Revelation: Vision 1. The Unveiling of Jesus Christ.

The Unveiling of Jesus Christ. (Rev. 1: 1 – 8)


`The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to Him...` (Rev. 1:1)


Revelation – from the Greek Word `apocalypse,` meaning `to unveil.`


There has never been any monuments erected in honor of great personalities throughout the centuries that is comparable to the magnificence of this unveiling of Jesus Christ & the magnitude of His triumph.


What inexpressible pleasure God the Father enjoyed when unveiling His Son`s true character & credentials, for the purpose of showing to His bond servants the regal nature of His Well Beloved.


This unveiling of Christ`s Deity was given to John, the Apostle & he was to write it down for the Body of Christ down through the centuries.


`The Revelation of Jesus Christ,
which God gave Him to show His servants – things which shortly must take place.
And He sent & signified it by His angel to His servant John,
who bore witness to the word of God, & to the testimony of Jesus Christ
& to all things that he saw.`
(Rev. 1:1- 2)


`Blessed is he that reads...` this prophecy as it shows the full manifestation of Christ enthroned & empowered on high. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, not only the Son of Man, but the Son of God.


`Blessed is he who reads & those who hear the words of this prophecy,
& keep those things which are written in it;
for the time is near.`
(Rev. 1: 3)


We then read that the whole Godhead is involved in bringing forth this wonderful unveiling


The Father, delighting in fully presenting His Son, (Matt. 3: 17 Rev.1: 1, & 4)
The Holy Spirit, who teaches & brings these truths to remembrance, (John 16:13)
The Lord Jesus Himself who desires us to behold His glory. (John 17: 24)

Christ`s First Triune Titles.


John is writing to the seven churches in Asia, however they are but a representative of the whole Body of Christ down through the ages who will read this wonderful revelation.

Grace & peace are given from the Father, (who is....was...) the Holy Spirit, (7 fold Spirit) & Jesus Christ.

`John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:
Grace to you & peace from Him who is & who was & who is to come,
& from the seven spirits who are before the throne,
& from Jesus Christ...`
(Rev. 1: 4 & 5)


The Father then presents us with the first of Jesus` Triune titles.

`Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born from the dead,
& the ruler over the kings of the earth.`
(Rev. 1: 5)


The Faithful Witness – The integrity of His ministry.

As a witness Christ far exceeds all others because of the greatness of the witness He bears. He did not trifle over transient things but testified to eternal truth. In His message to mankind He unveiled the mysteries of God, foretold the future of nations & disclosed the issues of life.


The Firstborn from the dead – His conquering victory over the enemy.

This title shows Christ`s victory over Satan, sin & death. Christ battled against the enemy & conquered victoriously. He died, rose again & ascended to sit at the Father`s right hand on high. This certifies His authority forever as the One who can never know defeat. He is preeminent even of the dead, as the first manifested alive from the dead.

The Ruler over the kings of the earth – His ultimate authority over all Rulers.

Christ is ruler, king of the regency of truth in the heavenly realms. (John 18: 36 & 37) And finally He will bring this rule to bear over the nations of this world.

The 3 Groups of People.

The Apostle John now gives a hymn of praise to the Lord, bringing out the three different groups that Christ is dealing with – the Body of Christ, Israel & the Nations. Throughout the book of Revelation we will see how the Lord deals with each group & what their outcome will be.

The Body of Christ.

John gives praise to our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is He who loves us & gave His life for us.

He has made us kings & priests to rule & reign with Him forever. This is the Body of Christ, for no other group has the privilege of being kings & priests. When the Body of Christ is complete it will be caught away to the 3rd heaven to rule & reign with Christ.

`To Him who has loved us & washed us from our sins in His own blood,
& has made us kings & priests to His God & Father,
to Him be glory & dominion forever & ever.`
(Rev.1: 6)

Israel.

The second group that God has plans for is Israel. They have been blinded to the truth of their Messiah. However at the end of the tribulation they will realise that Jesus, their Messiah is the one that they crucified. It will be a traumatic time for them but healing will flow as the Lord reveals that He bought atonement to them individually & as a nation.

`Behold He is coming with clouds,
& every eye will see Him,
& they also who pierced Him.`
(Rev. 1: 7)

The Nations.


