Can You Imagine the Glorious Joy of Seeing Jesus and His Throne?

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;

    the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:1-3 (NIV)

What a glorious joy! Filled with awe and wonder. On that day will be when I shall see my Lord and King upon His throne!

Three weeks ago, we were introduced to the Revelation of Jesus Christ.  In Chapter one we were presented with what was—Eternal, Omnipotent, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  The Triune God.  Three in persons and one in essence.  Then last week we read the letters that Jesus wrote to the seven churches.  These represented the “what is” and foreshadowed the church ages to come.  Now as we move into Chapter 4, we begin the “what is to come”.

It is quite worthy to remember that scripture explains scripture.  In this book God is revealing the magnificence of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, I truly believe it to be clear and precise, a revealing of the mystery.  It is my intention to help us all to see just that.  A portrait of Jesus clearly on display, rather than the shrouded symbolism many tend to believe it to be.

Glorious Joy in the Throne Room

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me. Saying, “Come up here. And I will show you things which must take place after this.” Revelation 4:1 (NKJV)

After what things?  The letters to the churches were present day and also reflective of the churches throughout the ages.  Therefore, in “the fullness of time” at the end of the church ages, John was called up into heaven.  The door was opened, and he heard the voice of a trumpet.    Until now, those who die in Christ go to Paradise while those who die as sinners go to Hades.  Remember the story of Lazarus? 

Hades and Paradise

 “Now the poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, as he was in torment, he looked up. And saw Abraham far off with Lazarus at his side.  So, he called out, ‘Father Abraham! Have mercy on me. And send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in anguish in this fire.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things and Lazarus likewise bad things, but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.  Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.  Luke 16:22-26 NET

Here we see the temporary place of waiting for all who die.  Some in torment and others in paradise.  Yet, the eternal hell will be where those who denied Christ will go after the Great White Throne Judgement at the end of the Millennial Reign of Christ.  At that time all believers will be ushered into the New Heaven/New Earth for eternity. 

Significance of Revelation 4:1

The door of heaven is opened—this ushers the spirit of John into the throne room of God. He will witness what is to come.  Chapters 4 and 5 allow us to see a prelude to the tribulation period. Thus providing great insight as to the why of all that will come after this.  The great event that occurred at the end of Chapter three and before this is the rapture of the church.  It describes the glorious joy of being in the presence of Jesus in His throne room.  Furthermore, it gives greater insight into the inner workings of it all. 

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words.  I Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NASB)

Note the voice as that of a trumpet.  That is also what John describes in Revelation 4:1. This is a special event. Christ does not touch the earth as He does in the second coming of Christ. When he does, we His church descend with Him.  Meaning we have already left before that time. Very clearly these are separate events.  The Old Testament Saints are not yet risen until after the tribulation, but we the church are. 

Why Believe in the Pre-Tribulation rapture of the Church? 

These two chapters (4 and 5) are a time of Glorious Joy as the church joins with the heavenly chorus to worship our Savior.  Also, in chapter 5 we are presented with the truth as to what Adam lost and what Jesus redeemed.  Also remember that in the letter to the church of Sardis, Jesus wrote, “he one who overcomes will be clothed the same way, in white garments;” Rev 3:5 And to the church of Philadelphia, “Because you have kept My word of perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth. I am coming quickly; hold firmly to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Rev 3:10-11

Glorious Joy as John views the Throne Room

Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and someone was sitting on the throne. And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.  Revelation 4:2-3 (NASB)

Here John is forced to use simile because it is more breathtaking than human words can truly describe.  This we have seen in the description of God given by Moses, Isaiah, and Ezekiel.

The jasper here refers to a brilliant clear stone like a diamond and the sardius is red as a ruby.  These shine forth brilliantly.  The rainbow is not half around, but rather encircles the throne fully representing also the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. 

Who Are The 24 Elders?

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.  Revelation 4:4 (NASB)

Though many have speculated as to who the 24 elders are-they can only be one group.  They represent the church.  Why? 

  1.  They sing praises as to their redemption (Revelation 5:9)
  2.  Clothed in white garments referring to their wearing the righteousness of Christ
  3. They are crowned with golden crowns (only the church age are promised these crowns which they then place at the feet of Jesus recognizing their crowns as being only the works of Christ through them and not the labor of their own hands)
  4. Isaiah 9:6 points out that unto us a child is born and the government shall be upon His shoulders.  This truly jumps from His first coming to His Second coming in Glorious Joy as He sets up His kingdom.  So for the Old Testament Saints, they are not resurrected with the church at the rapture.  Further the angel told Daniel “go thou thy way till the end be:  for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of days. Daniel 12:13.

The Throne and Worship of the Creator What Glorious Joy!

