IT IS NO LONGER AN OPTION OF PORTIONS YOU CHOOSE, EAT THE WHOLE MEAL Revelation 1:9-20 April 7, 2014 Today, when we speak of Jesus most people view Him: as a baby born in a manger in Bethlehem; as the son of a carpenter who worked with His father in Nazareth; a teaching rabbi who walked the streets of Jerusalem; a man who died for our sins and rose again; and One returning for His people. Jesus was also known for loving children and warned us to suffer the children to come to Him and do not restrain them because such is the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 19:14). We find in scripture that He was ridiculed for healing, sitting with sinners, a prophet proclaiming the kingdom that was to come, beaten and flogged, accused of equally Himself with God therefore crucified on a cross for mankind to redeem man from the sin of death. No matter what description this does not describe Him completely. One great revelation: He is the God of all the ages who sits in judgment. Judgment to the churches (Rev. 2:1-3:22); the world system (Rev. 17: 1-18:24) to the world rulers at Armageddon (Rev.19:19-21); to Satan and his dominions (Rev. 20:1-3, 10); to the earth during the millennium (Rev. 20:4-6) to the rebellious at the end of the millennium (Rev. 20:7-9), to all the unsaved dead (Rev. 20:11-15). We find that the first 20 chapters of Revelation deals with judgment. Most people do not like this side of Jesus. I say to you He is more than that; He is holy, just and true, therefore cannot look upon anything profane. People only want to see the side of Jesus that manifests grace, compassion, mercy and love. I identify these people are like spoiled children picking and choosing what fits their lifestyle of needs and wants and forget the rest. They have a self serving appetite for the sweet things and refuses to eat what is best to nourish the body. Eating of the sweet things never satisfies because you want more and adds no benefit to the body. Now you can see the two extremes portraying Jesus: as Savior and Servant / as King and Judge. What happens when we only see Jesus as one of these characteristic. Lets say as King and Judge because most people really do not want to see this side? This side can easily become corrupt view of an abusive authority figure where we one should be afraid and keep our distance. Here is where it becomes distorted. Lets say there has been a strong church/family background due to strong discipline with no explanation only because I said so and use the Lord Jesus as the prop for their justification because it has always been that way. What has happened is that mans tradition overrides what the actual scripture says therefore creating God by own hands.To often people think idolatry is building an idol out of wood, clay, or rock. I want you to realize that when we weave our own belief of what God is we are actually making a false Christ with our own hands or by twisting scripture to fit our own desires, that is IDOL WORSHIP, too. Each of us needs to realize that this same Jesus who is so powerful and holy; loves you deeply. He is far more interested in what He can do for you and give you than what you can do for or give to Him. He is really not in need of anything because He is the Creator of everything. He only demands a love relationship with you and that relationship gives you security and goodness. This only comes through fellowship, intimacy, and seeking His nature. Now lets look at the other side seeing Jesus as Savior and Servant? This too can be easily corrupted where He meets all your agendas. We now look to Him as domesticated and entertains you to help you manage your sin. No longer looking to Him as the authoritative Leader who calls you to restoration through repentance. I believe the church today lives in more error with our culture that the world. We are to be set apart from the world, yet we have more divorce, people living together before marriage, practicing fornication, using improper behavior and language, smoking, partying with friends, and hungering for materialism. Yet, we wonder why our friends are not saved. Really, why would they?! You are doing the same thing they are except they did not make a commitment making them believe what they are doing is okay so they follow your design...therefore we have the blind leading the blind. People are left with the feeling there is time left that they can still do what they want and the Lord will forgive them because He is a loving God and no repercussion for their sin. This is arrogance and false teaching. Church needs to clean its own house before it can start on the worldly people. The problem is we want only a spiritual encounter that leaves us firmly in control of our lives. All you are is a stumbling block. After studying Revelation 1:9-20, you will understand it is no longer an option of portions you choose but the whole meal. John was well known by the churches of Asia Minor and identified himself as John who describes