Articles
Descriptions of Jesus in Revelation
There are numerous instances in the scriptures where Jesus is given majestic descriptions both of His character and His appearance. We could look at instances in each book of the bible where that would be the case but perhaps none stand out more than the glorious descriptions of our Lord in the final book of the bible: Revelation.There are a variety of descriptions endowed to Him in this book that speak of His power, authority, glory and majesty. These descriptions include:
1. He is the faithful and true witness (Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 19:11) – The first description we observe of the Christ speaks of the power of His testimony. Jesus bore witness to the truth of God and He didn’t compromise anything for God’s word. On His testimony everything hangs! It is perfect, it is complete. There is no need to cross-examine the testimony of Jesus because He is faithful. He revealed God and testified to that even by being…
2. The firstborn of the dead (Rev. 1:5; Col. 1:18) – This does not mean that Christ was literally the first person to raise from the dead; but it does mean His resurrections holds pre-eminence above all else. He rose from the dead to die no more and through His resurrection He gives life to all. No one who died before Christ that rose from the dead had the ability to do that.
3. He is The Sovereign Ruler (Rev. 1:5; 11:15; 17:14; 19:16) – Perhaps the most repeated description of the Savior in this book is that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It certainly gives me a lot of joy to know that Jesus is above all and He is on my side. There is none that come close to Him in power and authority.
4. The Alpha and the Omega (Rev. 1:8, 17; 2:8; 21:6; 22:13) – Jesus is the first and He is the last. He is eternal in nature and He will always be! One day we will be like Him if we are faithful and true. Doesn’t that give you a reason to rejoice?
5. He is clothed in a robe and dressed in purity (Rev. 1:14; 19:13) – He is absolute royalty signified by this robe and the essence of all that He is pure. There no deceit or defamation in Jesus. He is white as snow is to suggest He is without blemish and He is utterly pure.
6. His eyes are like a flame of fire (Rev. 1:14; 2:18; 19:12) – Jesus is a terror to those who are not on His side and a comfort to those who follow Him. His eyes being like fire indicate these tow realities. Being face to face with Jesus one day will either be a day of terror or one of comfort.
7. Out of His mouth comes a sharp two-edged sword (Rev. 1:16; 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21; Heb. 4:12) – From Christs’ mouth proceeds the words that we have the privilege to read from today. This sword is undoubtedly God’s perfect scriptures. He speaks all that is pure, holy and true. To those who reject Him, He judges them by the words of His mouth. The scriptures are never dull, and it always remains sharp. If you live by the words of Christ, you will reap the benefits. If you reject Him, you will be struck down by the very thing He has spoken.
8. The Lamb who is worthy and who overcomes (Rev. 5:6-10; 17:14) – This Lamb, is the same Lamb that John the Baptist proclaimed in His gospel and the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world. He is worthy to break the seals of the scroll in Revelation 5 and He is worthy to receive all praise, glory and honor. The Lamb also wages war for the saints. The saints who follow the Lamb do not need to fear or worry because He overcomes for them. He wins the war for them over the devil, sin and death.
9. His name is the Word of God (Rev. 19:13; Jn. 1:1, 14; 1 Jn. 1:1) – Jesus is the Word spoken of in all of John’s epistles. This is the Word who revealed the Father to mankind. Jesus demonstrated God’s personality via the very words we have today complied together in one book. Isn’t that wonderful? Jesus is worthy to have that name. He is truly the Word who gives life and imparts it to those willing to humble themselves. This description of Jesus also indicates the intimate relationship He has with the Father. He is the very essence of what God wants us to know. Nothing can be more intimate than the relationship they share.
10. He is the Living One (Rev. 1:18; Jn. 14:19) – Jesus did die on the cross. There is no question about that although some would like to refute it. He did die but He did not remain dead. When Peter described His resurrection on the day of Pentecost, he said death simply could not keep Jesus bound. According to God’s great plan and power, He rose from the dead and He is seated at the right hand of God the Father. His triumphant victory over death gives us the opportunity to rejoice and take heart that we, like Him, will not remain dead but rise unto new life with Him forever in eternity one day.
All these descriptions of Jesus show the power, authority, glory, honor and majesty He alone possesses. Do you know anyone that can even be remotely compared to Jesus Christ? There is no one! He Himself is separate from all things and He calls us to follow Him and love Him till the death. I hope these descriptions give you much joy, comfort and motivation as you seek Him each day. May we always live to honor the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
