God's Division REVELATION 1:19 - Technology Ministries

GOD’S OUTLINE God‟s Purpose ~ God‟s Division REVELATION 1:19 

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GOD’S OUTLINE 

God’s Purpose ~ God’s Division 

REVELATION 1:19 

A. GOD’S PURPOSE 

1. TO HELP HIS CHILDREN 

2. MEMORY VERSE 

3. PARAPHRASE 

B. GOD’S DIVISION 

1. TIME PERIODS 

a. Class Activity 

b. Diagram 

c. Song 

d. Use of time divisions 

2. DIVISIONS DEFINED 

a. Past 

b. Present 

c. Future 

d. Gospel 

e. Future Chart 

3. THREE REMINDERS 

a. Blessing 

b. Warning 

c. Finally 

4. SONG

2 REVELATION is NOT a Mystery—TEACHER’S GUIDE THE PAST 

Write, therefore the 

things which you have 

seen, and the things 

which are , and the things 

which shall be after these 

things. 


Jesus Christ directs the apostle John to put 

into writing some impor tant information John 

witnessed first hand. Then Jesus quickly gives 

John an outline for organizing the data. The 

information divides easily into three par ts: 

past, present and future.


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GOD’S OUTLINE 

God’s Purpose ~ God’s Division 


OPENING PRAYER 

Let us bow our heads for a few moments of silent prayer, then I will pray 

out loud. 

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that Your Holy Spirit superintend all we 

study in this lesson. We pray for understanding in the lives of Your 

children. Thank You for providing everything for us and especially for the 

marvelous gift of salvation. Thank You, Father, for Your matchless love. 

We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

REVIEW 

Vocabulary List 

1. Blessings from God. 

Blessing means happiness. A blessing from God is super abundant 

happiness for the one who lives in God’s plan. Happiness, blessings and 

beatitudes are all the same. 

2. Mature. 

Mature means to “grow up” or be “grown up”. When used in connection 

with God’s child (a Christian, a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ), it means 

to grow up in the spiritual life. An adult believer lives in God’s plan for his 

life and glorifies God on earth. Believers who persist in the spiritual life 

receive awards in heaven. A young person or a teen ager may be considered 

mature if he or she is consistently advancing in the spiritual life. 

Advancing to maturity is the desired state for God’s child. 

3. “Those who die in Christ”.


All Church Age believers are “in Christ”. “Dying in Christ” refers to the 

physical death of Church Age believers who go straight to heaven to be “face 

to face” (in intimate association) with their Lord (II Corinthians 5:8). 

4. “Wash their robes”. 

Washing robes symbolizes actions of believers who keep themselves pure by 

allowing God to cleanse them. It refers to believers living the spiritual life 

victoriously and consistently. It strongly supports keeping sins confessed, 

studying and obeying God’s Word; thus advancing in God’s plan. God 

actually does the purifying when believers are humble enough to confess 

sins. “Washing robes”, “keeping garments” and “obeying God’s 

commands” all imply faithfulness on the part of the believer. 

5. Wisdom. 

Wisdom is based on truth stored in the believer’s soul. Wise believers value 

the Word of God, study it and make decisions based on what they learn. 

When decisions are based on God’s thinking or viewpoint, scripture calls it 

wisdom. 

Summary. 

Seven Blessings in the book of REVELATION are promised to believers, 

only. A careful study of all seven blessings clearly emphasizes the 

importance of Bible study in the life of the believer. 

I. GOD’S OUTLINE 

A. GOD’S PURPOSE 

An important part of God’s plan is for His children (those who believe Jesus 

Christ died on the cross for their sins) to study His Word and learn about Him so 

they can love Him more and glorify Him while on earth. 

1. TO HELP HIS CHILDREN 

One of the things God does to help His children study this book is provide His 

own outline. That outline is in REVELATION 1:19. Now, let’s see how easy it 

is to divide the book of REVELATION.


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“THE THINGS WHICH “THE THINGS WHICH “THE THINGS WHICH 

YOU HAVE SEEN” ARE” SHALL TAKE PLACE” 


Go over memory verse visuals. Advise students to work on memorizing the 

verse at home. Suggest they take the completed Class Activity home and 

post it in a conspicuous place. 

Direct students to look at the symbols for the phrases in REVELATION 

1:19. Symbols and directions for teaching are in Teacher’s Appendix. 

Call attention to Scripture reference in the shape of a key. REVELATION 

1:19 is a “key” verse in the book of Revelation since it is God’s outline for 

the entire book. 

REVELATION 1:19 Write, therefore the things 

which you have seen, and the things which are, 

and the things which shall take place after these 

things. 

3. PARAPHRASE 

Jesus Christ directs the apostle John to put into writing some 

important information John witnessed first hand. Then Jesus quickly 

gives John an outline for organizing the data. The information divides 

easily into three parts: past, present and future. 

B. GOD’S DIVISION 

1. TIME PERIODS 

a. Class Activity.


Pages for class activity are in Student Workbook. 

Class Activity goes with the memory verse. Students should paste the PAST, 

PRESENT and FUTURE placards in the correct places under the phrases from 

REVELATION 1:19. Tell students to place the activity pages flat on their desks 

during class and paste symbols correctly, when they are sure of their placement. 

Materials and directions are in Teacher’s Appendix. As always, teacher should 

have a finished example to help direct class activity. 

Call attention to the three divisions according to the book of REVELATION. 

b. Diagram. 

THE THINGS WHICH THE THINGS WHICH THE THINGS WHICH 

YOU HAVE SEEN ARE SHALL TAKE PLACE 

PAST PRESENT FUTURE 

c. Song: “ John the Apostle”. 

The song “John the Apostle” has already been introduced. It is fun to sing using 

accompanying signs and it qualifies as an activity. Words and directions are in 

Teacher’s Appendix. 

d. Use of time divisions. 

1) God uses the divisions of time to organize and enhance 

understanding of the book of REVELATION. 

2) God seems to be saying “I‟m doing everything I can to help those 

who want to understand My book. If you are interested in 

knowing My future plans, you don‟t have to go to any other 

source. I will tell you everything you need to know.” Our God is 

most kind and thoughtful, is He not? 

Display the infinity symbol showing time pulled down like a scroll or shade. Place 

the upcoming diagram under the scroll to demonstrate that time as we know it 

separates into these three parts.


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3) There is another way to express the divisions of time: 

“PAST, PRESENT” and FUTURE.” The past happened 

yesterday and all the days before. The present is right now, 

today. The future will happen tomorrow and all the days to 

come. 

TODAY IS THE TOMORROW YOU 

THOUGHT ABOUT YESTERDAY. 

2. DIVISIONS DEFINED 

Point to these divisions on the infinity chart as you teach. 

a. Past. 

1) The past refers to yesterday and all the days before, but 

closer examination of VERSE 19 defines the “yesterday” 

about which John was told to write. God did not direct John 

to write about events from the Old Testament or about 

everything in history. God‟s directions were specific. God 

instructed John to record what he had seen with his own 

two eyes. 

If you are directing class activity, the “Past” label should be pasted under 

the “Things which you have seen”. 

2) What were the things John had seen? They could include 

what John saw while Jesus Christ was on earth. John had 

seen Christ perform miracles such as healing the sick, 

restoring sight to the blind, enabling the lame to walk and 

bringing the dead back to life. 

Visuals depicting the miracles, the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of 

Jesus Christ could be scattered around on the flannel board. 

3) John was an eyewitness to the crucifixion of Jesus. He was 

an eyewitness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and he was 

there the day Christ returned to heaven.


Display symbols for these events. 

4) Can you think of a place in the Bible where John wrote about 

those events? They are recorded in John‟s Gospel and in the 

books of First, Second and Third John. 

