What has Jesus done?

December 26, 2024

What has Jesus done?

Revelation 1:4-7

Sharon Grubbs

Big Book Idea

God with us.

[A]nd from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Greeting to the Seven Churches

4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail^{1

1:7
Or mourn} on account of him. Even so. Amen.

Footnotes

[1] 1:7 Or mourn

Introduction to Revelation

Timeline

Author and Date

Jesus Christ is the divine author of this “revelation” (1:1). He describes coming events to his servant John. John, son of Zebedee, was the “beloved disciple” who also wrote the Fourth Gospel and 1, 2 and 3 John. Most scholars believe John recorded these visions while imprisoned on the island of Patmos in the mid-90s A.D. Revelation is addressed specifically to seven first-century churches in the Roman province of Asia (now western Turkey), but the message is for all churches everywhere.

Theme

The word “Revelation” translates the Greek word apokalypsis, which means “disclosure” or “unveiling.” Revelation unveils the unseen spiritual war in which the church is engaged: the cosmic conflict between God and his Christ on the one hand, and Satan and his evil allies (both demonic and human) on the other. In this conflict, Jesus the Lamb has already won the decisive victory through his sacrificial death, but his church continues to be assaulted by the dragon, in its death-throes, through persecution (the beast), deceptive heresy (the false prophet), and the allure of material affluence and cultural approval (the prostitute). By revealing the spiritual realities behind the church’s trials and temptations, and by affirming the certainty of Christ’s triumph in the new heaven and earth, the visions of Revelation fortify believers to endure suffering. The reader of Revelation is encouraged to stay pure from the defiling enticements of the present world order.

Key Themes

Through his sacrificial death, Jesus Christ has conquered Satan, the accuser. Jesus has redeemed people from every nation to become a kingdom of priests, gladly serving in God’s presence (1:5, 18; 5:5–10; 12:1–11).
Jesus Christ is present among his churches through his Holy Spirit. He knows their trials, triumphs, and failures (1:12–3:22).
World history, including its disasters, is under the control of Jesus, the victorious Lamb (5:1–8:1).
God is presently holding back his wrath and preventing his enemies’ efforts to destroy the church. He patiently gathers his redeemed people through their witness for Jesus (6:5–11; 7:1–3; 8:6–12; 9:4–6, 18; 11:3–7; 12:6, 13–17).
Present disasters are warnings of increasing judgments to come (6:3–17; 8:6–13; 11:13; 16:1–21; 20:11–15).
Believers will continue their faithful testimony to the death. They will conquer both the dragon and the beast. The martyrs’ victory is now hidden, but it will be obvious when Christ returns (2:10–11, 26–29; 3:11–13; 6:9–11; 7:9–17; 11:7–12, 17–18; 12:10–11; 14:1–5; 15:2–4; 20:4–6).
Satan attacks the church’s perseverance and purity through persecution, deceptive teaching, and the temptations of wealth and sensual pleasure (2:1–3:22; 13:1–18; 17:1–18:24).
At the end of the age, the church’s opponents will increase their persecution. Jesus, the triumphant Word of God, will defeat and destroy all his enemies. The old heaven and earth, marked by sin and suffering, will be replaced by the new heaven and earth. The church will be presented as a pure bride to her husband, the Lamb (16:12–16; 19:11–21; 20:7–22:5).

Outline

Revelation contains four series of seven messages or visions. These include letters to churches (chs. 2–3), seals on a scroll (4:1–8:1), trumpets (8:2–11:19), and bowls of wrath (chs. 15–16). There is a general movement from “the things that are” to “the things that are to take place after this.” Yet the visions sometimes return to subjects from the previous sections. The order in which John received the visions does not necessarily indicate the order of the events they symbolize.

Prologue (1:1–8)
Body (1:9–22:5)
1. “Things that are”: Christ’s presence with and knowledge of his churches (1:9–3:22)
2. “Things that shall take place after this”: Christ’s defense of his church and destruction of its enemies (4:1–22:5)
Epilogue (22:6–21)

The Setting of Revelation

c. A.D. 95

John addressed the book of Revelation “to the seven churches that are in Asia,” namely Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, although there were undoubtedly other churches elsewhere in the province of Asia (e.g., Miletus and Colossae, see Acts 20:17; Col. 1:2). John had apparently been exiled from Ephesus to the island of Patmos, southwest of Ephesus, and it was probably there that he recorded his visions.

