Copyright © 2022 Dr. Anderson Henry Ruffin

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

Dr. Anderson Henry Ruffin/Book Baby Publishing

7905 North Route 130

Pennsauken, NJ 08110

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Print ISBN: 978-1-66783-232-6

eBook ISBN: 978-1-66783-233-3

Publisher’s Notes: The book will focus on, The Understanding of Revelation, sharing views of traditional and contemporary authors. It will focus on the aspects of the last book of the Bible, through conventional investigative and spiritual practices. The Book of Revelation will offer an assortment of writing, questioning, and critical thinking about the essence of end times.

Your views of Revelation should not promote skepticism but be shaped in an understanding of God and his Son Jesus Christ. That should develop spiritual insights and beliefs when you exercise your intellectual understanding of end times. It must be grounded in the reality of God and Jesus Christ, and not humanism.

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1 The Revelation Of Jesus Christ

CHAPTER 2 Message To Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira

CHAPTER 3 Message To Sardis, Philadelphia, And Laodicea

CHAPTER 4 The Things Hereafter

CHAPTER 5 The Lamb And The Scroll

CHAPTER 6 Opening the Seals

CHAPTER 7 The Multipile Sealed

CHAPTER 8 The First Four Trumpet Judgments

CHAPTER 9 The Fifth And Sixth Trumpet Woe

CHAPTER 10 The Seventh Trumpet or Third Woe

CHAPTER 11 The Two Witnesses

CHAPTER 12 The Woman and The Beast

CHAPTER 13 Rise Of The Antichrist

CHAPTER 14 The Lamb To Come

CHAPTER 15 The Seven Angels

CHAPTER 16 The Seven Vials Judgments

CHAPTER 17 The Mother of Evil

CHAPTER 18 The Fall of Babylon

CHAPTER 19 The Coming Christ

CHAPTER 20 The Bounding of Satan

CHAPTER 21 The New Heaven and Earth

CHAPTER 22 A Paradise Restored

NOTES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am grateful to family and friends for giving ideas that enabled the conception of this book and the understanding I received during research and writing. I thank those who shared their time, emotions, and knowledge with me because they believed that doing so would make a difference. Their input, support, and interest kept me going. I appreciate and acknowledge their contributions and support.

Special thanks to all who inspired me along the journey: Dr. Charles L. Lett and Dr. Aaron Dobynes, Dr. Liz Cotton and Dr. Allam Baaheth (mentors), Carolyn Flanagan Ruffin (wife), Andrell and Thanya Ruffin (son and wife), Arissa Ruffin (daughter), Taylor and Tyra Ruffin, Jeffery Ruffin, Davell Jackson (pastor), Robert Hudson (pastor), and Joe and Clementine Johnson.

They willingly sacrificed their time, contributed resources, intelligence, patience, encouragement, and motivation, during the challenging times of engagement in the writing of this book. All these beautiful people shared my desire to pass knowledge and wisdom to the present generation, especially my granddaughters.

Many sacrifices and offerings of prayers and the mercy of God enabled me to complete this book to God’s glory and for the advancement of His Kingdom. The intention behind drafting this book is to bring attention to the many problems of understanding the Book of Revelation. All praise and glory belong to God.

INTRODUCTION

A pastor stood at the door of his church and passed out an assignment for the group to read the Book of Revelation for the next six weeks of Wednesday night Bible class. He asked the group to read the chapter from the beginning to the end. He asked the class to write a summary of the Book of Revelation. Take your Bible and write down the information you can conclude from the Bible about Jesus. When each student began to examine his Bible, they started to see things they have forgotten or ever noticed before. They began to realize that Jesus represented a significant figure important to Biblical history. Some needed to be reminded that the Lord had delayed his coming for everyone to be saved. They realized that reading Revelation inspired a kind of discernment, appreciation, and understanding of the whole book. It is time for the Old and New Testament together, improving the perception of the present and the future’s anticipation. By examining the Book of Revelation, the reader’s understanding is engraved.