THE THINGS JOHN SAW MIGHT INCLUDE THE EVENTS SPOKEN 

OF IN HIS OTHER WRITINGS, BUT THE PHRASE “THE THINGS 

WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” SPECIFICALLY REFERS TO... 

WHAT JESUS CHRIST REVEALED TO JOHN IN THE 

FIRST CHAPTER OF HIS REVELATION. THAT IS THE PAST. 

b. Present. 

The Present might be more difficult to explain since John lived long before 

the time we think of as the present. 

1) The phrase “The things which are” refers to the Church Age, 

the age in which we live. The Church Age began on the Day 

of Pentecost in A. D. 30, when there were tongues of fire, the 

Holy Spirit came to dwell in believers and men spoke in and 

understood foreign languages. John was there (ACTS 2:1-13). 

2) The Church Age ends when Jesus Christ removes His 

Church from the world at the Rapture or resurrection. The 

rapture has not yet taken place. The Church Age is still 

going on. John lived in the early days of the Church Age 

and we live in the final days of the Church Age (I 

CORINTHIANS 15:51-57; I THESSALONIANS 4:13-18). 

THE CHURCH AGE BEGAN WHEN JOHN WAS ALIVE. 

IT WAS THE PRESENT TO JOHN. IT IS STILL THE PRESENT TO 

US. WE LIVE IN THE SAME AGE AS JOHN. 

A simple timeline alleviates confusion. Teacher should be familiar 

with the chart. 

3) Timeline.


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Day of Pentecost 30 A.D. 

JOHN 

―THE THINGS WHICH ARE‖ 

THE PRESENT 

Today’s date? A.D. 200? 

We are 

Here 

Beginning of Church Age 

End of Church Age - Rapture 

The phrase ―The things which are‖ (The Present) refers to the 

Church Age. 

4) REVELATION Chapters 2 and 3 contain God‟s full and 

complete report of the Church Age. John describes in detail 

seven real, local churches existing at the time of his writing. 

5) The number seven means “full and complete.” Seven 

churches picture the true church (that is: every member of 

Christ‟s Church from John‟s time until the Church Age 

ends). 

Students should paste the symbol for The Present” under “the things which 

are”. 

c. Future. 

1) The future division begins after the removal of the Church 

from the earth. The exact time of the removal is unknown, 

but it is the next event on God‟s schedule. The majority of 

the events in REVELATION occur after the Church is 

removed. That is the Future division. 

Many students will be hearing the names of these future events for the first 

time. Do not try to explain or teach them, now. Handle them as 

announcements of coming events. Point to the chart as you announce each 

event to show it occurs in the future. 

2) “The things which shall take place…after these things” is a 

reference to events scheduled to happen after the Church 

Age.


3) “The things which shall take place” includes three distinct, 

and distinctly different, periods: the Rapture of the church; 

then two earthly periods. First, seven-years known as the 

Tribulation and second, 1,000-years referred to as the 

Millennium. It also presents a short report on eternity 

future. A list of some of the individual events follows. 

ONE EVENT IS PRIOR TO THE TRIBULATION 

Rapture of the Church 

TRIBULATION EVENTS 

(Evaluation of believers in heaven as Tribulation plays out on earth) 

Signing of a treaty between the Jews and Antichrist 

Seven seal judgments 

Setting up of Antichrist’s image in the temple 

Seven trumpet judgments 

Seven drinking goblet judgments 

Destruction of Babylon 

Campaign of Armageddon 

MILLENNIUM EVENTS 

Return of Jesus Christ 

Separation of sheep and goats 

Satan’s confinement to the abyss 

Christ’s 1,000-year reign on earth 

Satan’s release from the abyss 

Gog-Magog war 

Satan sent to the lake of fire 

Great White Throne judgment 

Unbelievers sent to the lake of fire 

ETERNITY FUTURE 

New Heaven, New earth, New Jerusalem 

4) Jesus Christ„s return to earth at His Second Advent is 

connected with the last battle in the campaign of 

Armageddon which ends the Tribulation. Christ‟s 1,000- 

year reign follows. At the end of time, unbelievers are 

judged and cast into the Lake of Fire. Unbelievers are not 

condemned because of sin, but for rejecting the divine 

solution for sin: faith alone in Christ alone.


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6) Gospel. 

Keep reminding students that Church Age believers do not go through the 

Tribulation. You might utilize the gospel information in Teacher’s 

Appendix to present the “Good News” that Christ died for our sins and rose 

again. Following the presentation, address the believer’s eternal security 

and protection from judgment. 

Your decision concerning Christ’s work on the cross determines your 

final destiny. Once you have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior your 

destination is secure. You are going to heaven and that is settled. 

Additionally, as a Church Age believer, you are protected from the 

horrors of the Tribulation. Church Age believers are removed before 

the Tribulation begins. That is settled also. 

REVELATION 3:10 Because you (believers) have 

kept the word of my perseverance (by obeying the 

command to trust Christ ), I also will keep (protect) 

you from the hour of testing (the Tribulation), that 

hour which is about to come upon the whole 

world to test those who dwell (are comfortably 

settled down, that is, unbelievers) upon the earth. 

a) If you are God‟s child, your destination is secure. Your 

protection from judgment is secure. However, what you do 

with your life from the time you believe until you leave this 

earth will make a great deal of difference. 

b) God has a special plan for your life. In the Church Age, God 

has given believers everything they need in order to grow to 

maturity in that plan. God never gives a command without 

providing the ability to carry it out. The believer is 

commanded to stay in fellowship, study the Bible regularly 

and apply what is learned. True happiness, true blessing, 

true meaning and true purpose in life can only be achieved 

by following God‟s directives. 

c) Church Age believers do not enter the Tribulation and are 

not even required to appear in the courtroom at the Great 

White Throne judgment. They are protected from judgment.


THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT IS FOR 

UNBELIEVERS. 

d) After the Great White Throne judgment, there is a new 

Heaven, a new earth and a new Jerusalem. 

e) “The things which shall take place” is the easiest division to 

pin down, because all events are future, to us, today. The 

Future is the longest of the three divisions. 

Students should paste the symbol for the Future under “the things which 

shall take place after these things” Point to all three symbols lined up under 

the three Scripture phrases. 

GOD DIVIDES HIS BOOK INTO “PAST, PRESENT AND 

FUTURE”. 

e. Future Chart: Chapters 4 through 22 , THE FUTURE. 

A simple chart for Chapters 4 through 22 follows. A more detailed chart is 

in Teacher’s Appendix. 

HEAVENLY SCENE 

HEAVEN 

ETERNITY CONCLUSION 

Chapters 4, 5 Chapters 6-19 Chapter 20 Chapters 21-22:5 Chapter 22:6-21 

The Tribulation is 

the largest group 

in the Future 

division. 

TRIBULATION 

MILLENNIUM 

EARTH 

REVELATION has 22 chapters. Subtract the first 3 CHAPTERS (Chapter 1 

covers the Past division; Chapters 2 and 3 cover the Present) and 19 CHAPTERS 

remain. All 19 are in the Future division of the book of REVELATION.


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THE MAJORITY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION 

IS PROPHECY. 

Display a large , more detailed classroom chart (Directions are in Teacher’s 

Appendix) and refer to it often while teaching. Take a few minutes to 

explain the chart. The following information could be included on students’ 

individual charts, or students could take notes as teacher reports. 

a. CHAPTERS 4 and 5 deal with a scene in heaven after the 

Rapture of the Church. 

b. CHAPTERS 6 through 19 cover the Tribulation. 

c. CHAPTER 20 deals with the Millennium. 

d. CHAPTER 21 and the first 5 VERSES of CHAPTER 22 

speak of eternity future. 

e. CHAPTER 22, VERSES 6 through 21, conclude this unique 

book in God’s Word. Indeed, those 16 VERSES are God’s 

final, written words. 

