetheless said, Truly this man was the Son of God (Mark 15:39). If this centurion can see that Jesus was the Son of God, certainly it seems that many others can also see that he is the Son of God.
He is God's beloved Son (Mark 3:17). He is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16, 18). He is the crucified Son of God (Heb. 6:6). He is the Son who must be believed, 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
The Ethiopian Eunuch put his complete faith in Jesus as the Son of God in Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
But Jesus had to be both Son of God and Son of man before he could reconcile God and man. He must touch the presence of God in a real way, be as God is, understand the delicacies of the Father's wisdom and power and preview all things from Heaven's view. Then he must, by his own contract with God, submit to come to earth and die for the sins of his people. This is a great mystery and one which no man can understand, but it is nevertheless true. Jesus was incarnated (put in the flesh) that he might experience not only God's view of things but man's view of things. He must be tempted in all points like as we are (Heb. 4:15); he must suffer as a servant (Isaiah 53:11); he must lie in the tomb three days and three nights (Matt 12:40); and he must arise from the dead Matt 17:23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.
Let us see Jesus as the Son of man, dealing with sin (Rom. 8:3), feeling our infirmities as our High Priest (Heb. 4:15), and dying for us personally and individually (1 Cor. 15:3). But we must see Jesus as the Son of God, majestic, holy, perfect, righteous, sovereign, a revealer of truth and the delineation of the word of God. We must see him on the throne sitting at the Father's right hand and coming in the clouds of Heaven (Matt. 26:64).
He served here as the Son of man, but one day he will come as the Son of God with fiery judgment upon those who are his enemies, those who do not trust in his sacrificial work on the cross, the shedding of his precious blood for the remission of sins of those who will come to him by faith.
In this passage we see Jesus, not as the Son of man, but as the Son of God. This is his true nature, his innate being, his sovereign existence. As the Son of God he has always existed, and he shall always exist even throughout the eternal ages.
Even the centurion, who saw Jesus on the cross dying a horrible death, after hearing the enemies of the Lord chide him about being the Son of God, tempting him to come down from the cross to prove his deity, the centurion nonetheless said, Truly this man was the Son of God (Mark 15:39). If this centurion can see that Jesus was the Son of God, certainly it seems that many others can also see that he is the Son of God.
He is God's beloved Son (Mark 3:17). He is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16, 18). He is the crucified Son of God (Heb. 6:6). He is the Son who must be believed, 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
The Ethiopian Eunuch put his complete faith in Jesus as the Son of God in Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
But Jesus had to be both Son of God and Son of man before he could reconcile God and man. He must touch the presence of God in a real way, be as God is, understand the delicacies of the Father's wisdom and power and preview all things from Heaven's view. Then he must, by his own contract with God, submit to come to earth and die for the sins of his people. This is a great mystery and one which no man can understand, but it is nevertheless true. Jesus was incarnated (put in the flesh) that he might experience not only God's view of things but man's view of things. He must be tempted in all points like as we are (Heb. 4:15); he must suffer as a servant (Isaiah 53:11); he must lie in the tomb three days and three nights (Matt 12:40); and he must arise from the dead Matt 17:23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.
Let us see Jesus as the Son of man, dealing with sin (Rom. 8:3), feeling our infirmities as our High Priest (Heb. 4:15), and dying for us personally and individually (1 Cor. 15:3). But we must see Jesus as the Son of God, majestic, holy, perfect, righteous, sovereign, a revealer of truth and the delineation of the word of God. We must see him on the throne sitting at the Father's right hand and coming in the clouds of Heaven (Matt. 26:64).