I have had many conversations on the Book of Revelation. Everyone has their view and personal belief system, even atheists. Regardless of who is speaking, how did they develop considerable thoughts and ideas about Revelation? Revelation views should not promote skepticism should be shaped around God and his Son Jesus Christ on spiritual insights when exercising an understanding of end times. It must be grounded in the reality of God and Jesus Christ, not men.

The Book of Revelation is one of the most fascinating books in the Bible. It is viewed as mysterious, indisputable, and inscrutable. Many scholars refuse to be challenged by its contents. The Book of Revelation is a book of symbols, apocalyptic prophecies many see as more challenging to interpret than any other book of the Bible. Many terms like four horsemen, locusts, dragons, and beasts have challenged writers and commentators since John wrote the book. The Book of Revelation is apocalyptic; however, not all of it is. The book contains detailed prophecies, letters giving advice and encouragement. The book inspires believers to overcome obstacles and hold on to their faith (1:4, 11, 2:1 – 3:22). God is in control of history, and He is coming back again in judgment and to reward those who have remained faithful (22:7, 12, 13, 20). (22:7, 12, 13, 20). The Bible says that it is a blessing to read and teach from Revelation.

The Book Revelation has a different structure than other books. There are four different schools of interpretation used to interpret the Book of Revelation: Preterist, Historicist, Futurist, and Idealist. The Preterist school of thought sees the book as already been fulfilled by AD 312 with the conversion of Constantine. ‘Preterist’ is a Latin word meaning "past" and pertains mostly to history rather than being prophetic of coming events. The Preterist review has the most merit because it was written to the seven churches in Asia (modern Turkey).

The Historical view the book is a panorama of the church’s history from the days of John to the end of ages or Christ’s second advent. The Historical view sees the book as local persecution experienced by the churches reflecting Nero’s reign in the late AD 60s, but some writers agree that it was during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian AD 81 to 89. The Idealist views the book as an extended term and regards the conflict of the age-old principles of good and evil with no historical element. The Futurist, beginning with chapter four, addresses prophecies yet to be fulfilled. The author of this book shares the thought and position of the Futurist.

The Book of Revelation uses apocalyptic literature to include the use of highly symbolic figurative. Revelation incorporates fascinating sights, images, lightning, thunder, lampstands, creatures, angels, singing, claims, plagues, horses, trumpets, fanfares, bowls, vials, and chorus praising God and His Son Jesus. It explains why the righteous suffered, and God’s judgment will be delayed. It offers the believers hope. Widespread attention is given to events displaying God’s power against godlessness and evil. God will destroy a hellish world and create a new heaven and earth for the believers.

The main character in the Book of Revelation is God, the Creator of the universe. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and the message is given to Him. Jesus Christ gives the message to angels, and they deliver it to John in a vision. He is an apostle of Jesus Christ. John investigates the issues of the Church’s human history through the eyes of God, establishing a need for the world to be saved. The unbeliever will face a catastrophe of events to convince them to seek God and Jesus Christ for consolation. Jesus gives a Revelation to an angel. The angel gives the Revelation to John, a faithful servant. John is told to write down what he sees and give it to the Church. The message is given to the followers. God wants us to know His Son, Jesus. It is commanded of John to draft what he sees. What John sees is the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:1). If we want to know God, we need to learn about Jesus. God gives John a message to carry to churches of Asia.

John, Apostle and Evangelist, the Beloved Disciple whom Jesus loves, and is often referred to as the Theologian or Divine is the author of Revelation. He was a son of Zebedee, a master fisherman. Peter, James, and John held a position of distinction among the apostles witnessing many of Jesus’s miracles. John took a permanent part with Peter in the founding of the Church.

After Pentecost, John made a pillar in the church at Jerusalem. Later, he settled in Ephesus, where he is remembered for his valuable service for the cause of Christ. He was banished to Patmos in the reign of the Emperor Domitian (81–96 AD).