I BELIEVE GOD’S FINAL WORDS TO HIS CHILDREN ARE 

IMPORTANT FOR HIS CHILDREN TO STUDY. 

I HOPE YOU DO, TOO! 

3. THREE REMINDERS 

Go over the three reminders briefly. Two were taught with the seven 

blessings. This slightly different approach reinforces the truth they teach. 

a. Blessing. 

The last chapter of “THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST‖ contains the 

final of the seven blessings we just studied. We learned that REVELATION 

begins with a blessing and REVELATION ends with a blessing. 

b. Warning. 

We also learned that Revelation 22 contains a warning. One of the three reminders 

is a warning not to add to, take away from or misquote the Bible. We have already 

studied that warning. God placed it at the end of His Word to help us remember a 

most important fact: God’s Word is true. We can believe it. We can trust it. We 

must not change it!


THE TRUTH IN GOD’S WORD IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN 

OUR PET IDEAS OR THEORIES. 

THE IMPORTANT THING IS, “WHAT DOES GOD’S WORD 

SAY?” 

c. Final reminder. 

Finally, Jesus Christ reminds His children that He is coming again to take us to 

heaven to live with Him. Three times in CHAPTER 22 (vs. 7, 12, 20) Jesus Christ 

promises to return to earth. God placed the promise of His return at the end of His 

Word to remind His children that His Son is coming back. God urges His children 

to listen to His message, watch for and be ready when His Son comes back. The 

emphasis is obvious. 

GOD’S WORD ENDS WITH A MARVELOUS REMINDER TO 

WHICH GOD’S CHILD CAN CLING. 

JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN! 

4. SONG 

You might end class by singing “When We Think of Christ’s True Love”. 

Tune: “When You Wish Upon A Star” found in Student Songbook. 

OR…”Jesus is Coming Again”. P. 151, “Great Hymns of the Faith”. 

CLOSING PRAYER 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for providing so much for us. Thank you for communicating 

with signs that help us, for dividing this book and giving us your outline. 

Thank You for making it possible for us to study under the power of your 

Spirit and understand your message more clearly. Take the things we have 

learned and make them part of our thinking. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, 

Amen.

GREETINGS To Seven Churches ~ From Jesus Christ REVELATION 1:4 

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GREETINGS 

To Seven Churches ~ From Jesus Christ 

REVELATION 1:4, 5a 

A. TO SEVEN CHURCHES 


2. PARAPHRASE 

3. CHURCHES 

4. JESUS‟ VITAL INTEREST IN HIS CHURCH 

a. Greetings of grace and peace 

b. Grace 

c. Peace 

B. FROM JESUS CHRIST 

1. CHRIST SENDS THE GREETING 

a. The Father and the Spirit are involved 

b. The phrase “from Him who is and who was” 

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT 

a. Seven ministries 

b. ISAIAH 11:2 

3. TWO POINTS 

a. The One who sends the greeting 

b. The ones who receive the greeting 

4. EMPHATIC CONCLUSION 

a. Emphasis 

b. Gospel 

c. Conclusion 

5. SONG


John, to the seven churches that are 

in Asia: grace to you and peace 

from Him who is and who was and 

who is to come; and from the seven 

Spirits who are before His throne. 

REVELATION 1:4 

The apostle John greets the believers of the Church Age by 

wishing them undeserved blessings and the possibility of 

constant soul stability. John is joined in the greeting by all 

three members of the Godhead, but especially by the head 

of the Church, Jesus Christ. The greeting is sent to HIS 

Church whom He loves and for whom He will return.


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GREETINGS 

To Seven Churches ~ From Jesus 

Christ 

REVELATION 1:4, 5a 


We will use the next few moments to prepare our souls for the most 

important activity in the life of God’s child: the study of God’s Word. After 

a few moments of silence, I will pray aloud. 

Thank You, Dear Heavenly Father for the portion of Your Word we 

consider in this lesson. Take the things we learn and make them part of the 

treasure of wisdom in our souls. Thank You for loving us. In Jesus’ name, 

we pray. Amen. 

REVIEW 


Teacher’s copy contains definitions and suggestions for promoting and 

encouraging discussion. Copy for distribution to students is in Teacher’s 

Appendix. 

God’s Outline for the Revelation of Jesus Christ. 

John records God’s official outline for THE REVELATION OF JESUS 

CHRIST in verse nineteen of the first chapter. First: “The things which you 

have seen”. Second: “The things which are”. Third: “The things which shall 

be after these things”. That is, the book of Revelation is divided into past, 

present and future. 

Past. 

The past happened yesterday. Specifically, in the book of REVELATION, 

the past refers to the things John saw in CHAPTER 1. 

Present. 

The present is right now. The Church Age is the present age; the age 

John lived in (at its beginning) and we live in, now (near its end).


Future. 

The future will happen tomorrow and all the days to come. Specifically, in 

REVELATION, it refers to the time after the Church Age. 

“In Christ”. 

A synonymous term for the special relationship to Jesus Christ when one trusts 

Him as personal Savior and is God’s child. 

Summary 

God wants to help His children study His Word. In the first couple of verses of 

REVELATION, God gives the official name of the book: “THE REVELATION 

OF JESUS CHRIST”, declares it a book of prophecy and promises a blessing for 

those who study it. In addition, John records God’s official outline in CHAPTER 

1, Verse 19 dividing the book into Past, Present and Future. The entire book fits 

nicely under these three headings. 

I. GREETINGS 

Display the Greetings visual 

A. TO SEVEN CHURCHES 

Display all Seven Church symbols plus Church Age symbol 

The penman of the “REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST” is the apostle John, but 

notice John does not put any title before his name, here, nor does he call attention to his 

special relationship with Jesus in any way. He is saying there is no difference in rank 

among believers. We (believers) are all the same in Christ Jesus. (The term “in Christ” 

was taught in the previous lesson.)


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REVELATION 1:4 John, to the seven churches that 

are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who 

is and who was and who is to come; and from the 

seven Spirits who are before His throne. 

2. PARAPHRASE 

The apostle John greets the believers of the Church Age by wishing them 

undeserved blessings and constant soul stability. John is joined in the 

greeting by all three members of the Godhead, but especially by the 

Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. The greeting is sent to His Church 

whom He loves and for whom He will return. 

3. CHURCHES 

Locate all seven churches on the map. Map in Teacher’s Appendix may be 

copied and distributed to students. 

a. Real local churches 

Refer to symbols for all seven churches. 

1) All seven churches existed at the time of John‟s writing. The 

reference to Asia in verse four does not mean China, Japan, 

Korea, Thailand or Vietnam, but refers to the Roman province 

of Asia. These seven local churches were located in what is 

Western Turkey, today. 

Point to Western Turkey on the map. 

2) There were many other churches in the world in those days. 

However, God chose seven representative churches to teach 

specific truth.


b. The number seven 

Display the large 7 symbol. 

The number seven means “full and complete”. In this case, it 

refers to the full and complete Church of Jesus Christ. It 

includes every believer in every generation down through 

the Church Age. Not one believer is left out. 

4. JESUS’ VITAL INTEREST IN HIS CHURCH 

a. By recording this message through His angel and John, 

Jesus sends greetings to every member of the True Church. 

1) Jesus Christ is not talking to all members of local churches; 

neither is He speaking to all who attend local churches. He is 

speaking to God‟s children (true believers) wherever they 

are. He speaks to all who appreciate what He has done to 

redeem them and trust Him as their Savior. 

