The Majesty and Authority of Jesus Christ

All Glory Be to Christ: His Presence, Authority, and Eternal Glory according to Revelation 1

The book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ as the reigning King, both now and for all eternity, calling the church to live with a focus on his glory and the eternal kingdom. Beginning with John's vision on Patmos, Jesus is portrayed as the Alpha and Omega, the Living One, who holds the keys of death and Hades and walks among his church, symbolized by the lampstands. This imagery emphasizes Christ’s real presence with his people and his ultimate authority over all creation. The message of Revelation is not merely prophetic but practical, offering the church—both universal and local—specific instructions for faithfulness, mission, and endurance in a world filled with challenges. 

Sermon Transcript

The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near.

John: To the seven churches in Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has set us free from our sins by his blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Look, he is coming with the clouds,

and every eye will see him,

even those who pierced him.

And all the tribes of the earth

will mourn over him.

So it is to be. Amen.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

I, John, your brother and partner in the affliction, kingdom, and endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard a loud voice behind me like a trumpet saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. The hair of his head was white as wool—white as snow—and his eyes like a fiery flame. His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades. Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this. The mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

(Revelation 1, CSB)

The song we just sang, "Glory Be," says, "All glory be to Christ, our King, all glory be to Christ. His rule and reign will ever sing, all glory be to Christ." That theme—Christ’s eternal reign—is the central message of the book of Revelation. Over the next 15 weeks, including today, we’ll be walking through this incredible book.

Now, that might sound like a fast survey of Revelation, but moving quickly gives us a better picture of the book as a whole, rather than getting bogged down in minuscule details. As we move through it—and even here in this first chapter—we’ll see a clear and powerful truth: Jesus Christ reigns. He reigns now, and he reigns forever. Revelation shows us his eternal reign in glory.

That’s the theme: Jesus reigns forever in glory. And we’ll become well acquainted with this song, "Glory Be," because it beautifully captures Revelation’s message. For now, let’s focus on the setting of the book itself.

John, the youngest of Jesus’ disciples, is the author of Revelation. He was the one Jesus called "beloved." Jesus had a special affection for John, likely because of the unique purpose he had for him. John probably lived longer than any of the other apostles and was eventually martyred. According to the ancient historian Tertullian, John was plunged into burning oil but escaped unharmed because God’s purpose for him wasn’t finished yet. Later, Emperor Domitian exiled him to the island of Patmos, essentially a prison camp, because John was seen as a threat to the Roman Empire.

Patmos was not an isolated rock in the ocean, as it’s sometimes imagined. It was a small volcanic island with dirt, trees, animals, and people—a functioning, inhabited place. You can even find it on Google Maps today. The Roman government used this island as a prison camp for those considered troublesome, such as astrologers, magicians, and sorcerers. These were not murderers or thieves, as the Romans had harsher punishments for those crimes, but individuals who disrupted the empire’s order.

John was likely sent there because the Romans viewed him as a kind of supernatural troublemaker. To them, he was no different from the astrologers and magicians they exiled to the island. This was their perception of him as someone influencing people in ways that challenged Roman authority.

As we come to Revelation, the setting is a Sunday morning, the Lord’s Day. John is worshiping Jesus Christ. Based on John’s character as an evangelist, apostle, and prophet, it’s reasonable to imagine that he was speaking to the other prisoners—those magicians, astrologers, and others. My guess is that by this time, John had formed a small gathering of believers worshiping with him. I could be wrong, but it’s likely that there was a small church meeting on the island, singing hymns, discussing the Scriptures, and reflecting on the risen Lord, even without physical scrolls to read from.

John is described as being "in the Spirit," fully focused—mind, body, and soul—on worshiping Jesus. And during this time of worship, John proclaims or even sings these words: "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. So it is to be. Amen." This song echoes the words of the prophets—Isaiah, Daniel, and others—who spoke of Christ’s coming on the clouds, his second return to gather his kingdom and his church.

As John speaks or sings these words, something extraordinary happens. It’s as if the earth sinks away beneath his feet, and his soul is liberated from the constraints of time and space. He is taken out of physical reality, fully in the Spirit, and he begins to see—not with physical eyes—but with spiritual vision. He hears—not with physical ears—but in direct spiritual contact with his Savior, Jesus Christ.

John is alone, in a sense, with God. He is fully awake, every avenue of his soul open wide. It’s in this context that John hears a loud voice, like a trumpet, announcing: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "The one who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

This declaration is deeply rooted in Old Testament language. The Apostle John draws from Hebrew concepts of God—Adonai Yahweh, the Lord God of the Old Testament. He identifies Jesus as El Shaddai, the Almighty Creator of the universe, not just a mighty figure but the Almighty himself. In this vision, John encounters Jesus, the risen Lord, who embodies the fullness of these divine attributes.

