The History of the Future, Part 2 (Revelation 1:1–8) | John MacArthur | GTYtv

We've been moving We've been moving phrase by phrase, verse by [music] phrase by phrase, verse by [music] phrase by phrase, verse by [music] verse, verse, verse, paragraph by paragraph, chapter by paragraph by paragraph, chapter by paragraph by paragraph, chapter by chapter chapter chapter through these great truths. through these great truths. through these great truths. >> [music] I want to take you to uh I want to take you to uh I believe may be the most I believe may be the most I believe may be the most comforting book in the New Testament. comforting book in the New Testament. comforting book in the New Testament. And that is the book of Revelation. And I say that because it tells you the And I say that because it tells you the future. future. future. And for those who belong to Christ, the And for those who belong to Christ, the And for those who belong to Christ, the blessed and the forgiven, blessed and the forgiven, blessed and the forgiven, the future is the future is the future is all glorious. all glorious. all glorious. Let me read the opening verses, Let me read the opening verses, Let me read the opening verses, verses 1 through 8. verses 1 through 8. verses 1 through 8. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his slaves the God gave him to show to his slaves the God gave him to show to his slaves the things which must soon take place.

things which must soon take place. things which must soon take place. And he sent and communicated it by his And he sent and communicated it by his And he sent and communicated it by his angel to his slave John, who testified angel to his slave John, who testified angel to his slave John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony to the word of God and to the testimony to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he of Jesus Christ, even to all that he of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. saw. saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who Blessed is he who reads and those who Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and heed hear the words of the prophecy and heed hear the words of the prophecy and heed the things which are written in it, for the things which are written in it, for the things which are written in it, for the time is near. the time is near. the time is near. John, to the seven churches that are in John, to the seven churches that are in John, to the seven churches that are in Asia, Asia, Asia, grace to you and peace from him who is grace to you and peace from him who is grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come. and who was and who is to come. and who was and who is to come. And from the seven spirits who are And from the seven spirits who are And from the seven spirits who are before the throne, before the throne, before the throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful and from Jesus Christ, the faithful and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and witness, the firstborn of the dead, and witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. the ruler of the kings of the earth. the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and released us from To him who loves us and released us from To him who loves us and released us from our sins by his blood, our sins by his blood, our sins by his blood, and he has made us to be a kingdom, and he has made us to be a kingdom, and he has made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father. To him be priests to his God and Father. To him be priests to his God and Father. To him be the glory and the dominion forever and the glory and the dominion forever and the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. ever. Amen. ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds Behold, he is coming with the clouds Behold, he is coming with the clouds and every eye will see him, and every eye will see him, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, even those who pierced him, even those who pierced him, and all the tribes of the earth will and all the tribes of the earth will and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over him.

mourn over him. mourn over him. So it is to be. Amen. I am the Alpha and So it is to be. Amen. I am the Alpha and So it is to be. Amen. I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, who was and who is to come, who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Now beginning in the first verse, we'll Now beginning in the first verse, we'll just look at some of the foundational just look at some of the foundational just look at some of the foundational elements. First of all, the nature of elements. First of all, the nature of elements. First of all, the nature of this book is indicated in the word this book is indicated in the word this book is indicated in the word revelation, apocalypsis. It is an revelation, apocalypsis. It is an revelation, apocalypsis. It is an unveiling. unveiling. unveiling. It is a revelation. It is taking the It is a revelation. It is taking the It is a revelation. It is taking the cover off. It is telling us things that cover off. It is telling us things that cover off. It is telling us things that have never been told before. have never been told before. have never been told before. It's a revealing. It's a revealing. It's a revealing. The theme, immediately, the revelation The theme, immediately, the revelation The theme, immediately, the revelation of Jesus Christ. This is a book about of Jesus Christ. This is a book about of Jesus Christ. This is a book about Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. It is Christ unveiled, Christ uncovered, It is Christ unveiled, Christ uncovered, It is Christ unveiled, Christ uncovered, Christ manifested in second coming Christ manifested in second coming Christ manifested in second coming glory. glory. glory. We saw him in his humanity veiled We saw him in his humanity veiled We saw him in his humanity veiled was his glory when he walked the earth, was his glory when he walked the earth, was his glory when he walked the earth, and here you see his unveiled, and here you see his unveiled, and here you see his unveiled, uncovered, full glory on display.