The Gentile nations of the earth, the different tribes are also a group in God`s plan. When they see the Lord coming to earth they will mourn. Their rule & authority has come to an end & Christ`s awesome power & glory causes them to wail in fear, guilt & grief.

`And & all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.
Even so, Amen`
(Rev. 1: 7)

Christ`s Signature

Christ would now have us to see His eternal attributes. This is His Deity that was hidden behind the `veil` of His flesh while on earth. He is the all- knowing, all powerful One throughout time & eternity. The `I am.`

“I am the Alpha & Omega, the beginning & the End,” says the Lord,
“who is & who was & who is to come, the Almighty”
(Rev. 1: 8)


His Omniscience – “I am the Alpha & Omega,”

Christ is the whole alphabet, from whom the entire vocabulary for expressing revealed truth is derived. All the treasures of wisdom & knowledge are in Him. (Col.2:3) There is no such thing as knowledge before Him & there cannot be any beyond Him.

Christ, as the Alpha & Omega, is the only way to spiritual secrets, (Rev.2:17) He is the key to unlock the treasures of truth, Himself the interpreter of the invisible, (Rev. 3: 7) & the Door of entrance to eternal enjoyment. (Ps. 16:11 John 10:9)


His Omnipresence – “The Beginning & the End.”

Christ commenced & will conclude all time periods. He conceived the duration of the ages & will yet crown & consummate the ages to come. Everything is under His control. And no event came before the exercise of His will & none will come after His counsel.
(1 Cor. 15: 28)

In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; therefore outside of Christ there is no wider, broader, deeper, higher, greater or vaster measure or authority known.
(Col. 2: 9 & 10)


His Omnipotence – “which is, was & is to come, the Almighty,”

The strength of Christ`s might & majesty transcend all others in ability & authority. He is the competent & self-sufficient One in His almightiness.


When we pause to ponder His enormous energy, His great power, His awesome strength & might, these qualities with their tremendous potential causes us to tremble . But, when we turn & learn of the blended qualities of goodness, gracious care, glorious love which are lavished so freely, our fears depart for we view His heart. (Eph. 2: 4 – 8)

Christ the Competent Administrator.


The Lord Jesus Christ, the founder and perfector of the Church is now shown as its competent Administrator. He is shown walking amongst the seven golden lampstands. Each lampstand fitted on to a common base representing the complete Church, the Body of Christ. The number seven in Hebrew means complete.


Thus looking back through history we can see that these seven churches are an overview, showing the entire history of its development and conflict against the enemy, while displaying Christ`s competence to meet all challenges, finally culminating in the completing of the mature Body of Christ, His glorious Church.


Thus the Lord Jesus Christ directs John to write to these seven churches in Asia who are representative of all the local churches, the believers who are the Body of Christ.


Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.



The Lord addresses each group particularly, giving words of commendation and encouragement or chastisement and warnings. Christ then counsels each group presenting Himself in clarity and truth. The response is but to repent & obey His Holy Spirit.


Each church, each group of believers would be encouraged, comforted or challenged by the Lord`s discernment of them. Then down through the centuries as other believers read, they also could receive what Christ is saying by His Holy Spirit.


Now finally today there are believers who have left their first love, as did Ephesus, servants being martyred, as in Symrna, others engrossed and overcome with worldly indulgences, and so on. But each phase has had a period when the outstanding characteristic that is stressed here has been the dominant aspect portrayed in church life.


Thus we see that the church of Laodicea, the final group of believers having to face `every wind of doctrine, ` being `tossed to and fro.` Yet the encouragement is to press on to maturity in Christ and to reach the unity of the faith (what we believe) and the knowledge of the Son of God. (Eph. 4: 13 – 16)

The 7 Stages of the Body of Christ. (Rev. 2 & 3)


The Lord Jesus Christ, the Head, has planned & is now building together the Body. The 7 cities, Ephesus, Smyrna - Laodicea, represent this Body at different stages throughout the past two centuries. It is a complete overview, beginning at Pentecost & finally culminating when the Body will be `caught away,` to its eternal setting in glory.

(Eph. 4: 13 – 16 1 Thess. 4: 13 – 18)


The Lord addresses each group particularly, giving words of commendation & encouragement or chastisement & warnings. We also are called upon to take heed as these trials & deceptions can come to all of us.