himself “a brother and fellow partaker.” Brother emphasizes the family relationship we are to have when we are born into God’s spiritual family and fellow partaker is what we share together with others.” It is where we get the meaning fellowship (koinonia), the Greek word, in Jesus. John gives us what he had in common with the seven churches and links together that often come simultaneously to believers in Christ, “tribulation.” The “tribulation” refers to “trouble, affliction, and distress. The root word means, “to crush, press hard.” As believers we are hard pressed on every side of adversity. It is part of our characteristic. When we can stand and see the salvation of the Lord on our behalf we become a testimony to those who witness our tribulations. None of us are exempt! We are living epistles of standing in storms and face them then we are able to teach others to stand, be steadfast and immoveable. Jesus Himself said, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) It is our testimony! No wonder John was elated in honoring God, he understood the concept of who HE is the whole meal! Not just portions. How guilty are we making this foolish statement “Why me?” when problems seem to pile one upon another. John changes my perspective by saying, “Why not me?” As believers what gives us any right that we should be exempt from trials, only eating the sweet portions. I have been guilty of this but glory to God, I can now say, Lord, what am I to do? How do you want me to handle this so you get the glory? That is what we should be asking ourselves. Admit, each of us is guilty. None of us are exempt from the flesh. We are to die daily. We are still learning to do it as a matter of fact it is a command to. Scriptures regarding tribulations: Romans 5:3-5, “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Ephesians 3:13, “Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6, “You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” 2 Thessalonians 1:4, “Therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.” John also spoke of the kingdom. Kingdom speaks of Christ’s rule and assures us that even though we will suffer tribulation, we are members of Christ’s present and future kingdom. References for Christs rule: Luke 12:32, Fear not, little flock; for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 22:29, And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father has appointed unto me. 1 Thess 2:12, That ye may walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory. 2 Thess 1:5, Which is the manifestation token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Key verse is found in James 2:5, Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him. John then referred to perseverance, the final common thing we share in Jesus. References: 1 Thess 1:6, And ye become followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. 1 Pet 2:21,For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1 Peter 4:13, But rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings: that , when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceedingly joy. 2 Cor 1:7, And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation; and the key verse Phil. 3:10, That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; 1 Pet 5:1, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Perseverance carries the weight of endurance, the ability to abide under pressure, regardless of the intensity or length of time. This is an empowerment that comes from God but is not guaranteed and can only be accomplished through rigorous discipline required for the believer to walk in faith with our eyes fixed on Christ. Are you striving to persevere in your faith? Is this your joy? How many of us are like the father who lacked faith and the father asked the Lord to help his unbelief. (Mark 9:14-32) John was banished to Patmos by the emperor because he kept the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Rulers used banishment to an island as a means to rid themselves of influential troublemakers without having to kill them. Patmos which is located in the Aegean Sea about fifty-six miles southwest of Ephesus where he that he still was undergoing persecution. His faithfulness points to the source of his affliction and endurance as a partaker of Christ’s rule and reign in his life. Patmos was a place where undesirable prisoners were kept and forced to work in the mines. According to early church fathers like Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Eusebius, John was sent here and forced to work in the mines though way up in years. It wasnt until the end of Johns life that he received the Revelation of Jesus Christ. John was a man who practiced the Scripture, “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). Great revelations were given to men of God through hard times. We see it with Moses who wrote the Pentateuch in the wilderness; David wrote many psalms while being pursued by Saul; Isaiah lived in difficult