KEEP YOUR EYES FIXED HEAVENWARD, FOR HE IS COMING VERY SOON! (REVELATION CHAPTER 1 Verses 1 thru 3 (A VERSE BY VERSE EXPLANATION)

Revelation 1:1-3 (KJV)

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he se...nt and signified it by His angel unto his servant John.

We begin our study by immediately recognizing that the noun is “Revelation” singular, not “Revelations,” plural! This term comes from the Greek word, “Apokalupsis” and means an unveiling or an uncovering. It’s often used in the Epistles as a “manifestation” (Romans 8:19), “a coming” (1 Corinthians 1:7), “a revealing” (2 Thessalonians 1:7), and “an appearing” (1 Peter 1:7). The book of Revelation then, concerns the unveiling or appearing of our precious Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ!

It is not the unfolding of the story of Saint John, the divine, or even of prophetical truth; but rather the message of the appearing of Christ.

This appearing takes place at the “Rapture,” chapter 4, verse 1, as well as at the hour of His return to earth, when every eye shall see Him (Chapter 1 verse 7).

Secondly, we see that this revelation was given to Jesus Christ, as is everything! For Jesus said, “All things are delivered unto me of my Father (Matthew 11:27). And they are presented unto Him to show unto His servants, THINGS WHICH MUST SHORTLY COME TO PASS.

The term, “SHORTLY” in the original means rapidity of action once there is a beginning. This certainly pictures the present hour, when signs pointing to His return are beginning to appear with alarming frequency!!! These truths then, are sent and signified by Christ’s Angel, unto John, the writer of the book, under the inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Notice, that the first four letters of the word, “SIGNIFIED” spell “SIGN”. Why??? The book of Revelation is a study of signs. There is the sign of the Holy Spirit, presented as 7 spirits (verse 4), and the sign of the 7 golden candlesticks and the 7 stars (verse 20). Thus, through signs, we come to an understanding of this gloriously revealed portion of Scripture.

Verse 2: John bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

This statement is self-explanatory.

Verse 3: Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Verse 3 proves that the Apocalypse is not some deep, mysterious, confusing book. God would not be an Omniscient, All Knowing God, if He promised a special blessing to those who read, to those who hear, and to those who keep what they read and hear, if they were unable to comprehend the truth!

No, the Book of Revelation is understandable and fills the heart with joy once one sees its glorious message concerning the Savior!!!

One reason that the readers and the hearers are to keep that which they have heard is because the time of Christ’s return is at hand! The words, “AT HAND” mean “IMMINENT!”

Near and imminent are not synonymous! Imminent, means “impending!” Hence, the event could happen immediately, or within 10 minutes, 10 months or even 10 years! And “imminence” always has to do with the return of the Lord! For example, “The night is far spent. The day is at hand or imminent (Romans 13:12). Philippians 4:5 declares, “Let your moderation be known unto all men; THE LORD IS AT HAND!” Again, “But the end of all things is at hand. Be ye therefore, sober and watch unto prayer (1Peter 4:7).

Thus, the next event on God’s calendar, the return of Christ for His Church, may happen momentarily! That’s why we as Christians should keep our eyes fixed heavenward, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God, and our Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)!!!

-Apostle Terry Angel Mason
Faith That Triumphs Global Ministries
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LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSIONS OF THESE INSPIRIRING LESSONS BY CLICKING ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

REVELATION - CHAPTER 1: VERSES 1-3
Audio Link: http://alovesong.podomatic.com/entry/2013-02-17T22_18_42-08_00

REVELATION - CHAPTER 1: VERSES 4-8
Audio Link: http://apostleterryangelmason.podomatic.com/entry/2013-10-18T23_18_...

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HERE ARE ALL THE LESSONS FROM CHAPTER 1 IN WRITTEN FORM:

REVELATION -- CHAPTER 1:1-8
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REVELATION -- CHAPTER 1:9-20
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ANSWER THESE REVIEW QUESTIONS FROM CHAPTER 1:
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