Today in the 21st century especially, each of the errors & difficulties are still evident, making discernment of truth & error so important. Christ then counsels each group presenting Himself, in clarity & truth. The response is but to repent & obey His Holy Spirit.

`He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the called out ones.`
(Rev. 2: 7)


Stage 1 & 2 – The Beginning


From the very beginning of the Body of Christ we read that the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul, warned the believers of the difficulties ahead.

`Therefore take heed to yourselves & to all the flock,.....
For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves
will come in among you,....` (Acts 20: 29)


This is a vivid picture of the persecution many early believers faced. And this has continued right down through the centuries.



Stage 3, 4 & 5 - Deception


Then Christ the Head of the Body (through Paul) warns of false teachers with impure motives & wrong doctrines.

`Also from among yourselves men will rise up,
speaking perverse things,
to draw away the disciples after themselves.` (Acts 20: 30)


Perverse, Gk. Word `diastrepho` meaning to distort, misinterpret & corrupt.


Here we see that certain people from amongst the believers are not looking to the Lord as the Head, but desire to `rise up` & `lord it over ` others. They teach wrong doctrine, `perverse things.` How true that is even today.



Stage 6 & 7 – Culmination


These two groups are in complete contrast to each other. One seeks Christ`s riches of His wisdom & knowledge, while the other group connects with the world`s system & seeks its riches & favours.

Christ`s Counsel to the Body of Christ. (Rev. 2 & 3)

We will now look at the Lord dealing with each of the 7 groups. He encourages & comforts, or warns & exposes error, while revealing Himself afresh to each group as the answer to their problem. If we are a part of the Body of Christ then even today we are to heed what the Spirit is saying.

Ephesus – Division. (Rev. 2: 1 – 7)

Christ reveals Himself to these believers as the preeminent one who has all power & authority walking in their midst.

`He who holds the 7 stars (angels), who walks in the midst of the
7 golden lampstands. (the Body of Christ)`
(Rev. 2: 1)
7 in Heb. Means `to be complete.` Thus the complete Body of Christ.

He encourages & commends them for their patience, perseverance & testing of false apostles, & then points out a severe error –

“...you have left your first love.

Remember therefore from where you have fallen;” (Rev. 2: 4 & 5)

The believers had lost their `first love.` Their affection & allegiance was not on Christ, but on earthly support, so they had `fallen.` They looked more to their leaders rather than listening to the Lord. Divisions & factions had formed.

`I am of Paul,... I am of Apollos,` (1 Cor. 3: 4)
`I hear that there are divisions among you,...` (1 Cor.11: 18 & 19)

Many of the early believers did however discern those who `lorded it over ` others and did not agree with their behaviour.


“But this you have, that you hate the deed of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
(Rev. 2: 6)
Nicolaitan – Gk. Nikolaos, `nikao,` to conquer, and `laos,` the people.
To conquer the people, or to lord it over them. ( 1 Peter 5: 3)


The Lord Jesus Christ then encourages the believers to listen to His Holy Spirit so they can be overcomes who will receive of His eternal life.


“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life,
which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
(Rev. 2: 7)

To be overcomers they need to `hold fast to the Head,` Christ, & not look to men as their Head. (Col.2:18 & 19)

2. Smyrna – Persecution (Rev. 2: 8 – 11)


Christ is not only the Commencer and Consummator of life as the First and Last, but also the conqueror of death. Where death reigns as the enemy`s power, all mankind are held in bondage. But Christ is the Originator of life as the First and the Overseer as the Last. He is also the Overcomer who was dead and is alive. So He presents Himself as the prevailing Victor that He may make His people victorious also.


“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
these things says the First & Last, who was dead, & came to life:..”
(Rev. 2: 8)


In the martyr age (& for martyrs down through the centuries) the Church was confronted by the cruel power of the devil. Thus Christ unveiled Himself as not merely alive, but also immune from death`s power, and assures the same immunity to His people.


“I know your works , tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich);
and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not,
but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.
Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison,
that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.”
(Rev. 2: 9 & 10)


10 – Gk. Word `deka` - fig. for law, testing
Day – Gk. Word `hemera` - fig. meaning a period of time, judgement.