2) Knowing that Jesus is talking to believers makes a difference 

in our ability to understand this unique book of Scripture. 

3) When one realizes believers have become involved in the 

terrible things described in the messages to the seven 

churches, the depth and impact of Christ‟s disappointment 

becomes even more recognizable. 

BELIEVERS ARE MEMBERS OF CHRIST’S TRUE CHURCH. 

JESUS CHRIST GREETS ALL BELIEVERS OF THE CHURCH AGE 

NO MATTER WHAT LOCAL CHURCH THEY ATTEND. JESUS 

SENDS GREETINGS TO ALL MEMBERS OF GOD’S FAMILY IN 

WHATEVER 

CENTURY OF THE CHURCH AGE THEY LIVE, 

EVEN IF THEY ARE 

NOT MEMBERS OF ANY LOCAL CHURCH.


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Refer to the chart showing the difference between members of local churches 

and members of the True Church of Jesus Christ. Chart is in Teacher’s 

Appendix. Each student should have a copy. 

b. Greetings of grace and peace 

Display symbol for Grace and Peace, showing peace coming through the 

grace pipe because of the cross. 

The words “grace” and peace” are appropriately used, because Jesus 

Christ carried out the grace plan of His Father, which made peace 

available. Grace and peace are offered to all mankind, but only God‟s 

child appropriates what Christ offers. 

c. “Grace” 

Information on “God, the Three in One” is in Teacher’s Appendix. 

Essence box or list of ten characteristics of God is in Teacher’s Appendix. 

Scripture verses accompany each essence. 

Go over the ten characteristics of God: Sovereignty, Righteousness, Love, 

Eternal Life, Justice, Omniscience, Omnipresence, Omnipotence, Veracity 

and Immutability. All three members of the Trinity possess the same ten 

characteristics or perfections. 

Inquire of students, “Where is grace in the list of God’s characteristics? 

What? It is not there?” 

1) Grace is not in the list of God‟s characteristics, because grace 

is not one of God‟s characteristics or perfections. Grace is 

God‟s policy. Grace is God‟s love and kindness in action. 

Grace is God‟s good favor to those who deserve the 

opposite. Grace is the way God treats the human race and 

only because of God‟s grace is peace available. The human 

race would not exist without God‟s grace. 

2) As sinners, we deserve to be wiped off the face of the earth. 

Instead of destruction, however, God offers forgiveness and 

loving kindness. Now, that is grace.


3) The letters of the word “G R A C E” provide a good definition 

of the word itself. 

G…GOD’S 

R…RICHES 

A…AT 

C…CHRIST’S 

E…EXPENSE 

4) Grace is all that God is free to do for man because of Christ‟s 

work on the cross. It is God‟s kindness freely given, though 

undeserved. Grace is based on God‟s character, not on man‟s 

goodness or ability. Nothing about man makes him worthy 

of God‟s grace. 

UNDER GRACE GOD DOES ALL THE WORK 

AND MAN DOES THE RECEIVING. 

MAN SIMPLY ENJOYS THE 

BENEFITS OF GOD’S GRACE. 

EPHESIANS 2:8, 9 For by grace you have been 

saved through faith; and that (salvation is) not of 

yourselves, it is the gift of God; (salvation is a gift) 

not as a result of works, that no one should boast. 

5) In ancient times, the Greeks used the word “grace” as a form 

of greeting. Instead of saying “Hello” as we do today, the 

Greeks would say, “Grace to you.” as they passed each other 

on the street. It meant “Kindness to you” or “Favor to you.” 

c. “Peace” 

1) The definition of peace is harmony or lack of conflict. Peace is 

stability and/or strength even in the face of pressure. 

2) Jesus gives peace to those who trust Him. In grace, God offers 

peace. God‟s grace policy comes before God‟s blessing of 

peace.


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JOHN 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I 

give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to 

you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be 

fearful. 

PEACE WITH GOD IS THE OPPOSITE OF THE CONSTANT 

CHURNINGAND UNREST 

IN THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO 

WILL NOT TRUST JESUS CHRIST. 

PEACE IS THE ABSENCE OF WAR. UNBELIEVERS’ SOULS ARE 

RESTLESS AND AT WAR UNTIL THEY 

FIND PEACE IN JESUS CHRIST. 

d. Two kinds of peace 

1) God, in His grace offers two kinds of peace. 

2) First, we receive peace with God the moment we believe in 

His Son as our Savior. 

3) Second, the peace of God is available to believers who grow 

up as God‟s children. As we learn more about God from His 

Word, we gain the peace of God. 

4) The following verses refer to the peace of God. 

EPHESIANS 6:23, 24 Peace be to the brethren, and 

love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord 

Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our 

Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible. 

ROMANS 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill 

you with all joy and peace in believing, that you 

may abound (increase in riches and/or success) in 

hope (in confidence) by the power of the Holy 

Spirit.


II CORINTHIANS 13:11 Finally brethren, rejoice, 

be made complete, be comforted, be like minded, 

live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall 

be with you. 

PHILIPPIANS 4:7-9 And the peace of God, which 

surpasses (goes beyond) all comprehension, 

(understanding) shall guard your hearts and your 

minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever 

is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, 

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is 

of good repute (has a good reputation), if there is 

any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, 

let your mind dwell on these things. The things 

you have learned and received and heard and seen 

in me, practice these things; and the God of peace 

shall be with you. 

5) The Greeks said, “Charis, … Grace to you” when they met 

and the Jews said “Shalom, … Peace to you” when they met. 

6) In REVELATION 1:4, Jesus Christ greets the believers of the 

Church Age with the words “Grace to you and peace.” The 

greeting contains both the Greek and the Hebrew salutation. 

Is it, perhaps, emphasizing that Jews and Gentiles are united 

as members of Christ‟s True Church? All Believers (both 

Gentiles and Jews) are treated with grace and are given peace. 

7) The greeting, “Grace to you and peace” expresses God‟s 

desire that men be believers in God‟s Son, the Lord Jesus 

Christ, and therefore, benefit from God‟s blessing of peace in 

the soul. 

8) The words “Grace and Peace” speak volumes about Christ 

and the work He did on the cross for the benefit of man. 

Christ‟s unspeakable love motivated Him to die in our place. 

He accomplished the work through His remarkable policy of 

Grace.


25 

B. FROM JESUS CHRIST 

REVELATION 1:4 … from Him who is and who 

was and who is to come ... 

Display the “Who sends the Greetings? 

directly under it. 

symbol with the God triangle 

Scripture makes clear who sends the greeting. In the first line of verse four, John, 

the Apostle, as the penman of the Book of Revelation, states he is sending the 

greeting, by saying, “John, to the seven churches …” However, someone else is 

involved. Let us see if we can tell who it is. 

Point to the God symbol, then call attention to the symbol for the phrase, “He 

who is and who was and who is to come”, in the upper left hand corner of the 

God triangle. 

1. CHRIST SENDS THE GREETING 

a. The Father and the Spirit are involved. 

The Father and the Spirit are involved in sending the greeting, 

but since the Father gave the revelation to His Son 

(REVELATION 1:1) it follows that Jesus Christ would be the 

One to send greetings. 

b. The phrase “from Him who is and who was”. 

1) The phrase “from Him who is and who was” speaks of God. 

The phrase “who is to come” is a direct reference to the 

second coming of Jesus Christ. 

2) “He who is and who was.” broadly refers to all three 

members of the Godhead. All three are always present (“is” 

refers to right now) and all three always existed (“was” refers 

to the past). On the other hand, Jesus Christ is specifically 

referred to with the words, “who is to come.” Jesus Christ is


the member of the Godhead who came to the earth as a man 

at the First Advent and will “come again” at the Second 

Advent to claim His throne, His crown and His kingdom. 

