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Introducing Jesus Christ - Part 1
by Alex M. Lindsay
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Reference: Revelation 1:5-6

There are many ways to introduce Jesus Christ. There are so many names, titles, types, and aspects of Him that we could go on forever… and in our lifetime, hopefully, we will. So many different kinds of people need to meet Him in their own unique way. As God's grace is manifold / multifaceted / varied (I Peter 4:10 - Greek = "many-colored"), so Christ has an encyclopedia of meaning to us (Revelation 22:13 - "Alpha and Omega" = "A thru Z").

As John is opening his story of what was revealed to him on the isle of Patmos, he introduces the One who gave him the revelation - Jesus Christ Himself. This very comprehensive introduction includes quite a few titles and aspects of Christ. Revelation 1:5-6 can be summarized with three words: Prophet, Priest and King. This is the order that these words usually appear, when referring to the triple offices of Christ. Our text will require us to change that order.

Prophet - Christ is the faithful witness. Jesus came to tell the truth (John 18:37). Jesus is the embodiment of truth (John 1:1-3,14,17; 14:6). Revelation 3:14 adds to this that Jesus Christ is "the Amen." The word "Amen," used at the end of a statement or prayer, means "let it be so" / "so may it be fulfilled." When used at the beginning of a statement, this word signifies "This is the truth." Everything about Jesus corresponds to ratifying and fulfilling the Word of God / the will of God (John 6:38; 7:16-18; 8:28-29). Moses referred to the Messiah as a prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-19 cp. John 1:19-21).

King - Christ is the prince / chief ruler of the kings of the earth. Along with truth comes authority. Christ is a kind, compassionate savior, but He also came to rule. See Matthew 23:8,10; 28:18-20; Romans 5:21 cp. Psalm 2:1-12; Revelation 19:11-16). Note: being "the first begotten (first born) of the dead" also indicates power with that authority (Ephesians 1:19-23; Acts 17:30-31 cp. 4:10-12; 13:26-41; Romans 6:9-10).

Priest - Christ loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood. As a Priest, Christ made an acceptable offering to God for our sins. How unique, that Christ also was the offering! See Hebrews 7:22-28; 10:10-14; John 1:29; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:18-21; 3:18. We were washed / released / freed from the guilt and penalty of our sins. This washing has also released and freed us to be able to serve God (Revelation 1:6; 5:9-10). We are guided and empowered to walk in newness of life. See Romans 6:1-18; 8:1-4; Hebrews 2:9-18; 4:14-16; cp. 13:20-21.

To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen

Originally delivered December 6, 2020
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