The Book of Revelation is God’s word to the believers to encourage them at the end times. The term ‘revelation’ here means ‘uncovering, unveiling, and uncovering something hidden about Jesus Christ.’ ‘Apocalypse’ was the word for a ‘crisis,’ and for ‘a crisis which bordered on the end.’ The word ‘apokalypsis’ sometimes called an ‘apocalypse,’ means ‘unveiling, uncovering, or unwrapping’ (Rom. 16:25; Gal. 1:12; Eph. 1:17; 3:3). ‘Apokalypsis’ is a Greek word meaning ‘revelation,’ applied chiefly to the Book of Revelation by John. A style of writing, to the Jewish circles, immediately preceding and following a life of Christ. It is also a style of writing made by a prophet familiar with the Biblical symbols and written at a time of persecution, in the style of a revelation marked using symbolic numbers, animals, and other creatures. A permanent feature is its telescoping of past, present him, and future events giving hope that God’s saving acts will endure. Apocalyptic writers like Daniel and John focus on revealing what has been hidden with regards to end times. Some features as described by Leon Morris in his book, Apocalyptic, are included:

The writer tends to choose some great man of the past and make him the hero of the book.

The hero often takes a journey, accompanied by a celestial guide who shows him interesting sites and comments on them.

Information is often communicated through visions.

The visions often make use of strange, enigmatic, and symbolism.

The visions are often given with regards to human interventions in present or future situations.

The visions usually end with God bringing the present situation to a cataclysmic end and establishing a better situation.

The writer often claims to write in the name of a chosen deity or a hero.

The writer often takes history and writes it as a prophecy.

The focus of apocalyptic is on comforting and sustaining a righteous remnant.

In the New Testament, the revealing of the sons of God (Rom. 8:19), Christ’s incarnation (Lk. 2:32), and his glorious appearing at His second coming (2 Thess. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:7). In all its uses, Revelation refers to something or someone, once hidden, becoming visible. Revelation is the unveiling of Jesus Christ. Webster tells us apocalypse means, The complete final destruction of the world, as described in the biblical Book of Revelation, but the Greek meaning is opening. God wants the contents of the book open. God’s Revelation focuses on Jesus and His majesty. Jesus will bring all nations into subjection as the Kings of kings. The source of Revelation comes straight from the Triune Publishers in heaven (Rev. 1:4-5). It is designed to explain what happens before Christ’s return, during, and what He will do at the end of human history. The book is constantly moving toward a grand finale focusing on the end of human history and the beginning of a utopia.

The churches of the 21st Century are nevertheless God’s design for fellowship, discipleship, ministry, the deliverance of the saints, and a cherished house for generations to grow until the end of times. There are five purposes behind the writing of Revelation:

To encourage, counsel, and warn the churches of Asia Minor.

To encourage, counsel, and warn every generation to proclaim Jesus Christ.

To encourage, counsel, and warn the world of things coming upon the earth. Humanity must repent and receive the salvation of Jesus Christ.

The book reveals how Christ will judge the world for rejecting God and persecuting His people.

It is a book designed to warn and comfort (Rev. 1:3; 2:7; 3:21; 14:13; 22:14).

Many believers have misunderstood the Book of Revelation because they refuse to accept the contents of saving the unbelievers, and the book challenges anyone who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior to do so before it is too late. It is a book of comfort and peace. The end times are coming, and humanity must prepare for a historical ending. God is continuously warning humanity to come to a sense of repentance or face the wrath of God. John has been given the task of inviting humanity to view what God has in store for the believers and the unbelievers.

The Book of Revelation does not paint a beautiful picture of what is to come, but it offers us time to get ready for the end of time. We can see beyond the present and investigate the future to see the eternal punishment of Hell. God will destroy the earth one day, but the Apostle John speaks of a great day to come where believers will escape the judgment. A thorough examination of Revelation will encourage eternal life. Therefore, the promise is, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the words of God shall not pass away (Matt. 24:35). Revelation 21:1 tells us, And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven in the new earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. Revelation encompasses three sections:

The past—the things which have been seen (Chapter 1).

The present—the things which are to come (Chapters 2-3).

The future—the things that shall occur after these things (Chapters 4-22).