He served here as the Son of man, but one day he will come as the Son of God with fiery judgment upon those who are his enemies, those who do not trust in his sacrificial work on the cross, the shedding of his precious blood for the remission of sins of those who will come to him by faith.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Jesus Revealed In The Revelation #7
Rev. 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
We see Jesus revealed in this verse as the one who has the sharp sword with two edges. The only other place we see this reference in the New Testament is in Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Jesus Christ is the living word, and the Bible is the written word, which is also alive. We also read about the word of God as a sword in Eph. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Remember in this revelation of Jesus, he is the one who has the sword. He is the one who wields the sword. If God does not effect the purpose of the word of God in hearts, then it has no purpose. Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
If God had not sent Jesus to the earth to die for our sins, we would still be in our sins and would be of men most miserable (1 Cor. 15:19). The same is true if God had not sent the word of God for us to prosper. The Bible is sent to us for a purpose. 2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
We know that these scriptures (the Bible) were sent by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, moving upon the writers to commit to writing the very things that God intended for us to have in the Bible. 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Now it is not we who have the power over the word of God to wield it and make it effective in men's lives; it is Jesus Christ who has the sword, who makes it effective and executes its purpose among men. We must realize that the word of God is not for us to interpret but for Christ to effectively manifest in men's lives as we preach it to them. Without this effort on Jesus' part to make the word effective, we should be able to do nothing. John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Now there are at least three ways in which Jesus Christ used this sword toward his people. First is that of Knowledge. He says, "I know thy works" (vs. 13). Of course, we know that Jesus knows everything; but in practice we act as though he may not. He knew the works of the believers at Pergamos. Jesus also uses the sword in Determination. He determined that he had something against this church, because there were some in the church who held the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. These things the Lord hated, but the church allowed such members to stay in the church. The third way in which the Lord used the sword was in Judgment. He said in Rev. 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Paul told Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. We must study it, because we have no a priori knowledge of the word of God but must receive it from God himself. If we study and know God's word, then we do not need to be ashamed of what we preach and what we do. We must divide the word of truth (or handle it) in the proper way. How is it that we should handle it? We should remember that it is not our word but Christ's. We are using borrowed property when we preach his word. If we handle it this way, then God will bless it in our witness and in our practice. Remember, it has two edges. One cuts one way, and the other cuts the other way. In other words, that which you preach applies not only to your hearers but also to you. Judge not, that he be not judged. Whatever you preach or witness to others, God expects in you. Let us all take heed to what we teach and preach, to what we believe and witness. Jesus Christ is the true possessor of his word.
We see Jesus revealed in this verse as the one who has the sharp sword with two edges. The only other place we see this reference in the New Testament is in Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Jesus Christ is the living word, and the Bible is the written word, which is also alive. We also read about the word of God as a sword in Eph. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Remember in this revelation of Jesus, he is the one who has the sword. He is the one who wields the sword. If God does not effect the purpose of the word of God in hearts, then it has no purpose. Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
If God had not sent Jesus to the earth to die for our sins, we would still be in our sins and would be of men most miserable (1 Cor. 15:19). The same is true if God had not sent the word of God for us to prosper. The Bible is sent to us for a purpose. 2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
We know that these scriptures (the Bible) were sent by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, moving upon the writers to commit to writing the very things that God intended for us to have in the Bible. 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Now it is not we who have the power over the word of God to wield it and make it effective in men's lives; it is Jesus Christ who has the sword, who makes it effective and executes its purpose among men. We must realize that the word of God is not for us to interpret but for Christ to effectively manifest in men's lives as we preach it to them. Without this effort on Jesus' part to make the word effective, we should be able to do nothing. John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Now there are at least three ways in which Jesus Christ used this sword toward his people. First is that of Knowledge. He says, "I know thy works" (vs. 13). Of course, we know that Jesus knows everything; but in practice we act as though he may not. He knew the works of the believers at Pergamos. Jesus also uses the sword in Determination. He determined that he had something against this church, because there were some in the church who held the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. These things the Lord hated, but the church allowed such members to stay in the church. The third way in which the Lord used the sword was in Judgment. He said in Rev. 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Paul told Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. We must study it, because we have no a priori knowledge of the word of God but must receive it from God himself. If we study and know God's word, then we do not need to be ashamed of what we preach and what we do. We must divide the word of truth (or handle it) in the proper way. How is it that we should handle it? We should remember that it is not our word but Christ's. We are using borrowed property when we preach his word. If we handle it this way, then God will bless it in our witness and in our practice. Remember, it has two edges. One cuts one way, and the other cuts the other way. In other words, that which you preach applies not only to your hearers but also to you. Judge not, that he be not judged. Whatever you preach or witness to others, God expects in you. Let us all take heed to what we teach and preach, to what we believe and witness. Jesus Christ is the true possessor of his word.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Jesus Revealed In The Revelation #6
Rev. 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
In this verse Jesus is ascribed the name "Son of man." We must remember that Matthew depicts Jesus as King; Mark depicts him as Servant; Luke depicts him as Son of man; and John depicts him as Son of God.