The emphasis is on Jesus Christ as the member of the Triune 

God sending the greeting. 

REVELATION 1:4c …and from the seven Spirits 

who are before His throne. 

Display symbol for the seven Spirits. 

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT 

Reference to seven Spirits does not mean there are seven different Spirits. John is 

talking about the one Holy Spirit. (Seven means “full and complete”). 

Technically, it refers to the seven ministries of the Holy Spirit indwelling Jesus 

Christ as the One and Only God/Man. The Holy Spirit is involved because the 

Holy Spirit indwells Jesus Christ in Hypostatic Union, that is, when Jesus Christ as 

fully Man and fully God lived on earth, the Holy Spirit lived in Him. 

Information for deeper study on the hypostatic Union is in Teacher’s 

Appendix. 

a. Seven ministries of the Holy Spirit 

Display the visual for the seven ministries of the Holy Spirit. 

Seven can mean complete in the sense of being perfect. That 

meaning is determined by the noun modified by the number 

seven. In this case, “seven” modifies the Holy Spirit. There 

is no doubt of its reference to perfection. 

The following verses are recommended for additional study: 

I CORINTHIANS 12:4; I CORINTHIANS 12:13 and ISAIAH 11:2. 

ISAIAH 11:12 is printed below. 

b. ISAIAH 11:2


27 

ISAIAH 11:2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest 

upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and 

understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, 

the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the 

Lord. 

Call attention to the seven overlapping circles in the symbol for the Holy 

Spirit. Note the labels inside the circles correspond to the list in ISAIAH 

11. 

1. 

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD 

The Old Testament word for Spirit used in this 

phrase comes from a root 

word meaning, “wind, to exhale, or to breathe”. 

It refers to the filling of the Holy Spirit. 

The filling of the Holy Spirit means the same thing 

as staying in fellowship with the Holy Spirit by 

admitting sins to God the moment the Holy Spirit 

brings them to your attention. 

JESUS NEVER HAD TO CONFESS ANY SINS. HE NEVER 

SINNED. HE WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT EVERY 

MOMENT HE WAS ON EARTH. 

2. 

THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM 

The Old Testament word translated “wisdom” speaks of 

the ability to apply the Word of God to life. 

NOT FOR A SINGLE MOMENT DURING HIS LIFE ON EARTH 

DID JESUS CHRIST EVEN CONSIDER APPLYING HUMAN 

SOLUTIONS TO HIS PROBLEMS INSTEAD OF APPLYING 

DIVINE SOLUTIONS FROM GOD’S WORD.


3. 

THE SPIRIT OF UNDERSTANDING 

The word in the Old Testament translated “understanding” refers to the 

ability to comprehend the Word of God and look at things 

from God’s viewpoint. 

JESUS CHRIST ALWAYS LOOKED AT AND UNDERSTOOD 

THINGS FROM GOD’S VIEWPOINT. 

4. 

THE SPIRIT OF COUNSEL 

The word “counsel” refers to the ability to recognize God’s plan and 

purpose and give wise spiritual advice to others. 

JESUS CHRIST ALWAYS RECOGNIZED GOD’S PLAN AND 

ALWAYS GAVE WISE ADVICE TO OTHERS BASED ON GOD’S 

VIEWPOINT. 

5. 

THE SPIRIT OF STRENGTH IN VIRTUE 

Strength in virtue refers to the power or 

ability to use personal 

love for God, confidence toward God, an 

attitude of worship toward God and virtue love, 

courage and morality toward man under pressure. 

It is the strength to do what is right 

in God’s sight when it is difficult. 

JESUS CHRIST NEVER FAILED TO DO RIGHT IN GOD’S SIGHT. 

HE FULFILLED THE PLAN OF GOD FOR HIS LIFE IN EVERY 

ASPECT EVEN UNTO DEATH. 

6. 

THE SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE 

The Spirit of knowledge refers to the ability to understand 

what historical events teach in the light 

of God’s Word.


29 

The Spirit of knowledge emphasizes insight, objectivity and spiritual 

intelligence because of dependence on the Holy Spirit. It implies the 

ability 

to recognize divine viewpoint as opposed to the world’s viewpoint. 

JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED THE ASPECT OF THE SPIRIT OF 

KNOWLEDGE. 

7. 

THE SPIRIT OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD 

The Spirit of the fear of the Lord 

refers to reverence, honor or respect. 

It includes the ability to be in harmony 

with God, to have social life and 

close fellowship with God. 

It means growing to maturity spiritually and being 

occupied or busy with the things of Jesus Christ. 

Respect is a vital part 

of love and it is impossible to love and respect 

God without having knowledge of God. 

RESOURCE: p. 107, Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, AMG Publishers, 

International, Chattanooga, TN, Revised Edition, 1991. 

AS MAN, JESUS CHRIST WAS FILLED WITH REVERENCE, 

HONOR, RESPECT AND LOVE FOR GOD, THE FATHER, 

BECAUSE OF HIS KNOWLEDGE OF AND POSITIVE RESPONSE 

TO GOD’S WORD. 

JESUS CHRIST DEPENDED COMPLETELY AND FULLY 

ON THE HOLY SPIRIT EVERY MOMENT 

DURING HIS TIME ON EARTH. 

HE WAS ALWAYS FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT. 

3. TWO POINTS


Two more important points need to be recognized. These points may seem 

redundant at first. Be careful to emphasize the words, “only” and 

legitimately in sub headings a. (1) and “legitimate” in sub heading b (1). 

Both words are highlighted in red. 

a. The One who sends the greeting. 

1) Christ is the only One who can legitimately send the 

particular greeting. 

2) It is altogether fitting for Jesus Christ to greet His Church 

with the words, “grace and peace”. Jesus Christ is the One 

who carried out the grace plan that brings peace to man. 

Only through execution of God‟s plan can man have peace 

with God (salvation) and the peace of God (spiritual growth 

to maturity). Jesus is worthy to send the greetings and He 

has the right to do so. 

3) Jesus Christ died for all humanity, but only believers 

understand grace and peace. These two words offer 

additional proof that the greetings come from Jesus Christ. 

Only Jesus Christ is capable of supplying grace and peace. 

b. The ones who receive the greeting 

1) Members of the True Church of Jesus Christ are the only 

ones who could legitimately receive the particular greeting. 

2) Only believers can appreciate this greeting. Jesus uses words 

with which only believers can identify. Christ did all the 

work to accomplish God‟s grace plan. Believers know it. 

Unbelievers do not. Believers have the ability to understand 

and the ability to listen to what Jesus says to them. 

Believers have spiritual ears (ears that have the ability to 

understand spiritual truth). Unbelievers do not. Grace and 

peace, say volumes about the relationship between Christ 

and His Church. Though Christ offers grace and peace to all 

human beings, only believers receive what Jesus Christ


31 

made available. Unbelievers have said, “No” to God‟s grace 

plan and “No” to peace with God. Unbelievers have no 

understanding of this greeting. 

3) The Head of the Church greets the members of His Church 

with words expressing His special love for them and His 

special relationship to them. 

4. EMPHATIC CONCLUSION 

a. Emphasis 

REVELATION 1:5 …and from Jesus Christ… 

Display symbol for The Lord Jesus Christ at the bottom of the symbol for 

God triangle. 

1) The first part of REVELATION 1:5 tells us clearly that Jesus 

Christ, the second member of the Godhead sends the 

greeting. 

2) THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST is written 

especially for God‟s children, living in the Church Age, and 

is not a mystery to His children who study it. Jesus Christ‟s 

greeting to His Church is a very important aspect of the 

book. 

