Keys to Understanding the Book of Revelation
Surveying the Text:
Lesson 3: Jesus Christ in His Fullness and Glory Rev.1:10- 20
Dr. Mary Sue Davis
Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,
John was in the Spirit, in the Holy Spirit, deeply saturated with the Presence of God on the Lord’s Day. I believe not necessarily Sunday or the Lordly Day(day Domitician declared himself as lord) but the Day of the Lord. (Is. 13:6) (Zeph. 1:7)(Rev. 16:14)
Jesus Christ Himself is the Day of the Lord. He is our Sabbath. He is our Rest. ( Matt. 11: 28-30) He is the One who brought us into rest. He bore our sins and judgment. He is our Jubilee (Luke 4:19)
The Day of the Lord will be discussed fully in Revelation Chapter 16.
Jesus Christ came to complete a redemptive work (John. 4:34; 5:36) by restoring the rest that was forfeited in the Garden. In following the same pattern for the first creation, Jesus Christ began the work spoken of in Genesis 3:15 (Gen. 1:3). He completed the work on the cross (John. 17:4; 19:30; Gen. 1:5). The work was met with God’s satisfaction by the resurrection and ascension of Christ (Rom. 1:3-4; Gen. 1:4) leading again to divine rest (Heb. 10:11-12; Gen. 2:1-3).
God has completed His work of the new creation. Christians are the first fruits of that creation (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15). Our rest, as it was enjoyed by Adam everyday, has again been restored. During this life we still deal with some remnants of the curse, but we recognize our rest in Christ (from meritorious works) through faith and daily worship (Col. 3:17). Due to His redemptive work, He has become our Sabbath rest. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Mt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:1-11).
Note that John said that he was in the Spirit and not in the flesh. For it is only in the Spirit that one can see clearly, that one can understand, and one can hear. Had John been in the flesh his mind would have looked for a trumpet of brass, but he heard the VOICE! A prophetic voice that had a clear sound.
Rev. 1:10b and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,
*Symbol: Through out Scripture a trumpet is the symbol of a prophetic voice, utterance. (Is. 58:1, Num. 10:1-10)
Rev. 1: 11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
Jesus Christ is the beginning and the end. He is the first son, the first born of many
brethren. He is the Omega Son the last Adam. He is telling John to take His message to the Church and declare their spiritual condition.
Once again, clarity is given once again as to who it is that is speaking to John. John is instructed to write what he sees! (7 Churches – see the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Revelation later in study)
* Symbol: Book is a symbol of written inspired records (2Kings 22:8-13,Neh. 8:1-17).
Rev. 1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, (NKJV)
Revelation 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; (KJV)
The King James Version consistently translates the word luchnos(nia) as “candle” or “candlestick.” All modern translations give the more literal “lamp” or “lampstand.” The difference is significant: a candle will burn and consume itself; the lamp contains oil and a wick and can continue to burn and give light if its oil is replenished and its wick consistently trimmed.
*Symbol: Candlesticks- 7 local churches
Spiritually the candlesticks are the holders of God’s Light/ Glory, the representatives of Christ here on the earth.
Christ is the voice that John hears. Trumpets are the voice of Christ that is heard in the earth. The seven golden lampstands represent the churches which are lights in a dark world. Seven (being the number of completion and perfection); gold is the symbol of kingship and glory and the lampstands mean the Church. John sees the Christ in the midst or heart of the Church through all seven candlesticks. He is the vine; we are the branches(John 15:5). If you remove Christ from your midst, the center and very focal point of the church would be missing.
(John 12:32 KJV) And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
See the voice (a lifestyle that declares) Our message won’t set creation free, our lifestyle will. It is not important what we say, rather it is what we live. How beautiful are the feet of them that bring good news saying Our God Reigns. Those who are living epistles unto their God.
The Church is the vehicle by which Jesus Christ manifests himself and the finished work of the cross. It is through the candlestick or lampstand that Christ is presented to the world.
In Exodus, God said the candlesticks for the Tabernacle of Moses were to be a beaten work formed by skilled craftsmen. We as the candlesticks are to be molded to produce light. The candlestick was made up of a decorated knop, a bud, and an almond., three in a set. There were 66 ornaments or 22 sets. The Biblical meaning for the number 22 is light. There are 66 books in the Bible.