uncovered, full glory on display. uncovered, full glory on display. He is the central theme of this book. He is the central theme of this book. He is the central theme of this book. It's divine source, which God gave. It's divine source, which God gave. It's divine source, which God gave. This comes from heaven. Of course, it's This comes from heaven. Of course, it's This comes from heaven. Of course, it's a revelation. It comes from heaven. Only a revelation. It comes from heaven. Only a revelation. It comes from heaven. Only God knows the future. Only God knows God knows the future. Only God knows God knows the future. Only God knows what is going to happen. Only God what is going to happen. Only God what is going to happen. Only God ordains what is going to happen. ordains what is going to happen. ordains what is going to happen. It's specific recipients are identified It's specific recipients are identified It's specific recipients are identified to his slaves, believers. It's a book to his slaves, believers. It's a book to his slaves, believers. It's a book for for for Christians, for believers, those who are Christians, for believers, those who are Christians, for believers, those who are under the master, the Lord Jesus Christ. under the master, the Lord Jesus Christ. under the master, the Lord Jesus Christ. So here is So here is So here is divine revelation divine revelation divine revelation about Christ from God to us. about Christ from God to us. about Christ from God to us. And it's And it's And it's prophetic character comes next. prophetic character comes next. prophetic character comes next. It is a revelation of the things which It is a revelation of the things which It is a revelation of the things which must soon take place. It is future must soon take place. It is future must soon take place. It is future prediction. prediction. prediction. Focusing on the return of Christ in Focusing on the return of Christ in Focusing on the return of Christ in glory and all the attendant events and glory and all the attendant events and glory and all the attendant events and elements and circumstances that elements and circumstances that elements and circumstances that accompany that. Now, it had a accompany that. Now, it had a accompany that. Now, it had a supernatural delivery, also.

supernatural delivery, also. supernatural delivery, also. Go back to Go back to Go back to verse 1. verse 1. verse 1. It was communicated by It was communicated by It was communicated by his angel. his angel. his angel. And then there was the human agent who And then there was the human agent who And then there was the human agent who received the communication from God by received the communication from God by received the communication from God by an angel an angel an angel and that is his slave John. and that is his slave John. and that is his slave John. John the apostle of the John the apostle of the John the apostle of the familiar triumvirate, Peter, James, and familiar triumvirate, Peter, James, and familiar triumvirate, Peter, James, and John. John. John. And what is the benefit of this to us? And what is the benefit of this to us? And what is the benefit of this to us? Verse 3, blessed is he reads, hears, Verse 3, blessed is he reads, hears, Verse 3, blessed is he reads, hears, heeds everything written in it. It's heeds everything written in it. It's heeds everything written in it. It's inexcusable to ignore this book. inexcusable to ignore this book. inexcusable to ignore this book. It's not difficult. It's not difficult. It's not difficult. It's not. It's one of the simplest It's not. It's one of the simplest It's not. It's one of the simplest chronologies of all Bible books to chronologies of all Bible books to chronologies of all Bible books to follow. follow. follow. And why would you ignore this when it And why would you ignore this when it And why would you ignore this when it says in verse 3, blessed is the one who says in verse 3, blessed is the one who says in verse 3, blessed is the one who reads, reads, reads, hears, and heeds. It's just loaded with blessing. And then It's just loaded with blessing. And then one final note about one final note about one final note about verse verse verse 3 3 3 is that the time is near.

is that the time is near. is that the time is near. The time is near. The time is near. The time is near. Time in the sense of epic. Time in the sense of epic. Time in the sense of epic. It's near. It's near. It's near. And it it says that in chapter 22 as I And it it says that in chapter 22 as I And it it says that in chapter 22 as I just pointed out to you. The time is just pointed out to you. The time is just pointed out to you. The time is near. We have to live in the light of near. We have to live in the light of near. We have to live in the light of the fact that the time is near, that the fact that the time is near, that the fact that the time is near, that he's coming soon. he's coming soon. he's coming soon. And may I seem near to you, but And may I seem near to you, but And may I seem near to you, but as I said, a day with the Lord is as a as I said, a day with the Lord is as a as I said, a day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years thousand years and a thousand years thousand years and a thousand years is a day. is a day. is a day. Delay will be long. Luke 18 basically Delay will be long. Luke 18 basically Delay will be long. Luke 18 basically says the delay will be so long that says the delay will be so long that says the delay will be so long that people will begin to believe people will begin to believe people will begin to believe he's not coming. he's not coming. he's not coming. In fact, we find in Peter that scoffers In fact, we find in Peter that scoffers In fact, we find in Peter that scoffers will say, "Where's the sign of his will say, "Where's the sign of his will say, "Where's the sign of his coming?" They'll mock believers because coming?" They'll mock believers because coming?" They'll mock believers because he hasn't come. But he's coming. But he's coming. Soon. Soon. Soon. It's near It's near It's near and it's next.

and it's next. and it's next. I'm frequently asked, "Do you think the I'm frequently asked, "Do you think the I'm frequently asked, "Do you think the coming of the Lord is near?" coming of the Lord is near?" coming of the Lord is near?" Yes, nearer than ever. Yes, nearer than ever. Yes, nearer than ever. Of course. Of course. Of course. It's always been next and It's always been next and It's always been next and it's always been soon and it's always it's always been soon and it's always it's always been soon and it's always been near in God's perspective been near in God's perspective been near in God's perspective of timelessness. of timelessness. of timelessness. But it's nearer than ever. And then in verses 4 to 6 And then in verses 4 to 6 is an amazing divine affirmation. A divine affirmation. A divine affirmation. Look at verse 4. John Look at verse 4. John Look at verse 4. John to the seven churches that are in Asia. to the seven churches that are in Asia. to the seven churches that are in Asia. Now, this letter, you know that New Now, this letter, you know that New Now, this letter, you know that New Testament letters were sometimes sent to Testament letters were sometimes sent to Testament letters were sometimes sent to churches. Paul's letters were sent to churches. Paul's letters were sent to churches. Paul's letters were sent to churches. Peter's letters were sent to churches. Peter's letters were sent to churches. Peter's letters were sent to churches. Jude, John's letters were sent churches. Jude, John's letters were sent churches. Jude, John's letters were sent to churches. to churches. to churches. Some of Paul's letters were sent to Some of Paul's letters were sent to Some of Paul's letters were sent to individuals. individuals. individuals. Philemon, first Timothy, second Timothy, Philemon, first Timothy, second Timothy, Philemon, first Timothy, second Timothy, Titus.