The `10 days` is symbolic of a period of testing time that the believers through the centuries will have to undergo until God brings judgement. To be an overcomer we are not to fear suffering but be faithful even unto death. Man may take our physical life, but it is the Lord who gives eternal life.


The second death refers not to the physical death but to the spiritual `death` of the unrepentant who will be cast from God`s presence forever.


“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
(Rev. 2: 11)

3. Pergamos – False Doctrines. (Rev. 2: 12 – 17)

Christ is revealed to these believers, as their judge, with the authority of His Word.

`He who has the sharp two-edged sword.` (Rev. 2: 12)

He commends them for professing His name & not denying their faith in Him. However, in their midst are those teaching wrong doctrine.

The Doctrine of Balaam – Worldly (2 Peter 12 – 22)

`who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel,
to eat things sacrificed to idols, & to commit sexual immorality.`
(Rev. 2: 14)

Balaam was teaching Balak to corrupt God`s people by tempting them to defile their separation from the world & abandon their pilgrim character. Similarly certain people were teaching believers to behave like the world bringing them back into bondage. This is spiritual adultery. The Lord points out to the believers that they are `dwelling` in the world, `where Satan`s throne is.`

“I know ....where you dwell, where Satan`s throne is.” (Rev. 2: 13)
`the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.` (1 John 5: 19)

World – Gk. Word `kosmos,` meaning the moral system, order of the world.

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans – Hierarchical Control (`lording it over,` 1 Peter 5:2 & 3)

What were `deeds of the Nicolaitans` in Ephesus, now became a doctrine in Pergamos.
The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

Nikolaos – Gk. Words, `nikao` to conquer, & `laos` the people. To conquer the people.

Instead of local groups in homes ministering to one another, certain elders began `lording it over` many of the believers. This eventually developed into a hierarchical system of control, which we can still see today. This is the way the world operates & the Lord told his disciples they must not behave so.

`You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,....
Yet it shall not be so among you;`
(Matt. 20: 25 & 26)

The Apostle Paul also saw this wrong behaviour of leaders & chastises the people for coming under such bondage.

`For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage,..` (2 Cor. 11: 20)


The solution is to repent & know Christ`s Character as exemplified by Paul who was -

`gentle among you, just as a nursing mother....`
& `we exhorted & comforted,...as a father..`
(1 Thess. 2: 7 & 11)

Jezebel, Doctrine of Balaam, Nicolaitans, at the root all were teaching the same false doctrine and getting people to sin with fleshly vices and tell themselves God would look over it.

Hardly anything is known about the Nicolaitans. What is written about them 300 years later is made up from things like this. Using the meaning of the name and guessing.

Others have guessed that they were teaching a doctrine that they could sin with the flesh and not effect the spirit because the flesh meant nothing. A form of Epicurean gnosticism but there is no real source for this.

Most likely it is closer to the fact because all of these false teachers mentioned in the letters to the 7 churches had this in common. Teaching to commit fornication or eating things sacrificed to idols. These things were discussed at length in 1 Cor and we can draw from that how these churches were guilty of the same things that Paul had to deal with in Corinth. They were compromising with fornication and mixing with the idol temple culture around them and trying to justify it.

Today it would be justifying worldly ungodly lifestyles of any kind, but definitely things like fornicating, or watching it on TV and telling ourselves it is just a movie.

Thank you Amanuensis,

I appreciate your thoughts and there does seem to be that aspect as well.

regards, Marilyn.

4. Thyatira – Idolatry & Witchcraft. (Rev. 2: 18 – 29)

Christ highlights His deity to these believers. He tells them that He is searching their motives & will judge those who are worshipping Satan.

`These things says the Son of God,
who has eyes like a flame of fire, & His feet like fine brass;`
(Rev. 2: 18)

The Lord encourages & commends them for their works, love, service, faith & patience, but warns of the false prophets teaching heresy. The Apostle Peter also warned the early believers that there would be false teachers & false prophets rise up from among them who would bring in destructive heresies. These are works of the flesh – idolatry, sorcery,.....dissensions, heresies – (Gal. 5: 19 & 20)

` false prophets.....false teachers....
who will secretly bring in destructive heresies.....
& many will follow their destructive ways...`
(2 Peter 2: 1 & 2)

The Lord then addresses this (spiritual) harlotry, sexual immorality, where people bow down & venerate other so-called gods, or in their hearts follow false doctrines. (Num. 25: 1 & 2)

“because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess,
to teach & seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality ....
I will cast her ...& those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation
unless they repent of their deeds.”
(Rev.2: 20 – 22)

Queen Jezebel, of the Old Testament is often used as an illustration of someone bringing in heresies of witchcraft & idolatry to the people. (2 Kings 9: 22) One of the main heresies was imagining there was a `Queen of Heaven.` ( Jer. 44: 17) Israel burned incense to this so-called deity, & venerated her image in the hope of protection. Even today this is a common practice keeping many in bondage.