Matthew 5:14-15 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet ;And a light to my path.
We will do an in depth study of the seven churches later.
Rev. 1:13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.
This is similar to the description Daniel had in his visions of the Son of Man. Daniel 7 & 10. His clothing is representative of King of kings, the High Priest and Righteous Judge. He is the Just Judge of Heaven and Earth. This is a fulfillment of Is. 9:7
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Daniel 7: 9-10 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Daniel 7:13 “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.
(Dan 10:5-6) Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
Son of man. “His title ‘the Son of man’ expresses his visible state, formerly in His humiliation, hereafter in His exaltation” (Ps. 8:4- 5,; Mt 8:20, 9:6, 10:23, 11:19, 16:13, 19:28. 24:30. 25:31. 26:64; John 1:51, 3:13. 5:25- 27; Acts 7:56; 2 Ti 4:1; Heb. 2:7; Rev. 14:14)
Seven – perfection and completeness
Candlesticks – Churches
Garment to the feet – covering
Golden – nature of God
Midst of the church – the center or heart – where the life proceeds from
The Candlestick is first seen in the book of Exodus:
Exodus 25 vs. 31 “And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall it be made: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops and his flowers shall be of the same.” vs. 32 – “And six branches shall come out of the sides of it: three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:” vs. 36 – “their knops and their branches shall be the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold” vs. 37 -“And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.” vs. 39 – “Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels”
In The Holy Place, we find the Golden Candlestick, the Altar of Incense (worship & prayer of the saints), and the Table of Shewbread (the Word of God). The Holy Place was fully enclosed and shut off from OUTSIDE light. The candlestick was the only source of light within that room. It was ONE piece and made from a solid piece (one talent) of pure gold and was a beaten work.. The gold was not melted down and poured into a mold. The branches were not made and then attached to the candlestick, they were one with the Candlestick. From the beating of the gold, the formation of the central shaft took place which progressively began to bring forth the branches as one. The central shaft is Jesus and the 6 branches (six is the number of man) are man and together they constitute ONE body, the Church.
*Symbols:
Golden candle sticks- the seven local churches (Rev. 1:20)
Garment to foot- priestly clothing (Ex. 28:2)
Golden girdles- priestly service (Ex. 28:40-41)
Rev. 1:14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire
White is a symbol of purity, righteousness and holiness. The white hair and flaming eyes symbolize eternity, wisdom and omniscience, the fine brass suggests immutability(never–changing) and omnipotence, and the many waters represent commanding authority.
Jesus is the only one described with eyes that are a flame of fire. He is described here as the righteous judge. The judge would need eyes that reveal the truth for the sake of perfection, fire. Therefore, these eyes show us our spots that need to be cleansed. Our hearts are evil without Christ on the throne, so it would be impossible to see past our own evil hearts if it were not for Him.
Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
(Dan 10:6) His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
Wool could signify that this message is for the sheep of the Church, His eyes perfect perception. He has come to clean the Church by revealing (eyes) the imperfections He wants to burn away.
Head symbolizes one who is in authority, and preeminence. Hairs symbolize not only covering but that which grows and proceeds FROM the head and bespeaks of the mind of Christ. Pure thoughts and imaginations. Both the Head and the hairs are white and symbolize purity and holiness. So we see that the Head and covering is pure and holy Because God is a consuming fire, so His eyes are purifying, refining, and discerning. He sees and knows all things.
Jesus is the only one described with eyes that are a flame of fire. Jesus here is described as the righteous judge. The judge would need eyes that reveal the truth for the sake of perfection (fire). Therefore, these eyes as a flame of fire are the revealing natures of Christ. His eyes reveal the spots in our own lives and bring us to maturity.
*Symbols:
Hair white as wool- Wisdom, Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:9)Eyes -flames of fire- searching, penetrating insight (Dan. 10:6)
Rev. 1:15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;
*Symbol- feet as fine brass- judgment against sin (Deut. 28:23)
Brass signifies judgment, strength and endurance. Brass is the foundation of the laver in the Tabernacle ( Ex. 38:8) which is where the priest looked at himself. He was looking for dirt so that he could clean himself before entering into the Presence of the Lord. Refined by fire meaning He stands in strength because He is the Overcomer. His voice is the Voice of authority.
