Revelation Chapter 1
This verse continues the Apostle Johns benediction.
“To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood…
VERSE 6 “…and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
AND HAS MADE US A KINGDOM —PRIESTS TO HIS GOD AND FATHER (ESV)
This third and final phrase of the benediction states the ultimate goal for the Church's selection —the glorious work which awaits the faithful completion of the Church's earthly experience.
“Here the thought of joint-heirship or joint-rulership in the Kingdom is further substantiated; the over-comers are shown to be “kings and priests unto God.” The hope of the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by the Redeemer and his glorified Church in the Millennial Kingdom.
In the expression “unto God and his Father,” the word “and” is the Greek kai, which not only signifies the conjunction “and” but also frequently has the thought of “even.” In this case “even” is the proper rendition of the verse; i.e., Jesus has “made us kings and priests unto God, even his Father.”
Speaking on behalf of the Lord’s people, the Apostle John expresses his admiration of the love that prompted Jesus to leave the courts of heaven to suffer and die a sacrificial death on Calvary for man’s sin. Also implied is an expression of amazement that before the world’s opportunity of restoration in the coming Kingdom, the Church is called to be the rulers and priests over earth’s subjects in that grand era of redemption. The two highest elevations in rank among men, the regal and the sacerdotal, are combined in similitude to the Melchisedec priesthood. Verse 6 mentions these two offices to show the glorious prerogatives and the state of the children of God.”
TO HIM BE THE GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN
What more can be said? It is likely that this prayer refers to dominion over the Church since the dominion over the world is, at least in one sense, restricted to the thousand years. But if the earthly dominion is, in another sense, forever and ever, surely no one will object!
“Whether this expression “to him” refers to God Himself or to His Son, the Redeemer might be questioned. Both would be appropriate; but in this particular context John seems to continue the theme of the personal worthiness of Christ, and heartily assents to God’s honoring the Son with such preeminent glory. Of course, the Father, who delegates such honor to the Son, is superior in every way. God does not suppress or expunge the personality of John, but allows him to enthusiastically appraise and heartily endorse the Master with a loud “Amen.” He who honors the Son honors the Father (John 5:23).
In summary, Verses 4 to 6 reveal that the blessing and favor of God, and of His Holy Spirit, and of His Son attend the Church on her journey. Blessed be the God and Father of Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has made such glorious provision for the Church’s need!
Continued with next post.
This verse continues the Apostle Johns benediction.
“To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood…
VERSE 6 “…and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
AND HAS MADE US A KINGDOM —PRIESTS TO HIS GOD AND FATHER (ESV)
This third and final phrase of the benediction states the ultimate goal for the Church's selection —the glorious work which awaits the faithful completion of the Church's earthly experience.
“Here the thought of joint-heirship or joint-rulership in the Kingdom is further substantiated; the over-comers are shown to be “kings and priests unto God.” The hope of the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by the Redeemer and his glorified Church in the Millennial Kingdom.
In the expression “unto God and his Father,” the word “and” is the Greek kai, which not only signifies the conjunction “and” but also frequently has the thought of “even.” In this case “even” is the proper rendition of the verse; i.e., Jesus has “made us kings and priests unto God, even his Father.”
Speaking on behalf of the Lord’s people, the Apostle John expresses his admiration of the love that prompted Jesus to leave the courts of heaven to suffer and die a sacrificial death on Calvary for man’s sin. Also implied is an expression of amazement that before the world’s opportunity of restoration in the coming Kingdom, the Church is called to be the rulers and priests over earth’s subjects in that grand era of redemption. The two highest elevations in rank among men, the regal and the sacerdotal, are combined in similitude to the Melchisedec priesthood. Verse 6 mentions these two offices to show the glorious prerogatives and the state of the children of God.”
TO HIM BE THE GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN
What more can be said? It is likely that this prayer refers to dominion over the Church since the dominion over the world is, at least in one sense, restricted to the thousand years. But if the earthly dominion is, in another sense, forever and ever, surely no one will object!
“Whether this expression “to him” refers to God Himself or to His Son, the Redeemer might be questioned. Both would be appropriate; but in this particular context John seems to continue the theme of the personal worthiness of Christ, and heartily assents to God’s honoring the Son with such preeminent glory. Of course, the Father, who delegates such honor to the Son, is superior in every way. God does not suppress or expunge the personality of John, but allows him to enthusiastically appraise and heartily endorse the Master with a loud “Amen.” He who honors the Son honors the Father (John 5:23).
In summary, Verses 4 to 6 reveal that the blessing and favor of God, and of His Holy Spirit, and of His Son attend the Church on her journey. Blessed be the God and Father of Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has made such glorious provision for the Church’s need!
Continued with next post.
