The Testimony of Jesus Christ

Revelation, Chapter 1

Many preachers, teachers, and spiritual mentors who follow the Lord Jesus Christ have often shied away from the Book of Revelation due to its complexity and the abundance of symbols and signs it contains. It demands the reader to draw on God’s wisdom from across Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments. However, we can’t underestimate the significance of this Book. It was given so that God’s people would know what is to come. As stated in Revelation 1:1-2(NLT), “1 This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, 2 who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Studying Revelation is an incredible privilege, offering us a deeper insight into the testimony of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. As we journey forward, we will uncover the promises and hopes it holds for all believers.

Definition of the Testimony of Jesus Christ:

Revelation 1:2 shows us that the Book of Revelation is a revelation given by Jesus Christ and then passed on to John. A revelation is a revealing or uncovering of our Heavenly Father’s divine truth that was previously hidden. It comes from the Greek word “apokalupsis”, from which we get the word “apocalypse.” It is the revealing of our Lord and Savior, as well as what he will do from the “Church Age” until the end of time, according to the Will of God.

The “Church Age” started at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit returned to dwell in the body temples of God’s children, until the Second Coming of Christ. This era is marked by an active sharing of the Gospel under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. The Church Age precedes the end time and many think we’re approaching the end of this era. In Revelation, our powerful Lord is signaling that there’s so much more to come. Although we have faced suffering and persecution for His sake, the day will come when He will return in all His glory, and Revelation provides us with the details of what to expect.

The Importance of His TestimonyRevelations 1:4-5 (NLT) says, “Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us.” John’s greeting brings grace and peace from three sources: God, the eternal One who is, and who was, and who is the come; the seven-fold Spirit, representing the Holy Spirit in his fullness and completeness; and Jesus Christ, the faithful witness who is truth itself, who was resurrected by God, rules over all, and who has redeemed us through his sacrifice for our sins. 

Jesus Christ, as the faithful witness, represents the ultimate truth and our redemption. His resurrection shows His authority over all, and His sacrifice is what gives us forgiveness and freedom from sin. Each of these aspects are a testimony of his power, love, and authority, and they assure us of their enduring presence, continually inspiring us to live in the light of our precious Lord.

The Testimony of His Power and Authority

In Revelation 1:10-13, John describes his experience on the "Lord's Day," which is understood to be Sunday, while he is worshiping in the Spirit. Suddenly, he hears a loud, trumpet-like voice behind him, indicating an important message. The voice instructs him to write down everything he sees and hears, and to send this revelation to seven specific churches located in Asia Minor. These churches represent various aspects of the Christian faith and its challenges.

Even though it was written over two thousand years ago, Jesus’ messages to the seven church is extremely relevant to those of us living today. His revelation is timeless, and because he is the faithful witness, we can trust this with all that we are.

When John turns to see who is speaking, he encounters seven gold lampstands, symbolizing the seven churches. In the center of these lampstands stands a figure described as "like the Son of Man," a title often used in God’s Word, and to represent our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; it is also a term he used to describe himself. Revelation 1:16 (NLT) tells us, “He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.” The seven stars in his right hand represent the angels or representatives of the seven churches. The sword coming from his mouth refers to Ephesians 6:17 (KJV): “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” This sword is representative of God’s Word, which as Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) tells us, “is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” 

The of Jesus Christ dressed in a long robe with a gold sash signifies His supreme authority and divine majesty. The long robe is a symbol of honor and status, often worn by kings and high priests, highlighting Jesus' exalted position as both the King of Kings and our High Priest. The gold sash further underscores His purity, grandeur, and the glory of His divine nature. 

This vision is significant because it illustrates that God has given the Church, which is the body of Christ, to His beloved Son. It reminds us that Jesus is not only present with His people but also oversees and judges the churches. As the overseer, he watches over them, guiding and caring for the churches, ensuring they remain faithful to the standard of God’s Word. As the judge, He holds the authority to evaluate the spiritual health and actions of the church, calling them to accountability and repentance when necessary. This powerful imagery serves as a reminder of Jesus' ultimate authority and his deep commitment to the well-being and purity of His Church.

Revelation 1:17-20 is a powerful and reassuring vision of Jesus Christ. When John reacts with fear, Jesus responds with a comforting touch and reassures him of his eternal nature, victorious resurrection, and authority over death. Jesus says in Revelation 1:17-18 (NLT), “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” Our beloved and powerful Redeemer holds the keys of death and the grave, which he conquered victoriously! No one can open what he closes or close what he opens! He is King of kings and Lord of lords! He then instructs John to write down the vision, which encompasses both the present state of the churches and future events: “Write down what you have seen, both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen.” (Revelation 1:19, NLT).

The passage concludes with the interpretation of the symbols—the seven stars and the seven lampstands. Revelation 1:20 (NLT) explains, “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” This explanation highlights Jesus' ongoing care and authority over the churches. These verses lay the groundwork for the messages and prophecies that follow in the book, setting the stage for understanding the full scope of God’s prophecy in this amazing Book of Revelation. ■

Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

“The Testimony of Jesus Christ”, written by Vince Mack. Blessing Beads and More© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.