Out from the throne *came flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder.  And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God; Revelation 4:5 NASB

So, at this point, we have God the Father seated on the throne and the Holy Spirit represented as the seven lamps of fire burning before the throne-presenting the seven aspects of the Holy Spirit as described in Isaiah 11:2 and Zechariah 4:2-10

The Spirit of the Lord, of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear of the Lord. 

So, we have seen the Father and the Holy Spirit.  Soon will enter Jesus on the scene. 

The Scene Surrounding the Throne

and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. The first living creature was like a lion, the second creature like a calf, the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; Revelation 4:5-8a (NASB)

These amazing creatures have features in common with both the Seraphim, in having six wings and continually praising God; and like the Cherubim, that they number four, are covered in eyes and look like a lion, ox, man and eagle.

Whether these creatures are Seraphim, Cherubim or another sort of angelic/heavenly being, we simply don’t know. But they are certainly amazing and very powerful.[1]

and day and night they do not cease to say, 

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.”

And when the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and they will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”  Revelation 4: 8b-11 (NASB)

The Scroll with Seven Seals

I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals.  Revelation 5:1 NASB

And what is this scroll?

It is perhaps best described as the title deed of the earth.

In Jeremiah 32:6-15, just before the siege of Jerusalem, God instructs Jeremiah to perform an act as a sign that the Jews would return to the land. This passage is about inheritance and redemption of property, in which Jeremiah is the kinsman-redeemer, similar to Boaz (Ruth 4:1-11). At God’s direction, Jeremiah pays the purchase price, signs and seals the deed, and performs it all in the presence of witnesses.

Verse 11 refers to the purchase deed in the singular but later describes it as “both that which was sealed . . . and that which was open.” These title deeds consisted of duplicates. One copy was left open so the contents could be read by any interested party, while the second copy was sealed to ensure that no tampering could be done. When it was time to buy back the property, the sealed copy would be unsealed to verify the original agreement. The only person with authority to unseal the deed, however, was the rightful owner—the one redeeming the property.

Consider how this applies to the scroll of Revelation 5. In type, it is not merely a prophetic scroll of judgment but a sealed title deed![2]

The First Adam vs the Second Adam

Adam in Genesis 1:26 was given lordship over creation.  Yet, through his sin Adam lost his lordship over creation and Satan became the ruler over earth.  Even Satan when tempting Christ reminded Jesus that he (Satan held the deed) Matthew 4:8-11.  Here Satan takes Jesus to the top of a hill and promises to give Him dominion over all the kingdoms if Jesus would bow down to worship at the feet of Satan.

Now the Father’s holds the scroll in His Hands with the seven seals.

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it.  Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Revelation 5:2-4

No mere man could redeem the earth.  John wept bitterly, for he understood without redemption all was lost forever for earth and its inhabitants.  But there is one kinsman redeemer for the earth.

And one of the elders *said to me, “Stop weeping. Behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to be able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Revelation 5:5-7 (NASB)

What Glorious Joy as the Lion like Lamb Enters the throne Room

When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  Revelation 5: 8

The prayers of the saints.  That which was not answered until now, the prayers to bid Jesus Come quickly were held as a fragrant aroma before the Father.

And they *sang a new song, saying

“Worthy are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God with Your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation. You have made them into a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10

Heaven Overflows with Glorious Joy as the Angels Exalt the Lamb

Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing.”

And I heard every created thing which is in heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth, or on the sea, and all the things in them, saying,

“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion forever and ever.” And the four living creatures were saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5: 11-14 NASB

The 70th week of Daniel

Now we will enter in chapters 6-19 the 70th week Daniel with the focus returning to the nation of Israel and their role to become the light to all those who will come to believe in Jesus Christ. 

“Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the wrongdoing, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.  Daniel 9:24

69 of those weeks ended exactly as Jesus presented to be the sacrificial lamb to bear the sins of all.  The 70th week was then paused to allow for the church age and the bride of Christ to be established.  After the rapture of the church Jesus takes back the title deed of the earth as He opens the seven seals which then begins the seven trumpet judgments and finally on the seventh trumpet comes the seven bowl judgements.  These must be completed after which Jesus with all His army returns to earth to set up His millennial Kingdom.   As we study these next, keep in mind.

The seven seals represent the judgements enacted by the human race with destruction resulting from the wrath and warfare of mankind.  The seven trumpets are then revealed which brings destruction which results from Satan’s wrath.  God permits Satan to pour out his wrath during the tribulation.  Then, after the seventh trumpet sound the seven vials or bowls of wrath are the destruction directed by God Himself against all evil on the earth perpetuated by those who deny Christ.  So, that will be the next chapters. 

[1] Cooper, James, what the Bible says about angels, https://www.whyangels.com/seraphim-cherubim-creatures, accessed 1/11/25

[2] Grabbe, David C; https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/topical.show/RTD/cgg/ID/6021/Seventh-Seal.htm accessed 1/11/25

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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Why Is Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands So Important?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Why Is Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands So Important?