From Genesis to Revelation, Satan is constantly plotting to see humanity’s downfall. He conquers the souls of men who turn from God and Christ. He is called the prince of the earth who was tossed out of heaven for his disobedience (Rev. 12:7-10). Satan is a deceiver. When he came to Eve in Eden, he was called "subtle". The word means making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something crafty and shrewd. He has been deceiving people ever since. He will continue to weave his web of lies and half-truths until he is cast into the Lake of Fire. The world has become ungodly and evil and has hindered a relationship between God and humanity. Contemporary times are mutilated with an escalating disorder, abortions, terrorism, assaults on different religious systems, and people of color. Moral constraints have eroded morality. There is little collaboration on these matters.

God will invariably defeat the evil forces in the world and establish a new heaven and earth. Judges 21:25 tells us, In those days, there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. The world is becoming a place of disorder, and humanity will not turn back to the principle of God’s word. John will see Jesus scrutinize the Church, and he will be instructed to write down what he sees in a disoriented world. He will see the plan of God’s delight and wrath leading to the end of human history.

An Apostle is sent forth as a messenger or delegate. The word used in the New Testament is unique to the Twelve chosen by Christ to witness His life and Resurrection and then preach His Gospel. John the Apostle, the writer of Revelation, was a disciple, or follower, of Jesus and was responsible for spreading the message of Jesus, as his title of "apostle". He is not to be confused with John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. He has the incredible task of writing God’s Revelation to awaken a spirit of renewal in developing an opportunity to live with God in eternity.

John was a man sent from God. He came to testify concerning the knowledge of God and His Son so that through Him all might believe. John was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light (Jn. 1:6-8). Who is the light in Revelation?

the faithful witness (Rev. 1:5)

the firstborn from the dead (Rev. 1: 5)

the reading of the kings of the earth (Rev. 1:5)

the Alpha and the Omega (Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13)

someone like a Son of Man (Rev. 1:13)

the First and the Last (Rev. 1:17; 22:13)

the Living One (Rev. 1:18)

him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walked among the seven golden lampstands (Rev. 2:1)

him who died and came to life again (Rev. 2:8)

him who holds the sharp, double-edged sword (Rev. 2:12)

the Son of God (Rev. 2:18)

him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars (Rev. 3:1)

him who is holy and true, who holds the keys of David (Rev. 3:7)

the Amen (Rev. 3:14)

the faithful and true witness (Rev. 3:14)

the ruler of God’s creation (Rev. 3:14)

the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)

the Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16)

the Lamb (Rev. 5:6) mention thirty-two times in Revelation

Lords of lords and King of kings (Rev. 17:14; 19:16)

Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11)

the Word of God (Rev. 19:13)

the Beginning and the End (Rev. 21:6; 22:13)

the Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16)

the bright and morning star (Rev. 22:16)

the Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20, 21)

John gives a charge to the Church to carefully examine God’s mission and plan to fight the enemies until He returns. Jesus sees some severe concerns about the Church, You have lost your first love, faithfulness, accept the teaching of Balaam, tolerate the woman Jezebel, walking unworthy, deny Jesus’s name, and you have become lukewarm (Rev. 2:4, 10, 14, 20; 3:4, 8, 16). It must continue to develop a true loyalty and adherence to Jesus, and that it agrees and embrace Him without amends. It must invariably produce faithful obedience and rekindle the charges which Jesus has appointed without mental reservations or purpose and fulfill the obligations, design, and mission forever. And upon this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). John received this vision while in the spirit on the Lord’s Day (Rev. 1:10). It is considered the first day of the week (Sunday) as meeting together, breaking bread, communicating, and receiving instructions, laying up offerings in store for charitable purposes, and occupation in holy thoughts and prayers. The Lord’s Day is a reference to the Day the Lord deals in judgment and sovereign rule over the earth.

Revelation is written in times of persecution, usually depicting the conflict between good and evil. It is not just another book. It is a book of prophecy, and it is written to the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia. Given to John as a vision, the book records a picture of future events concisely. The Book of Revelation blesses the man who reads, teaches, and obeys the message. Revelation. 22: 18-19 tell us, It must not be tampered with, and some solemn warnings are given to the guilty:

A person must not add to the word of this book.