days and died a martyr’s death; Ezekiel wrote in exile; Jeremiah’s life was one of trial and persecution; Peter wrote his two letters shortly before martyrdom; and Paul wrote several letters from prison. It seems that man hears best from God often in the midst of a crisis. If you are going through a severe time of testing, be still and know that God is God. Let Him speak to you. Let Him reveal Himself to you in a fuller way and understand that He always comes through for His people at the right time without any help from us. Rev.1:10-11, John writes that he was in the Spirit. The word “in” (Gk., ginomai) means to come to be, become. John was saying, I came to be in the Spirit. John entered into an unusual state. Remember, God usually prepares the souls of his people for uncommon manifestations of himself by the quickening influences of his good Spirit. Such was the experience of men like: Ezekiel: Ezek 2:2--And the Spirit entered into me when He spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me; and Ezek.3:12-14--Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a choice of the great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place. And I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of a great rushing. So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. Peter: Acts 10:10-11; 11:15--states, And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they had made ready, he fell into a trance. And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit as the four corners, and let down to the earth. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as unto us at the beginning. and with Paul, Acts 22:17-18 states, And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. Johns vision took place on the Lord’s day. John tells us that when he was on the island of Patmos he received a vision from God on the Lords day (Rev. 1:10). Going by Gods calendar, the Lords day would have been the Sabbath, the 7th day which is Saturday. The Greek phrase translated on the Lords day in Revelation 1:10 is en te kuriake hemera. The word kuriake is a Greek adjective meaning belonging to the Lord, the Lords. In the later history of the early Christian Church, this word came to stand alone in Christian literature without the following word day. Then from the second half of the second century on kuriake was the accepted word for Sunday, the day of Christs resurrection changed by man, not God. The Lord does not follow the Gregorian calendar, to understand the times we need to look at His calendar that is set in place forever. Get a Hebrew calendar. Since he was one of Jesus closest disciples, John was thoroughly familiar with Jesus statement recorded in Mark 2:28: Therefore the Son of Man is Lord also of the sabbath (KJV). Obviously Jesus was speaking of the seventh-day Sabbath, the only day for worship and rest that the Jews, to whom He was speaking, knew anything about. It is quite reasonable that, in writing Revelation, John would refer to the Sabbath as the Lords day, because he had heard Jesus Christ claim it to be His own day. John was commanded to “Write in a book what you see” Rev.(1:11). This was one of 12 times John was told to write in a book what he saw. {Cf. Rev 1:19; 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14; 14:13; 19:9; 21:5 this indicates that John was to write after seeing each vision} except in Rev 10:4, John was told to seal up what was spoken. The phrase “and send it to the seven churches,” shows us that God intends for the church TO KNOW the contents of the book of Revelation. This was long before denominations came about which is another version of mans legal doctrine. Understand, there will be NO DENOMINATIONS in Heaven, only Christians who are have the purity of the doctrine according to Jesus Christ and a devoted heart for Him alone according to His Word. John shows us in Revelation 1:19, it serves as the outline of the book and provides the key to unlock and reveal to the reader in understanding how it all fits. John was informed by Jesus to write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. It shows us that we should have a futuristic approach to the great majority of Revelation. John points out mans destiny in a simple three-point outline: (1) “The things which you have seen” are the things past refer to those things which John had seen from 1:9-20, giving us a part of an explanation vision of the glorified Christ (1:9-20). (2) “The things which are” which are the things present now that deals with the message to the seven churches regarding the state of the church and the church age (2:1-3:22). (3) “The things which will take place after these things” refers to future events to yet take place after the church age: the Great Tribulation, the Millennium, and the Eternal state. First, the use of the phrase “after these things” (Gk. meta tauta) points to the purpose of the tribulation. The main purpose of the tribulation is to bring the nation of Israel to the