2. Prophetic Insights on Chapter 1
"The Revelation of Christ: His Glory, Authority, and Preparation for the End Times"
"The Revelation of Christ: His Glory, Authority, and Preparation for the End Times"
Prophetic Insights on Revelation Chapter 1
Let us give more time to the study of the Bible. We do not understand the word as we should. The book of Revelation opens with an injunction to us to understand the instruction that it contains. "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy," God declares, "and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." When we as a people understand what this book means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival. We do not understand fully the lessons that it teaches, notwithstanding the injunction given us to search and study it. {TM 113.2} (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 113).
Heavenly Father, as we study this prophetic chapter, open our eyes to the solemn realities of the last days. May we recognize Christ’s guiding presence among His people and prepare our hearts for His soon return. Amen.
Revelation is the unfolding of divine mysteries concerning the past, present, and future. Chapter 1 introduces the book’s prophetic nature, presenting Christ as the central figure, revealing His majesty, mission, and relationship to the church. This study aims to understand Christ’s revelation to John in its apocalyptic significance and application by drawing from the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP), and the Shepherd’s Rod (SRod) literatures.
Revelation from Jesus Christ: The book is a "revelation of Jesus Christ," passed on through an angel to John. Its purpose is to show "things which must shortly take place."
Blessing to Those Who Read and Follow: Special blessing is emphasized for those who read, hear, and follow the words of prophecy.
1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John:
1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
1:3 Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.
Things that are soon to take place
Dan. 2:28 God reveals mysteries that takes place in the last days
Matt 24: 6 Events that “must take place”
God gave to Jesus
Jesus to an angel
Sent angel to John
John-witness to the “Word” of God
Testimony of Jesus
Rev. 22:20 He who testifies-”I am coming soon”
All he saw - 1:11, 19
Vs 3 Blessed are those who hear
Who keeps what is written
Time is near
Get ready
Rev. 22:18, 19 Warning to those who hear
Add words-receive the plagues
Take away words-lose a place in the kingdom
SOP: Many a portion of Scripture which learned men pronounce a mystery, or pass over as unimportant, is full of comfort and instruction to him who has been taught in the school of Christ. One reason why many theologians have no clearer understanding of God's word is, they close their eyes to truths which they do not wish to practice. As understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness. {GC 599.2}
“The Bible was not given for scholars alone... Every truth necessary for salvation is made plain” (Great Controversy, p. 599).
SRod: They misinterpreted the message sent them, and clothed themselves in robes of self-righteousness. Sin was not sinful in their eyes. They taught falsehood as truth, and by them many souls were led astray." -- "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 9, page 268. It is inferred, from the testimony just quoted, that they have taught falsehood. We ask the reader to consider what has been taught by the symbols found in the books of Daniel and Revelation. For instance, consider the truth brought to view here, as compared with what has been taught for some years. {SR2: 214.1}
“The book of Revelation is to unseal the things of the future... to those who obey its teachings” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 214).
Apocalyptic Insight: This book is Christ’s direct revelation, not a mere prophetic vision. It unveils the final events and the role of His church.
1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
1:5 And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Vs 4 God in past, present, and future
Vs 8 Alpha and the Omega (first to last), The Almighty
Vs 4 Seven Spirits = Holy Spirit
Rev. 22:6 Seven spirits before the throne
3:1 Seven spirits of God
Vs 5 Jesus Christ
Rev. 4:5 Seven lamps
Rev. 5:6 Seven eyes sent out
Isa. 11:2 Seven designations of Holy Spirit
a rod and a branch, Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear
Zech. 4:2, 6, 10 Work of Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ
Faithful witness, John 18:37 “bear witness to the truth”
First born from the dead, 1Cor. 15:23 resurrection
Ruler of kings of earth, Eph. 1:20-21
Vs 5b-6 Doxology
To the One who loves us
Continually loves us
Released us from our sins by his blood
Released once, completed action in the past
Made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father
Status with God - redemption
A Royal Priesthood
Promise to OT Israel, future event
Be a kingdom of priests
Now applied to Christian church, completed
1Peter 2:9 You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation
Citizens of heaven, now
You Are Worthy….
Christ-worthy to receive glory and might forever and ever.
Our response of praise for salvation
Rev. 14:7 fear God and give Him glory
Bible: “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God...” (Rev. 1:5-6).
SOP: "The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: . . . but Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, . . . by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Hebrews 12:24; 9:8-12. {DA 166.1}
“Jesus is our great High Priest in the heavenly courts, and we are to seek Him there” (The Desire of Ages, p. 166).
