Still enjoying this years Revelation study with BSF. My one word for this year was Church. I've come to realize that our view of the church, directly impacts our view of end times. Grateful for church with my wife, brother and mom yesterday (happy mothers day, seeing Jeannie and Mike and Joy). Driving with Paul we got to talk about Worry is a dark thought that is cured with heavenly insight (Matthew 6:19-34)
Growing up church was the place you brought someone to hear the good news about Jesus, they would say a prayer and be saved. It was also a "Sunday School" where you could learn more about living the Christian Life: "This is what Jesus said and did, how will this impact the way you treat people at home, at school or strangers?"
Now I see church as a community where heaven and earth meet together and all our gracious Father has is ours. We are adopted into the Family of God, co-heirs with Christ.
When saying "church" in the context of Revelation most people think about the seven churches, especially the lukewarm church that makes Jesus want to vomit. Here's what I see:
Revelation 1:6: who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
- 1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
- Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
- Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.
- 1 Corinthians 6:20 you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.
- Titus 2:14 He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
- Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.
- Colossians 1:13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
Revelation 5:10: And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.”
Revelation 22:5: And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 20:6: Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.
Daniel 7:18,27: But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever
Hebrews 12:28: Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
BibleHub is a great resource and has this comentary breakdown of Rev 1:6
who has made us to be a kingdom
This phrase indicates the transformation and elevation of believers into a collective entity under God's sovereign rule. The concept of a "kingdom" reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Exodus 19:6, where Israel is called to be a "kingdom of priests." This kingdom is not defined by geographical boundaries but by the spiritual reign of Christ in the hearts of believers. It signifies the establishment of God's rule through the church, which is often referred to as the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). The kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers await the full manifestation of God's reign.
priests to His God and Father
The role of priests in the Old Testament was to mediate between God and the people, offering sacrifices and prayers. By calling believers "priests," this phrase emphasizes the direct access to God granted through Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). This priesthood is a spiritual service, involving worship, prayer, and the proclamation of the Gospel. It reflects the democratization of the priestly role, no longer limited to a specific tribe or lineage, but extended to all who are in Christ. This aligns with 1 Peter 2:9, which describes believers as a "royal priesthood."
to Him be the glory and power forever and ever!
This doxology attributes eternal glory and power to God, acknowledging His supreme authority and majesty. The phrase echoes the worship found throughout Revelation, where God's sovereignty is a central theme (Revelation 4:11; 5:13). The eternal nature of God's glory and power underscores His unchanging character and the everlasting nature of His kingdom. This expression of praise is a response to God's redemptive work through Christ, highlighting the ultimate purpose of creation and redemption: the glorification of God.
Amen
"Amen" is a Hebrew word meaning "truly" or "so be it," used to affirm the truth and certainty of what has been stated. It is a common conclusion to prayers and doxologies, signifying agreement and trust in God's promises. In the context of Revelation, it serves as a seal of affirmation to the preceding declaration of God's glory and power, inviting readers to join in the worship and acknowledgment of God's eternal reign.
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