The Firstborn from the Dead (Rev. 1:1-8)

[Sung Psalm: 89]

What is Revelation about? In a nutshell: God rules history and will bring it to consummation in Jesus Christ

In the book of Daniel, Daniel was told what would happen “in the latter days.” But John says that these are things that must soon take place. What was the latter days for Daniel is “soon” for John.

This is because Jesus is risen from the dead and seated at the right hand of God! From the moment that Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father, all of the events in the book of Revelation became “soon.”

Likewise Daniel is told to seal up the book (Dan 12:4); but John is told NOT to seal his (22:10) – his revelation is immediately to be read, heard, and practiced.

And there are two blessings here at the beginning: First, there is a blessing on the one who reads this aloud. Second, is the blessing on those who hear – and who keep what is written in it.

These two blessing cannot be separated.

The one who reads it to the congregation is blessed. And those who hear it – and do it – are blessed If you hear, but you ignore it – then you are not blessed.

Some of you may be fearful when you hear this – you may think – but Revelation is so difficult to understand – how can I be sure that I am keeping it properly?!

Revelation is not a puzzle book, rather, it is a picture book. Look at the pictures!

And if you want to know how to understand the pictures – read your Bible! The pictures in the book of Revelation are all rooted in the Old Testament – and woven together with the themes used throughout the NT as well.

So let's start right here in the first 8 verses!