SRod: If Christ by assembling these seven churches in a group of seven candlesticks and giving the blackest record to the last one, is not calling the Laodiceans Babylon, then neither is the interpretation of the "heads" doing so. It is not because the Laodiceans are better that they are not called Babylon, for their record is worse, but it is to show that on account of their increased light, He is to deal differently with them. It is to prove that if the "angel" (leadership) of the church of the Laodiceans should reject the message of the "True Witness," He cannot call the 144,000 out from the midst of them into another movement by the call of Revelation 18: "Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues," (Rev. 18:4), but rather by the message of Revelation 7 and Ezekiel 9. Thus speedily releasing His people, and quickly "finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." (Rom. 9:28.) {SR2: 94.2}
“Christ is seen among the candlesticks, showing that He is directing the work of the church on earth” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 155).
Apocalyptic Insight: Christ is presented as a priestly ruler in His heavenly work, guiding and preparing His people for the final sealing.
Central Theme of the Book
The Second Coming: Christ’s return "with the clouds" (v. 7) is mentioned as an important theme of the book.
Rev. 1:7, 8
2nd coming
present reality, already in progress
Every eye will see him
Those that pierced him
Special resurrection
The Alpha and Omega, the Lord God, the Almighty
The Seven Churches: The message focuses on the seven churches in Asia Minor, but has symbolic application to the history of the church. The seven churches have both literal and prophetic meanings:
Literal: Refers to the seven churches of Asia Minor during John's time.
Prophetic: Represents a series of spiritual conditions reflecting the history of God's people from Christ’s time to the end.
“The seven churches symbolize the seven phases through which the Christian Church passes. Their messages reveal both the good and the bad in the Church throughout these phases.” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 22)
Jesus as King and Savior: Christ is described as "the faithful witness," "the firstborn from the dead," and "the ruler over the kings of the earth."
He Who Knows the Future
Revelation is more about the God who holds the future than about predicting the future
Rev. 1:9-20 Vision of Glorified Christ
1:9 - Personal Encounter of John
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Vs 9 John on Patmos
On account of the word of God, testimony of Jesus
On the Lord’s day
Sabbath - Mark 2: 27, 28
Voice Like Trumpet
1:10-11 - John’s Personal Experience
1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Vs 10b-11 Loud voice like a trumpet
Mt. Sinai, appearance of God
1Thess. 4:16 second coming, trumpet call of God
Write the vision, share with 7 churches
Seven Candlesticks
1:12 - The 7 Golden Candlesticks
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
Vs 12 Seven lamp stands
Sanctuary imagery
Seven branched candlestick in holy place in Tabernacle
Vs 20 equals the 7 churches
John 8:12, Jesus-light of the world
Matt. 5:14-16 Church is light to the world
1:13 - In the Midst of the 7 Candlesticks
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Vs 13 Son of man
Daniel 7:13-14 Son of man comes before God
Synoptic Gospels – Jesus calls himself the Son of Man
Robe to down to the feet
1:14-18 - Description of Jesus Christ
Daniel 10: 5-12 and Rev. 1:12-18
1:14 His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire;
1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.
1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
1:18 I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
A Comparison of Dan. 10 and Rev. 1
Apocalyptic prophecy
Vs 16 in His hand 7 stars
Daniel 12:3 God’s people are stars
Vs 20 Seven churches are in God’s hand!
Sharp two edged sword
Ps. 149:6 two edged sword execute judgment on wicked
Heb. 4:12 Word of God is a two edged sword
The Seven Stars
The seven stars in Christ’s right hand (Revelation 1:16) are explained in the SRod as the leaders or messengers of each phase of the church:
Held by Christ: The fact that the stars are in His hand signifies His power in guiding each phase of church history.
“The stars in His hand represent the leaders whom He chooses to bear light to the church and guide it through its trials.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 18)
Introduction of Christ as Judge and King Christ, with "a sharp sword coming out of His mouth" (Revelation 1:16), is described in the SRod as the Judge of His people:
The sword symbolizes His word that brings judgment. His action among the seven churches is part of the process of examining and purifying the church before the establishment of the kingdom.
“Christ’s presence among the candlesticks reveals that He is inspecting His Church, preparing it for the final conflict and the establishment of His kingdom.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 22)
Vs 18 Keys of (the) Death and (the) Hades
Hades is the kingdom of the dead
Death is the power
1Cor 15:55 “Oh, death where is your victory? Oh, death where is your sting?”
Rev. 20:14 - Death and Hades cast into lake of fire
Resurrected Christ
“I died and am alive forever more”
Resurrected, glorified Jesus Christ has conquered death and its power
Bible: “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last... and have the keys of hell and of death” (Rev. 1:17-18).
SOP: “The beloved disciple beholds the terrible glory of Christ’s presence, yet is bidden not to fear” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 582).
SRod: Jesus Christ gave The Revelation to show to His servants "things" which were shortly to come (Rev. 1:1). To prepare the way for the vision of the "things," the Voice introduced the subject with a special message to each of seven angels (leaderships) who had charge of seven candlesticks (churches) respectively. These messages are recorded in chapters 2 and 3. {TN15: 5.2}
“The vision of Christ among the candlesticks represents His watch-care over His people in all ages” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 192).