realization that Jesus Christ whom they crucified, (see John 18) is their promised Messiah.This is what will take place “after these things” relates to what happens after the church age (referring to the Gentile period) used twice in 4:1. This phrase seems to be borrowed from the book of Daniel (surprise!). In Daniel 2:29, Daniel is told that Nebuchadnezzars dream is intended to reveal “what will take place.” means a future fulfillment is always anticipated. The book of Revelation gives us clear structure and direction. We see in Rev.1:12-13a: that after John heard the voice of the Lord he turned and saw seven golden lampstands, which are the churches through the ages (1:12,20). I believe the lampstands are a reference to the seven churches that were just mentioned by name in the previous verse. This recalls the seven-branched lamp, by whose light the priests offered their incense in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-37). The lampstands and stars (1:20) are called a “mystery.” It is important to note that in Scripture, “mystery” refers to that which was before unknown, but the now revealed by revelation from God (the inclusion of the Gentiles). We notice the lampstands are the churches exhibiting their function in the world and the stars represent the angels of the seven churches. The churches are to send forth the light as a lampstand and the angels were to project light as stars. The churches are “lampstands. and the light is Christ, and the lampstands are to bring Him forth.” The reason John sees the lampstands first is because Christianity is the church. Throughout the New Testament, Christianity and the church are practically expressing the same idea. The focus of this section is on the risen Lord Jesus Christ who is “in the middle” of these lampstands (1:13a) demonstrating that He has a direct relationship with each church. He is in the midst to minister to us, to search us, and to enable us. Therefore, the purpose of the lampstand was not the light itself, the church IS to bear the light of Jesus Christ to a dark world (see Matthew 5:14; Phillipians 2:15, and Eph 5:13). Today, however, many churches today are known for their great worship, great preaching, great facilities, or great programs and this does not mean their true measure of success. We are successful only to the degree that we reflect Christ and Him alone. Rev.1:13b-16 describes the Lord Jesus in incredibly intense detail. Each description shows who Jesus is and reveals His qualifications that enables Him to carry out the events. Jesus is defined: as “one like a son of man.” This title points to His true humanity and Messianic character. You can see this description of Christ agrees with that of the messenger who brought the information to Daniel in his final vision (cf. Dan 10:5-6) with the following exceptions: (1) Daniel’s messenger had His golden band around His waist, whereas Jesus here has His about His chest (1:13). (2) His voice in Daniel was like that of a multitude. Here it is compared with the sound of many waters (1:15). (3) The countenance in Daniel had the appearance of lightning, but in Revelation it is as the sun shinning in full strength (1:16). (4) The following particulars in John’s vision are not found in Daniel: white head and hair (1:14), a sword coming from the mouth (1:16), and the seven stars in His right hand (1:16). Though Christ is portrayed in all the glory of His deity, He is still the Son of Man, One made like His brethren that He might be a faithful High Priest and reclaim what Adam lost in the fall (cf. Heb 2:9). Being the Son of Man, He is seen “clothed in a robe reaching His feet, and girded across His breast with a golden sash.” In biblical times a long robe was a sign of greatness. Judges wore long robes with their girdle over one shoulder and across his chest as an insignia of the magisterial office he held. Priests would wear their girdle around their waist, signifying service. This description makes it clear that Jesus is to be understood as a Judge. During His first coming, Christ looked like an average Palestinian Jew (Isa 53:2; Luke 2:52; Phil. 2:5-8) and His glory was veiled. Christ for a short period of time sacrificially gave up His “rights.” Since His first coming, Jesus looks like God in human form (Dan 7:13; Mark 8:31). His glory is unveiled! See the 7 features described below and understand 7 resembles completeness. 1. His head and hair (1:14a): “were white like white wool, like snow.” This is purposely to remind us of the vision in Daniel as “the Ancient of Days” (Dan 7:9).28 The double emphasis of “white” is symbolic of Jesus Christ’s absolute purity and His wisdom. Micah prophesied, “His [The Messiah’s] goings forth are from old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2) In the Old Testament, white hair was the emblem of age, honor, and wisdom. It symbolized the respect due to the aged for the wisdom of their advanced years. Prov 16:31 “A gray heads is the crown of glory.” American culture today, disrespects the aging, instead a person is admired if he can keep looking young. It is a fact that with age comes wisdom and we need those who are wise in our midst because without them we have an incomplete body. It is worth noting that in the Law God commanded, “You will rise up before the white head, and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God; I am the Lord” (Lev 19:32). 