Titus. Titus. This is no different. Only this isn't This is no different. Only this isn't This is no different. Only this isn't sent to one church, this is sent to sent to one church, this is sent to sent to one church, this is sent to seven churches. seven churches. seven churches. To seven churches in Asia, Asia Minor, To seven churches in Asia, Asia Minor, To seven churches in Asia, Asia Minor, which is modern Turkey. which is modern Turkey. which is modern Turkey. There were seven churches and they're There were seven churches and they're There were seven churches and they're listed in verse 11. listed in verse 11. listed in verse 11. There were seven churches in Ephesus, There were seven churches in Ephesus, There were seven churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. That's the Philadelphia, and Laodicea. That's the Philadelphia, and Laodicea. That's the postal route in Asia Minor. That's the postal route in Asia Minor. That's the postal route in Asia Minor. That's the postal route. So, when John received and postal route. So, when John received and postal route. So, when John received and wrote the Revelation and as we'll see, wrote the Revelation and as we'll see, wrote the Revelation and as we'll see, he did write it down, the Lord he did write it down, the Lord he did write it down, the Lord instructed him to do that down in verse instructed him to do that down in verse instructed him to do that down in verse 19. 19. 19. When he wrote down the the the When he wrote down the the the When he wrote down the the the Revelation as it came to him, he had to Revelation as it came to him, he had to Revelation as it came to him, he had to make six copies of it. make six copies of it. make six copies of it. Then it was taken Then it was taken Then it was taken by messengers to each of those churches by messengers to each of those churches by messengers to each of those churches along the postal route and one of the along the postal route and one of the along the postal route and one of the copies was dropped at each church. That's to whom it's directed. And then That's to whom it's directed. And then comes a greeting, very familiar, "Grace comes a greeting, very familiar, "Grace comes a greeting, very familiar, "Grace to you and peace." "Grace to you and to you and peace." "Grace to you and to you and peace." "Grace to you and peace." I borrowed that, in case you peace." I borrowed that, in case you peace." I borrowed that, in case you didn't know.

didn't know. didn't know. "Grace to you." "Grace to you." "Grace to you." Standard greeting captures the richness Standard greeting captures the richness Standard greeting captures the richness of our Christian faith, consistent grace of our Christian faith, consistent grace of our Christian faith, consistent grace and peace. and peace. and peace. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> But here comes an affirmation >> But here comes an affirmation >> But here comes an affirmation of this book of this book of this book by the Trinity. by the Trinity. by the Trinity. And God, of course, and Christ and the And God, of course, and Christ and the And God, of course, and Christ and the Holy Spirit are the source of grace and Holy Spirit are the source of grace and Holy Spirit are the source of grace and peace. peace. peace. So, the greeting to the churches is So, the greeting to the churches is So, the greeting to the churches is "Here's the Revelation and along with it "Here's the Revelation and along with it "Here's the Revelation and along with it grace and peace grace and peace grace and peace from him who is and was and who is to from him who is and was and who is to from him who is and was and who is to come." come." come." The eternal God. The eternal God. The eternal God. Who is, Who is, Who is, who was, who was, who was, and is to come. This is a title and is to come. This is a title and is to come. This is a title used, I think, five times in the book of used, I think, five times in the book of used, I think, five times in the book of Revelation to refer to God. Revelation to refer to God. Revelation to refer to God. The last two drop off the is to come The last two drop off the is to come The last two drop off the is to come part because when they're talking about part because when they're talking about part because when they're talking about him, he's already come. him, he's already come. him, he's already come. So, there is an affirmation from God. So, there is an affirmation from God. So, there is an affirmation from God. The eternal God is saying, "This book I The eternal God is saying, "This book I The eternal God is saying, "This book I validate."