Apocalyptic Insight: Christ holds ultimate power over life and death, affirming His authority over history and judgment.
Things That Are and Will Be
1:19 - Events in the History of Human Beings
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
Note: The Past, the Present and the Future
Vs 19 Things you saw and (namely) the things that are
Messages to seven churches, Rev. 2 and 3
Seven Candlesticks, seven stars
And are about to take place,
After the message to the churches
Rev. 4-22
Bible: “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter” (Rev. 1:19).
SOP: The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian Era. The number 7 indicates completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the church at different periods in the history of the world. {AA 585.3}
SRod: When the hand of the clock of time pointed to "the hour of His judgment," a new leadership arose, and the responsibility shifted from popular Christendom to the disappointed but faithful handful of Advent believers who had heard and heeded the mighty preaching of William Miller. {3SC11-12: 10.2.2}
Among those whose hearts were thrilled with the thought of a soon-coming Saviour was Ellen Gould Harman, upon whom was laid the prophetic gift, and whose writings made the seventh, and last, of the symbolic churches of Revelation Two and Three. {3SC11-12: 10.2.3}
“The messages to the churches are prophetic revelations of the condition of God’s people in each period” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 160).
Apocalyptic Insight: The seven churches symbolize different spiritual conditions of the church from apostolic times to the last days, calling for reformation and readiness.
1:20 - Seven Stars (angels=messengers) and Seven Candlesticks (Churches)
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Symbolism: The seven lampstands represent the seven churches, and the seven stars are the angels of the churches (v. 20).
Lampstand: A symbol of the church as the bearer of light to the world.
Christ in the Midst: Shows His continual presence, guidance, and examination of His people.
“The candlesticks being golden and Christ standing in their midst illustrate His care for the Church and His desire to purify it, ensuring that it gives perfect light.” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 25)
According to Spirit of Prophecy (SOP)
Introduction of Christ as the Center of Revelation
According to Ellen G. White, the book of Revelation centers on introducing Christ's work as our Great High Priest and Judge.
"The whole Bible is a revelation of the glory of God in Christ. Received, believed, and obeyed, it is the great instrumentality in the transformation of character." (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 584)
Blessing of Reading and Studying
Ellen G. White emphasizes the blessing of studying Revelation as essential for spiritual growth. It illuminates the plan of salvation and Christ's role as Savior.
Preparation for the End Times
John's vision in chapter 1 shows Christ's continued presence in His church and His purpose to prepare His people for the final events.
According to Shepherd's Rod (SRod)
The Purpose of Revelation
In the SRod, chapter 1 of Revelation is referred to as the foundation of all prophetic messages. It is described as a book revealing God’s plan for His people during the end times.
The "seven churches" not only represent the spiritual condition of the church throughout history but also the stages of salvation for God's people.
The Vision of Christ
The image of Christ in the midst of the seven lampstands shows His continuous guidance and care for His church. The SRod emphasizes that despite the church’s weaknesses, Christ helps it achieve victory.
The Significance of the Seven Churches
The seven churches have a literal application to the churches of Asia Minor in John’s time, but their deeper meaning refers to the spiritual condition of God's people in different phases of history.
The church of Laodicea, mentioned at the end of the seven churches, is described as having a special need for spiritual awakening.
Important Themes from the Three Sources
Revelation of Christ's Work
In all three sources, Christ is the center of Revelation 1: He is the Great High Priest, Savior, and King of Kings.
Christ’s Presence in the Church
The symbolism of the seven lampstands and seven stars shows Christ’s continual presence and care for His people.
Preparation for the End Times
The message of chapter 1 serves as a reminder that believers must be ready for Christ’s return and the events of the final days.
Christ is actively guiding His church today. Are we heeding His warnings and counsel?
The prophetic messages to the seven churches call for personal and corporate reformation. Where do we stand?
Christ’s role as High Priest and Judge is now in action. How are we preparing for the final phase of His work?
Conclusion
These "seven churches" were also symbolized by "seven candlesticks," and the leadership of the same churches, by "seven angels." So we read: "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." (Rev. 1:20.) "And unto the Angel of the church of the Laodiceans write." (Rev. 3:14.)
Note the message is addressed to the Angel (leadership), and not to the candlestick (the church as a body.) Therefore, the condemnation is not to the candlestick, but to the angel. "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." (Rev. 3:17.) My brethren, this is not against you, for it is Christ speaking who died for you, but it will be, if you change not your course of action. {SR2: 94.1}
Final Thought: Revelation 1 is not just a historical record—it is a living message to the church today. It calls us to faithfulness, vigilance, and readiness for Christ’s imminent return.