As Son of man, Jesus relates to human beings, he being the Kinsman Redeemer for those who trust him. Study the story of the "near kinsman" in Ruth Chapter three. Jesus, in order to redeem us from our sins, had to be inherently related to us; so he came to us in the likeness of sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3). He did not come to redeem animals or plants to his kingdom; he came to redeem human beings like you and I.
When he left Heaven, he left his glory there. Phil. 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: This he did that he might be our substitute for sins, to take on the curse of the law and become a curse for us. Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: What a tremendous transaction that Jesus paid upon the cross when he was hanged there in the place of sinful men and women, boys and girls!
Although Jesus was a man, he was much more than a mere man; he was God incarnated in the flesh. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. He came from Heaven, being in the likeness of God, but he humbled himself, being in the likeness of man; thus, he is the Son of man.
He was clothed with a garment down the foot (or from head to toe, we would say), and he had on a golden girdle. This garment is the righteousness of God. Jesus is completely righteous, not having committed any sin at all. Therefore, we can be made righteousness by the imputation of Christ's righteousness. 2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
His hair was as white as snow, signifying his wisdom from God, since age signifies wisdom and honor (Lev. 19:32; Prov 16:31). Jesus is the all-wise God. 1 Tim. 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. See also Jude 1:25.
His eyes are a flaming fire, meaning that in his eyes dwells judgment for all men. Rom. 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. God is the ultimate Judge of all men, and this is symbolized here in the fiery eyes of Jesus Christ, for Jesus is the Son of the Great Judge, and Jesus himself has a measure of judgment (Psalm 96:13). His feet were like fine brass, which also symbolizes judgment.
Jesus' voice was as the sound of many waters. The waters of the sea represent the peoples of the world. Jesus speaks to all men alike. He does not have one rule for this race or country and another rule for another race of country. Jesus' teachings are the same around the world. He is the Son of man, the Word for every nation. His death has saved men of every tribe and tongue. Thus, his commission is to all the world (Mark 16:15).
In his hands Jesus holds seven stars, and he stands in the middle of seven golden candlesticks (or lampstands). This portrays Jesus as the administrator of his churches. He is the head of each and every local church, and his message goes out to the entire world through the auspices of these local churches; thus, he is the Son of man, his message being from man to man, the message of the Gospel. Jesus is ultimately the Son of God, but he is also the Son of man. If this were not so, we would all still be in our sins. Thanks to a God who has a Mediator (Jesus) to do the reconciling work of God to bring us to God through faith in this Son of man, for he is also the Son of God, yea, God himself.
In this verse Jesus is ascribed the name "Son of man." We must remember that Matthew depicts Jesus as King; Mark depicts him as Servant; Luke depicts him as Son of man; and John depicts him as Son of God.
As Son of man, Jesus relates to human beings, he being the Kinsman Redeemer for those who trust him. Study the story of the "near kinsman" in Ruth Chapter three. Jesus, in order to redeem us from our sins, had to be inherently related to us; so he came to us in the likeness of sinful flesh (Rom. 8:3). He did not come to redeem animals or plants to his kingdom; he came to redeem human beings like you and I.
When he left Heaven, he left his glory there. Phil. 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: This he did that he might be our substitute for sins, to take on the curse of the law and become a curse for us. Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: What a tremendous transaction that Jesus paid upon the cross when he was hanged there in the place of sinful men and women, boys and girls!
Although Jesus was a man, he was much more than a mere man; he was God incarnated in the flesh. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. He came from Heaven, being in the likeness of God, but he humbled himself, being in the likeness of man; thus, he is the Son of man.
He was clothed with a garment down the foot (or from head to toe, we would say), and he had on a golden girdle. This garment is the righteousness of God. Jesus is completely righteous, not having committed any sin at all. Therefore, we can be made righteousness by the imputation of Christ's righteousness. 2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
His hair was as white as snow, signifying his wisdom from God, since age signifies wisdom and honor (Lev. 19:32; Prov 16:31). Jesus is the all-wise God. 1 Tim. 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. See also Jude 1:25.