A person must take away from the words of this book.

If a person tampers with the Word of God or adds to the words, He will suffer the plagues covered in Revelation. If anyone adds or takes away from God’s words:

A person will not have the opportunity of eternal life. They will not have the privileges of entering the new heaven and earth.

Jesus will take away the privilege of entering the Holy City, the heavenly Jerusalem.

Jesus will take a share out of all the glorious promises of the Book of Revelation (1 Cor. 2:1-5; 1 Thess. 2:2-5, 2: 13; Rev. 22:19).

The Book of Revelation encouraged the First century Christians to stand firm and avoid paganism under the Roman authorities. Despite the threat of diversity and martyrdom, they were to wait patiently for His return. Jesus promised, Behold, I am with you always, until the end of time (Matt. 28:20). Revelation closes with the greatest of all assurance. The assurances are twofold:

Jesus Christ is the one who reveals and testifies to the things written in Revelation. They are not the imagination and words of men. They are the words of the living God, the son of God himself.

Christ declares: Yes—it is true. He is coming soon (Rev. 20-21).

We do not know when Jesus Christ will return. Amen! (Rev..22:21, Phil. 4:5, James 5: 8; Rev. 3:11). The Book of Revelation began with a promise (Rev. 1:3) and closed with a promised blessing (Rev. 22:7).

CHAPTER 1

The Revelation Of Jesus Christ

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is considered a letter to the seven churches in seven cities in the Roman Empire in Asia Minor. John is given a vision of unveiling or disclosing what will happen before, during, and after Jesus Christ’s return to earth at the end of human history. 

The number seven is used throughout Revelation and often serves as a key to actual events. The number seven is often used in the Bible to refer to completeness and fullness. It speaks of the seven churches of Asia Minor (Chapters 2 and 3). The number seven speaks of blessings (Rev. 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, and 22:14). Seven angels (8:2), seven seals (Rev.5:1), seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2), and the seven plagues (Rev. 15:1) depict God’s judgment in Revelation. The seven spiritual figures are revealed: 

A woman clothed with the sun (Rev. 12:1) 

The dragon (12:3), that ancient serpent of Genesis is called the devil and Satan (Rev. 12:9)

The male child, destined to rule all nations with an iron rod (Rev. 12:5) 

Michael (Rev. 12:7)

The sea beast (Rev. 13:1) 

The land’s beast (Rev. 13:11) who implanted the mark of the beast 

The Lamb of God (Rev. 14:1)

John lived in Ephesus preaching gospel belief in Jesus Christ (Rev. 1: 9). He is the only Apostle left at this time. The Roman government exiled John to the island of Patmos for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is an older man in exile on the small, barren island of Patmos imprisoned because of his faithful.

The island of Patmos is one of the Sporades islands located in the Aegean Sea (modern Turkey). Patmos was a Roman penal colony about 50 miles from Ephesus. Patmos is 40 miles from Ephesus, 10 miles long, and 6 miles wide. John was banished during the reign of Domitian for witnessing to the world about Jesus, AD 94, and liberated AD 96. According to Eusebius, a Christian historian, Nerva released John from Patmos, AD 96-98.

Under the Roman government, prisoners lost all civil rights, and their property was confiscated. A prison term had no end unless the emperor who had banished the citizen died. John survived Domitian, and he returned to Ephesus and lived until he died a natural death.

The message of Revelation evaluates the spiritual heartbeat of the churches and offers some encouragement during times of persecution. The seven churches of Asia Minor are experiencing a spiritual decline. John receives a vision from Jesus, and he is instructed to write a letter to the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 1:10) in the Roman province referred to today as modern Turkey. The seven Churches include Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each Church becomes a recipient of John’s message. Troas were other churches in the area (Acts 20:5, Colossi (Col. 1:2, Hierapolis (Col. 4:13), but the seven churches were the most important ones when John authored the Book of Revelation.