Jesus doesn’t merely appear to John with a vision; he gives him a specific charge. He says, "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea." John is about to witness a series of visions—seven episodes—and Jesus instructs him to record them. Most of these visions are meant to be written down, though there is one instance where Jesus tells him not to record a specific portion. That will be an interesting discussion if we get to it.

Now, these seven churches are significant. Church history and the New Testament suggest that John had personal interaction with these churches and may have served as an apostle to them after Paul’s martyrdom. While some, like Ephesus, appear elsewhere in the New Testament, others do not, likely because they emerged later during John’s ministry.

The number seven here is critical. Seven appears throughout Revelation, in John’s Gospel, and often in the Old Testament. It symbolizes completeness. So, when we see seven, it’s not necessarily about the precise number, but rather about representing something whole or complete. These seven churches give us a picture of the complete church.

The letters to these seven churches address specific issues, but they also contain universal principles for the church as a whole. While there is much praise in these letters, there is also criticism—guidance on what the church must be about and where it has fallen short. These letters serve as both encouragement and instruction for the global church across all time, including us today.

We’ll spend five weeks studying the letters to these churches, carefully examining what Jesus is saying to his church—what we, as his people, are called to be and do. This charge to John—to write these letters—is a charge to us as well. Jesus is speaking to the complete church, and that includes us here at Sunrise Church.

Now, I want to give you some insight into the symbols found in Revelation, especially in chapter one. There are many symbols in this book, but the most significant here are the lampstands.

One of the most significant symbols in Revelation is the lampstands. In chapter one, we see Jesus standing among seven lampstands. In verse 20, John explains that the lampstands represent the churches. This is a powerful symbol of the real presence of Jesus within his church.

Jesus has not left us alone, saying, "Here’s a list of things to do—go spread the gospel and figure it out yourselves." Instead, there is a real, spiritual presence of Christ with us. We have the Bible, and we shape our ministry around it, but it is the Spirit who helps us discern and understand Scripture. As we gather to worship, meet as elders, or hold family meetings—like the one we have coming up soon—we can listen to the Spirit. We compare what we sense from the Spirit with Scripture to ensure we are discerning correctly. Through the people of God, we experience Christ’s presence and discern his will. Though Jesus has ascended to reign on high, he is spiritually present with us. That’s the significance of Jesus standing among the lampstands.

John then says he saw one "like the Son of Man." Here, John is experiencing the Almighty—El Shaddai, Adonai Yahweh, the Lord God, the King of kings. Yet, this King appears among the lampstands and looks like the Son of Man. In other words, he has a human form. Throughout the gospels, Jesus often referred to himself as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity, even as the New Testament authors affirmed his deity.

John sees this Almighty King, the Lord God himself, in human form, and the imagery evokes Jesus’ royalty and kingship. It points back to Daniel 7, where the Son of Man comes on the clouds with authority. This imagery is also reflected in the second coming of Christ. Just as Jesus ascended on a cloud in Acts, he will return on the clouds, accompanied by legions of angels. This connection between Daniel’s vision and John’s vision reinforces the truth that Jesus is not just a prophet, a Messiah, or a created being who became God—he is fully divine and always has been.

The vision also describes Jesus’ voice as like cascading waters, symbolizing his commanding authority. Imagine standing near Niagara Falls and hearing the deafening roar of the water—this captures the power and authority of Jesus' voice. In the gospels, people marveled at Jesus because he spoke as one with authority. This same authority is represented in Revelation, where his voice is depicted as a mighty, commanding presence.

In verse 16, we’re told that a two-edged sword comes from Jesus’ mouth. This reminds us that Jesus is the very Word of God. His words are eternal, bearing the power of life and truth. As Hebrews 4:12 tells us, the Word of God is like a two-edged sword, dividing soul and spirit, truth and falsehood. Jesus’ words in Revelation carry this same weight—they bring division, clarity, and ultimate truth.

Another significant image is the seven stars in Jesus’ right hand. To be at the right hand of the Almighty signifies authority. Jesus explains that these stars represent the Angelos—the angels or messengers of the seven churches. While we often think of angels as divine beings, the word Angelos simply means "messenger." In Greek culture, kings and governors would send messengers, referred to as Angelos, to deliver important communications.

I believe the seven stars here symbolize human messengers rather than divine beings, for several reasons. First, Jesus is standing among the seven lampstands, which represent the churches, and holding these messengers in his hand. The number seven symbolizes completeness, so this is a picture of the complete set of messengers for the church.