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

The book Revelation sits as the last book of the New Testament, the last scripture of the Holy Bible.  So many believe it to be a mystery, but as I explained last week, it is the revelation of Jesus Christ.  The unveiling of all the mystery.  Indeed, it expounds and explains all the former prophecies, perfecting complimenting and completing so we might know the hope that lies before us.  Just as the entirety of Scripture, it begins and ends with Jesus Christ.  Here in chapter one Jesus stands amid 7 lampstands, holding 7 stars in His hands.  He has a two-edged sword coming forth from His mouth representing the truth concerning the power of the word of God which He is.  So why is this portrait of Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands so Important?

John has been told to transcribe this revelation of Jesus Christ for all His servants.  Who are His servants? All those who would come to serve Him out of love and devotion for Him.  This is a letter to help us know Him, to know His peace as we await and anticipate His return.  He did not want us to be unaware of the events to come.  Yet, John was to write of the things that were, the things that are, and the things that would come.  First was spoken of the things that were, as God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit always were, are and will forever be the one true God represented in three beings or essences.  He addresses the seven churches in Asia with first a greeting.

Greetings to the Seven Churches of Asia

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, “Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” Revelation 1: 10-11 (NASB)

Often, we hear people debate over the terminology, “The Lord’s Day” as to whether this was a Saturday or a Sunday.  But truly should not every day be the Lord’s day with our being in the Spirit? 

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And after turning I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and wrapped around the chest with a golden sash. Revelation 1:12-13 (NASB)

Notice he turned to see the voice.   Did he recognize the voice as that of His Savior?  So many years since His ascension, could it be Him?

A Vision of Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands

His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze when it has been heated to a glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.  Revelation 1:14-16 (NASB)

John had seen Jesus on the Mount of Olives in His transfigured glorious body.  He had witnessed the ascension of Jesus Christ and awaited His return.  Of everyone, John knew of Jesus as the Word and understood the significance of that fact.

 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

Still when John saw Him…he fell at His feet.

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. Revelation 1:17-18 (NASB)

I am the first and the last.  The one who died and is now living.  You know me John as I am your source of life eternal.  But I also carry the keys to death and Hades.

But as For the Churches, I Have Much to Say

Therefore, write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Revelation 1: 19-20 (NASB)

Jesus now begins the letters to the churches.  These were churches that were present at this time and John would deliver the letters to them.  It also represents the various churches in history through the church ages.  This is very similar to the prophecies in the Old Testament that had an immediate message, a later message and many which are yet to occur.  These letters which are presented in Chapters 2 and 3 are for we the church.  Then the church does not appear again until near the end.  Why?  Because we are not present for the tribulation period.

Enoch was taken out before the flood.  Lot was taken out of Sodom and Gomorrah before it’s destruction.  Further evidence is in the teaching of Jesus, the writings of Paul, and the prophets.  But we will discuss this further next week. 

For now, let us consider the letters to the churches.

“Chapters 2 and 3 contain seven letters to the seven literal, local churches mentioned in Chapter 1. Second, they are letters to seven individuals within the seven churches.  Third, they are messages applicable to all churches in all ages, for the seven churches picture seven periods or stages, of church history. “[1]

Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands

As the church, we are to be the light to the world.  It is the operation of the church and each individual Christian to be spread the light of the gospel for all to see.

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  I Corinthians 4:1-6 (ESV)

These local churches were present in what would be modern day Turkey. 

Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands to the Church of Ephesus

 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:

 ‘I know your deeds and your labor and  perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name, and have not become weary.Revelation 2:1-4

So, they were a hard working church, persevering the trauma that came their way. One of the earliest churches established by Paul and taught deep theology as one recalls the letter to the Ephesians.   They studied and labored to keep out false doctrines.  They hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans.

  “Who were the Nicolaitans and what was it about them that angered Almighty God?  The word comes from two Greek terms that means ‘victory over the laity’ a religious dictatorship that allowed little or no freedom to its members.[2] 

And their Error?

But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.  But you have this, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.’ Revelation 1:5-7 (NASB)

We still have these churches today in which the leaders mandate rules that are not mandated by the Scriptures.  Yet, the church of Ephesus once very strong did die as they lost sight of their first love for Jesus and began just going through the motions.  Mohammedanism swept through and destroyed the church of Ephesus. 

Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands to the Church of Smyrna

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this

‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the slander by those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’ Revelation 2:8-11 (NASB)

How gently Jesus forewarned them of the persecutions that would come due to their faithfulness.  He began with “I am the first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life.” I am your eternal life. 