validate." validate." Then the second member of the Trinity Then the second member of the Trinity Then the second member of the Trinity adds his validation, "And from adds his validation, "And from adds his validation, "And from from him who is and was and is to come, from him who is and was and is to come, from him who is and was and is to come, and from the seven spirits who are and from the seven spirits who are and from the seven spirits who are before his throne." Sevenfold Holy before his throne." Sevenfold Holy before his throne." Sevenfold Holy Spirit, that's borrowed from Isaiah Spirit, that's borrowed from Isaiah Spirit, that's borrowed from Isaiah chapter 11 verse 2, where you have seven chapter 11 verse 2, where you have seven chapter 11 verse 2, where you have seven distinguishing characteristics of the distinguishing characteristics of the distinguishing characteristics of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in all his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in all his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in all his fullness, and again, that's another fullness, and again, that's another fullness, and again, that's another seven. So, the validation of this book comes So, the validation of this book comes from God the Father, and it comes from from God the Father, and it comes from from God the Father, and it comes from the Holy Spirit. the Holy Spirit. the Holy Spirit. And then And then And then we read and verse 5, "from Jesus we read and verse 5, "from Jesus we read and verse 5, "from Jesus Christ." God the Father and God the Spirit send God the Father and God the Spirit send us grace and peace us grace and peace us grace and peace and the validation of this divine and the validation of this divine and the validation of this divine revelation. revelation. revelation. And then John moves And then John moves And then John moves to Jesus Christ.

to Jesus Christ. to Jesus Christ. The one who is the theme of the book. The one who is the theme of the book. The one who is the theme of the book. And with that, he launches into And with that, he launches into And with that, he launches into magnificent description magnificent description magnificent description of the Lord Jesus Christ. Glorious of the Lord Jesus Christ. Glorious of the Lord Jesus Christ. Glorious description. description. description. The faithful witness. The faithful witness. The faithful witness. The firstborn of the dead. The ruler of The firstborn of the dead. The ruler of The firstborn of the dead. The ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves the kings of the earth. To him who loves the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and released us from our sins by his us and released us from our sins by his us and released us from our sins by his blood. blood. blood. And he has made us to be And he has made us to be And he has made us to be a kingdom of a kingdom of a kingdom of a to be a kingdom priest to his God and a to be a kingdom priest to his God and a to be a kingdom priest to his God and Father. Father. Father. He lays out all these magnificent He lays out all these magnificent He lays out all these magnificent characteristics of Christ. characteristics of Christ. characteristics of Christ. Now, the entire book Now, the entire book Now, the entire book is a series of visions is a series of visions is a series of visions of Christ of Christ of Christ sent to this persecuted sent to this persecuted sent to this persecuted disheartened disheartened disheartened apostle apostle apostle who is in exile. who is in exile. who is in exile. He's a prisoner He's a prisoner He's a prisoner on a rock pile.

on a rock pile. on a rock pile. And he's a prisoner because of his And he's a prisoner because of his And he's a prisoner because of his preaching the gospel. preaching the gospel. preaching the gospel. This is This is This is This is not only from Jesus Christ. John This is not only from Jesus Christ. John This is not only from Jesus Christ. John then turns the corner. This is about then turns the corner. This is about then turns the corner. This is about him, the faithful witness, the firstborn him, the faithful witness, the firstborn him, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, the ruler of the kings of from the dead, the ruler of the kings of from the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth, the one who loves us, redeems the earth, the one who loves us, redeems the earth, the one who loves us, redeems us, us, us, made us a kingdom priest to our God and made us a kingdom priest to our God and made us a kingdom priest to our God and Father. Father. Father. To him be To him be To him be the glory and the dominion forever and the glory and the dominion forever and the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Now, there are a number of passages that Now, there are a number of passages that are are are about our Lord Jesus Christ outside the about our Lord Jesus Christ outside the about our Lord Jesus Christ outside the Gospels. Gospels. Gospels. Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 53 shows us his suffering and sacrifice. shows us his suffering and sacrifice. shows us his suffering and sacrifice. Matthew 17 shows us his splendor. Matthew 17 shows us his splendor. Matthew 17 shows us his splendor. Philippians 2 shows us his submission. Philippians 2 shows us his submission. Philippians 2 shows us his submission. Colossians 1 shows us his sovereignty. Colossians 1 shows us his sovereignty. Colossians 1 shows us his sovereignty. Hebrews 1 his superiority. Hebrews 1 his superiority. Hebrews 1 his superiority. But of all of the chapters, none But of all of the chapters, none But of all of the chapters, none presents a more glorious surpassing presents a more glorious surpassing presents a more glorious surpassing revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ than revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ than revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ than Revelation 1.

Revelation 1. Revelation 1. And there are three titles given him. And there are three titles given him. And there are three titles given him. First, the faithful witness. First, the faithful witness. First, the faithful witness. The faithful witness. The faithful witness. The faithful witness. Isaiah 55:4 Isaiah 55:4 Isaiah 55:4 prophesied the Messiah as a witness to prophesied the Messiah as a witness to prophesied the Messiah as a witness to the peoples. the peoples. the peoples. A witness to the peoples. A witness to the peoples. A witness to the peoples. And a witness to the truth. And a witness to the truth. And a witness to the truth. Listen to John 18:37. Listen to John 18:37. Listen to John 18:37. Jesus said this, "To this end was I Jesus said this, "To this end was I Jesus said this, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the born, and for this cause came I into the born, and for this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto world that I should bear witness unto world that I should bear witness unto the truth." The word witness is martyres, which has The word witness is martyres, which has exactly what you heard in me saying the exactly what you heard in me saying the exactly what you heard in me saying the Greek word overtones of martyrdom. Greek word overtones of martyrdom. Greek word overtones of martyrdom. Those who were faithful witnesses very Those who were faithful witnesses very Those who were faithful witnesses very often ended up dead. often ended up dead. often ended up dead. And while Christ did not die as a mere And while Christ did not die as a mere And while Christ did not die as a mere martyr, he certainly was martyred for martyr, he certainly was martyred for martyr, he certainly was martyred for speaking the truth. speaking the truth. speaking the truth. He was a witness to the truth of God. He was a witness to the truth of God. He was a witness to the truth of God. And he was a witness all the way to And he was a witness all the way to And he was a witness all the way to death in pilot's judgement hall.

