An Introduction to the Book of Revelation

THE ANNOUNCER OF THE BOOK
REVELATION 1
1. As long as the book is concluded by the church calling to
Jesus Christ: "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" 22:20. Then it
was necessary that God reveal Himself as the announcer who unveils
His actions across the ages until He takes us to His heavenly
Jerusalem. He also clears away the dimness for us to see and enjoy
Him as the Groom and Leader of the Church. The bride has the right
to get acquainted with her Groom and to understand His secrets so
as to walk in His spirit during her struggle.
2. He is "who is and who was and who is to come" 8. In
Exodus He calls Himself: "I AM WHO I AM" Exod. 3:14, i.e. He
"is" among His people to free them from bondage. He "was" when
He offered His blood for their redemption, He is "to come" i.e. to
convey them through the future and to take them to His throne
(3:21). In Him, the past, the present and the future are fulfilled.
3. He announces Himself as the First and the Last, the Beginning
and the End, the Alpha and the Omega [8,11]. All divine
promises are proclaimed through Him because He is the Alpha and
the Omega. He embraces all believers and leads them, since He is the
Beginning. He also protects them from behind, as He is the End. He
is the complete royal way, through whom everyone enters.
Origen says that if there were a divine language to read
heavenly matters, we would find that the Son is its first and last
letters. Without Him we can understand nothing about heaven and
without Him the mouth can utter no heavenly hymns 26 .
4. When St. John was banished to Patmos and deprived of
serving his people in Asia Minor and in the seven churches under his
guidance, Jesus Christ appeared to him amidst the seven lampstands
to tell him that He is present in the midst of the church to take care
of her. It is as if He is assuring St. John and asking him not to worry
about God's people. Christ's appearance amidst the seven lampstands
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