2. His eyes (1:14b): “were like a flame of fire.” Fire is used often in Scripture of God’s judgment. This verse telling us that one day every man’s works will be tested by fire (1 Cor 3:13). Christ’s eyes will be searching, penetrating, and revealing (Hab 1:13; Heb 4:12-13). Peter was revealed this revelation when Jesus predicted denial of Him three times. Jesus turned and looked upon Peter, awakening him to the stark reality of what he had done (Luke 22:61). The Lord’s look upon Peter was far more than just a brief glance He prophesied His future event, the Greek word used (emblepo) points to Christ fixing His eyes upon Peter in an intently searching sense. Peter came under conviction for his actions, causing him to remember the Lords prophecy to him causing Peter to weep bitterly for his actions (Luke 22:62). When we stand before Jesus Christ and see those same eyes described here as a “flame of fire,” we too may weep in shame. 3. His feet (1:15a): “were like burnished bronze.” The word “bronze” refers to divine judgment as we see regarding the brazen altar and other brass instruments used in connection with sacrifice for sin (Ex. 38:30) and used here and in Revelation 2:18. Moses as being a type of Christ had an encounter with the Angel of the Lord and the burning bush, the Lord spoke out of the bush, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet for the place where you stand is holy ground” (Exod. 3:5). Now, if the mere ground that God abides near is holy, how much more so is He? Now you can understand that the picture of Christ’s feet is verification that He is holy from his head to His feet. Again we see the Awesome One who will trample down sin and wickedness. We will one day see Jesus putting all His enemies and every evil power under His feet. The foes of Jesus will be utterly crushed! This deserves a healthy amen! 4. His voice (1:15c): “was like the sound of many waters.” His voice, as John heard it, was “like the sound of many waters.” We can see other references: Rev 14:2; 19:6; Ps 93:4; Isa 17:13;**Ezek.1:24; 43:2. I believe that every nation will hear the Lord speak in their native tongue enforcing man that the Kingdom has come in person and all will see Him as He is and what is coming upon the earth. 5. His right hand (1:16a): “And in His right hand He held seven stars.” The “right hand” is a symbol of strength, power, and honor. Again, the mystery of the seven stars in the right hand of the Savior is found in 1:20. It is symbolic of the “angels.” The word “angel” (angelos) means “messenger.” In Scripture it is used of both men and angelic beings. See *Matt.11:10*; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:24, 27; 9:52; 2 Cor 8:23; and James 2:25. In the book of Revelation, we see the angels assignments. Here is their evidence: they minister to believers, act as guardians for each congregation (Dan 10:13), minister service to those who will inherit salvation, and sent to release judgment upon the rebellious. We can clearly see that angels seem to have authority over and responsibility for churches. But note the situation will be reversed in the kingdom of God. because Paul tells us that believers will judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:2-3). 6. His sword (1:16b): “and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword.” A “sword” in Scripture is symbolic of God’s Word, Eph 6:17 and Heb 4:12. Here refers to a short dagger. However in 1:16b, describes a long, heavy, broad sword used for the purpose of executing justice and wrath on the unbelieving world (Rev.19:15, 21). The sword symbolizes the irresistible authority and devastating force of the Lord’s judgment to believers. It is made quite clear to the church at Pergamos being warned to repent or else He would come quickly and “war against them with the sword of His mouth” (Rev. 2:16). The principle is this: Christ will judge every person by the standard of His Holy Word. On that day, there will be no debate, excuse, or discussion. Everything hidden will be brought to light. 