Revelation 1:1-3

A Revelation from God Revelation 1:1-3: The word translated "Revelation" is similar to our word "apocalypse." The word means "a revealing," or "an unveiling." It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ because it is from Him and it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ because it is about Him. The person revealed in the Revelation is none other than Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation shows us Jesus in His power and majesty. We may not be able to understand every sign in this great book, but we can understand the Christ revealed therein. He is not merely some figment of the imagination or a person of the past. He is the one that is, and that was, and that is to come.

The Revelation was made to God's servant to show him things that would shortly come to pass. The object of the book was to record a revelation about these important events. The time was at hand or near for the fulfillment of these things at the time of the writing of the book.

John said, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." (Revelation 1:3) He said, "Blessed is he that readeth." It is a blessing to be permitted to read the Revelation of God. This may be a reference to public reading because the next statement has to do with those "that hear the words of this prophecy." We learn God's will by reading, hearing, studying and meditation. Those who have the opportunity to become acquainted with God's revelation are highly favored. The readers and hearers must also "keep those things which are written therein." None can be right with God who does not obey those things that are their duty. The psalmist said of God's commandments, "Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward." (Psalms 19:11) Our heavenly hope is in knowing and doing the will of God.