Christ In The Book Of The Revelation

In The Book Of Revelation

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12

The Revelation is the only prophetical book in the New Testament. It begins with “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1 NKJV), introducing immediately the central theme of the book. Its objective is to reveal Christ as the glorified One in contrast to the Gospels which reveal Him in His humiliation and suffering. The climax of the book is His second coming. Events preceding the second coming constitute an introduction and all events which follow are an epilogue.

Names Of Christ In The Revelation
This book lists more descriptive titles for the Savior than any other book in the Bible. While the reader may find more, here are 20 names of Christ in this book: Jesus Christ (1:1), Faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead, Ruler over the kings of the earth (1:5), the Alpha and the Omega (1:8; 22:13), the First and the Last (1:17; 22:13), Son of Man (1:13), Son of God (2:18), Lion of the tribe of Judah (5:5), Root of David (5:5), Lamb ... slain (5:6), our Lord (11:8), King of the saints (15:3), Faithful and True (19:11), Word of God (19:13), King of kings (19:16), Lord of lords (19:16), Beginning and End (1:8; 22:13), the Root and the Offspring of David (22:16), the Bright and Morning Star (22:16).

In addition, the “hidden manna” (2:17) speaks of Christ in glory (Ex. 16:33-34; Heb. 9:4). The “morning star” (2:28) refers to Christ returning before the dawn, suggesting the Rapture of the Church before the establishment of the kingdom (Rev. 22:16; 2 Pet. 1:19). The Rider “on a white horse” (19:11-16,19) is clearly identified as Christ, the King of kings.

The Lamb In The Revelation
The name of Christ as the “Lamb” is mentioned 28 times in The Revelation – more than in the other 65 books of the Bible combined. Christ is not only the Lamb of Calvary but also the Lamb of heaven. This is the title by which He wants all the redeemed to remember Him throughout eternity. The purpose for using the term “Lamb” in heaven is to identify the glorified Christ of The Revelation with Christ the Lamb of sacrifice in His first coming. The Lamb is the center around which all else is clustered, the foundation on which everything else is built, the object to which all things point, and the spring from which all blessings proceed. The Lamb is the light, the glory, the life, the Lord of heaven and earth, from whose face all defilement must flee, to whom all praise must be offered, and in whose presence fullness of joy is found. Throughout The Revelation we see the Lamb not only as the slain One who purged our sins, but as the exalted One, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Vision Of The Glorified Christ
In chapter 1, John sees a full-length sevenfold representation of the risen, exalted Lord, which reveals His moral, spiritual and judicial powers.

First, “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow” (1:14). This symbolism (Dan. 7:9) speaks of Christ’s flawless purity.

Second, “His eyes like a flame of fire” (1:14; 2:18; 19:12; Dan. 10:6;). This vivid symbol indicates His penetrating and infinite knowledge, and His power to scrutinize and search each life, to penetrate the inner chambers of every heart, and to bring to light the hidden things of darkness.

Third, “His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace” (1:15; 2:18). In John’s day brass was a compound of gold, copper and silver – the strongest metal known. This brass, reaching white-hot color in a furnace, would not yield to heat. It speaks of stability and resistance. On the cross, Christ as a man could stand the furnace of God’s fire and tread down all the enemies of righteousness. “He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Rev. 19:15).

Fourth, “His voice as the sound of many waters” (1:15; Ezek. 43:2). This is an intimation that the voice of Christ is inescapable and authoritative, commanding all men and nations. It is the voice of perfect authority.

Fifth, “He had in His right hand seven stars” (1:16). The seven stars are interpreted in verse 20 as the seven angels or messengers of the seven churches in Asia.

Sixth, “Out of His mouth went a sharp, two-edged sword” (1:16; 19:15). This symbol is seen in Hebrews 4:12 as the Word of God which pierces, divides, and discerns. Here we see the penetrating quality of Christ’s words and their power to reprove and punish. The sword is an emblem of judicial authority and power.