The Smyrna period of church history takes us from 100 A.D. to 312 A.D. These people probably suffered the greatest persecution in all Christianity.  Their works faithfully performed in the name of Jesus brought great tribulation and poverty, materially.  However, great riches were laid up for them in heaven.  In addition, their relentless, dedicated efforts brought the Word of God to the Entire Romqn Empire.  During the second and third centuries the Smyrna church members were fed to the lions at Rome while multitudes cheered.  Church history informs us that five million may have been martyred during this time.[3]

Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands to the Church of Pergamum

 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:

 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold firmly to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. Revelation 2: 12-13 (NASB)

 But I have a few things against you, because you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.  So you too, have some who in the same way hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will wage war against them with the sword of My mouth.The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows except the one who receives it.’ Revelation 2: 14-17 (NASB)

Who was Balaam?

If you recall from the Old Testament, Balaam was a soothsayer who had the donkey who listened to God more than Balaam.  He was not allowed to curse the Israeli people, but ultimately told the Balak the King opposing Israel to seduce them with idols and beautiful women.  This worked to draw the Israelites into sin and it was the same as this church allowing sexual perversion and idolatry to reside.  Furthermore, they entertained the Nicolaitans allowing them to flourish

The church period represented best is from 312 AD to 606 AD.  This period was filled with materialism, self-indulgence and worldliness.  Although we see this occurring still in some of the churches. 

Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands to the Church of Thyatira

 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write:

The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like burnished bronze, says this:

 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith, and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. Revelation 2:18-19

They were growing and doing so well, but then they became tolerant to allowing evil to sift in. 

But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality.Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.  And I will kill her children with plague, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.  Revelation 2:20-23 (NASB)

Queen Jezebel was the evilest of queens who tried to kill Elijah.  She led her husband King Ahab and the nation into Baal worship and the worship of Ashtereth all related to idolatry, child sacrifice, and sexual prostitution of all kinds.

 However, this is grace for all who listen and heed God’s warning.

 But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. Nevertheless what you have, hold firmly until I come.  The one who overcomes, and the one who keeps My deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are shattered, as I also have received authority from My Father;  and I will give him the morning star. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’  Revelation 2:24–29 (NASB)

In church history this 606 AD to 1520 AD

Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands to the Church of Sardis

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars, says this:

 ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead.  Be constantly alert, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Then if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. 

But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. The one who overcomes will be clothed the same way, in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3:1-6 (NASB).

Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands to the Church of Philadelphia

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:

 ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My word of perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth.

I am coming quickly; hold firmly to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3: 7-13 (NASB)

Jesus Christ Amid the Lampstands to the Church of Laodicea

 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Origin of the creation of God, says this:

 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see.

Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.The one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”  Revelation 3:14-22

[1] Van Impe, Revelation Revealed, Jack Van Impe Ministries, Troy, MI, 1982; page 26

[2] Van Impe, page 30

[3] Van Impe, 31

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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Are You Ready For Hope Built On A Revelation Of Jesus Christ?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Are You Ready For Hope Built On A Revelation Of Jesus Christ?

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.  Philippians 3:8 (KJV)

Is there anything more important in this world than to know Jesus Christ?  And what does it mean to really know Him? Certainly, it begins with that head knowledge, but that is not enough to really know Him.  There must be a wooing of the Spirit drawing one to desire to know Him. Like suddenly falling in love-wanting to know everything about Him. Then as time passes, we realize our only true hope is built on a revelation of Jesus Christ ever growing within. There deep within one’s heart we discover a yearning for something only He can fill.  We seek hope, joy, peace, and search everywhere in vain; just as King Solomon in Ecclesiastes had searched.

No amount of wealth, wisdom, possessions, nor human love was enough to fulfill the empty place of void.   His conclusion “Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 NKJV

Suddenly, one day, unable to resist anymore, you ask Him into your heart.  Believing He is God Incarnate, the only begotten son of God the Father who willingly for love of us and the Father came to live a perfect life we could never live and die the death we deserved, reserved for us.  At that moment in time, overwhelmed with emotion, we ask Him to be Lord of our lives.  Then, step by step the Holy Spirit over the remainder of our lifetime through good times and bad teach us of Him.  And the more we know of Him, the deeper we fall in love with Him.  We begin to realize our hope is built on a revelation of Jesus Christ.  A Revelation far beyond what we could ever imagine.

Why we long for a Revelation of Jesus Christ?

I could say I know Pastor Jamieson, but do I really?  Certainly, I see his actions and hear his words.  From that I might conclude he is a devoted husband, father, and pastor.  I could conclude he loves God and desires to serve him.  But do I really know His heart?  His wife and children could proclaim a greater knowledge of him; yet, do we ever truly, fully know another person. 

Yet, Jesus knows us.  There is no thought that passes through my brain but that He knows. Imagine that every thought?  

Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I get up;
You understand my thought from far away.
 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, Lord, You know it all.
You have encircled me behind and in front,
And placed Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot comprehend it.  Psalm 139:1-6 (NASB)

It is incomprehensible to consider He Knows me completely and loves me just the same.  Is not that reason enough to long for every revelation of who He is.

The Book of Revelations Begins

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.  Revelation 1:1-3 (NKJV)

So, let us not skim past this.  This book is the revelation of Jesus Christ which God Gave Him to show His servants.  God gave Him this revelation of Himself as Jesus is the perfect reflection of the Father as we saw last week.  The exact image.

Who (Jesus) being the brightness of His (God the Father’s) glory and the express image of His person and upholding all things by the word of His power, Hebrews 1:3 NKJV 

A Messenger Angel Sent Forth by Jesus in the Revelation of Jesus Christ

Then Jesus sent His Messenger Angel to relay all this to John on the aisle of Patmus.  A late 2nd century theologian named Tertullian wrote that the Roman Emperor Domitian had boiled John in a pot of oil attempting to kill him; but he was unscathed by the burning oil.  So, to shut him up, they exiled him to a very harsh island alone.  While on the aisle of Patmus, Jesus sent His Messenger Angel to John with the in-depth revelation of Himself.

Why send the Messenger Angel? Perhaps that we might see also a glimpse of the Glory He so willingly lay aside to come to earth. After all He has angels surrounding Him willing to perform any act He commands of them.

Theodore H. Epp Explained

The opening words are “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”. The key word to the content and message of the Book is Revelation.

First of all, then, it is a revelation.  The word “revelation” comes from the Greek word apokalupsis which means an uncovering, a disclosure or unveiling.  We are familiar with the custom of a sculptor making a statue of some person, or an artist painting a picture, which is later unveiled so that the public can see it. 

Just so here.  The Bible tells us that which we have in this book is an unveiling of Jesus Christ….Revelation is not the Revelation of John but of Jesus Christ.  That which was previously concealed is now revealed.  Even though there are difficulties in understanding or interpreting certain passages in the Book, it was not written to be a mystery but rather to more clearly reveal or unveil certain truths concerning Jesus Christ.  So we approach it expecting to learn from it, not expecting to be led into confusion. 

This calls for a reading of the Book and a study of it.  We will find as we do that God unveils Christ to us, presenting Him as both the Subject and the Object of the Book.  It is a revelation of Him who is its Subject, that is, it is given by Him.  He is also its Object so it is also about Him.  Thus, we have a revelation of Jesus Christ, by Him and about Him.  [1]

The Revelation of Jesus Christ:  Our Hope Holds Fast in Him

 John, to the seven churches which 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, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.  Revelation 1:4-5 NKJV

Who else can offer grace and peace other than Jesus Himself? He is the great I AM, who Is, who was and who is to come.

The seven Spirits, who are before His throne, refers to the Holy Spirit in all His perfection.    This references the passage in Isaiah 11:2,5

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….And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loin

And who is sending the greeting as well?  Jesus Christ, the faithful witness for who else can be the greater witness.  He is the first born of the dead—only through Him can we be resurrected to life.  Without His resurrection there would be no other resurrection to life. No hope for out spirits which are dead to God to come alive. No chance these dry bones could find life.   Furthermore, He is the ruler over all the kings of the earth. 

The Revelation of Jesus Christ—the faithful witness

Jesus Christ has been throughout the ages the faithful witness of God’s love, His grace, His righteousness, His patience and His Justice.  Christ was a faithful witness even to the point of death.  He would not deny the truth, that without the shedding of blood there could be no remission for sin.   Theodore Epp wrote: 

The Lord Jesus Christ has been a faithful witness concerning the righteousness of God.  He has declared God’s righteousness showing how He is just and the Justifer of him who believes in Jesus.  It is this very characteristic of God that makes it impossible for Him to allow sin in heaven or even the thought of it.  Atonement was made for sin through Christ.  So all who trust Him, all who dare to believe in Him are justified and are given eternal life. 

Our Lord was faithful in His witness even unto death.  In Pilate’s judgment hall Christ did not deny that He was the Son of God.  He affirmed it.  He could not and would not deny the truth concerning Himself.  Though He might have been spared some suffering and scorn.  He did not hesitate to witness before Pilate and the High Priest of Israel concerning Himself and God’s purposes through Him.[2]  

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, Our Savior

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.   Revelation 1:5-6 NKJV

Not only did He save us but,

 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.   Revelation 1:7 NKJV

And who is He?

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”Revelation 1:8 NKJV

Vision of the Son of Man

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.  His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;  His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;

He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.  Revelation 1: 12-18

A Vision – A Revelation of Jesus Christ

The Vision John saw brought Reverent fear

Just like Isaiah, Ezekiel and Daniel; John fell upon his face at the appearance of Jesus. This was a reverent fear. The two-edged sword proceeded from the mount of Jesus revealing His perfect righteousness in judgement.