death in pilot's judgement hall. death in pilot's judgement hall. He didn't back off the truth. He didn't He didn't back off the truth. He didn't He didn't back off the truth. He didn't deny that he was the son of God. He deny that he was the son of God. He deny that he was the son of God. He affirmed the truth. He always reaffirmed affirmed the truth. He always reaffirmed affirmed the truth. He always reaffirmed affirmed the truth no matter the cost. affirmed the truth no matter the cost. affirmed the truth no matter the cost. He couldn't deny the truth no matter He couldn't deny the truth no matter He couldn't deny the truth no matter what the price because he was faithful what the price because he was faithful what the price because he was faithful as a witness unto death. And John not only refers to his And John not only refers to his faithfulness as a witness to his death, faithfulness as a witness to his death, faithfulness as a witness to his death, but then his resurrection. He is the but then his resurrection. He is the but then his resurrection. He is the firstborn of the dead. firstborn of the dead. firstborn of the dead. Of all that have ever died, he's the Of all that have ever died, he's the Of all that have ever died, he's the premier one. That's what it means. premier one. That's what it means. premier one. That's what it means. Firstborn was the the son that was the Firstborn was the the son that was the Firstborn was the the son that was the the the heir of the inheritance. the the heir of the inheritance. the the heir of the inheritance. Having died for the truth Having died for the truth Having died for the truth which he witnessed to so faithfully, he which he witnessed to so faithfully, he which he witnessed to so faithfully, he then arose from the dead. then arose from the dead. then arose from the dead. And of all have ever died and And of all have ever died and And of all have ever died and will rise again, he is first in rank, will rise again, he is first in rank, will rise again, he is first in rank, supremacy, and preeminence. supremacy, and preeminence. supremacy, and preeminence. He is the preeminent one. He is the preeminent one. He is the preeminent one. Exalted to a position above all other Exalted to a position above all other Exalted to a position above all other positions. positions. positions. Given a throne.

Given a throne. Given a throne. And to him every knee will bow. Psalm 89 And to him every knee will bow. Psalm 89 And to him every knee will bow. Psalm 89 verse 27, I shall also make him my verse 27, I shall also make him my verse 27, I shall also make him my firstborn, the highest of the kings of firstborn, the highest of the kings of firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. the earth. the earth. The book is the story of that event. The book is the story of that event. The book is the story of that event. It's the story of Christ It's the story of Christ It's the story of Christ taking taking taking his place his place his place as king. as king. as king. That's the book of Revelation. That's the book of Revelation. That's the book of Revelation. And And title he gives him And And title he gives him And And title he gives him is the ruler of the kings of the earth. is the ruler of the kings of the earth. is the ruler of the kings of the earth. He is the faithful witness He is the faithful witness He is the faithful witness even unto death. He is the one of all even unto death. He is the one of all even unto death. He is the one of all who have risen from the dead that is the who have risen from the dead that is the who have risen from the dead that is the supreme one, and he is the ruler of the supreme one, and he is the ruler of the supreme one, and he is the ruler of the kings of the earth. kings of the earth. kings of the earth. No one is more elevated than he is. No one is more elevated than he is. No one is more elevated than he is. Chapter 19 of Revelation verse 16, he's Chapter 19 of Revelation verse 16, he's Chapter 19 of Revelation verse 16, he's king of kings and lord of lords. Daniel 4, he's called the king of Daniel 4, he's called the king of heaven. heaven. heaven. Matthew 2 is the king of the Jews. John Matthew 2 is the king of the Jews. John Matthew 2 is the king of the Jews. John 1 is the king of Israel. First Timothy 1 1 is the king of Israel. First Timothy 1 1 is the king of Israel. First Timothy 1 is the king of the ages.

