Bible Studies
Resurrected to Rule (Rev. 1-3)
Series: ResurrectionIntroduction:
1. When I began this series of lesson on the resurrection I did not comprehend the vastness of the theme. 2. A few weeks ago I thought “This series has been long enough. Formulate a summary and conclude it with the next lesson.” 3. Then I began to study the Epistle of 1 John and began considering Revelation. 4. “I just have to devote a whole lesson to 1 John,” I thought, and then I began to think of the material in Revelation. Needless to say, the more I study the more fascinated I am. 5. I beg your patience as we consider the resurrection theme in Revelation. I may have to do 2 or 3 lessons.Discussion:
I. You can only read 4 verses in Revelation until Jesus Christ is introduced as “the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5).A. These three descriptives are used together in Psa. 89:3-4, 20-29, 35-37 in a Messianic passage referring to God’s promise to David to establish his throne forever (cf. 2 Sam. 7:13-16; Psa. 2:7-8).
B. John sees Jesus as the Davidic king whose death and resurrection have resulted in His kingship (Rev. 1:5).
1. In addition, He sees Him as making us into a kingdom of priests through loving us and releasing us from our sins (1:5b-6).
2. In verse 7 John extends His vision to the coming of Jesus “with the clouds” (cf. Dan. 7:13-14; 1 Thess. 4:17; cf. Acts 1:9-11).
C. John describes Jesus as “the faithful witness.”
1. In Isa. 43:10ff the people of Israel are described as “witnesses.” They are testimony to God’s faithful covenant with them.
2. The witness of idolatry was false, whether by the nations or those of Israel who had become idolaters.
3. But Jesus is “the faithful witness.”
4. In Rev. 3:14 He is again identified as “the faithful and true Witness.” But here it is connected with His being “the Beginning of the creation of God.”
a. Repeatedly in this series we have talked of the new creation.
b. Isa. 65:16-17 refers to God’s creation of a new heavens and a new earth.
c. Jesus is the Beginning of the new creation of God.
d. Col. 1:13-20 summarizes Jesus’ place in the new creation.
1) He is the means of our forgiveness (v. 14).
2) He is the firstborn—resurrected to the place of ultimate dominion (v. 15-19).
3) Through Him there is reconciliation and peace (v. 20).
4) It is accomplished through the blood of the cross (v. 20).
D. Summary: Jesus is the faithful witness—testifying truly of God’s relationship with His people. He is the firstborn of the dead—That means He was raised from the dead and there is a promise of those to come after Him. He is ruler of the kings of the earth—for by His resurrection He has triumphed over all those who are His enemies (Psa. 2:1-2; Acts 4:25-26; cf. Eph. 2:2; 6:10-12; Col. 2:15).
II. The next mention of resurrection in Revelation is in 1:18 in an appearance to John by the resurrected Christ (1:13-18).A. John sees one “like a son of man.” This phrase “son of man” looks back to Dan. 7:13-14 and the prophecy of the Son of Man who would rule over all the world. Cf. also Acts 7:56.
1. Out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword (v. 16).
2. Isa. 11:4 describes the righteous reign of one from the branch of Jesse. “He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.”
B. John’s response was to fall at His feet like a dead man (1:17), but the resurrected Son of Man places His right hand on him and commissions him to write “what he has seen and the things that are, and the things which will take place.” Cf. this to Isaiah’s commission after he had seen the King (Isa. 6:5).
C. In 1:18 the sovereignty of Jesus’ kingship is associated with His resurrection. “I was dead. I am alive evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.” Cf. 3:7; Isa. 22:22.
D. We will be able to enjoy His kingship if we “overcome.”
1. He has “overcome” death and now challenges us to “overcome” (1:7, 11, 17; 2:7, 26; 3:12, 21).
2. Note that in these references there is life, authority, and participating in the new Jerusalem associated with “overcoming.”
Conclusion:
1. So what is the significance? 2. In the opening chapters of Revelation the resurrected King presents Himself to John. 3. He commissions him to communicate to the churches. 4. There is a message of life for those who overcome the difficulties of this life. As the King is raised to rule, so resurrected believers are raised to rule. 5. They will eat of the “tree of life” (2:7). They will receive the “crown of life” (2:10) and not be hurt by the “second death” (2:11). They will be given manna (the bread of life) (2:17). They will be given authority over the nations (2:26). They are written in the book of life (3:5). They will receive the name of the city, the new Jerusalem (3:12). They will sit with the King on His throne (3:21). 6. It is a matter of life and death! What shall it be for you?