Failure to lay the groundwork contained in the first chapter of this unique 

book often result in misunderstanding the rest of the book. The importance 

of a firm foundation upon which to build is the reason for the time spent on 

the first Chapter. 

b. Gospel 

1) Jesus Christ is God. He is co-equal and co-eternal with God 

the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He is the One who died 

to pay for the sins of the world. Those who believe Jesus


Christ died for them as their substitute are members of His 

Church. Jesus Christ deserves the privilege of greeting the 

members of His Church with a personal greeting. 

2) The apostle Paul quoted the same meaningful words of Jesus 

to six local churches existing at the time Paul was writing. 

ROMANS 1:7; I CORINTHIANS 1:3; II CORINTHIANS 1:2; 

GALATIANS 1:3; PHILIPPIANS 1:2; COLOSSIANS 1:2; I 

THESSALONNIANS 1:1; II THESSALONNIANS 1:2. Paul wrote two 

letters to the churches at Corinth and Thessalonica. Though eight letters are 

written only six churches are involved. 

3) The chain of communication in REVELATION 1:1 bears 

evidence of both the sender of the greeting and those who 

receive the greeting. Volume I, Lesson 4 covered the chain 

of communication. This is simply a review of that study. 

Display the chain of communication symbols. Explanation: from God to 

Christ …to His bond-servants (believers). Simply point to each link in the 

chain. 

c. Conclusion 

We began by noting that REVELATION 1:4 says God the 

Father is involved in sending the greeting because God the 

Father gave the Revelation to Jesus Christ. We also learned 

the reference to seven Spirits in REVELATION 1:4 refers to 

the Holy Spirit who indwelt Jesus Christ while He lived on 

earth. In addition, we discovered the member of the 

Godhead most involved in sending the greeting is none 

other than the Lord Jesus Christ, who is coming again. 

THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH 

SALUTES HIS CHURCH 

GOD THE FATHER GIVES TO HIS SON THE PRIVILEGE 

OF PERSONALLY GREETING THOSE HE LOVES AND 

THOSE FOR WHOM HE DIED.


33 


Thank you, Father for loving us and sending your Son to die in our place. 

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.


THE HEAD OF THE 

CHURCH 

SALUTES HIS CHURCH 

GOD THE FATHER GIVES 

TO HIS SON THE 

PRIVILEGE 

OF PERSONALLY 

GREETING THOSE HE 

LOVES AND 

THOSE FOR WHOM HE 

DIED.

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST His Identity ~ His Credentials REVELATION 1:5-8 35 

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST 

His Identity ~ His Credentials 

REVELATION 1:5-8 

A. HIS IDENTITY 


2. WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? 

3. HIS NAME TELLS US 

B. HIS CREDENTIALS 

1. DEFINITION 

2. LIST 

a. Three earthly credentials 

b. Seven more 

c. Final three 

3. CONCLUSIONS 

4. SONG


And His head and His hair were 

white like white wool, like 

snow; and His eyes were like a 

flame of fire; and His feet were 

like burnished bronze, when it 

has been caused to glow in a 

furnace, and His voice was like 

the sound of many waters… 


This is the ancient of days, the eternal One who sees everything, 

knows everything and evaluates everything. He is the Supreme judge 

who has taken the pronounced judgment upon Himself. He is personally 

involved with His people, He loves them, protects them and 

teaches them. He is perfectly able and wor thy of accomplishing everything 

because He is the Eternal Creator, Redeemer, Prophet, 

Priest, Judge, King and God.


THE LORD JESUS CHRIST 

His Identity ~ His Credentials 



After a few moments for, silent prayer, I will pray out loud. 

Dear Heavenly Father, as we fellowship together in Your Word, may we 

remember and be grateful for all You have provided for us, not just for 

today, but for tomorrow and forever. Be with us as we consider the 

identity and credentials of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In His 

name, we pray. Amen. 

REVIEW 


Grace: Undeserved favor freely given 

Peace: The complete absence of turmoil or conflict; stability or firmness 

of the soul. 

Teacher’s review contains vocabulary words and definitions. Students’ 

review pages are in Teacher’s Appendix and contain vocabulary words 

only. 

Summary 

Jesus Christ joins the Apostle John in greeting believers of the Church 

Age. The greeting is, “Grace to you and Peace.” The greeting 

expresses undeserved favor and kindness freely given by God along with 

Jesus Christ’s desire that members of His church would take full 

advantage of the peace of God. There is only One with the power and 

authority to bestow grace and give peace. In this lesson, the One who


sends the greeting shares with His Church His Scriptural 

Credentials. 

I. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST 

A. HIS IDENTITY 

1. WHO IS JESUS CHRIST? 

JESUS CHRIST IS THE UNIQUE PERSON 

OF THE UNIVERSE. 

HE IS THE GOD-MAN-SAVIOR. 

a. Memory verse 

A very beautiful description of the Lord Jesus Christ is in REVELATION 

1:14-16. These three verses contain a symbolic description of Jesus Christ 

and serve as the memory verse for three lessons. Actual study of these 

verses is in the following lesson. Since it is a longer portion of Scripture 

than usual, memorization begins in this lesson. Start with verses 14 and 

15. Add verse 16 in the subsequent lessons. Take a little more time than 

usual. 

REVELATION 1:14-15 And His head and His 

hair were white like white wool, like snow; 

and His eyes were like a flame of fire; and His 

feet were like burnished bronze, when it has 

been caused to glow in a furnace, and His voice 

was like the sound of many waters... 

b. Paraphrase 

Symbols for memory verse are in Teacher’s Appendix. Paraphrase for 

memory verse accompanies The Glorious Portrait covered in 

REVELATION 1:14-16 .


2. HIS NAME TELLS US. 

His name carries His identification as the God/Man/Savior. 

―Lord‖ refers to Him as God. 

―Jesus‖ is His human name. 

―Christ‖ is His title as Savior. 

B. HIS CREDENTIALS 

1. DEFINITION 

Credentials are the documents or records that prove one‟s 

qualifications and rights. REVELATION 1:5-8 contains a list of 

thirteen credentials of Jesus Christ, establishing Him as the One 

and only God/Man/ Savior. 

REVELATION 1:5-8 And from Jesus Christ, the 

faithful witness, the first born of the dead, and 

the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who 

loves us, and released us from our sins by His 

blood, and He has made us to be a kingdom, 

priests to His God and Father; to Him be the 

glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

Behold, 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. Even so. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the 

Omega” says the Lord God, “who is and who 

was and who is to come, the Almighty.” 

2. LIST 

This portion of Scripture lists thirteen credentials. They are 

divided into three sets. The first set consists of three earthly


credentials, recording the qualifications of Jesus Christ as Man. 

The next seven refer to His qualifications as Savior. The last 

three are heavenly: recording Jesus Christ‟s credentials as God. 

a. The three earthly credential establishing Jesus as Man. 

I. THE FAITHFUL WITNESS – VERSE 5 

REVELATION 1:5-8 … and from Jesus Christ, 

the faithful witness... 

Display symbol of Christ as a little baby in a feeding trough. 

a) “Faithful” speaks of the faithfulness of Jesus in coming to 

earth as Man to fulfill God‟s plan. He followed (perfectly) 

every direction the Father gave Him. Jesus Christ can be 

trusted. We can believe Him. 

HEBREWS 3:6a But Christ was faithful as a Son 

over His house whose house we are, if we hold 

fast our confidence and the boast of our hope 

firm until the end. 

b) Jesus was born to die. Jesus witnessed by representing the 

Father on earth and carrying out the Father‟s plan every 

moment from His lowly birth to His sacrificial death. Thus, 

He proved He was worthy to pay for our sins. 