In the ancient world, churches often had representatives who acted as messengers. Even today, we appoint messengers in Baptist churches. According to our bylaws, these messengers are usually elders or leaders, but they could be any church member. They are tasked with representing the church at meetings or gatherings. Similarly, the messengers in Revelation are likely representatives of the seven churches, entrusted with the charge of communicating Jesus’ message.

A messenger is someone who speaks or acts on behalf of the church. For example, at a denominational meeting with the Southern Baptist Convention, a messenger might vote or propose business on behalf of the church. The messenger doesn’t act according to personal discretion but represents the collective will of the church. They might say, "Our church believes the Southern Baptist Convention should move in this direction," and vote or speak accordingly. This role could be filled by elders—who often act as the mouthpiece of the church—or by deacons, or even another member chosen to represent the church.

In the ancient world, a messenger could be anyone tasked with delivering the message of the church. Messengers, whether pastors, elders, deacons, or others, are ultimately in Jesus’ hand, symbolized by the stars in his right hand. This reminds us that those who speak on behalf of the church speak with Christ’s authority and are entrusted with a sacred responsibility. When they deliver the church’s message, they are ultimately delivering the message of Christ, words that carry eternal significance.

The imagery of being in the palm of Jesus’ hand is a profound one. It’s an ancient analogy still used today. For example, in sports, we might say a team "has the game in the palm of their hand," meaning they are in complete control. Similarly, as messengers of the church, we are in the palm of Jesus’ hand. Though we have our own plans and purposes, we operate under his control and authority. As messengers, whether pastors, elders, or members, we must never forget that we speak on behalf of Christ. When we share his message, we are delivering words of eternal life.

So what’s the point of all this imagery and symbolism in Revelation 1? What’s the significance of setting the scene in this way? Jesus tells us in verses 17–19:

"When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, 'Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.’"

Here, Jesus reaffirms his identity as the eternal one—the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. The phrase "the Living One" emphasizes his unique status as the eternal God, often referred to in Scripture as "the Living God." Jesus then makes a profound declaration of the gospel: "I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever." This is a direct reference to his death, resurrection, and eternal life.

At the time, there were false teachings circulating about Jesus. Some claimed he didn’t really die but was merely a spirit. Others suggested the resurrection was just a story or metaphor. Jesus directly addresses these errors, affirming the truth: "I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever." His resurrection is not a myth or analogy—it is a reality. He physically died, rose from the dead, and lives eternally.

Then he declares, "I hold the keys of death and Hades." This statement is rich with theological significance. Jesus has authority over death and the realm of the dead. His death and resurrection have conquered sin, death, and all that separates humanity from God.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 6, teaches us to reflect on Jesus’ death and resurrection as a model for our own lives. When we follow Christ, we die to our sins, to our old selves, and to our selfish ways. In Christ, we are made alive again, with a new purpose and eternal value. As God’s image-bearers, we are called to carry out his purposes, not just in this life, but eternally.

We have value and purpose forever in Christ. This truth even points us toward our own "ascension" into the kingdom of God. When Jesus says, "I am alive, and I hold the keys of death and Hades," it’s a reminder that his victory is complete.

A common mistake people make when reading Revelation, or other prophetic passages in Scripture, is thinking that Jesus still has to "earn" the right to cast death and Hades into the eternal pit. But that’s not true. Jesus earned that victory when he rose from the dead and was seated at the right hand of God. Philippians 2 tells us that Jesus, after humbling himself in obedience to the point of death, was exalted and given dominion over all things. At his name, every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth.

Though Jesus relinquished his authority for a time to come to earth, he has since been seated on his throne, where he reigns forever. He received the keys of death and Hades at his resurrection. He holds that authority now and will lock up death and Hades in the end, as we’ll see in Revelation in about 14 weeks. This power and authority belong to Jesus because he died, rose again, and ascended to the right hand of the Father. Because of this, when we die as followers of Jesus, we rise to eternal life with him, not to judgment.

Jesus emphasizes this truth in verse 19: "Therefore, write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this." The "therefore" is key. Because Jesus died, rose, ascended, and reigns with full authority—because he holds the keys of death and Hades—this message to the church carries eternal significance. We must carefully consider what Jesus says to his church in these seven letters.

Do you understand the point Jesus is making to John here? If we truly believe in the gospel, if we truly believe that Jesus is alive, risen, and reigning, then we must take seriously what he says to the church. As I’ve studied this, I’ve realized how weighty this message is. I have to admit, I feel a sense of shame that I haven’t taught Revelation sooner. Nowhere else in Scripture do we find such a heavy, direct message from Jesus to his church about what it should be.