is the king of the ages. is the king of the ages. Psalm 24 is the king of glory. Psalm 24 is the king of glory. Psalm 24 is the king of glory. Revelation 15, the king of the saints. Revelation 15, the king of the saints. Revelation 15, the king of the saints. And then in chapter 19, the king of And then in chapter 19, the king of And then in chapter 19, the king of kings. kings. kings. This is so overwhelming to John. This is so overwhelming to John. This is so overwhelming to John. That he's going to receive this That he's going to receive this That he's going to receive this revelation is so overwhelming revelation is so overwhelming revelation is so overwhelming that he bursts that he bursts that he bursts into a doxology. into a doxology. into a doxology. Look at verse 5. Look at verse 5. Look at verse 5. To him To him To him of whom he has just spoken, of whom he has just spoken, of whom he has just spoken, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the faithful witness, the firstborn from the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, the ruler of the kings of the the dead, the ruler of the kings of the the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth, to him who loves us and released earth, to him who loves us and released earth, to him who loves us and released us from our sins by his blood. us from our sins by his blood. us from our sins by his blood. And he has made us to be a kingdom And he has made us to be a kingdom And he has made us to be a kingdom priests to his God and Father. To him be priests to his God and Father. To him be priests to his God and Father. To him be the glory and the dominion forever and the glory and the dominion forever and the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. It's an exalted hymn of praise. It's an exalted hymn of praise. Unto him who loves us, not loved us, who Unto him who loves us, not loved us, who Unto him who loves us, not loved us, who loves us, present tense. We often think loves us, present tense. We often think loves us, present tense. We often think of God's love in terms of past of God's love in terms of past of God's love in terms of past experience. God's love is a present experience. God's love is a present experience. God's love is a present reality. It is in full force at this reality. It is in full force at this reality. It is in full force at this moment moment moment as when it was as when it was as when it was delivering up Jesus to the horrors of delivering up Jesus to the horrors of delivering up Jesus to the horrors of Calvary's cross.

He's the one who loves us. He's the one who loves us. And because he loves us, And because he loves us, And because he loves us, he made us to be a kingdom. he made us to be a kingdom. he made us to be a kingdom. A collective designation for all A collective designation for all A collective designation for all believers. He brought us into his believers. He brought us into his believers. He brought us into his kingdom. The sphere of God's rule where kingdom. The sphere of God's rule where kingdom. The sphere of God's rule where people enter by faith people enter by faith people enter by faith due to the work of Christ on the cross due to the work of Christ on the cross due to the work of Christ on the cross and the resurrection. and the resurrection. and the resurrection. He loves loves us enough to make us into He loves loves us enough to make us into He loves loves us enough to make us into [clears throat] a kingdom, a community [clears throat] a kingdom, a community [clears throat] a kingdom, a community of saints forever under his loving rule of saints forever under his loving rule of saints forever under his loving rule and protection. He's given us royalty, He's given us royalty, royal lineage to reign with him. royal lineage to reign with him. royal lineage to reign with him. And another evidence of his love is that And another evidence of his love is that And another evidence of his love is that he made us priests to his God and he made us priests to his God and he made us priests to his God and Father. This is the end of the Father. This is the end of the Father. This is the end of the priesthood. priesthood. priesthood. The ironic priesthood is done away. The ironic priesthood is done away. The ironic priesthood is done away. We are all priests. We don't need We are all priests. We don't need We are all priests. We don't need priests priests priests to stand between us and God. to stand between us and God. to stand between us and God. He made us priests to his God and He made us priests to his God and He made us priests to his God and Father. We have Father. We have Father. We have constant access constant access constant access into God's presence. This is something into God's presence. This is something into God's presence. This is something that was unknown under the old covenant.

that was unknown under the old covenant. that was unknown under the old covenant. What an amazing What an amazing What an amazing amazing thing to contemplate. amazing thing to contemplate. amazing thing to contemplate. This supreme one loves us so much that This supreme one loves us so much that This supreme one loves us so much that he released us from our sins by his he released us from our sins by his he released us from our sins by his blood. That looks at his cross. And that he made us to be And that he made us to be subjects in his kingdom to reign with subjects in his kingdom to reign with subjects in his kingdom to reign with him. And he gave us as priests full him. And he gave us as priests full him. And he gave us as priests full access to the God and Father. access to the God and Father. access to the God and Father. We can come boldly to his throne. We can come boldly to his throne. We can come boldly to his throne. No wonder John closes with to him be the No wonder John closes with to him be the No wonder John closes with to him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. glory and the dominion forever and ever. glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Amen. Amen. To understand the fullness of all this, you you need to understand the book of you you need to understand the book of Revelation. Revelation. Revelation. Because it expands on all these amazing Because it expands on all these amazing Because it expands on all these amazing glories. glories. glories. Having said all of that, there is a reiteration in verses 7 and 8 there is a reiteration in verses 7 and 8 of the theme of this book.

