The Portrait of Jesus — Revelation 1:1–7 - Troy Postlethwait

Описание: Turn with me to the last book of the Bible, Revelation. This afternoon, I want to take you into the first seven verses of chapter 1, where John gives us a portrait of Jesus like no other.

When John wrote this, he was a prisoner on the Isle of Patmos for the cause of Christ. Christians were facing persecution, discouragement, and spiritual danger. So John wrote, by the Spirit, to assure them, and us, that eternal victory is certain for those who remain faithful to Jesus Christ.

Right from the beginning, John reveals not only who Jesus is, but also what He has done, and what He will do. He reminds me that I cannot succeed without Jesus. I need Him. I can trust Him. And I want you to see just how much.

In verse 5, we read that Jesus is the faithful witness. That means I can rely on Him. He tells the truth, even when it costs Him His life. He bore witness by dying on the cross. He didn’t waver. He is trustworthy.

He’s also called “the firstborn from the dead.” Not the first to be raised—Lazarus and others were raised before. But Jesus is the first to conquer death forever, never to die again. That makes Him not only sincere but powerful. He keeps His promises, and He can fulfill every single one.

Paul tells me in Philippians 3:20–21 that Jesus will transform my lowly body to be like His glorious body. He has the power to subdue all things. He’s not just hope, He’s my living hope.

John also writes that Jesus is “the ruler of the kings of the earth.” He’s above every ruler, every president, every power. Matthew 28:18 says He has all authority in heaven and on earth. Paul says in Ephesians 1 that He is far above all principalities and powers. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, as Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:15. There is none greater.

That’s who Jesus is. But let me tell you what Jesus has done.

Back in verse 5, John says, “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” That’s personal. He loved me. He loved you. And He proved it with His blood. He made forgiveness possible.

How do I come in contact with that blood? Through baptism. The water in baptism represents the cleansing power of His blood. That’s how my sins are washed away, not remembered anymore.

And in verse 6, John says He’s made us kings and priests, or as some translations say, a kingdom of priests. 1 Peter 2:9 calls it a royal priesthood. That means I have a responsibility to serve, to worship, and to share the gospel.

Just like the priests under the old law offered sacrifices, now I offer myself to God. Not animals. Not rituals. Me. My life. My worship. My obedience. That’s what Jesus made possible.

And now, verse 7 tells me what Jesus will do. “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.”

He’s coming back.

Just as He ascended in a cloud, Acts 1 says He will return the same way. Every eye will see Him. That includes Adam. Eve. Pilate. The Roman soldiers. Everyone who pierced Him. Everyone who rejected Him. Everyone.

Paul tells me in 1 Thessalonians 4 that on that day, the Lord will descend with a shout, the dead in Christ will rise, and those who remain will be caught up with Him in the clouds. That’s the resurrection. That’s the day of judgment.

And sadly, John says all the tribes of the earth will mourn. Why mourn? Because for many, it will be too late. They had every chance to obey—and rejected it. The mourning shows the hopelessness of their condition.

Right now, Jesus invites all with mercy and love. But when He returns, He will come with judgment. 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 says He will return with flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel.

Revelation 6:17 says, “The great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

That’s a sobering question. Who will stand? Only those who have obeyed. Only those who are washed in His blood. Only those who have remained faithful.

So today, I ask you: are you ready? Are you in Christ? If not, you have a choice. You can believe, repent, confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.

If you’ve already done that but have drifted, don’t wait. You can come back. You can ask for forgiveness. You can be restored.

Don’t wait until the clouds part and every eye sees Him. Be ready now.