Brass speaks of judgment. Feet represent a walk. Furnace represents a refining and a purging. A walk tested and solidified through fire that has fulfilled all the requirements of the law bringing one’s judgment into a state of righteous judgment. Feet also speak of the body of Christ with Jesus as the Head, people taken into judgment with Him and found guiltless. Notice feet of brass is mentioned right after eyes of fire. The two terms are related. The brass feet are purified through the fire symbolizing the walk that becomes perfected.
Applied to the Christian: As He is so are we. Through the constraining and the perfecting power of Christ-in-us, we will begin to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Fire is the perfecting power of God. In 1 Cor. 3:14-15 the Word declares that anything that is not of God will perish.
1 Corinthians 3:14-15 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
(Psa 93:4 KJV) The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
(Eze 43:2 KJV) And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
*Symbol- voice -many waters- majestic and awe inspiring (Ez. 43:2)
Sound of many waters:
Applied to the Christian spiritually: Many waters mean many people declaring the Word of the Lord, with authority with one voice, in unity. This one has a voice with many flows of life: healing, deliverance, love, peace, prosperity, etc. And it is out of the midst of His people that this river is released as the “rivers of living waters”.
(2Ch 5:13-14 KJV) It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.
(Act 4:24 KJV) And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
(Rev 19:6 KJV) And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
(Dan 10:5-6 KJV) Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
Rev. 1:16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.
*Symbol-seven stars-seven church ministries (Rev. 1:20)
The seven stars are interpreted for us in Rev.1:20; the seven stars being the seven angels of the seven angels. Seven again meaning perfection and completion and stars have multiple meanings, Abraham’s heavenly seed, spiritual Israel and ministers of the Gospel. In Gen. 1:17 stars are seen as light bearers. And in Dan. 12:3 falling stars are apostates. In this passage stars are ministering spirits , messengers or guardian angels assigned to the churches. In His right hand connotes being sustained and protected.
*Symbol- two-edged sword- Word of God by the Spirit (Eph. 6:17)
The sharp two edged sword is the Word of God coming out of His mouth.
(Heb 4:12 KJV) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Applied spiritually to the Christian: Each believer should have a sharp two edged sword coming out to your mouth, declaring the Word of God, Jesus is the Living Word.
We strive to control our tongue through only speaking the Word of God.
(Jas 3:2 KJV) For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Right – speaks of hand of authority, strength, and power.
Two-edged sword – speaks of the Word of God that reveals (cuts) and heals at the same time. It also speaks of the Word of God concerning the Old and the New Testaments.
Seven (perfection) stars (Churches) – Here we see not only perfected churches, but they are together in one hand symbolizing their oneness and unity. There is only one Church in the earth and it is in this perfected (mature) Church that His authority, strength, and power is made manifest. His countenance emanates with the nature and the glory of God and it reflects His strength as equal in nature. The voice that proceeds out of her mouth is a voice that cuts and heals at the same time.
*Symbol-sun-Glory of God the Father (Matt. 13:43)
Rev. 1:17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last
The description of the Lord’s countenance suggests indescribable glory and majesty. (Matt. 17:2) The flesh cannot stand in His Glory. We become as dead men when we encounter Him in His fullness of Glory.
Colossians 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
The multifaceted revelation of Jesus Christ gives us the ability to reckon ourselves dead to sin, but alive to God through Jesus Christ.
(Rom 6:11 KJV) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus Christ is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. He has identified with the first Adam and became what we were in our fallen state. He destroyed the first man through death and through His resurrection. He became the last Adam and He brought froth a brand new species, a brand new creation
(1Co 1:29 KJV) That no flesh should glory in his presence.
John was not dead but literally could not stand before Him. No man (the flesh nature) can look into the face of God and live. Here we see the old man passing away and a new man arising. The old nature (carnality) dying. When the hand of all power and authority came upon John, he arose and could stand without fear before the presence of His God and His maker!