of the theme of this book. of the theme of this book. Behold, he is coming with the clouds. Behold, he is coming with the clouds. Behold, he is coming with the clouds. And every eye will see him. And every eye will see him. And every eye will see him. That's what it says. Every eye will see That's what it says. Every eye will see That's what it says. Every eye will see him. him. him. Every eye. That's consistent with our Every eye. That's consistent with our Every eye. That's consistent with our Lord's teaching in Matthew 24 and 25. Lord's teaching in Matthew 24 and 25. Lord's teaching in Matthew 24 and 25. He's coming with the clouds. He left He's coming with the clouds. He left He's coming with the clouds. He left with the clouds Acts 1. He's coming back with the clouds Acts 1. He's coming back with the clouds Acts 1. He's coming back with the clouds in the same way. with the clouds in the same way. with the clouds in the same way. Every eye will see him. Every eye will see him. Every eye will see him. Every eye. Every eye. Every eye. Even those who pierced him, meaning the Even those who pierced him, meaning the Even those who pierced him, meaning the Jews. Jews. Jews. It was the Jews who pierced him, not the It was the Jews who pierced him, not the It was the Jews who pierced him, not the Roman soldiers, but the Jews. Roman soldiers, but the Jews. Roman soldiers, but the Jews. It was the Jews who were his crucifiers It was the Jews who were his crucifiers It was the Jews who were his crucifiers according to John 19 37. But the Jews according to John 19 37. But the Jews according to John 19 37. But the Jews will see him. will see him. will see him. Some of them will already have been Some of them will already have been Some of them will already have been saved when he arrives saved when he arrives saved when he arrives under the influence of the 144,000 and under the influence of the 144,000 and under the influence of the 144,000 and the two witnesses of Revelation 11. the two witnesses of Revelation 11. the two witnesses of Revelation 11. Zechariah 12 says that Zechariah 12 says that Zechariah 12 says that they will look on the one they pierced they will look on the one they pierced they will look on the one they pierced and mourn for him as an only son.

and mourn for him as an only son. and mourn for him as an only son. And salvation will be open to them. And salvation will be open to them. And salvation will be open to them. So, So, So, when those Jews when those Jews when those Jews the people who pierced him see him, they the people who pierced him see him, they the people who pierced him see him, they will mourn. And the mourning in will mourn. And the mourning in will mourn. And the mourning in Zechariah's amazing. They mourn over Zechariah's amazing. They mourn over Zechariah's amazing. They mourn over their sin their sin their sin and generation after generation and and generation after generation and and generation after generation and generation of rejecting their Messiah. generation of rejecting their Messiah. generation of rejecting their Messiah. But not only the Jews will see him and But not only the Jews will see him and But not only the Jews will see him and mourn, mourn, mourn, all the tribes of the earth, the all the tribes of the earth, the all the tribes of the earth, the Gentiles, everybody else will mourn over Gentiles, everybody else will mourn over Gentiles, everybody else will mourn over him. him. him. Their mourning is different. Their mourning is different. Their mourning is different. They're not mourning in repentance. They're not mourning in repentance. They're not mourning in repentance. According to Zechariah, the Jews will According to Zechariah, the Jews will According to Zechariah, the Jews will mourn in a mourn in a mourn in a massive, massive, nation-wide massive, massive, nation-wide massive, massive, nation-wide repentance. But not the Gentiles. But not the Gentiles. They will They will They will mourn mourn mourn in a different way.

It's a different word. It's a different word. The word The word The word with regard to the Jews mourning in with regard to the Jews mourning in with regard to the Jews mourning in Zechariah Zechariah Zechariah is a word that's used of repentance. is a word that's used of repentance. is a word that's used of repentance. This word for the Gentiles is literally This word for the Gentiles is literally This word for the Gentiles is literally kopto and it means to cut. It has to do with It has to do with pagan religion where when people were in pagan religion where when people were in pagan religion where when people were in horrible horrible horrible mourning, they mourning, they mourning, they cut themselves. cut themselves. cut themselves. Like the frenzied, panicked Like the frenzied, panicked Like the frenzied, panicked prophets of Baal who cut themselves, 1 prophets of Baal who cut themselves, 1 prophets of Baal who cut themselves, 1 Kings 18. This is not the mourning of repentance. This is not the mourning of repentance. But all will mourn. Some in repentance, But all will mourn. Some in repentance, But all will mourn. Some in repentance, the Jews, the Jews, the Jews, all the tribes of the earth all the tribes of the earth all the tribes of the earth will cut themselves. They'll do more will cut themselves. They'll do more will cut themselves. They'll do more than that. They'll call on the mountains than that. They'll call on the mountains than that. They'll call on the mountains to crush them, to hide them from his to crush them, to hide them from his to crush them, to hide them from his face, Revelation 6. And their final response And their final response so it is to be.

so it is to be. so it is to be. Amen. Amen. Amen. A final word, this is certain. A final word, this is certain. A final word, this is certain. Why? Why? Why? Verse 8. Verse 8. Verse 8. I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am the Alpha and the Omega. What does God mean by that? What does God mean by that? What does God mean by that? The Alpha and the Omega are the and last The Alpha and the Omega are the and last The Alpha and the Omega are the and last letters of the Greek alphabet. letters of the Greek alphabet. letters of the Greek alphabet. Every word that is ever spoken, Every word that is ever spoken, Every word that is ever spoken, every truth that is ever articulated, every truth that is ever articulated, every truth that is ever articulated, everything that's ever known by those letters by those letters from alpha to omega. Or aleph to tav in Hebrew. Or aleph to tav in Hebrew. What is God saying? He's saying He's saying the alphabet, the alphabet, the alphabet, which is an ingenious way to store and which is an ingenious way to store and which is an ingenious way to store and communicate all knowledge, communicate all knowledge, communicate all knowledge, the alphabet, when arranged in almost the alphabet, when arranged in almost the alphabet, when arranged in almost endless endless endless combinations, holds and conveys all combinations, holds and conveys all combinations, holds and conveys all knowledge.

