Revelation 1:5-6King James Version (KJV)
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
For emphasis today please notice with me the last part of Verse 5 and the last part of Verse 6....." Unto him that love us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, ......to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen"
It is significant that this word LOVED in the Greek is in the present tense. This is signifying the present love of Christ. His love that is ever with us....the permanence of His love. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." John is writing here (The author of Revelation mentioned his name, John, four times throughout the book (Revelation 1:1, 4, 9; 22:8) of Him who was dead but is now alive forever more. He who is exalted and has been given a position of power, authority and glory. (Matthew 28:18) Yet, with all of this honor, His love for us has not diminished one bit.
His love is a present love.
He loves us now!
His love is present and permanent and unchanging!
John is writing mostly to those who had never seen Jesus, those who were born after His death at Calvary. John says to them, "He loves you!" He was writing to all generations. John was writing to you and I, the people of this present hour.
The message - JESUS LOVES YOU!
Notice the great proof of His enduring and redeeming love. Verse 5 - "He washed us from our sins in his own blood." The love that has made us free. From Bethlehem to Golgotha Christ life is the supreme proof of God's love for us. The emblems of the bread and the wine symbolize today as we partake, and are proof of God's great love.
He died for your sins and He died for mine.
He died for the sins of the world.....because He loved us.
He was obedient unto death even the death of the cross....because He loved us. (Phillippians 2:8, "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.")
Christs Resurrection from the dead speaks to us that God has not let us down. But, our Lord arose and He lives to love us still. He is working just as hard for us right now as when He died on the cross.
He will never forsake us....never!
He washed us in the past as we initially came to Him in repentance, asking Him into our hearts. He continues to wash us even now....as "we walk in the light as He is in the light. We have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanest us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
The root word of redemption is luo. It means "to loosen." The blood of Jesus looses us and sets us free. He set me Free. How about you?
Faith in Christs death on the cross for you can wash you from your sins, loose you and set you free. He will save your precious soul. He loved you and died for you! But, know this one thing....He has never stopped loving you! He loves you right now and desires that you come to Him. His love is presently reaching out to you this very moment. He says: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)
His present love also tells us that though we were born after He died and rose again, we too shall see Him. His present love tells us that He is soon to come again and receive us unto Himself, that where He is, there we may be also.
(John 14:3, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.")
Therefore, every day let us live with expectancy....with an eye to His imminent return. For those of you taking communion, do so with expectancy. 1 Corinthians 11:26 tells us, " For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lords death until He come.")
Last of all, let me point you to the PRAISE that is due Him for His great permanent, present and enduring love .....for freedom and His purchase of salvation for us. His love should be remembered and praised.
("1 Peter 5:11, "To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.")
- glorious dominion or power -
To Him - Him alone - not to ourselves.
The cross was the footstool to His throne.
He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.......
BECAUSE His Love is perfect in giving His ALL for us!
He is alive!
He is living
and
He is coming again!
Are you ready?
Are you expecting His return?