The Global Message of Revelation

The last book of the Bible explodes with a cosmic celebration of the triumph of God’s global purposes in the world.

This triumph takes place amid much suffering, suffering that is intensified as the final end draws near. Yet the resounding note of Revelation is hope, as God’s promises come to full completion and the multi-ethnic family of God enters into the new heavens and the new earth.

Revelation and Redemptive History

From Genesis to Revelation. Revelation brings to a final conclusion the entire sweep of redemptive history that began in Eden. The last three chapters of Revelation sum up the history that began in the first three chapters of Genesis. Genesis 1:1 tells us that God created the heavens and the earth; Revelation 21:1 speaks of a new heaven and a new earth. Genesis 3:8 speaks of God dwelling with humanity, and Revelation 21:3 speaks of a restoration of God’s dwelling presence. More connections occur—a flowing river, a tree of life, the presence of cosmic light, and more—in both the first three and the last three chapters of the Bible. Eden is being restored. The world is finally being brought to what it was intended to be.

All through Christ. In all this, Christ himself is the one who restores this world to the way it was meant to be. The history of redemption that starts in Genesis passes through Christ to get to Revelation. Indeed, just as God created a bride for the man in Genesis, so Christ himself is the true Bridegroom (Mark 2:19). The marriage of Christ to his people is the reality to which every human marriage points (Eph. 5:31–32). And in Revelation 21, John sees the new Jerusalem “coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2).

God’s international family. Most pertinent of all as we consider the global message of Revelation is the emphasis it gives to the multinational people of God. Jesus Christ is worshiped in Revelation because he “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9). Mankind’s pride at Babel caused them to be scattered and given different languages and cultures, yet in his great grace God redeems this diversity and saves a people for himself from all the peoples of the world.

Universal Themes in Revelation

God’s control of world events. Revelation recounts vividly the woes and disasters that will befall the world, both throughout history as well as in an intensified way toward the end of time. Much of the anguish described is directed at God’s people, who are persecuted for their loyalty to Christ. Reading all this in Revelation would produce deep discouragement were it not for the clear teaching that the sovereign hand of God extends to every detail of history. He is the “Sovereign Lord, holy and true,” who one day will “judge and avenge” all injustice toward his people (Rev. 6:10; note also 1:7; 2:1).

God’s defeat of Satan. Through his sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, Jesus Christ has triumphed over Satan, the accuser of God’s people. Though he was slain like a helpless lamb, it was through this suffering that Jesus conquered Satan and wiped away the sins of his people (Rev. 1:5; 5:5–10). Jesus now has “the keys of Death and Hades” (1:18). The accuser has been silenced (12:1–11).

God’s restoration of the cosmos. At the end of Revelation, God’s people do not escape this earth and fly away to heaven. Rather, heaven comes down to earth. The new Jerusalem descends, and God’s people take up residence on the earth with God and the Lamb (Rev. 21:1–22:5). Sin and Satan have been vanquished. Every inch of the globe—all that was touched by the curse—will be restored to its true design and intent (22:3). “Behold, I am making all things new,” says Jesus (21:5).

God’s creation of a global people. “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes” (Rev. 7:9; see also 5:9). At the end of Revelation we are told that “the kings of the earth” will bring into the new Jerusalem “the glory and the honor of the nations” (21:24, 26). And just as God’s saving grace reaches to every people group on earth, so his righteous judgment and punishment will extend to “all tribes of the earth” who have rejected Jesus (1:7). An integral part of the beauty of the new earth will be the rich diversity of those redeemed by the Lamb from all around the world.

The Global Message of Revelation for Today

The central message of Revelation for the global church today is that, in the cosmic war currently being waged between the forces of good and evil, the outcome is secure. Because Jesus has paid with his life for the sins of his people, Satan’s accusations are emptied of their power. The shed blood of the Lamb means that the sovereign Lord of the universe is now fully able to act on behalf of his people while at the same time upholding his perfect justice.