knowledge. knowledge. God is saying, God is saying, God is saying, "I "I "I have all that knowledge. And I'm telling you this is going to And I'm telling you this is going to happen." happen." happen." This is God saying, This is God saying, This is God saying, "I know "I know "I know everything. everything. everything. I know everything. I know everything. I know everything. You can't put a a word together You can't put a a word together You can't put a a word together that I don't know about." that I don't know about." that I don't know about." He knows Christ is coming. He knows He knows Christ is coming. He knows He knows Christ is coming. He knows everything else. He has all knowledge. everything else. He has all knowledge. everything else. He has all knowledge. There's nothing he doesn't know. There's There's nothing he doesn't know. There's There's nothing he doesn't know. There's nothing that could exist outside his nothing that could exist outside his nothing that could exist outside his knowledge. Therefore, there's nothing knowledge. Therefore, there's nothing knowledge. Therefore, there's nothing that could alter this plan. that could alter this plan. that could alter this plan. Further, Further, Further, not not not only does he know everything, only does he know everything, only does he know everything, omniscient, omniscient, omniscient, but he says, but he says, but he says, John writes, "Says the Lord God who John writes, "Says the Lord God who John writes, "Says the Lord God who is and was is and was is and was and who is to come." He's not only and who is to come." He's not only and who is to come." He's not only omniscient, he's omnipresent.

omniscient, he's omnipresent. omniscient, he's omnipresent. He affirms the eternal presence of the He affirms the eternal presence of the He affirms the eternal presence of the eternal God. In all matters, all issues, all persons, In all matters, all issues, all persons, all events, all places, all realities, all events, all places, all realities, all events, all places, all realities, for all eternity, everything is known to for all eternity, everything is known to for all eternity, everything is known to him. him. him. Nothing is unknown to him. Nothing is unknown to him. Nothing is unknown to him. And he is ever present in everything. And the ever-present God is saying, And the ever-present God is saying, "Because I have all knowledge, "Because I have all knowledge, "Because I have all knowledge, and because I'm everywhere all the time, what I say concerning the coming of what I say concerning the coming of Christ will happen." Christ will happen." Christ will happen." And then he signs off at the end of And then he signs off at the end of And then he signs off at the end of verse 8, verse 8, verse 8, "Almighty." "Almighty." "Almighty." That's omnipotence. That's omnipotence. That's omnipotence. The omniscience of God, the omnipresence The omniscience of God, the omnipresence The omniscience of God, the omnipresence of God, and the omnipotence of God guarantees guarantees that this will come to pass.

Jesus Christ once left heaven for earth Jesus Christ once left heaven for earth in humiliation. in humiliation. in humiliation. He will do it again in exaltation. He will do it again in exaltation. He will do it again in exaltation. He once left heaven to be killed, he He once left heaven to be killed, he He once left heaven to be killed, he will do it again to kill. He once left will do it again to kill. He once left will do it again to kill. He once left heaven to serve, he will do it again to heaven to serve, he will do it again to heaven to serve, he will do it again to be served. He once left heaven to offer be served. He once left heaven to offer be served. He once left heaven to offer grace, he will do it again to demand grace, he will do it again to demand grace, he will do it again to demand justice. justice. justice. He once left heaven to seek and to save, He once left heaven to seek and to save, He once left heaven to seek and to save, he will do it again to he will do it again to he will do it again to search and destroy. This book This book will give us the history will give us the history will give us the history validated by the Trinity validated by the Trinity validated by the Trinity and by the omniscience and omnipresence and by the omniscience and omnipresence and by the omniscience and omnipresence and omnipotent power of our God. This is and omnipotent power of our God. This is and omnipotent power of our God. This is the history the history the history of the future. of the future. of the future. Father, we are so privileged and so Father, we are so privileged and so Father, we are so privileged and so blessed to be given blessed to be given blessed to be given such an amazing revelation. such an amazing revelation. such an amazing revelation. We are without excuse if we We are without excuse if we We are without excuse if we do not cherish every part of it and finding that and finding that blessing beyond blessing beyond blessing beyond blessing beyond blessing beyond blessing beyond blessing.

blessing. blessing. Thank you for revealing this to us. Thank you for revealing this to us. Thank you for revealing this to us. We know there are many things we cannot We know there are many things we cannot We know there are many things we cannot understand. understand. understand. But here is something we can and must But here is something we can and must But here is something we can and must understand understand understand that so many ignore. So many feel that So many feel that they're not required to understand this they're not required to understand this they're not required to understand this book because it's too difficult. to learn it, to learn it, to heed it, to heed it, to heed it, to you be to you be to you be all power and glory and dominion all power and glory and dominion all power and glory and dominion forever. forever. forever. Amen.