7. His face (1:16c): “and His face was like the sun shinning in its strength.” In the beginning of the world the Lord made the sun to rule the day. Christ is to the world refers to the deity and holiness. Jesus Christ is the sun (Son) shining in the midst of the church. In Christ alone is our source of light and righteousness. Rev. 1:17-18 states that when John saw him he fell at Jesus feet “as a dead man.” He was slain in the Spirit of the awesomeness of His glory to fall prostrate before the glory and majesty of God. Remember this is the same John who laid his head on Jesus’ chest, the one called the “Beloved Disciple.” The one who saw Jesus at the transfiguration (Matt. 17:2). But when John saw the unveiled glory of Jesus he was utterly overwhelmed. God’s glory is so awesome that no mortal on earth can see it and live unless it is revealed for purpose and protected by whom God reveals as you see here. I am a personal witness to this unveiling of Jesus coming home from Illinois when Lord appointed me to a mission and I was obedient to that call that He reassured me by saying to me I AM the highway of your life He transformed Himself in front of me under the fore pass of Odessa, Mo. I did not care of what was happening around me I wanted to be with Him but my time was not yet because I still have work to do for His kingdom. That is why I am who I am because of whose I am, HIS! Nothing or no one can deter me from that experience. Throughout the Scriptures, when men caught a glimpse of God’s glory and naturally bowed low, God always spoke or touched them or both (Dan 10:8-10, 15-16; *Matt. 17:6-7*). My friend this is a wonderful expression of the grace of God. One to which I will never forget. Although the holiness and awesomeness of God is beyond our wildest imagination, God grants His children comfort and protection from His wrath. But for those who reject Christ, there will be no such thing! Indeed, this is a frightening reality. This knowledge should motivate us to do all that we can to prevent those who are outside of Christ from dying apart from the grace of God. This revealing to John we find that Jesus comforts him with these words, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and Hades.” The basis for having no fear is Jesus’ words, “I am the first and the last.” The phrase “I AM” recalls Jesus’ claims in the Gospels (cf. *Matt. 14:27*; Mark 6:50; John 6:20; 8:58) and connects Him with God the Father (see Exod. 3:14 and Isa 48:12). The title “the first and the last” is essentially the same as “the Alpha and the Omega” (1:8) and “the beginning and the end” (22:13). What is the significance of this title? The prophet Isaiah helps us here when Isaiah writes, “Who has performed and accomplished it, calling forth generation from the beginning? ‘I, the Lord, and the first, and with the last. I am He. Listen to Me, O Jacob, even Israel whom I called; I am He, I am the first, I am also the last. Surely My hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I call them, they stand together’” (41:4, 12-13). This is similar to 1:8 and both of these statements are applied to Christ later in the book (2:8; 22:13). This passage helps us to grasp ahold of God’s independent, self-existence, and self-sufficiency as the transcendent God of the universe. He stands independent of all creation. Jesus informs us that He is “the Living One” (Dan 6:26-27; Rev 4:9; 10:6; 15:7) who became dead and is alive forevermore! This is the solid foundation for our salvation and assurance. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the guarantee that we will live forever with Him. But Jesus does not stop there. He goes on to explain that He has “the keys of death and Hades.” Death is the state or condition, while hades is the place of the dead. In the Bible a key is a sign of access and authority. Jesus Christ has the authority to decide who dies and who lives; He controls life and death. What Jesus is saying, is that His resurrection granted Him preeminence over death, hades, and the grave. He alone is in complete control of the eternal state/realm (Heb 2:14-15). All of the above descriptions and truths validate the deity and majesty of Jesus Christ. The primary reason people are not astonished and exuberant at the Lamb of God’s forgiveness of their sins is that they have little or no sense of the Lion’s raging fury against their sins because only see the side of His love and grace and never look at the Holy side of who He is, a just Judge. Until we have trembled on death row we will not dance at the granting of our pardon. He went as a Lamb to slaughter but He is coming back as a roaring Lion putting an end to all rebellion and disloyalty. Let me frankly ask you...Are you ready? Is your house in order? Are you falling short? If you cannot answer quickly, yes. Then you are in trouble. But you can get ready by acknowledging your need of Jesus. Believe on the Him to free you from your habits and addictions and sins because He removed the curse on your life on the cross. Accept Jesus in your heart with a pure motive and begin laying your sins before Him through confession and ask Him to deliver you from your sinful ways and give you a desire and hunger to read the Bible, the infallible Word of God, preferably the King James Version Edition. Receive His love and forgiveness and live a changed life that will bring glory to His name. In His Mighty Service, Carol Jeffrey
Posted on: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:57:03 +0000