Ever since his resurrection and ascension, Christ has reigned. Yet Satan’s influence still exists. Revelation depicts the day when Christ’s reign will be made visible as he once and for all conquers Satan and his evil allies. On that day Christ will descend to earth a second time, this time openly as the triumphant Son of God, with the armies of heaven at his side (Rev. 19:11–16). Injustice and misery will be permanently defeated. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore” (21:4). The Lord’s righteous reign will be established and will extend to every corner of the globe.

In all the challenges that face the global church, this certain truth of Christ’s return and the exacting of perfect justice is the rock on which we stand. Especially in times of adversity, we remember his tender care for his saints. As the church faces internal squabbles, difficult cases of church discipline, or afflicted consciences due to sin, we remember that we are under the Lordship of the one who shed his blood for us. When we are ridiculed, maligned, insulted, or excluded by the world because of our loyalty to Christ, we remember that we are guaranteed that one day we will reign on the earth and will forever share in the resplendent glory of God himself.

From every corner of the globe God’s redeemed people will sing:

“Great and amazing are your deeds,

    O Lord God the Almighty!

Just and true are your ways,

    O King of the nations!

Who will not fear, O Lord,

    and glorify your name?

For you alone are holy.

    All nations will come

    and worship you,

for your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Rev. 15:3–4)

Joshua Fact #13: Megiddo

Fact: Megiddo

Megiddo was the site of many important OT battles. It was a walled city that guarded the main road that linked Egypt and Syria. Its setting made Megiddo a strategic military stronghold. In John’s visions in Revelation, Megiddo represents the global combat zone where the final battle between Christ and Satan will be fought. The word Armageddon means “Mount Megiddo” (Zech. 12:11; Rev. 16:16).

Revelation Fact #10: The OT in Revelation

Fact: The OT in Revelation

The OT in Revelation. Roughly one-seventh of the book of Revelation consists of quotations from the OT. It is a reminder of just how important it is to read and understand the OT as foundational for the New.

The Setting of Revelation

c. A.D. 95

Zechariah Texts Quoted in the New Testament Regarding Jesus’ Ministry

Zechariah Text	Content Summary	NT Passages
9:9	the king comes to Zion humble and riding a donkey	Matt. 21:5; John 12:15
11:13	30 pieces of silver thrown into the house of the Lord	Matt. 27:9
12:10	looking on him whom they have pierced	John 19:37; Rev. 1:7
13:7	the shepherd is struck and the sheep scattered	Matt. 26:31; Mark 14:27

Doxologies to God and the Lamb

Ascription	To God/One on the Throne	To the Lamb
Dominion		1:6
Thanksgiving	4:9; 7:12
Honor	4:9, 11; 5:13; 7:12	5:12, 13
Glory	4:9, 11; 5:13; 7:12; 19:1b	1:6; 5:12, 13
Worth	4:11	5:9, 12
Power	4:11; 7:12; 19:1b	5:12
Blessing/Praise	5:13; 7:12	5:12, 13
Salvation	7:10; 19:1b	7:10
Might	7:12	5:12
Wealth		5:12
Wisdom	7:12	5:12

The Seven Trumpets of 8:7–11:19

Restrained judgments from heaven are sent in response to the saints’ prayers.

Trumpet	Reference	Result
Trumpet 1	8:7	hail, fire, and blood cast on land—one-third burned
Trumpet 2	8:8–9	burning mountain cast into sea—one-third bloodied
Trumpet 3	8:10–11	burning stars fall on rivers and springs—one-third embittered
Trumpet 4	8:12	sun, moon, and stars—one-third darkened
Trumpet 5 (1st Woe)	9:1–11	demons from the Abyss
Trumpet 6 (2nd Woe)	9:13–21	invasion from the east—one-third of mankind killed
Trumpet 7 (3rd Woe)	11:15–19	kingdom of world becomes kingdom of God