The Apostle Paul also warns Timothy of these errors & gives some details of the false doctrines.

`in the latter times some will depart from the faith,
giving heed to deceiving spirits & doctrines of demons.
....forbidding to marry,
....profane & old wives` fables,` (1 Tim. 4: 1 – 7)

& `gullible women....always learning & never coming to the knowledge of the truth.`
(2 Tim. 3: 6 & 7)

These people are continually looking for `secret knowledge` & teaching, beyond what God says in His Word. They do not have a firm foundation of the truth in Jesus Christ but are led on by their own fleshly desires.

There needs to be repentance, acknowledging Christ as the ONLY Son of God, not one among other Deities. It is He who `searches the mind & hearts,` His `eyes like a flame of fire`
(2 Tim. 2: 15)

5. Sardis - Denominations. (Rev. 3: 1 – 6)


Christ comes to this group of believers telling them He is the one with the Spirit of God & the administrative power over the Body of Christ.

“These things says He who has the 7 (fold) Spirits of God & the 7 stars.`
(Rev. 3: 1)

He exposes their trust in man-made denominations, a `name` they have made for themselves.

`I know your works, that you have a name,...` (Rev. 3: 1)

Name – Gk. Word `onoma,` authority. & `onomai,` renown, to derive advantage from.

Denomination – the act of naming. (The Concise English Dictionary)


Many in this group have prided themselves on their denomination rather than honouring the Lord Jesus Christ. They gain prestige from their allegiance to the organisation which has a standing in the world. They think that they are `alive,` but Christ says, they are `dead.`


The Apostle Paul speaks of such people who preserve all the outward form of religion, but don`t believe its true meaning.


`For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud...
....having a form of godliness but denying its power:`
(2 Tim. 3: 5)

Paul speaks of this `power.` It is Christ Himself whom we humbly believe died for our sins & is now risen, giving us His new life by His Holy Spirit.

`we preach Christ crucified,....Christ the power of God...`
(1 Cor. 1: 23 & 24)

The Lord then counsels these people to receive of the Holy Spirit, remembering how they first received life in Christ.

`Be watchful & strengthen the things that remain.....
Remember therefore how you have received & heard;
hold fast & repent.`
(Rev. 3: 2 & 3)

Finally the Lord commends the few believers who have not put their trust in man`s denominations, but have looked to Him for their righteousness.

`You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments,
& they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.`
(Rev. 3: 4)

6. Philadelphia – Christ`s Character and His Purposes. (Rev. 3: 7 – 13)

Christ reveals His Character (Holy) & His Purposes (True) to this group of believers, and then
He opens up to them His riches of wisdom & knowledge.

`These things says He who is Holy, He who is true, .....
See I have set before you an open door...`
(Rev. 3: 7 & 8)
Christ`s Character

“`He who is holy .....` (Rev. 3: 7)
Holy – Gk. Word `hosios,` meaning right by intrinsic or divine character.

As Christ reveals His divine character to these believers they are changed into His likeness. (2 Peter 1: 4) They are not partial or sectarian but have a love for all the brethren, the Body of Christ. This is shown by their name which reveals their character..

Philadelphia - `Philos` - fond, & `adelphos` - brother, meaning - love of the brethren.

They have a desire to see the Body of Christ come to full maturity.

