Gospel Outreach International

What does it mean for Jesus to be revealed as the perfect servant, preeminent Savior, and powerful sovereign? Drawing from Revelation 1:4-8, this study unveils Christ in His threefold glory, examining how the Trinity works together in revealing Jesus as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of kings. Through careful examination of Scripture, we discover how Christ’s perfect character and divine authority should transform our understanding of discipleship and worship.

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, Revelation 1:1

• The Author and Penman: While all Scripture is inspired by God, John the Apostle (the beloved disciple) serves as the penman for Revelation, known for his devoted love and unique position at the cross
• The Seven Churches: Chosen by the Lord Himself (not John), these represent completeness and provide a complete picture of the true church at any point in history
• Trinity in Action: The greeting comes from God the Father (Him which is, which was, and which is to come), the seven spirits (Holy Spirit in His perfect character), and Jesus Christ
• Grace and Peace: Two foundational New Testament concepts - grace as God’s undeserved favor bringing joy, and peace as complete prosperity and assurance beyond mere absence of conflict
• The Faithful Witness (Perfect Servant): Christ as the trustworthy, dependable witness who served with undeviating fidelity
• The Firstborn from the Dead (Preeminent Savior): The first to conquer death permanently, never to die again, proving His divine claims
• The Ruler of Kings (Powerful Sovereign): The one who controls all earthly powers and maintains authority over all creation
• Christ’s Voluntary Sacrifice: Christ didn’t merely die - He voluntarily laid down His life as one without sin, as death had no natural claim on Him
• Believers’ Position: Christians are intimately linked with Christ as co-workers, seated with Him in heavenly places, and called to be lights in the world
• The Blood’s Power: Christ has released believers from sin through His sacrificial death, providing peace and eternal freedom
• Divine Love: God’s love extends to every person without exception, demonstrating His unwillingness that any should perish

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, Revelation 1:4

The whole thing really drives home that Jesus isn’t just our “buddy” or a “living doll” (as the preacher warned against), but He’s this incredibly powerful sovereign who chose to serve perfectly and die voluntarily for us. It’s that combination of His perfect love and His absolute power that makes Him so amazing. The fact that He’s called the “faithful witness” shows He’s completely trustworthy, and being the “firstborn from the dead” means He’s conquered our biggest enemy. Pretty encouraging stuff, really - knowing that the one who loves us is also the one running the show!

Bible References

• Revelation 1:4-8
• Revelation 4:8
• Revelation 21:22
• Psalm 1:1-3
• Acts 4:13
• John 1:1
• John 14:26
• John 7
• John 18
• John 8:29
• John 9
• Isaiah 42
• Isaiah 11:2
• Isaiah 55:4
• Psalm 46:10
• Psalm 2
• Matthew 26
• Philippians 2:8
• Romans 9:5
• Romans 1:4
• Romans 13
• Colossians 1:18
• Colossians 1:20
• 1 Corinthians 13:13
• 1 Corinthians 15
• 1 Corinthians 15:25
• Acts 2:24
• Ephesians 1
• Ephesians 2
• Hebrews 10:10
• 1 Timothy 2:5
• 1 Chronicles 29:11
• Revelation 22:3
• Isaiah 40:23