That’s why I’m excited to lead our church through this study. Over the next five weeks, we’ll examine Jesus’ instructions to the church in chapters 2 and 3. This isn’t just about individuals; it’s about us as the church. Together, we will learn what Jesus expects from his people.

Let me explain how Revelation is structured because it can be challenging to read. Revelation isn’t a single, chronological narrative, starting in chapter 1 and ending in chapter 22. Instead, it’s composed of seven episodes, with an introduction in chapter 1. Each episode spans the same basic period of time—beginning with Jesus’ birth, covering the era of the church, and ending in glory. These episodes sometimes allude to Old Testament events, but they all trace the same overarching story.

Why write seven episodes about the same story? Each episode emphasizes a specific focus or theme. For example, the first episode, which spans chapters 1 through 3, focuses on the glory of Christ and his eternal kingdom while zeroing in on Jesus’ instructions to the church. This is the "therefore." Because Jesus reigns with authority and glory, we must listen to what he says to the church.

Chapters 2 and 3 focus heavily on what is often called the "church age" or the "inter-advent period"—the time between Jesus’ first coming and his second coming. It’s like a bell curve, with the church at the center. We live somewhere along that curve, in the time between the first and second advents of Christ. These chapters speak directly to us, addressing the church’s mission, its challenges, and its faithfulness in this era.

When we get to chapters 20, 21, and 22 of Revelation, the narrative shifts heavily toward the eternal. These chapters focus on what happens after judgment, offering a vision of eternity and the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. There is a section emphasizing judgment, but the ultimate focus is on the eternal glory of Christ and his kingdom. Each of the seven episodes in Revelation has a distinct focus, and we’ll explore those as we move through the next 15 weeks.

While I’m not going to dive into all the details of these episodes now, because we’ll unpack them in the coming weeks, I do want to leave you with a takeaway for today. The book of Revelation is about Jesus receiving glory—first when he ascended to his throne in heaven and ultimately when he welcomes his people into his eternal kingdom. There’s a particular glory that Christ receives when the King gathers his people into his kingdom, like a crown placed upon his head.

The details of Revelation—the symbols and imagery—are meant to influence how we think and live as Christians, not just individually but as the church. While Revelation addresses the universal church, it also speaks directly to local congregations, like Philadelphia and Smyrna. Similarly, we must read these letters as instructions for our local church. They teach us how we should operate, always keeping the glory of Christ and the eternal at the center.

Of course, as Christians, we are called to care for the poor, clothe the naked, and house the homeless. These acts of ministry are essential. However, the overarching emphasis of Revelation—and of our faith—is on the eternal. We must keep the eternal perspective central to everything we do as Christians and as the church. Our focus must remain on our King, Jesus, and what he has called us to do.

The letters to the seven churches in Revelation will provide us with specific, pointed instructions over the next five weeks. But today, we need to remember this: as one of Christ’s lampstands, our church exists in his presence. Jesus is here with us, even as we gather online for worship this week. Despite the challenges we face—whether it’s the frustration of worshiping online, government restrictions, racial tensions, or even the strange news about aliens that resurfaces now and then—Jesus is with us.

We don’t need to be shaken by these things, even literal earthquakes, because Christ is with us. Though we may feel like we’re in bondage or in the midst of a storm, Jesus is present. He is with us in the storm, in the prison, in the darkest places. And just as Paul sang hymns from his prison cell, we can sing from wherever we are, knowing Christ is near.

If you feel like you’re in some form of bondage today, remember that Jesus is the one who orders our lives, the church, and all creation. Take heart in that. Every word the Almighty has spoken is for us to hear and apply, and that includes the words of Revelation. Over these next 15 weeks, we’ll be challenged by Jesus’ words to his church. But these words are also a promise—offering us deliverance through this life and into eternity.

And so, we want to take this to heart. We want to align our minds and hearts with the truth of Scripture. Let’s focus on the eternal and set our gaze on Christ. Let me pray for us.

Prayer:

Lord, we come before you with gratitude for the book of Revelation. I’m thankful for the truths it reveals and for the many implications that will unfold over the next 15 weeks. I recognize the challenges ahead—for our church and for my own life—and yet, I’m filled with excitement, Lord, to see what you will do. Through your Spirit, through the words of Jesus, and through your Word, I trust that you will bring about growth and transformation.

I’m eager to see the ministry you will entrust to our church, especially in this time of trouble. Even as we face storms and struggles, I pray that our worship will glorify and honor you. Use our singing, our faith, and our obedience as opportunities to grow your church, to reach the lost, and to bring more people into your kingdom. May their lives be eternally changed—not just for encouragement in the present, but for a future spent with you forever in your kingdom.

We entrust this time to you, and we pray all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.