His eyes are a flaming fire, meaning that in his eyes dwells judgment for all men. Rom. 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. God is the ultimate Judge of all men, and this is symbolized here in the fiery eyes of Jesus Christ, for Jesus is the Son of the Great Judge, and Jesus himself has a measure of judgment (Psalm 96:13). His feet were like fine brass, which also symbolizes judgment.
Jesus' voice was as the sound of many waters. The waters of the sea represent the peoples of the world. Jesus speaks to all men alike. He does not have one rule for this race or country and another rule for another race of country. Jesus' teachings are the same around the world. He is the Son of man, the Word for every nation. His death has saved men of every tribe and tongue. Thus, his commission is to all the world (Mark 16:15).
In his hands Jesus holds seven stars, and he stands in the middle of seven golden candlesticks (or lampstands). This portrays Jesus as the administrator of his churches. He is the head of each and every local church, and his message goes out to the entire world through the auspices of these local churches; thus, he is the Son of man, his message being from man to man, the message of the Gospel. Jesus is ultimately the Son of God, but he is also the Son of man. If this were not so, we would all still be in our sins. Thanks to a God who has a Mediator (Jesus) to do the reconciling work of God to bring us to God through faith in this Son of man, for he is also the Son of God, yea, God himself.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Jesus Revealed In The Revelation #5
Rev. 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Jesus here is called the Alpha and Omega, which, of course, are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The meaning is apparent in this verse: "the beginning and the ending," or "the first and the last" (1:17). He is the Alpha and Omega in at least three ways.
Alpha and Omega in Contrast. Jesus is many times in the New Testament compared to other things, showing his superiority to all. Here he is compared to the mortality of man. Verse eight tells us that Jesus is and was and is to come. This is quite different from any other human being on the earth. No one has ever lived forever in this life. Heb. 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: and, although two did not die, they did leave this world and were taken to Heaven without any resurrection on their own power. The mystery of Jesus is expressed in 1 Tim. 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. This is a unique quality in Jesus. That is why he is our Savior.
Alpha and Omega in Command. As our Great Commander, Jesus has the authority to give command to his servants. In verse 11 of this chapter, Jesus gives commandment to John and says, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia . . . . Thus Jesus is said to have authority to give his commission in 18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Alpha and Omega in Comfort. In verse 17 John is taken with grief as he sees and hears the Lord Jesus. But the Lord comforts him with the same thought before us. He laid his right hand upon John and said "Fear not, I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen: and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:17-18). Jesus is a great comfort to all who come to him by faith. He does this in part so that we may comfort others in the name of Jesus. 2 Cor. 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Remember that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). He is contrasted to all other human beings with superior qualities (Acts 4:12). He can command his children with commandments which are not grievous (I John 5:3). He also comforts us with a comfort that only he has (2 Cor. 1:3). What a great Savior we have!
Jesus here is called the Alpha and Omega, which, of course, are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The meaning is apparent in this verse: "the beginning and the ending," or "the first and the last" (1:17). He is the Alpha and Omega in at least three ways.
Alpha and Omega in Contrast. Jesus is many times in the New Testament compared to other things, showing his superiority to all. Here he is compared to the mortality of man. Verse eight tells us that Jesus is and was and is to come. This is quite different from any other human being on the earth. No one has ever lived forever in this life. Heb. 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: and, although two did not die, they did leave this world and were taken to Heaven without any resurrection on their own power. The mystery of Jesus is expressed in 1 Tim. 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. This is a unique quality in Jesus. That is why he is our Savior.
Alpha and Omega in Command. As our Great Commander, Jesus has the authority to give command to his servants. In verse 11 of this chapter, Jesus gives commandment to John and says, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia . . . . Thus Jesus is said to have authority to give his commission in 18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Alpha and Omega in Comfort. In verse 17 John is taken with grief as he sees and hears the Lord Jesus. But the Lord comforts him with the same thought before us. He laid his right hand upon John and said "Fear not, I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen: and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:17-18). Jesus is a great comfort to all who come to him by faith. He does this in part so that we may comfort others in the name of Jesus. 2 Cor. 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Remember that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). He is contrasted to all other human beings with superior qualities (Acts 4:12). He can command his children with commandments which are not grievous (I John 5:3). He also comforts us with a comfort that only he has (2 Cor. 1:3). What a great Savior we have!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Jesus Revealed in Revelation #4
Rev. 1:5 . . . Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
What a grand salvation is ours! Jesus here is revealed as our ransom, our mediator, our High Priest, our Lord and King. No grander love can be expressed than that expressed from our Lord as he went to the cross to shed his precious blood for our sins. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. We are his friends, if we do what he commands us. He is my friend, and he loves me. I know this, because he died for me. When he was on the cross, I was on his mind.
