The Descriptions of Jesus in the Book of Revelation – Mike Bickle
Session 4 Jesus: The Faithful Witness, Firstborn and Ruler (Rev. 1:5) Page 6
Session 4 Jesus: The Faithful Witness, Firstborn and Ruler (Rev. 1:5)
I. Jesus fulfills Three Messianic titles from Psalm 89
A. In Rev. 1:5, Jesus is referred to by three messianic titles that were used in Ps. 89. They give insight into the covenant that God made with David in 2 Sam. 7:8-16. These titles will be expressed on earth most after Jesus’ second coming as He rules all the nations in the Millennium.
5 Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father… (Rev. 1:5-6)
B. The background to Ps. 89 is God’s covenant with David concerning Jesus ruling the earth.
12 I will set up your seed (Jesus) after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever…16 Your house and…throne shall be established forever. (2 Sam. 7:12-16)
C. The angel Gabriel told Mary that her son Jesus would sit on the throne of David forever.
32 The Lord will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 He will reign…forever. (Lk. 1:32-33)
D. The fullness of these three titles will not be totally fulfilled on earth until Jesus reigns as the King of kings on the throne of David forever, starting in the Millennium.
27 I will make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth…35 I have sworn by My holiness…36 His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me; 37 It shall be established forever like the moon, even like the faithful witness in the sky." (Ps. 89:27-37)
E. It is commonly agreed that Rev. 1:5 is based on Ps. 89 because the titles the "faithful witness," "firstborn," and "ruler of the kings" all occur there and are all dependent on one another.
10 All deception…because they did not receive the love of the truth. (2 Thes. 2:10)
F. Many Jewish scholars interpreted Ps. 89 messianically. Then Rev. 1:5 used it to summarize Jesus’ ministry: prophetic teaching (faithful witness), death (washed us from our sins), His resurrection as the firstborn to be the supreme ruler of the earth, and His great love which demands that we be exalted in His grace to rule with Him (made us to be kings and priests).
II. Jesus as the Faithful witness: lover of the truth
A. Jesus has been the faithful and true witness from His earthly ministry (Rev. 1:5; 3:7, 14; 19:11). John emphasized Jesus as a witness of God’s truth (Jn 3:11; 5:31-32; 8:13-14; 8:18, 23; 18:37).
37 For this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. (Jn. 18:37)
14 These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness… (Rev. 3:14)
B. A witness is a person who speaks what they have seen from firsthand knowledge. Jesus revealed the truth and stood for it regardless of the cost. Jesus’ faithful witnessing resulted in His death. A faithful witness implies obedience to what He proclaimed.
20 I kept back nothing that was helpful…26 I testify to you that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God….31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone…with tears. (Acts 20:20-31)
C. Jesus did not hold back the negative (rebukes or declarations of judgment) or exaggerate the positive (affirmations or promises). He spoke without regard to the criticism He was sure to receive. Most only preach or prophesy positive things to please people so that they do not lose their position, honor or financial opportunities. Jesus never exaggerates or flatters or rebukes in bitterness. His extravagant eternal promises are reliable.
III. we are to be faithful witnesses
A. The concept of the faithful witness is also based on Isa. 43:10-12.
10 You are My witnesses…and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He…11 I am the LORD and besides Me there is no savior. 12 I have declared and saved…therefore you are My witnesses. (Isa. 43:10-12)
14 This gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Mt. 24:14)
B. Personal salvation: We speak the glorious good news of Jesus to all who will freely receive it.
C. Eschatological understanding: We explain God’s judgments to help people overcome their offense at Jesus and their fears and confusion so they trust Jesus’ leadership and mature in love.
6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me. (Mt. 1 1:6)
D. Exposing lies: We expose the popular ideas that deceive and seduce people into error.
17 Beware lest you fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error… (2 Pet. 3:17)
E. Prophetic warning: We warn the unrighteous of judgment so that they have opportunity to repent. Jesus does everything in perfect justice, even in His judgment of the wicked.
7 Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His…prophets. (Amos 3:7)
IV. Being a faithful witness
A. God’s justice requires that the wicked receive a warning, even if they refuse it. Regardless of whether men receive our testimony, we must give it that Jesus may return to earth in justice.
3 When he (the watchman) sees the sword coming…if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, 4 then whoever heard...and does not take warning…his blood shall be on his own head…5 But he who takes warning will save his life…8 When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die!' and you do not speak to warn...
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