Verse 1

Why did Jesus choose John to author the Book of Revelation? John loved Jesus more than the other disciples. John was always clinging to Jesus. John was the best candidate for recording the events in Revelation. He knew Jesus better than anyone else in humanity. John was an eyewitness to Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. The Messiah, ‘the anointed one,’ is God’s Son who makes provisions for the recovery of humanity’s sin and its penalty. God raised men to deliver His people from sins during Israel’s history, but they could not and did not save from the spiritual bondage of the sin. Jesus did not meet the Messianic expectations of the Jewish leaders. Jesus recognized and confessed himself to be the Messiah. The Bible contains evidence of His Messianic office and the works that he did.

Jesus had great confidence in John because he was the only disciple who stood at the cross with Jesus’s mother, his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene (Jn. 19:25). John’s resume includes:

John had an early career as a fisherman in Galilee.

He was the brother of James, son of Zebedee (Matt. 4:21).

John left a profitable business to follow Jesus (Matt. 4:22).

He wrote the gospel of John, three New Testament letters, the Book of Revelation, and one-quarter of the New Testament.

Peter sees the disciple Jesus loved as the closest friend (Jn. 21:20)

He was present at Jesus’s trial and the cross (Jn. 18:15 – 16; 19:26)

John was entrusted with the care of Jesus’s mother, Mary (Jn. 19:25 – 27)

He was an eyewitness at the empty tomb of the risen Christ.

He was the only one of the original twelve followers of Jesus to die of natural causes.

John is called the apostle of love. He is also called the revelator (Rev. 1:1, 4, 9; 22:8). He was a disciple and a part of Jesus’s inner circle with Peter and James and was the only Apostle who died of old age. He authored five books of the Bible: The Gospel of John, the epistles 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John, and the Book of Revelation, although some scholars dispute if he wrote them. The other was martyred. 

Verse 2

What John is going to write is the Revelation of Jesus Christ? The woman in Revelation means unwrapping or unveiling. The Greek word is "apokalypsis" or Apocalypse. In English, the word means the end of the world. Jesus wants us to know what will take place soon. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is a book of prophecy foretelling future events and proclamation of future events God will do through His Son. The book includes moral instructions to the lost and what they must do to escape the wrath to come. The words "time is near" suggest what must take place soon (Rev. 1:1). We live in a world of conflicting claims that are not true. The world is heading for destruction, filled with violence, scandal, failing governments, political disorder, depression, evil, and sin. John’s vision shows that God will intervene. 

John receives a vision and is instructed to write down God’s program for humanity, understanding of end times, and spell out the second coming of Christ:

what he has seen (the vision of Jesus)

what is now (the message of Jesus to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3)

what will take place later (Rev. 4-22).

The Book of Revelation comprises the final book of the New Testament given to John by an angel dispatched as a special messenger from Jesus. John was instructed to bear witness to what he sees from God, the testimony of Jesus. He will see the events in a vision and be asked to record them. John is telling us who Jesus is. He does not want us to develop a false recognition or become confused about Jesus. He gives us a testimony of Jesus sent by an angel that:

Jesus is the risen, glorified Son of God ministering among the churches (Rev. 1:10ff).

Jesus is the king of the earth (Rev. 1:5).

Jesus is the one who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:8). 

Jesus is the one who was dead but now lives forever.

He is the beginning of the creation of God (Rev. 3:14).

Jesus is the Lamb in heaven, with authority to open the title deed to the earth (Rev.6:1ff).

He is the Lamb on the throne (Rev. 7:17), the Messiah who will reign forever (Rev. 11:15).

He will return in glorious splendor to conquer His foes (Rev. 19:11).

John knows that believing the right things about Jesus is critical to getting everything else right. Three descriptions of the Person and the work of the Lord Jesus Christ are mentioned:

Jesus is the faithful witness and Son to reveal the Father (Jn. 14:7-9, 12:45; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3).

Jesus has the right to bear the title of the world’s Savior.