him that loved us. This is the greatest love that any one can experience. It is not a flippant or frivolous love; it is a love that only God can express, and he did express it when he died on the cross for those who will repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ, that he paid for their sins completely on the cross.
No one ever loved me like this, even though I had the greatest parents anyone could have, even though I have great brothers and sisters, even though I had the greatest wife in the world, even though I have Christian people all over the world who love me and pray for me. Jesus loved us so much that he stretched out his arms and died. He loved his Father so much that he stretched out his hands and died. Then he resurrected from the dead, because it is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we have our hope.
Jesus loved us in timeless eternity past, but he expressed that love here within the veil. He expressed his love and manifested it when he gave his own life a ransom for many. In that "many" was I. I was poor and wretched. I was lost and undone. I was dead in my sins (Eph. 2:1). I was blinded by the wisdom of the world (2 Cor. 4:4).
washed us from our sins in his own blood. How could anyone be washed in blood? The only person who can be washed in the blood is the one who will come to Jesus Christ, call upon his name, trust him for salvation and know him as personal Savior.
Jesus has washed us from all of our sins, past sins, present sins, and future sins. All of my sins were future when Jesus paid for them. He washed them as clean and white as the new-fallen snow Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
He washed us in his own blood. This is a very important phrase, because this was not just human blood; it was the personal blood of Jesus Christ. It was the only pure and innocent blood that God would accept for payment of our sins. Peter calls it "precious blood." 1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Matt 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. This is the symbolism of the Lord's Supper. What a great symbol to show that Jesus' blood is perfect and that this is a periodic reminder of what he has done for his people! We should always be thankful for Jesus Christ, for his death, burial and resurrection, and for his precious blood that paid for our sins. We should thank God for being satisfied with that payment so that we would not have to stand before him with eternal blame and guilt. Thank God for his unspeakable gift (2 Cor. 9:15).
What a grand salvation is ours! Jesus here is revealed as our ransom, our mediator, our High Priest, our Lord and King. No grander love can be expressed than that expressed from our Lord as he went to the cross to shed his precious blood for our sins. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. We are his friends, if we do what he commands us. He is my friend, and he loves me. I know this, because he died for me. When he was on the cross, I was on his mind.
him that loved us. This is the greatest love that any one can experience. It is not a flippant or frivolous love; it is a love that only God can express, and he did express it when he died on the cross for those who will repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ, that he paid for their sins completely on the cross.
No one ever loved me like this, even though I had the greatest parents anyone could have, even though I have great brothers and sisters, even though I had the greatest wife in the world, even though I have Christian people all over the world who love me and pray for me. Jesus loved us so much that he stretched out his arms and died. He loved his Father so much that he stretched out his hands and died. Then he resurrected from the dead, because it is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we have our hope.
Jesus loved us in timeless eternity past, but he expressed that love here within the veil. He expressed his love and manifested it when he gave his own life a ransom for many. In that "many" was I. I was poor and wretched. I was lost and undone. I was dead in my sins (Eph. 2:1). I was blinded by the wisdom of the world (2 Cor. 4:4).
washed us from our sins in his own blood. How could anyone be washed in blood? The only person who can be washed in the blood is the one who will come to Jesus Christ, call upon his name, trust him for salvation and know him as personal Savior.
Jesus has washed us from all of our sins, past sins, present sins, and future sins. All of my sins were future when Jesus paid for them. He washed them as clean and white as the new-fallen snow Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
He washed us in his own blood. This is a very important phrase, because this was not just human blood; it was the personal blood of Jesus Christ. It was the only pure and innocent blood that God would accept for payment of our sins. Peter calls it "precious blood." 1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Matt 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. This is the symbolism of the Lord's Supper. What a great symbol to show that Jesus' blood is perfect and that this is a periodic reminder of what he has done for his people! We should always be thankful for Jesus Christ, for his death, burial and resurrection, and for his precious blood that paid for our sins. We should thank God for being satisfied with that payment so that we would not have to stand before him with eternal blame and guilt. Thank God for his unspeakable gift (2 Cor. 9:15).