JOHN 8:18 I am He who bears witness of 

Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears 

witness of Me. 

c) Jesus willingly left the perfection of His heavenly home and 

came as a human baby to this evil, filthy earth. His human 

Mother wrapped Him in cloth meant for dead bodies, then 

tenderly placed Him in a trough used for feeding animals. 

His only mattress was bare, uncovered hay. He grew up 

and faithfully lived every moment of His perfect life within 

the Father‟s plan. He was the faithful witness unto death.


II THE FIRST BORN OF THE DEAD – VERSE 5 

Display symbol for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

a) The second credential speaks of Jesus Christ as the only 

member of the human race to receive a resurrection body. 

Therefore, He is the first one to be born out from the dead, 

never to die again. “The first-born of the dead” speaks of 

Christ‟s resurrection. Jesus Christ is the only man in glory 

at the present time. He conquered death by coming out 

of death unto life. 

PSALM 89:27 I also shall make him My firstborn, 

The highest of the kings of the earth. 

JOHN 3:13 And no one has ascended into 

heaven, but He who descended from heaven, 

even the Son of Man. 

b) The fact that Jesus Christ is resurrected guarantees that we 

who are His children by faith will follow Him in 

resurrection. Believers will most assuredly receive 

resurrection bodies like His. 

JOHN 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the 

resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me 

shall live even if he dies.” 

I THESSALONIANS 4:14 For if we believe that 

Jesus died and rose again, even so God will 

bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in 

Jesus. 

III. THE RULER OF THE KINGS OF THE EARTH – VERSE 5 

Display symbol for the “ruler of the kings of the earth”.


a) The third credential records the Jewish humanity of Jesus as 

the descendant of David. It addresses Jesus Christ as Man. 

b) The phrase “ruler of the kings of the earth” refers to the 

reign of Jesus Christ when He claims His earthly kingdom 

at His second coming. At that future time, He will take His 

place as King of kings and Lord of lords. 

c) It is the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant which is stated in 

II Samuel 7:12 and restated in LUKE 1:32, 33 at the 

announcement of the birth of Jesus. 

II SAMUEL 7:12 When your days are complete 

and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise 

up your descendant after you, who will come 

forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 

LUKE 1:32, 33 He will be great, and will be 

called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord 

God will give Him the throne of His father 

David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob 

forever; and His kingdom will have no end. 

b. Seven credentials establish Christ as Savior 

I. TO HIM WHO LOVES US – VERSE 5 

Display symbol for “loves us”. 

a) The first credential speaking of Jesus Christ as Savior tells us 

Jesus Christ loves us with perfect, divine love. His love is 

not the kind of love the world knows. The perfect tense in 

the Greek tells us Christ loved us in the past, loves us right 

now and keeps on loving us forever. If you have ever 

wondered where we get the phase “Jesus loves me” here is 

where it comes from. It speaks of the constant, unchanging 

love of God. This Scripture is the only place proclaiming this 

truth in this particular way. Jesus has always loved us and 

He keeps on loving us. There never has been a time and 

there never will be a time when Jesus Christ does not love 

us.


b) Perfect Love is a characteristic of God alone. God, the Son, Jesus 

Christ loves the people of the world so much that He willingly 

went to the cross and paid for the sins of the world. His perfect 

love is the motive behind His work as Savior. 

THE DEEPEST TRUTH I HAVE EVER PONDERED IS THAT 

JESUS LOVES ME. 

AND WHEN I ADD THE QUESTION “WHY WOULD HE LOVE ME?” 

IT BECOMES MORE MYSTERIOUS AND DIFFICULT TO 

COMPREHEND. 

HOW, THEN, DO I ACCEPT IT AS BEING TRUE? 

I ACCEPT IT ONLY BECAUSE … 

“THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.” 

c) Song 

This would be an ideal place to sing, “Jesus Loves Me”. 

2) The second credential establishing Christ as Savior. 

II. RELEASED US FROM OUR SINS BY HIS BLOOD— 

VERSE 5 

Display the same symbol used for “Loves us.” “Released us from our sins by 

His blood” and the credential, “loves us” fit together as a pair. Jesus loves us 

so much He came down from heaven, went to the cross and released us from 

our sins by paying our sin debt. This is the Gospel or the “good news” we 

need to hear. 

a) Released us from our sins 

As believers, we understand that Jesus Christ released us from our 

sins. All humans are born as slaves to sin. There is no way they 

can redeem themselves. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin (the 

price of redemption) by dying in the sinner‟s place. Those who 

will believe in Him are released from the slave market of sin.


Display the slave market symbol and lead discussion. More information is 

in Teacher’s Appendix. 

ROMANS 6:23 For the wages of sin is death… 

b) In His own blood 

Display for the third time the symbol for “Loves us”. Explain that wise 

Bible students want to know and understand the truth. When Bible 

truth is taught and explained early in life there is no 

misunderstanding. Therefore, we take up this sometimes difficult 

truth while you are young. 

c) We begin with a few questions. 

d) Is each believer covered with literal blood from the veins of 

Jesus Christ and in this way released from sin? 

e) Does Jesus Christ come down from heaven each time 

someone believes in Him and literally scrub away their sins 

with His blood?” 

f) And let us consider another thought, “Did Jesus Christ‟s 

blood really flow out of His veins and create a river running 

down the streets of Jerusalem while He was hanging on that 

horrible cross?” (Many stories and movies picture the 

crucifixion that way.) 

g) Many believe there is superstitious, magical power in the 

literal, red blood from Christ‟s body. Others take offense at 

the ugly term “the blood of Christ” and will not use it at all. 

h) “The blood of Christ” is a precious term when its true 

meaning is clear. It teaches a wonderful truth. It is in the 

Bible and we should love to use the term, but we should 

understand its true meaning. 

i) Scripture teaches that Jesus did not bleed to death. Jesus 

dismissed His physical life by His own will when His work 

for salvation was finished. No one had the power to take 

His life from Him.


MATTHEW 27:50 And Jesus cried out again 

with a loud voice and yielded up (gave up His 

Spirit, by His own will) His spirit. 

JOHN 10:18 No one has taken it away from Me, 

(physical life) but I lay it down on My own 

initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I 

have authority to take it up again. This 

commandment I received from my father. 

JOHN 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received 

the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He 

bowed His head and gave up His Spirit. 

j) After Christ dismissed His physical life, His blood was still in 

His body. A spear, thrust into His side after He was dead, 

released blood and water. Jesus did not bleed to death. 

JOHN 19:34 But one of the soldiers pierced His 

side with a spear (after He died), and immediately 

there came out blood and water. 

―The blood of Christ‖ refers to Christ’s work in accomplishing our 

salvation. 

THE PHYSICAL DEATH OF CHRIST DID NOT SAVE US. 

SPIRITUAL DEATH WAS THE PAYMENT FOR SIN. 

CHRIST VOLUNTARILY GAVE UP HIS PHYSICAL LIFE WHEN 

HIS “WORK” OF SALVATION WAS FINISHED. 

In your own words, inform students of the following facts. 

In the future any time you see or hear the term “the blood of Christ” 

remember that it is a figure of speech meaning “The work of Jesus Christ on 

the cross”. 

Take the statement we are talking about right now and substitute that 

meaning. The statement appears in verse five in the first chapter of


REVELATIION. Look at that verse. Look at the second sentence in that 

verse. Say it this way “To Him who loves us and released us from our sins 

by His work on the cross.” 

I pray you understand that the term “the blood of Christ” means the same 

thing as “the work of Jesus Christ on the cross as He died in our place.” If 

you understand this term now, you will never have a problem with it again. 