Study Notes

Rev. 1:4–6 This greeting identifies the author and recipients. the seven churches that are in Asia. Churches existed in other cities of Roman Asia (e.g., Colossae, Troas). Thus Christ’s selection of “seven” (symbolizing completeness) implies that he addresses the whole church through them. him who is and who was and who is to come. God is eternal. In Christ he will come at the end of history to judge and save. the seven spirits. Revelation teaches that the Holy Spirit is one person (3:6, 13; see Eph. 4:4), but he also appears here as “seven spirits” (compare Rev. 3:1; 4:5), representing perfection. He is also pictured as “seven torches of fire” (4:5) and “seven eyes” (5:6). These descriptions show him as all-powerful and all-knowing. from him who is . . . from the seven spirits . . . and from Jesus Christ. John’s greeting comes “from” all three persons of the Trinity. the faithful witness. Jesus was a faithful witness even to death (1 Tim. 6:13). His followers must be the same (Rev. 2:13; 12:11; 20:4). John comforts his persecuted readers with the truth that Jesus has triumphed over death (the firstborn of the dead). He is the ruler of kings on earth, even Caesar. made us a kingdom, priests. Israel’s roles now belong to all who are freed from sins by Jesus’ blood (5:10; see Ex. 19:6).

See chart See chart

Doxologies to God and the Lamb

Ascription	To God/One on the Throne	To the Lamb
Dominion		1:6
Thanksgiving	4:9; 7:12
Honor	4:9, 11; 5:13; 7:12	5:12, 13
Glory	4:9, 11; 5:13; 7:12; 19:1b	1:6; 5:12, 13
Worth	4:11	5:9, 12
Power	4:11; 7:12; 19:1b	5:12
Blessing/Praise	5:13; 7:12	5:12, 13
Salvation	7:10; 19:1b	7:10
Might	7:12	5:12
Wealth		5:12
Wisdom	7:12	5:12

Study Notes

See chart See chart

Zechariah Texts Quoted in the New Testament Regarding Jesus’ Ministry

Zechariah Text	Content Summary	NT Passages
9:9	the king comes to Zion humble and riding a donkey	Matt. 21:5; John 12:15
11:13	30 pieces of silver thrown into the house of the Lord	Matt. 27:9
12:10	looking on him whom they have pierced	John 19:37; Rev. 1:7
13:7	the shepherd is struck and the sheep scattered	Matt. 26:31; Mark 14:27

S3:255 Revelation 1:4-7

Listen Now

The first thing that stood out to me in this passage is the large number of references to other verses in the Bible. Revelation is a unique book, yet before it launches into visions and prophecies, it draws connections to truths God has been showing us throughout the Bible.

"Grace and peace to you" is a blend of greetings/blessings from different times. "Grace to you" was from New Testament times while "Peace to you" was from Old Testament times. By using these, the author is connecting us with history.

The blessing in Revelation 1:4 is from Him "who is and who was and who is to come." This mirrors God's name for Himself in Exodus 3:14, "I AM," and also points to Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." This passage is not introducing us to a new God, but rather reminding us of the One who has been walking with His people all along.

The blessing is also from "Jesus Christ the faithful witness" (Revelation 1:5). Jesus is called a "witness" here, a word that later adds the meaning of "martyr," one witnessed unto death. Jesus died for pointing us to God. Then we read He is the "firstborn (or heir) from among the dead." Jesus was the first to proclaim the Kingdom of God and by His resurrection, He opened it for all of us. Just in case we weren't convinced that His resurrection shows His power and victory, we are reminded in the passage that He is "the ruler of kings on earth."

Lest we should think that this ruler is somehow distant, we are reminded that Jesus "loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood." So all of that power and victory was not for His personal gain, but for us! Revelation 1:6 adds that He "made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father." This is another tie all the way back to Exodus 19:6 where God said His people "shall be to me a kingdom of priests."

"[T]o him be glory and dominion forever and ever." Indeed!

This month's memory verse

everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”

– Isaiah 43:7

1. Does this view of God make Him seem far away or present and personal?

2. Do you believe that what Jesus did, He did for all people, including you? Why or why not?

3. How does it feel to be appointed as a priest serving God? What does this mean to you?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!