He is the Word of God. And “ the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

How wonderful and marvelous that God Almighty bid us to come, read, and hear this marvelous revelation of Jesus Christ. This book of the Bible is not meant to confuse or shrouded in mystery. Rather I truly believe, He has presented it with clarity for all to see. We should embrace His truth and study it as we would any part of the Word of God, believing that every Word is true written to demystify the Glorious Beauty of Jesus Christ in all His Splendor

An Outline of the Study

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.  The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20

Clearly, God did not intend there to be any confusion.  He is revealing what will yet take place considering history and the present time.  That is what He told John and I believe it still.    Revelation does not have to be a daunting study when we use the entirety of scripture to explain scripture.  So this will be our goal over the next few weeks or months. 

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  Philippians 3

So, let us rejoice in the revelation of Jesus Christ, fully expecting it to transform our lives.

[1] Epp, Theodore H.; Practical studies in Revelation Vol 1; Christ and the Church,  Back to the Bible Broadcast, Lincoln, NE; copyright 1969, page 10

[2] IBID page 30-31

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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Why is Jesus Absolutely Superior to Every Prophet, Priest, Angel, and King? 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Why is Jesus Absolutely Superior to Every Prophet, Priest, Angel, and King? 

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; Hebrews 1:1-2 NKJV 

The book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the Absolutely Superior Prophet, Priest, Angel, and King.  As such it presents the truth: Jesus is the story. Always has been and always will be The Only True Story That Really Matters from eternity past forever eternally.  The reason for everything.  In the Old Testament, Jesus was presented in detail by the prophets foreshadowing the details of His coming birth, life and return as King yet to come.  But more than that, He was also present in every story of history.   

whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds Hebrews 1:3 ( NKJV)

Appointed as heir of all things.  Everything is a part of His inheritance.  God made everything out of love and honor of His son.  Furthermore, through Him all things were made. 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it….And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-5, 14 NKJV 

Hebrews:  The Story of It All 

The Book of Hebrews perfectly intertwines the Old Testament and New Testament proof: Jesus is Absolutely Superior. It was written in a very high level Greek. We are not told who wrote the book, but of those considered Apollos does stand out as having all the traits needed to present this.  It was of course addressed to the Hebrew believers that they might connect all the dots and have their eyes become fully opened.   

Jesus Absolutely Superior and Equally God 

Who (Jesus) being the brightness of His (God the Father’s) glory and the express image of His person Hebrews 1:3 NKJV 

When you look at the sun, there is no separation from the light of the sun and the radiance that it gives.  This is like the God the Father and the Son.  No separation in essence; yet, different in person.   

and upholding all things by the word of His power, Hebrews 1:3 NKJV 

Only Jesus sustains everything.  Every breath happens by the word of His power.  One word and the storms ceased for the apostles’ boat and all the other boats.  Yet, He willingly was born as a fragile child to then become the spotless lamb of God who would die in our place.   

 when He had by Himself purged our sins, (He) sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  Hebrews 1: 4 (NKJV) 

For at the name of Jesus all knees will bow whether in heave and on earth.   

Absolutely Superior to the Angels 

Such a beautiful rendition of presenting interludes from Psalm 45, the writer here in Hebrews presents Jesus as so superior to the Angels.   

 For to which of the angels did He ever say: 

“You are My Son, 

Today I have begotten You”? 

And again: 

“I will be to Him a Father, 

And He shall be to Me a Son”?  Hebrews 1:5 (NKJV) 

So, was there ever a time that the Son did not exist? Of course not, Jesus was eternally present as the Father.   Yet, there was a time that He came into this world as a baby.  God became a man. Therein, He who would be tempted as we are and yet not sin.  Only then was He able to take upon Himself all the sins of this world.  Only He could declare Tetelastai. IT is finished. And thereby usher in the Last Days.  Victory became His when He died and then rose again.  We are in the last days and have been for nearly 2000 years.  But this, so that we His bride could be saved.  Even though we are in the last days, we have not completed the final movement of the last days.

My heart is overflowing with a good theme; 
I recite my composition concerning the King; 
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. You are fairer than the sons of men; 
Grace is poured upon Your lips; 
Therefore God has blessed You forever.  Psalm 45: 1-2 (NKJV)  

Obviously, the Sons of Korah, inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote this psalm about Jesus, though to them, He was no more than a promise.  But a promise from God, is a promise secure.  Next is what they wrote of Him  

Absolutely Superior as King  

Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, 
With Your glory and Your majesty. 
And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility, and righteousness; 
And Your right hand shall teach You awesome things. 
Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies; 
The peoples fall under You.  Psalm 45: 3-5 NKJV

Then as God would call Jesus God, note in verse 6 and 7 where it points out His throne is forever, and that God the Father has anointed Him with the oil of Gladness.  