Seventh, “His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength” (1:16; Mt. 17:2). The face of Christ blazed with unbearable brightness, dazzling splendor, and awesome majesty. Christ is “the Sun of righteousness” (Mal. 4:2). The face of Christ mirrors His perfect moral glory.

Open Door In Heaven
Twice in the Revelation we read about an open door in heaven (4:1; 19:11). When you are inside your house and want to go out, you open the door. The open door in heaven signifies Christ leaving. The first time this occurs speaks of Christ leaving heaven and coming for His saints at the Rapture. On the second occasion, Christ leaves heaven with His saints to come to earth to judge it and set up His millennial kingdom.

Messages To The Seven Churches
In chapters 2-3, Christ sends messages to the seven churches in Asia Minor in the first century. Each message has its own characteristics, but there are also many similarities. Each message begins with, “I know your works.” Each offers the promise “to him who overcomes.” Although there is some variation, each has the same concluding sentence: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Each message begins with an introduction in which the Lord is described, but each description differs in keeping with the message. Most of the letters contain words of warning and promise to those who hear and respond. In general, they are letters of reproof, rebuke, and assurance.

Worship Of The Lamb
Beginning in chapter 4, the scene changes abruptly and we move to heaven. Beginning with 4:1, The Revelation is future; the Rapture is supposed to have occurred and the Church is in heaven. In chapters 4 and 5, the Lamb is worshiped by the 24 elders, the four living creatures, and the holy angels. The 24 elders represent the body of believers of both the Old and New Testaments. The four living creatures are angelic beings of the highest intelligence, who resemble the cherubim of Ezekiel 1 and 10 and the seraphim of Isaiah 6. Their purpose is to remind all creatures through all eternity of Christ’s blessed earthly and heavenly ministry. This is suggested by their appearance looking like a lion, a calf, a man, and an eagle which correspond to the four gospels respectively.

Careful reading of chapters 4 and 5 reveals the presence of three concentric circles, each marked by the phrase “around the throne.” The inner circle (4:4) is occupied by the 24 elders who represent the saints in glory. The middle circle (4:6) is occupied by the four living creatures. The outer circle (5:11) is occupied by the holy angels. As a result of this arrangement, every saint will see Christ in the midst of the throne (5:6); and the saints in the innermost circle will be nearer to Him than the angels, the occupants of the outermost circle. Thus we see how much Christ cherishes His saints.

In the midst of the throne (5:6), John sees a Lamb with the following characteristics. He is slain; this is repeated three times (Rev. 5:6,9,12). He has five wounds, in both hands, in both feet, and in His side. He is all-powerful with seven horns, which in biblical symbolic language refer to power and authority. He is all-knowing with seven eyes, referring to perfect knowledge and wisdom.

Isaac asked, “Where is the Lamb?” (Gen. 22:7). John the Baptist answered, “Behold the Lamb!” (Jn. 1:29). All creation now says, “Worthy is the Lamb” (Rev. 5:12), singing about His blood in heaven and singing a new song (5:9) of redemption. The old song is that of creation (Job 38:7; Rev. 4:11).

Wrath Of The Lamb
In chapters 6-19, the wrath of the Lamb is poured upon earth via seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls and seven vials. The opening of chapter 6 marks an important milestone in the progressive revelation of the end of the age. The picture in 6-19 is God’s revelation of the terrible judgment which will be the climax of the present age. Never, since Noah, has a judgment so devastating been consummated. This is a warning to those living in unbelief to beware lest this age engulf them. The prophecy of the end of the age should spur Christians to snatch souls from the fire and prepare them for the Lord’s coming.

The Word of God makes plain that all those who avail themselves of God’s grace are blessed in time and eternity. But those who spurn God’s mercy must experience His judgment without mercy. It is foolish to rest in the Scriptures that speak of God’s love while rejecting those that deal with His righteous judgments. The present age reveals God’s grace and suspended judgment. The age to come will give conclusive evidence that God will bring every evil work into judgment and that those who spurn His grace must experience His wrath.

