The Revelation. Chapter 1.3-6

by F. J. SMALE, Winnipeg | Category: The Revelation. Chapter 1.3-6 | Feb 1943

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things which are written therein; for the time is at hand."

It is not to be wondered at that men should take so little account of this book, for, from chapter 5. it gives the development of things in the world, as well as God's judgement upon it, after the Church, the Body of Christ, has been taken home (1 Thessalonians 4.18-18).

Accordingly the Apocalypse (no less than the Gospels or the Epistles) is here styled "the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ." It reveals grace and announces judgement.

"John to the seven churches which are in Asia." The vision is given to the apostle who sends a salutation of grace and peace to the seven churches 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, the Firstborn of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth."

God's saints in every age have failed, but Christ, the Vessel of God's glory, is the only One who has always been faithful; His whole life of testimony is embraced in this comprehensive title-" The faithful Witness."

The significance of the number seven in prophetic Scriptures cannot be questioned and this significance cannot be confined to prophecy; it holds good wherever symbol is employed. In typical Scripture also, seven is the regular sign of completeness or perfection.

It admits of no dispute that the letters were written in a book and sent to seven actual churches; nor can we doubt that the addresses sent to them bring before those who have ears to hear vital truth for such as are together as God's testimony here below, as long as there are churches of God upon the earth. These, let it be noted, never appear after chapter 4. (saving the reference in chapter 22.16), and no such condition exists afterwards. Weak as we are, and requiring to humble ourselves because so many of God's children are ensnared in sectarianism, who is bold enough to deny that the Lord still acknowledges the few who with humble hearts are gathered as churches of God on earth?

"Jesus Christ ... the Firstborn of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth." He is "Lord of lords, and King of kings" and "He hath on His garment and on His thigh a name written, 'King of kings and Lord of lords'" (Revelation 17.14; 19.16).

In His humiliation, at His crucifixion, " Pilate wrote a title also and put it on the cross. And there was written, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" (John 19.19). This title was written in three important languages of that time, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, and although the Jews wanted it changed it was kept intact in every letter by the strong, over-ruling hand of God. Christ is Lord of all who exercise authority and King of all who reign as kings, but the exercise of these powers manifestly is yet in abeyance.

"Unto Him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by His blood; and He made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever (unto the ages of the ages, Gr. R.V. Margin) Amen."

"Our sins were laid on the Saviour's head,

The curse by our Lord was borne;

For us a Victim our Surety bled,

And endured that death of scorn.

Himself He gave, our poor hearts to win

(Lord, never was love like Thine)

From the paths of folly and shame and sin,

And fill them with joys divine."

F. J. SMALE, Winnipeg | Feb 1943
The Revelation. Chapter 1.3-6