 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; 
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; 
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You 
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions. 
All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, 
Out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad. 
Kings’ daughters are among Your honorable women; 
At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.  Psalm 45:6-7

More Proof Jesus is Absolutely Superior to the Angels 

Some even then wanted to worship the angels.  Yet, the angels fall before Jesus in worship.  They are his ministering spirits.  He sends them to minister to we, the saved children of God. 

 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: 

“Let all the angels of God worship Him.”  Hebrews 1:6 NKJV 

Even the angels rejoiced in worship of Him at His birth. 

And of the angels He says: 

“Who makes His angels spirits 
And His ministers a flame of fire.” Hebrews 1:7 NKJV

For the angels powers were given them by their creator which was Jesus as earlier noted.  By Him all things were created.   

But to the Son He says: 

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; 
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. 
You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; 
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You 
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” Hebrews 1:8-9 (NKJV)

And: 

“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, 
And the heavens are the work of Your hands. 
They will perish, but You remain; 
And they will all grow old like a garment; 
Like a cloak You will fold them up, 
And they will be changed. 
But You are the same, 
And Your years will not fail.”  Hebrews 1:10-12 and Psalm 102:25-27

1:10–12 Quoted from Ps. 102:25–27. The Son who created the universe (John 1:1–3) one day will destroy the heavens and earth that He created (see notes on 2 Pet. 3:10–12), but He remains unchanged. Immutability is yet another characteristic of the divine essence. Once again the OT testifies of the Son’s deity.1 

13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: 

“Sit at My right hand, 
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”?  Hebrews 1:13 NKJV

Because He is truly in command of the angels.  

 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.  Hebrews 1:14 NKJV

Jesus was Absolutely Superior to Moses  

 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house.  Hebrews 3:1-3 NKJV 

God appointed Jesus as High Priest—the only High Priest that could truly provide the final sacrifice of innocent righteous blood.   

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV) 

He was not born of the tribe of Aaron, for He was King and born from the tribe of Judah as foretold.  Then how could he be a priest.  

 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,”of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. Hebrews 5:8-10 (NKJV) 

Mechizedek was both a Priest and King—chosen by God.  A portrait of Jesus.   

Jesus Brought the Superior Covenant 

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 

In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.  Hebrews 8:7-12 (NKJV) 

Winding throughout the book of Hebrews there are warning to remain faithful; yet, at the same time, the sweetest depiction of the pure grace by which we are saved.  The warnings were for those who do not truly believe; but, merely put on a show of believing.  It was also a picture of the truth that those who truly know Christ as Lord and Savior, will hold fast to the truth.  Not by the strength of their own hands but by the power of the Holy Spirit within. The Holy Spirit assures that every true believer will Hold Fast to the end. This is a lasting covenant; built upon the blood of Christ.   

Jesus is the Absolutely Superior Tabernacle. 

Did you realize the many chapters of the Bible speaking of the Tabernacle were painting a portrait of Christ?   

 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.  Hebrews 9:11-15 (NKJV) 

Jesus is the Absolutely Superior Mediator 

As Moses and the Priests had been mediators for between God and man, Jesus became the perfect mediator.   

Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 

For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another— He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 9:23-28 NKJV

Christ did not sprinkle the blood upon the tabernacle made by hands.  He entered heaven where He presented the sacrifice to the Father as the final atonement for sin for all who believe in Him.  He sits on the throne making intercessions for us.   

Absolutely Superior Faith is ours to Hold Fast because of Jesus 

Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—  He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.  Hebrews 11:1-3 NKJV 

And Even Faith is a Gift exemplified by Jesus Christ. 

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.  Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV) 

Therefore, He was Absolutely Superior in demonstrating faith, and providing the same for each of us.

1 John McArthur, NKJV Study Bible Second Edition 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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How to Actually Know Abiding Steadfast Joy because Jesus is God Almighty 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

How to Actually Know Abiding Steadfast Joy because Jesus is God Almighty 

Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14 NKJV

Abiding, steadfast joy is not some frivolous, lackadaisical, fleeting joy.  There are moments of overflowing, unspeakable indescribible joy.  Yet it is also that slow steady stream of unwavering joy just beneath the surface, built on truth and hope. Joy steadying us during the trials of life. Abiding, steadfast joy is under-girded by the power of Jesus Christ who IS God Almighty incarnate! Emmanuel! God with us!  

As we look through this past week’s scriptures in Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and I Peter, let us seek to understand this magnificent truth infused joy.  First, we will look at the truth of who Jesus is and why that matters.  Then I want us to explore three truths that lead to abiding, steadfast joy.  Those being Our place in the Universe, Our Purpose, and our position in Christ.  Understanding these fundamental truths changes everything, eternally within us.  Thus, allowing us to abide in steadfast joy.  A joy that nothing and no one can take away from us.