Rev.1:18 “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
Jesus Christ ( Yeshua H’Massiah) is the resurrection and He has all the keys. Jesus is now Lord over the realms of life and death. The power of satanic prerogatives is now defeated.
(Isa 22:22 KJV) And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Testifying once again that He is the one that was a man, and that He died and that He now lives forever. Keys – are the mysteries, those things which are hidden from those that are not the sons of God. Because He has the keys, it is only He that can unlock or lock a door. For us, being one with Him and joint heirs with Him, the door has been unlocked and we have been given the keys too.
*Symbol-keys/Hades &death- authority over the spirit realm (Matt. 16:19)
Rev. 1:19 “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.
Some of the things are present already (like the condition of the Church and the spirit of antichrist), and some are yet to come. John will therefore record both present and future events, many will be repeated throughout history until the climax of this age and the Age to come.
John is instructed not just to write of that which he has seen or which shall be, but those things that ARE! Revealing to us that this book is past, present, and future! And yet they are all one and interwoven together.
Rev. 1:20 “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.
Quite clearly does the scripture reveal itself so that there is not room for misunderstanding. In His hand of authority and government are the Angellos (messengers, pastors). And the candlesticks are the churches. Seven bespeaks of perfection, completion. Stars can the 3rd level of resurrection Glory or they can be Christians who are really of the night. As far as the message of Revelation, stars are defined in this verse as the Angles or holy messengers. Holy messengers are us who have the Christ in us the hope of glory.
(Col 1:27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Again seven is the number of perfection. Perfection is not doing but a being. It is a Person named Jesus Christ. Our perfection is based on who we are in Him. We are no longer in Adam, imperfection, but in Christ, the Perfect One.
In the Midst of the Lampstand:
Beginning with the Book of Acts, after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, through the Book of Revelation, the word naos is used ONLY referring to people as the temple not made with hands. When referring to the physical temple building the word hieron is used. Of course, throughout the Book of Revelation, the word naos is used, as that Book is the REVEALING of Jesus Christ, and He is revealed in the MIDST of the Lampstand, the CHURCH (Revelation 1:20).
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.
The word perfect here means mature. It is the Father’s intent that we have arrive at mature manhood. Eph. 4:8,11-15. This is God’s ultimate goal for His Church. Eph. 4:13 “until we all reach unity in the faith and in knowledge of the Son of God.”
Maturity means:
Unity (Eph. 4:13)
Christ-likeness- attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ
Walking in love speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ ( Eph. 4:15)
Balance
Conclusion & Summary to Chapter 1:
Revelation provides the only multidimensional unveiling of the present position, continuing ministry, and ultimate victory of the exalted Christ.
Revelation asserts that the Son of God, as the Lamb, has completely finished His redemptive work (1:5–6). By His blood sinners have been forgiven, cleansed, liberated (1:5), and made kings and priests (1:6). All ensuing manifestations of His applied victory are based in His finished work on the Cross; hence, Satan has been defeated and bound.
Jesus, raised from the dead, is enthroned as absolute Sovereign over all Creation (1:5;). He is “King of kings and Lord of lords” , and He is entitled to the same ascriptions of adoration as God the Creator (5:12–14).
John testifies to the final chapter of all human history and the ultimate victory of Christ. No matter the resistance today, God will have the final word with every person.
John turns to see from where the voice instructing him comes, and sees a scene full of reminders of the Old Testament worship center. As in the tabernacle and temple, there are lampstands (cf. Zech. 4:2) and among them a person in priestly clothing (cf. Ex. 28:4). The person himself is described in terms that reflect Old Testament visions of God (cf. Dan. 7:9), and John falls at His feet, stunned by His splendor. The figure identifies Himself as the glorified Jesus (1:17–20).
There is a constant repetition of “seven” in this chapter and throughout the book. It is generally agreed that seven indicates completeness or perfection. Thus the “seven Spirits” of verse 4 is taken to represent the Holy Spirit, and the “seven lampstands” to indicate heaven, the true worship center of which the Old Testament tabernacle was merely a copy (cf. Heb. 8:1–6). The selection of seven churches is taken to indicate that in some way they, or the messages to them, sum up what God has to say to all His people.