`...speaking the truth in love,
may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ - `
(Eph. 4: 15)
Christ`s Purposes

These believers are given the true riches in Christ, a full understanding of Him, His character & His purposes so they can help the Body of Christ come to full maturity. This is symbolised by `the key of David.`

`He who has the key of David,
He who opens & no one shuts, & shuts & no one opens.`
(Rev. 3: 7)

The key of David unlocked Israel`s national treasures, but Christ unlocks His treasures, the true riches of wisdom & knowledge of Himself. An `open door` means access to this true wisdom & knowledge of Christ. (Phil.3: 8 – 10)


`Christ,..... in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge.`
(Col. 2: 3)

The wisdom & knowledge of Christ`s purposes involves an understanding of the 3 groups - The Body of Christ, Israel & the Nations. ( 1 Cor.10: 32) Knowing Christ`s purposes for each group brings a clarity to God`s word. Christ & His purposes are the centre, not us.

Believers then can clearly see what is happening on the world scene & speak confidently but humbly to others of what God is doing & why. This brings encouragement & growth in others. Then many who were in error will gain understanding, acknowledging that God says of the Philadelphia ones -
`I have loved you.` (Rev. 3: 9)

7. Laodicea - Man`s Character and his Purposes. (Rev. 3: 14 – 19)

Christ reveals Himself to this group as the Originator (Beginning) & the one who will Terminate all things, (Amen) plus the one who oversees all in between. It is His purposes that will prevail, not man`s.

`These things says the Amen, ......the Beginning of the creation of God.`
(Rev. 3: 14)

This group believe that by partnering with the world system they can transform & change the world bringing peace, hope & justice, through man`s efforts. This is shown by their name, which reveals their character & motives.

Laodicea - `Laos` - people, & `dike` - justice, meaning – the people`s justice.

This is spiritual adultery, joining with the world & not relying on the Lord.

`....friendship with the world is enmity with God.` (James 4: 4)
Friendship – from the Gk word, `philia` friendship & `philos` friend, associate, partner

This group also look to the world for leadership techniques & business strategies, measuring their success by worldly standards.

`I am rich, have become wealthy, & have need of nothing.`
(Rev. 3: 17)

The Lord however chastises them quite severely saying that He sees them as -

`wretched, miserable, poor, blind & naked -`
(Rev. 3: 17)

This group should have been a `Witness` to the world of the power of God to change people.

They should have been `faithful` to show that it is by His Spirit people are changed, & not by man`s efforts – promotions of organisations, entertainment, or big events etc.

They should have been `true` to God`s word declaring that He will judge the world, instead of saying that He is transforming it for the better.

The Lord `the faithful & True Witness` then addresses their watered down witness or `lukewarmness.` He tells them quite strongly, that unless they repent He will `vomit ` them out of His mouth.(Rev. 3: 16) He then counsels them to know Him as their source -

`buy from Me gold....white garments...& anoint your eyes...`
(Rev. 3: 18)

Gold - Faith in Christ & not in man. (1 Peter 1: 7)
White Garments - Christ`s righteousness not man`s efforts. (Titus 3: 5 & 6)
Anoint your eyes - Insight by the Holy Spirit into Christ`s purposes, & not man`s purposes.
(John 16: 13)

Christ the Reward. (Rev. 2 & 3)


Christ`s promises of a reward to the seven churches encompass the full inheritance to every overcomer. This includes a new body, an incorruptible one that can dwell in the realms of the third heaven.

`For this corruptible must put on incorruption,
and this mortal must put on immortality...`
(1 Cor. 15: 53)

Yet more amazing still, is that they are sons of the most high, adopted into His family and given positions of authority and service as King Priests.

`The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit,
that we are children of God:
and if children, then heirs, heirs of God,
and joint heirs with Christ.`
(Rom. 8: 16)


Peter reminds us that -

`the inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, and never fades away.` (1 Pet. 1: 4)

What an inheritance! What a joy and a wonder for it is Christ`s Life.


Christ`s Life. (The Tree of Life. Rev. 2: 7)


`To him who overcomes
I will give him to eat from the tree of life
which is in the midst of the paradise of God.` (Rev. 2: 7)


Christ is the source of eternal life. He continually sustains and nourishes us in our life now and throughout eternity. The proof of this `life` is seen in our service and relationships with others. As we cooperate with the Holy Spirit we will experience the fruitfulness of a Christ led life.


Thus the picture of Christ as the `Tree of Life,` shows this fruitful life through us by the Holy Spirit. Here are 12 aspects of service and relationships by the Holy Spirit, in which we operate.