3) The third credential establishing Christ as Savior. 

III. MADE US TO BE A KINGDOM, PRIESTS TO HIS GOD 

AND FATHER–VERSE 6 

Display symbol for “made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and 

Father”. 

a) This credential records the work of Christ in removing the 

barrier between God and man, making it possible for men 

to represent themselves before God. This is one of Christ‟s 

credentials as Savior. 

b) This particular credential goes on to say, “…to Him be the 

glory and the dominion forever and ever, Amen” which 

amplifies the status of believers as priests to God, the Father. 

c) In the Church Age every believer is his own priest and 

represents himself to God. Jesus Christ removed the barrier 

separating man from God. 

Study I PETER 2:5–9 before class. Read the following verse with class 

I PETER 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal 

priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s 

own possession, that you may proclaim the 

excellencies of Him who has called you out of 

darkness into His marvelous light.” 

d) No longer are we required to go through earthly priests to 

talk to God or to confess sins. Each believer has access to 

the throne of God on the basis of the work of our High


Priest, Jesus Christ. Indeed, Scripture says we may come 

“boldly, with confidence” before God‟s throne and make 

our requests known. 

HEBREWS 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with 

confidence (boldness) to the throne of grace, that 

we may find grace to help in time of need. 

4) The fourth credential establishing Christ as Savior. 

IV. HE IS COMING WITH CLOUDS – VERSE 7 

Display symbol for “coming with clouds”. 

a) The fourth credential establishing Christ as Savior refers to 

His return and speaks of Him as Savior. Clouds represent 

believers. The phrase “Coming with clouds” speaks of 

believers returning with Christ at the second coming. When 

Christ returns to rule over the earth He will come personally 

and physically from the clouds of heaven surrounded by 

“clouds” of believers. 

b) The One who keeps on loving us is coming back again after 

the Tribulation and we, the believers of the Church Age, will 

be with Him as those He loves and for whom He died. 

ACTS 1:11 and MATTHEW 24:30 predict this event. 

ACTS 1:11 …and they also said, “Men of 

Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? 

This Jesus who has been taken up from you into 

heaven, will come in just the same way as you 

have watched Him go into heaven”. 

MATTHEW 24:30 …and then the sign of the Son 

of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the 

tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see 

the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky 

with power and great glory.


5) The fifth credential establishing Christ as Savior. 

V. EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM – VERSE 7 

Display symbol for “every eye will see Him”. 

a) This credential presents further information concerning the 

return of Jesus Christ. When Scripture says, “Every eye will 

see Him” it declares this to be no secret or unnoticed event. 

b) Humans have eyes. Every means “every”. “Every eye” tells 

us every human being who ever lived will see the One who 

died for all humanity as He returns to earth in power and 

great glory. 

PHILIPPIANS 2:9-11 Therefore also God highly 

exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name 

which is above every name, that at the name of 

Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are 

in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth. 

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus 

is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

6) The sixth credential establishing Christ as Savior. 

VI. THOSE WHO PIERCED HIM – VERSE 7 

Display the symbol for the cross. 

a) “Those who pierced Him” means those who crucified Him. 

CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED AS OUR SAVIOR. 

JOHN 19:37 They shall look on Him whom they 

pierced. 

ZECHARIAH 12:10 And I will pour out on the 

house of David and on the inhabitants of 

Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and of supplication, 

so that they will look on Me whom they have 

pierced, and they will mourn for Him, as one 

mourns for an only son, and they will weep 

bitterly over Him, like the bitter weeping over a 

firstborn.


b) Not every eye that sees Him will be happy with what they 

see. Some will rejoice. Some will mourn, but all will see. 

The seventh credential establishing Christ as Savior. 

VII. ALL THE TRIBES OF THE EARTH WILL MOURN OVER 

HIM — VERSE 7 

Display symbol for all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. 

c) The phrase “The tribes of the earth” refers to those who were 

satisfied with life on earth and had no longing for heaven, in 

other words it refers to unbelievers. 

d) The ones who would not believe in Christ as Savior will not 

be happy (they will mourn) about His return. They have no 

desire to see the one they rejected come back in power and 

glory. His appearance proves how foolish they were and 

they do not like it. 

c. Three final credentials establish Jesus Christ as God. 

I. THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA – VERSE 8 

Display “Alpha and Omega” symbol. 

a) The first credential in the final set refers to our Lord‟s deity. 

Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet. Omega is the 

last letter in the Greek alphabet. Words are put together by 

using letters of the alphabet. 

b) “I am the Alpha and the Omega” means Christ is the 

beginning and the end and everything in between. Since it 

takes letters of the alphabet to speak and write words, Jesus 

Christ is everything worth talking about and everything 

worth writing about. 

2) The second credential establishing the Lord as God.


II. WHO IS AND WHO WAS AND WHO IS TO COME — 

VERSE 8 

Point to the same symbol used for God in the upper right hand corner of the 

God triangle. 

a) The same phrase appeared in verse four. It refers to the Lord 

Jesus Christ as God. Jesus Christ underlines and highlights 

this portion of His credentials by repeating the phrase, 

which could refer only to a member of the Godhead. 

b) “He who is” declares He exists right now. “Who was” 

proclaims He always existed. The words, “who is to come” 

refer to one who is coming again which can only refer to 

Jesus Christ. This entire phrase declares Jesus Christ is God. 

3) The third credential establishing the Lord as God. 

III. THE ALMIGHTY – VERSE 8 

Display the symbol for the Almighty or write “Almighty God” in large 

letters on the board. 

The term “the Almighty” added at the end of REVELATION 

1:8 emphasizes even more dramatically that Jesus is God. The 

Scriptural credentials establish the Lord Jesus Christ as 

God/Man/Savior. 

3. CONCLUSION 

a. This concludes the presentation of the thirteen Scriptural 

Credentials of the Lord Jesus Christ listed in the book of 

REVELATION. The first three credentials are earthly, 

establishing His qualifications as Man. The next seven 

credentials list His qualifications as Savior. The last three 

establish Him as God. 

b. His name, “Lord Jesus Christ” carries His identification as


all three. Lord refers to Him as God. “Jesus” is His 

human name. “Christ” is His title as Savior. 

c. Though not listed in REVELATION, God, the Father placed 

the final stamp of approval (proof or credential) on the 

completed work of Jesus Christ by raising Him from the 

dead. 

ACTS 17:31…because He (God) has fixed a day 

in which He will judge the world in 

righteousness through a man (Jesus Christ) whom 

He has appointed, having furnished proof 

(credentials) to all men by raising Him (Jesus 

Christ) from the dead. 

d. In the previous lesson, Jesus joined the apostle John, in 

greeting Church Age believers. Do you remember what the 

greeting was? That is right, the greeting was, “Grace to you 

and peace.” 

How special it is that the God-Man- Savior, the most important 

and unique person in the universe, greets every member of His 

Church with love, kindness and the desire that each one might 

reach that complete peace of soul available only through Him. 

THE CHURCH IS 

SPECIAL TO THE GOD-MAN-SAVIOR. 

SONG: “To God Be the Glory”, P. 449, Great Hymns of the 

Faith, or, “The Church’s One Foundation”, p. 186, Verse 1 or 

“Jesus Loves Me”, p.479. 


Thank you, Dear Heavenly Father, for loving us. Thank you that you have 

made it possible for us to have peace in our souls so we can relax and rest in 

You. May each of us, as believers in Your Son the God/Man/Savior, take 

advantage of everything available to us because of Your grace. In Jesus’ 

name we pray. Amen.

God's Division REVELATION 1:19 - Technology Ministries

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