Marriage Supper Of The Lamb
Revelation 19:7-8 announces the marriage supper of the Lamb. The text does not say whether the marriage takes place in heaven or on earth. Many expositors believe that it will occur in heaven. It is to be noted that neither the Old Testament saints nor the Tribulation saints constitute part of the bride; only believers of the Church age are included. Even John the Baptist designated himself as only a friend of the bridegroom (Jn. 3:29). The marriage symbolism is beautifully fulfilled in the relationship of Christ to His Church. The Church’s wedding gown is the “fine linen ... the righteous acts of the saints.” What are we doing to adorn the wedding gown? What are we doing for the Lord today?

Second Coming Of The Lamb
Revelation 19:11-16 is one of the most graphic pictures of Christ’s second coming anywhere in Scripture. It will be a glorious event which all the world will behold, believers and unbelievers. The opened heaven speaks of Christ leaving heaven for the second time with His saints to come to earth to judge it, receive the promised kingdom and rule over the earth for 1000 years. The Rider on the white horse is none other than Jesus Christ. The white horse is symbolical of victorious warfare: “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood” (19:13). The blood-dipped vesture has nothing to do with His work on the cross, but is the fulfillment of Isaiah 63:3, the day of His vengeance when the blood of His enemies is sprinkled upon His robe. The “armies in heaven” which “followed Him on white horses” are His saints coming with Him. Angels also will be with Him (Mt. 24:30-31). The passage describes three names of the Savior. First, “He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.” The second is “the Word of God.” The third is “King of kings and Lord of lords” (19:11,13,16).

Reign Of The Lamb
The Lamb’s reign is referred to as the Millennium. In all of Scripture it is only mentioned in chapter 20, and there six times as “thousand years.” The word “millennium” means 1000 years. The saints martyred during the Great Tribulation will be resurrected, live again, and reign with Christ (20:4). His reign will be one of unspeakable blessing, righteousness and peace though He will rule the nations with a rod of iron (Ps. 2:9; Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15).

Eternal State
Chapters 21-22 deal with eternity. These six changes will take place there.

First, in heaven “there shall be no more curse” (22:3). There will be no pain, tears, wars, terrorism, sickness, disappointments, frustrations, failures, insecurities, quarrels, racism, selfishness, worries, suffering, and no death. In heaven, all the elements that make for unhappiness on earth will disappear.

Second, the fallen, Adamic nature will be eradicated and Satan will be cast into the lake of fire (19:20; 20:10; 21:8). We shall no longer be subject to temptation and sin.

Third, “The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it” (22:3). There will be millions of saints in heaven, but Jesus will know each one personally. And we shall know Him in a deeper way than ever before. “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11). Whatever God has in store for us in heaven will be unbelievably more wonderful than what we enjoy now.

Fourth, we shall know and enjoy our parents, children, and friends just as the disciples knew Moses and Elijah at the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt. 17:3,4). All the glories of heaven will be multiplied because of the people we will know there, especially the great saints who have gone before us and those we were privileged to bring to the Lord.

Fifth, we “shall serve Him” (22:3). Heaven will be a place of ceaseless activity because there will be no night there. We are not told what kind of work we shall perform in heaven, but we shall not work for wages. It will be a service that is fitting to every saint, a work that will be rewarding and exhilarating.

Sixth, “They shall see His face” (22:4). Scripture does not say that we shall see the streets of gold, nor the gates of pearl, nor the walls with all kinds of precious stones. The Bible does not say that we shall see the holy angels, nor the great saints such as Abraham, David, Daniel, and Paul. However, the Scripture does say that we shall see the face of Jesus which reflects the glory of God (2 Cor. 4:6). This will be the quintessence of heaven and the joy of joys.

Eternal Praise
Heaven will be heaven because we see the face of Jesus. We shall be so absorbed with the loveliness of the Lamb, and so engrossed with His splendor and majesty that we shall forget ourselves. We shall join the four living creatures and the myriads of holy angels in offering a chorus of continual praise to the Lamb for the endless ages of eternity.

We shall praise Him continually and eternally, so let us cultivate the holy habit of praising Him now during our short sojourn on earth.

By Maurice Bassali