In the Old Testament, Israel was God’s witness to the world (Isa. 43:10), and in the New Testament, Jesus is the witness to the world (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Jesus Christ was and is God in human flesh. He is more than a reflection, and He is God! Therefore, He was able to be a faithful witness" to the Person and work of the Father (Jn. 18:37; 1Tim. 6:13). 

God is in control, and His justice will prevail. God gave his plan to Jesus Christ. He sent his angel to reveal the message. John and the servant in Revelation reveal the Word of God to lost humanity, to accept Jesus Christ. The warning is imminent, and we must keep our eyes on the future. Jesus may return at any moment. Revelation warns the unbeliever of God’s justice, wrath, and judgment for rejecting Jesus Christ as Savior. 

Verse 3

John tells the believers that the Word of God must be obeyed. He faithfully reports what he saw (Verse 1:2). Revelation will bless the person who reads, hears, and obeys the Church’s message (Rev. 1:3). Seven John tells the believers that the Word of God must be obeyed. He faithfully reports what he saw (Verse 2). Revelation will bless the person who reads, hears, and obeys the Church’s message (Rev. 1:3). Seven Beatitudes or promises are made to the reader of Revelation:

The reader will receive a blessing. Let the truths come into your heart (Rev. 1:3). 

Believers will find rest and reward (Rev. 14:13)

Keep and observe; let the truths come into your life until Jesus returns and receive your blessings (Rev. 16:15).

The promise’s benefit is an invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb and the Church (Bride) in heaven (Rev. 19:9).

Receive eternal life (Rev. 20:6).

The relevance of the prophecy is true. Reading Revelation is a blessing to those who read, hear, and keep the teachings of Revelation (Rev. 22:7).

The reader who hears and obeys will receive robes of righteousness to access the Holy City (Rev. 22:14).

Paul admonishes Timothy to give attendance to reading (1 Tim. 4:13). In the First Century Church, God’s word was read aloud in the assemblies. We have done away, except at the beginning of Sunday services. Responsive reading has been done away with today. Reading Revelation in public and private aloud or silently, the Lord promises a blessing. In Jewish culture, the Word of God is still read, whether the group is small or large.

Verses 5-6

The announcement is to the churches in Asia. They are representatives of the churches of Jesus Christ (Verses 4-8). 

Grace and peace as mentioned (4-5).

Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer (5-6).

Christ is the Almighty (V. 8).

Jesus name in Revelation is given titles and descriptions in Verse 5 that are mentioned throughout the Book of Revelation:

the faithful and true witness (Verse 5, 3:14)

the firstborn from the dead (Verse 5)

the ruler of the kings of the earth (Verse 5)

He is Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13)

He holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands (Rev. 2:1) 

His word is sharp as a doubled sword (Rev. 2:12)

He is the Son of God (Rev. 2:18)

He is the ruler of God’s creation (Rev. 3:14)

He is the lion of the tribe Judah and the root of David (Rev. 5:5-6; 22:16).

He is the Lord of the lord and the Kings of kings (Rev. 17:14; 19:16)

He is the Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20, 21).

The Church can receive grace and peace from Jesus Christ. Grace means favors and blessings from God through Jesus Christ. Grace and peace were a greeting the early Church used to declare that God had given the people as a reality. The Lord blesses and keeps you. The Lord makes his face shine on you and is gracious to you. The Lord turns his face toward you and gives you peace (Num. 6:24-26). The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7).

John writes to enlighten the servants of the Lord to continue to worship God because of his intimacy (Jn. 15:15), worthiness, sovereignty, and promises of a glorious future. Jesus Christ is the great Savior, Redeemer, and commander of the world. How do Christians determine what they believe? How are we freed from our sins? Jesus is the faithful witness who has risen from the dead. We must keep in mind that all Jesus says is true. John was writing to believers experiencing persecution. He assured that Jesus continuously cares and loves them no matter what may come their way. He set them free from their sins by his blood, through death on Calvary’s cross, To glory and power forever (Rev. 1: 6). Five things are declared in Verses 5-6:

Jesus Christ is the faithful witness and person we count. He came from God, out of heaven,