The Salutation of Both John and Jesus

READ Revelation 1

 Revelation 1:4-6, “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; 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.”

John addresses the book to the seven churches which are in Asia. They are first listed in verse 11, and include, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. This is followed with a common salutation of grace and peace from Christ, who is the embodiment of both grace and peace. He is presented as one who is eternal as He fills every tense of time, “…which is, and which was, and which is to come.”

The salutation continues and now comes from Christ Himself. “…who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.” This is a great description of Christ:

1.   Christ is the faithful witness:  Jesus Christ has always been a faithful witness of God’s truth. Jesus states, that He is the way, the truth, and the life in John 14.

2.   Christ is the first begotten of the dead: This is a clear reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ who rose to die no more. Believers will one day experience this same resurrection.

3.   Christ is the prince of the kings of the earth: Jesus is above all majesty. He is first among rulers no matter who they might be, both now and always.

The book is thus dedicated unto Christ, “…unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood…” (vs. 5b). God is love, and Christ loves us throughout time. Christ saved us and paid our sin debt with His very own blood.

May we enjoy the revelation of Jesus Christ as we continue to study this great book!

 Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Why is Jesus Christ the author of grace and peace?

2.  Jesus is described as the faithful witness. What does this mean to you? How can you too be a faithful witness?

3.  How has God demonstrated His love for us?

4.  Is it possible for anyone to be saved without depending upon the shed blood of Jesus? Explain.