`son, (Gal. 3: 26) heir, (Gal. 4: 7) steward, (1 Peter 4: 10) servant, (Eph. 6: 6)
king, (Prov.25: 28) judge, (1 Cor. 6: 2 & 13) priest, (1 Peter 2: 5) holy one,(1 Cor. 1: 2)
teacher, (Heb. 5: 12) citizen, (Eph. 2: 19) brother, (Heb. 2: 11) friend, (3 John 14).`

Christ`s Authority. (The Crown of Life. Rev. 2: 10)

`Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.` (Rev. 2: 10)

This crown represents the authority to rule and reign with Christ. We are called of Christ to be King Priests, and then empowered with His authority. Each overcomer will also be given specific authority and responsibility for specific areas of service. These are represented by other `crowns,` which we will receive in relation to our obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Crowns – Gk. `stepho,` Victor`s Crowns - a badge of royalty.

The Crown of Life. (James 1: 12)

`Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him.`

There are many trials we face as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.


The Crown of Rejoicing. (1 Thess. 2: 19)

`For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

There is great joy in discipling and mentoring others.


The Crown of Glory. (1 Peter 5: 2 - 4)

`Shepherd the flock of God....not....as being lords over those entrusted to you, but examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.`

There is a great responsibility to be examples to others.


The Crown of Victory. (1 Cor. 9: 24 - 27)

`Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown.`

There is great freedom in being guided by the Holy Spirit and not self. That is the way to `run` the race of life.


The Crown of Righteousness. (2 Tim. 4: 8)

`Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.`

Looking for the Lord coming to His Body, nourishes our everyday life. We are continually receiving His life which then flows out to help and disciple others.

Christ`s Character. (The Hidden Manna. Rev.2: 17)

`To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.` (Rev. 2: 17)

`Jesus said,
“ I am the bread of life.
Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead.....
I am the living bread,.....
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.
(John 6: 48 -50, & 63)


Bread is bought to nourish those who are alive; but Christ, the Bread of God imparts life eternal. The physical bread we eat is from wheat or other grains, grown in the ground from whence our bodies are derived. The calcium, silicon, iodine, iron, phosphates etc in an organic form are packed into the wheat in order to build up our strength.


In like manner, if we are to become partakers of spiritual life and immortality we must eat the Bread of God, which is made up of righteousness, goodness, lovingkindness, graciousness, perfectness, holiness and such like which result in Christ likeness.


To believe Christ and receive Him is to appropriate and partake of the Bread of God , (Christ`s character) which came down from Heaven. In doing so the result is life everlasting, because these divine virtues are imperishable. Therefore the gift (reward) of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.


Christ Likeness and Function. (The White Stone with our New Name. Rev.2: 17)

`To him who overcomes, I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except him who receives it. ` (Rev. 2: 17)

To have our own new name written on that `white stone,` is to have our specific character and function identified.


`Coming to Him as to a living stone,....precious...
...you also, as living stones,
are being built up a spiritual house,
a holy priesthood,...`
(1 Peter 2: 4 & 5)


This shows that the living likeness of Christ, the precious Stone, is imprinted on every redeemed soul. And every living stone built in the spiritual structure of this celestial house, has become a partaker of the divine nature.


We are individually set in the Body of Christ with a specific purpose and function.

`...now God has set the members, each one of them,
in the body just as He pleased.`
(1 Cor. 12: 18)

Christ Appearing for the Body of Christ.
(The Morning Star. Rev. 2: 28)

`I will give him the morning star.` (Rev. 2: 28)


The morning star is the herald of the coming day. It is seen only by the `watchers,` or the early risers.

In the spiritual heavens, Christ is also the Bright and Morning Star.

`I am the bright and Morning Star.` (Rev. 22: 16)



He is the One whom we eagerly await. We look to His `appearing.`


`Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord the righteous judge, will give to me on that day,
and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.`
(2 Tim. 4: 8)


Appearing – Gk. `epiphaneia,` meaning – manifestation, brightness, to become visible, conspicuous.


We are encouraged to eagerly wait for the Lord to come again.

`To those who eagerly wait for him
He will appear a second time,
apart from sin, for salvation.`
(Heb. 9: 28)


And when Christ `appears,` we shall become like Him, changed and taken to glory.


`When Christ, who is our life appears,
then you also will appear with Him in glory.`
(Col. 3: 4)