Lesson 1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ (May 28, 2021)
#1 — What is the inspired title of this book? Who is the Author of this revelation? For what purpose was it given? How was it brought to men? Rev. 1:1. — Revelation of Jesus Christ, which will reveal the life of Jesus Christ. — The Author is God (the Father), — To shew unto his servants things which will come to the future (shortly come to pass). — By his servants (ex. John).
#2 — Of what did John bear testimony? Verse 2. — John bore the record of word of God, testimony of Jesus Christ, and all things that he saw (what he witnesses/revealed unto him).
#3 — What had it cost John to bear witness for Christ? — He lost his freedom because he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos, so what cost him was his freedom. But because of his exile and loss of freedom, he was able to bear the testimony and write the book of Revelation.
#4 — Need one despised or persecuted by earthly princes be ashamed of the Christian calling? What has it cost Jesus to bring the revelation of His saving power? Verses 5, 6. — No, they should not be ashamed because Jesus himself had also gone through being despised and persecuted. Those who follow Christ and live godly shall suffer persecution. (2 Tim 3:12) — It had cost Jesus his life but he became the first (in ranking) the begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Because he loved us, he had died for us.
#5 — What special blessing may we claim as we take up studies in this book? Verse 3. Note 2. — Those who read, hear, and do the words of this prophecy that are written will be blessed. (Rom 10:17, James 2:24, James 1:22)
#6 — Round what grand event does all the revelation center? Verse 7. — The grand event is the second coming of Christ, where all eyes shall see him. There will be a special resurrection (Rev 6:15-17) where those who have persecuted and crucified Jesus will see His coming.
#7 — When were the scenes of this book opened to John? Verse 10. What day is this? Mar. 2:28; Isa. 58:13. — The day is on the Lord’s day, which is on a Sabbath. (Isa 58:13, Mat 12:8, Mark 2:27-28, Luke 6:5)
#8 — To whom was this revelation sent? Rev. Note 3. — The revelation is given unto the seven churches, which is the history of the Christian church, from when Jesus was on earth all the way to His second coming.
#9 — What did John see as he turned to learn from whence the voice came that spake to him? Verses 12, 13. — He turns to the south, where he sees the seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man in the midst of it.
#10 — Describe His appearance. Verses 14-16. — He was clothed with a garment, with girt around the paps with a golden girdle. His hair was as white as wool and snow, and his eyes were as flames of fire. On his feet was like unto fine brass as if they were burned in a furnace. The appearance of the one like the Son of man is described similarly to Rev 2:18, 19:12 and Daniel 10:5-6.
#11 — Who does this One declare Himself to be? Verses 11 (first part), 18. — He declares Himself to be the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, he that liveth and was dead, and is alive forevermore.
#12 — What did He hold in His right hand? Verse 16. — In his right hand, He held seven stars.
#13 — What do the seven stars and the seven candlesticks represent? Verse 20. — The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
#14 — Need we fear to deal with this all-glorious One? Verses 17, 5, last part. — We do not need to fear, for He is the first and the last. (See also: Ecc 1:9, Rev 22:13)
#15 — With what purpose is He ministering in the heavenly courts and overruling in the affairs of earth? John. 14:1-3 — From my personal understanding, the book of Revelation is given to servant John to write so that what will happen in the future can be revealed, so once it comes to pass we may believe and have faith (John 14:29). In John 14:1-3, we see that Jesus is preparing a place for those who believe. Revelation is given so that we can believe and have faith, so that we can receive the place that Jesus has prepared.
#16 — What help may we claim in believing study of God’s revelations? Deu. 29:29 — What God has revealed to us through Jesus is for us to learn, understand, and do for our salvation. The help that we can claim is that God has already revealed Himself through His Son, which is given to John to write for everyone who chooses to seek Him, so that if they search God diligently, they may find. (Rev 3:20)