Jesus Christ IS God Almighty 

When Paul wrote to the church of Colossae, he did so to address the false doctrines which had slipped into that church.    At Colossae, there entered many false doctrines to include a mix of Jewish, pagan, and christian heresies. Those from Jewish background taught that Christ was not sufficient for salvation.  Instead, salvation must include works, rituals, and ceremonies.

Another group introduced a pagan belief that all earthly matter was evil, denying divine creation.  Hence this group , known as the early Gnosticism. They worshipped angelic beings.  Furthermore, they declared there was secret knowledge only obtained by joining their cult.  

The heretical groups within those calling themselves Christians went so far as to dethrone Christ.  They declared Him not to be Divine nor the creator of the Universe.  Hence were that true His death and resurrection could not purchase salvation. Serious false doctrines which could destroy this little church.

Paul addresses the issue of Jesus’s deity in Colossians.   

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, for all things in heaven and on earth were created in him—all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers—all things were created through him and for him. He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him. Colossians 1:15-17 (NET) 

For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in the Son and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross—through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven. Colossians 1:19 NET

God was pleased to have All HIS FULLNESS dwell in the Son.  Jesus is the absolute direct mirrored image of God the Father.  He is God Almighty.  Therefore, in Him we have abiding, steadfast joy available to us.   

Foundational Truth #1 to Know Abiding, Steadfast Joy-Place in the Universe

We must first understand our place on earth. I am His creation, and He is the creator.   We belong to Him.  Established as His bride, we become one with Christ.   

And God put all things under Christ’s feet, and gave him to the church as head over all things. Now the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1:22-23  (ESV)

Beyond having been created in Him and for Him, our redemption was purchased by Him.  We are His. 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, even though we were dead in offenses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you are saved! and he raised us up together with him and seated us together with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, to demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  Ephesians 2: 4-7 NET 

Jesus spoke of this Joy; when He prayed to the Father 

But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.  John 17:13 NKJV 

Also in John 15, We further Recognize Our Place 

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  John 15:4-5 (ESV) 

Therefore, remembering my place in this world.  I am not the vine and cannot provide the necessary nutrients alone to produce the fruit of joy in my own life.  No matter how hard I try.  

 If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” 

― C.S. Lewis, 1 

Yet Jesus did promise us Joy 

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.  These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.  John 15:9-11 (ESV) 

Therefore, we may hold fast to abiding steadfast joy as we remember our place.  We are the created being and need the life-giving sap of the Savior to fill us with joy.   

Foundational Truth #2 to Know Abiding, Steadfast Joy- Purpose  

Whenever asked “what is my purpose on earth”, the typical response by a Christian is “I live to bring Glory to God.”  Though that may sound very pious, it did not take long for me to realize I have nothing within me to bring any glory to God.  Besides, He does not need my glory.  He is totally glorious and nothing I could do would increase His glory.   You cannot improve perfect.   So, what can my purpose be?   

that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.  Philippians 1:9-11 (ESV) 

It is God’s mercy that even works through me to accomplish His will.  So if he can use anything I do or say to point someone to Christ, it is He working through me and not I, myself.  It always amazes me when I think I am at my worst, stumbling in my witness—He steps in and saves the one I failed in my witness despite my failures.   

Purpose of Peace As Well As United in One with Christ 

Furthermore, my purpose is being a part of His Holy Temple in the Lord, knit together with other believers. In the following verse, Paul is pointing out their pupose is to be knit together.  Both Jew and Gentile were called by God to be one church. 

And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.  In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.   

Foundational Truth #3 to Know Abiding, Steadfast Joy- Person 

One must understand who we are in Jesus Christ.  For in Jesus Christ I am His chosen, redeemed, beloved, gifted, enlightened child; heir of the kingdom of God, servant by choice, a new creation, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and a declared Saint.  Why would I not be filled with an abiding, steadfast joy knowing that.  So where is that found?  

Our Position in Christ Confirmed in Scripture 

 Ephesians  1: 3-14 (ESV) 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons (and daughters) through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses. According to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. So that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,ho is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. 

Our position includes 

you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. I Peter 2:9 (ESV) 

Because of All That:  Our Abiding Steadfast Joy is sure in Jesus 

Furthermore, He provides us with armor 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,  EPHESIANS 6: 10-18  (ESV) 

Abiding Steadfast Joy In the Storm 

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,  obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  

 I Peter 1:6-9 (ESV) 

Is there anything I can do to assist in having abiding steadfast Joy 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:4-9 (ESV) 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previous

7 Amazing Reasons We Overflow with Hope in Jesus Christ 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

New King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

New English Translation (NET)NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.