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Jesus Revealed In The Revelation #3
Rev. 1:5 . . . and the prince of the kings of the earth.
It is not evident to the lost world, or even to the saved world in an apparent way, that Jesus is the Prince (head and leader) of the kings of the earth; for we all see, first, from our human eye before we see from the spiritual eye. Is it evident to you that Jesus is the prince of the rulers of America? Is it evident to you that Jesus is the prince of the kings of other countries both good and bad? Of course, it is not.
But you and I as God's children can rest in the comfort that, no matter who rules from the president's desk in America, we have a greater ruler than he. Jesus, the prince of the kings of the earth, is in charge of all things. He has predetermined the end of all things and has prescribed their purpose to bring him ultimate glory.
The kings of the earth are mainly proud and have a measure of arrogance. We have seen this in our recent American primary elections. One would think that the destiny of our country lies in the talents and wisdom of our earthly leaders, but Christians know better. We are to pray for them, encourage them when they are right, and rebuke them when they are wrong; but we know that no one but Jesus is our Great Prince, not simply of our souls but also of the kings of the earth. Matt 22:21 Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Each of these earthly kings is responsible before the God of Heaven, which one day will be brought to reality when Jesus returns. They must give an answer to him for the way they ruled his earth. Many of them will fall prostrate before him in fear due to their disobedience to him. Rev. 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Would it not be a wonderful thing if every king of this earth would see Jesus as the Great Prince of the kingdoms of the earth? One day, of course, the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of Jesus. Rev. 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. The sooner the kings of the earth realize this, the nearer we will be to having peace on hear. But the sad fact is that they will not understand this concept, because they are blinded by sin. Psalm 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed . . . .
The only thing believers can do is to pray for them who have earthly rule over us. 1 Tim. 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Then, we need to preach the Gospel to every creature that God's grace will be evident in our country and world (Mark 16:15). Within the keeping of the Great Commission, we are to also baptize believers and teach believers the truths of the word of God. This is paramount in our witness for the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 17:14; 19:16).
It is not evident to the lost world, or even to the saved world in an apparent way, that Jesus is the Prince (head and leader) of the kings of the earth; for we all see, first, from our human eye before we see from the spiritual eye. Is it evident to you that Jesus is the prince of the rulers of America? Is it evident to you that Jesus is the prince of the kings of other countries both good and bad? Of course, it is not.
But you and I as God's children can rest in the comfort that, no matter who rules from the president's desk in America, we have a greater ruler than he. Jesus, the prince of the kings of the earth, is in charge of all things. He has predetermined the end of all things and has prescribed their purpose to bring him ultimate glory.
The kings of the earth are mainly proud and have a measure of arrogance. We have seen this in our recent American primary elections. One would think that the destiny of our country lies in the talents and wisdom of our earthly leaders, but Christians know better. We are to pray for them, encourage them when they are right, and rebuke them when they are wrong; but we know that no one but Jesus is our Great Prince, not simply of our souls but also of the kings of the earth. Matt 22:21 Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Each of these earthly kings is responsible before the God of Heaven, which one day will be brought to reality when Jesus returns. They must give an answer to him for the way they ruled his earth. Many of them will fall prostrate before him in fear due to their disobedience to him. Rev. 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Would it not be a wonderful thing if every king of this earth would see Jesus as the Great Prince of the kingdoms of the earth? One day, of course, the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of Jesus. Rev. 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. The sooner the kings of the earth realize this, the nearer we will be to having peace on hear. But the sad fact is that they will not understand this concept, because they are blinded by sin. Psalm 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed . . . .
The only thing believers can do is to pray for them who have earthly rule over us. 1 Tim. 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Then, we need to preach the Gospel to every creature that God's grace will be evident in our country and world (Mark 16:15). Within the keeping of the Great Commission, we are to also baptize believers and teach believers the truths of the word of God. This is paramount in our witness for the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 17:14; 19:16).
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