The Book of Revelation's Testimony of the Savior

The first verse of the book of Revelation reads this way in the JST: “The Revelation of John, a servant of God, which was given unto him of Jesus Christ, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass, that he sent and signified by his angel unto his servant John.”  This highlights the key subject of the book of Revelation: Jesus Christ.  It is a revelation of Jesus Christ, and despite the evocative images and sensational symbols that are highlighted by many, we must remember that ultimately it is a book about Jesus Christ who will triumph over all evil.  Here are some of the passages about the Savior that help us to understand who He is and make this book such a powerful witness of Him:

·        “Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (1:5).  The Savior was the first to rise from the dead and can wash us from our sins through His blood. 

·        “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him” (1:7).  The coming of the Lord again in the flesh will soon be upon us and every person on earth will see His majestic return. 

·        “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last…. Fear not; I am the first and the last:

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore” (1:11,17-18). He was called from the beginning as the Savior and will live forever. 

·        “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters” (1:14-15).  Here John’s witness is that Christ has a perfect body and His presence is overwhelmingly powerful. 

·        “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (3:19-20).  He is willing to bless all who will come unto Him and repent.

·        “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof…. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (5:5,12).  Christ will overcome and prevail over all things.

·        “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb” (7:9-10).  He is the Lamb of God who sits on the right hand of the Father and all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people will one day recognized Him. 

·        “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (11:15).  He will ultimately reign over all the earth when He comes again.

·        “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (12:11).  It is through Christ and His atonement that we overcome the adversary. 

·        “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (17:14).  He will overcome the wicked and will reign as King of kings. 

·        “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain” (21:3-4).  He will dwell with the Saints and take away all pain and sorrow for those who be His people.  

The book of Revelation is a revelation about Jesus Christ and is a powerful witness of His divinity, power, mercy, and triumph over evil.  Its invitation for all of us is to come unto Him: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (22:17).