God Wins! Hope in a Hopeless World (Overview of the Book of Revelation):

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1 God Wins! Hope in a Hopeless World (Overview of the Book of Revelation): Revelation 1:1-8 10/16/16 AM Michael Osladil, Calvary Bible Church, Hanover, PA Recently my wife and I had the joy of hosting friends we ve known since college. In the course of our conversation we recounted an elderly man we knew from that time. When we met Dr. F. William May, as college freshmen, he was 95 years old. Many years before Dr. May had served as president of what has become Calvary University in Kansas City. 1 Dr. May had invited a group of first year students to his home. What was striking about our encounter with Dr. May was his confident expectation of the Lord s return. He lived in anticipation that Christ would return before his death. The return of Jesus Christ for us, His children, is known as the blessed hope. Possessing this blessed hope helps us stand fast in the face of persecution. In the study of Revelation we begin today we will see that as believers in Jesus Christ WE HAVE HOPE, that is, ASSURANCE that we will be with Christ when He returns. DO YOU LIVE WITH ANTICIPATION OF CHRIST S RETURN? Do you live, as Dr. May, did with that anticipation that perhaps today Christ will return for me? [ILL] Recently, one of our members shared with me that their elderly father who recently passed away, had expressed before his unexpected death, a desire that the Lord would return before the election! Wouldn t that be great! Live in anticipation of Christ s return. God wants you and me to live in anticipation of Christ s return. How can you measure your hope in Christ? 2 The steadfastness you have in Christ despite persecution Our hope in Christ can be measured in at least three ways. First, by the steadfastness you have in Christ despite persecution. What motivates followers of Jesus Christ to face intense persecution for their faith triumphantly? The answer is in their eternal hope in Jesus Christ. Paul states in Philippians 1:21: For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Phil 1:21). Paul goes on to tell the Corinthians, For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Cor 5:1). Christians who stand with Christ despite persecution are strong in their hope that Christ will stay with them. When our HOPE in Jesus Christ is strong we display steadfastness and stability no matter what the direction of our society. I believe this upcoming election serves as a vivid reminder that our ultimate hope lies not in our politicians, but in Jesus Christ, who rules over all. One day America and all its presidents will be a footnote in history, but the kingdom of Jesus will never end. 3 I believe we have a responsibility to prayerfully participate in our election. Yet, because of our strong hope in Jesus Christ we can display steadfastness and stability in Jesus Christ no matter what the direction of

2 2 our society. Our eternal hope in Jesus Christ helps us remain steadfast in Christ despite persecution. The steadfastness you have in Christ despite persecution The assurance and security you have in your salvation You display HOPE when you possess assurance and security in Jesus Christ regarding your eternal salvation. When as a Christian you know you will live in eternity with Christ, it is a sure sign that you are strong in the hope that Christ gives. [ILL] I saw evidence of this strong hope in Christ in my last visit with Joy Wenk a few days before her death. I had visited with Joy several times over the past two years, since she was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma cancer. In my last visit on Monday evening, Oct 3 rd, Joy was very weak. She had been placed on hospice the previous Thursday. With family gathered around the hospital bed, hospice had brought to her daughter s home, Joy whispered, I m ready to go. She had battled the aggressive lymphoma hard. She knew the battle was coming to a close. But she also knew where she was going. Joy had trusted in Christ as her Savior. She had publicly declared her faith in Christ here at Calvary back in When as a Christian you know you will live in eternity with Christ, it is a sure sign that you are strong in the hope that Christ gives. Peter exhorts us But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess (1 Peter 3:15 NET). The assurance and security we have in Jesus Christ regarding our eternal salvation gives us a confident expectation regarding our future. By putting our faith in Jesus Christ s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of ours sins, God forgives us of our sins and gives us eternal life as a free gift! If you have Christ you have HOPE! Without Jesus Christ as your Savior you possess NO HOPE (cf. Eph 2:12). If you are not certain of where you will spend eternity why not make sure today by putting your faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Jesus Christ, God s perfect Son, paid for all your sins when He died on the cross. God showed His acceptance of Christ s sacrifice by raising Him from the dead. Yet, it is not enough to know Christ died and rose again. You must put your faith in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. You are not saved by your good works. You are saved by recognizing your sinfulness and putting your faith in Christ alone. Finally, The steadfastness you have in Christ despite persecution The assurance and security you have in your salvation Whether you live a Godly and righteous life Our hope in Christ can also be measured by whether we are living a Godly and righteous life. Notice how Paul defines this blessed hope as he instructs Titus, whom he left in Crete to appoint elders: For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 WHILE WE WAIT FOR THE BLESSED HOPE THE APPEARING OF THE GLORY OF OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his

3 3 very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you (Titus 2:11-15 NIV). God wants you and me to live with anticipation of Christ s return for us. Why? Because living in anticipation of Christ s return encourages us to live a godly and righteous life. The apostle John tells us that all who live with this anticipation of Christ s returns purify themselves. In 1 John 3:1-3 we read, See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure (1 John 3:1-3 NIV). Living in anticipation of Christ s return encourages us to clean up our thoughts, words, and actions. We ll see this as well in Revelation as Christ walks among His churches and gives instructions applicable to them, as well as to us. Why study the book of Revelation? What will you gain in this study of the last book of the Bible? Through our study of the book of Revelation your HOPE in Jesus Christ will be strengthened. As David Larsen notes: The study of what the Bible says about last things is a central theme of the Bible. God wants us to know what the future holds in store for us who love Jesus Christ. History begins as set forth in Genesis with the creation of all things in the beginning; has its decisive midpoint, with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ; and then goes on to the climax - the return of Jesus Christ. For example in 1 Thess 1:9-10 Paul writes, For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come (1 Thess 1:9-10 NKJV). As set forth in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, Christianity has a past tense ( you turned to God from idols ), a present tense ( to serve the living and true God ), and future tense ( and to wait for his Son from heaven ). ONE verse in every four in the New Testament relates to the second coming of our Lord. We live with the expectation that Jesus will return. Our Lord Himself often spoke of THE END OF THE AGE (Matt ; Mark 13; Luke 21; Acts 1). A core teaching of the apostle Paul in his evangelism and discipleship ministry was teaching on prophecy and what the future holds for us who believe in Jesus. For example in 2 Thessalonians 2 Paul states, Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him.... Don t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? (2 Thess 2:1-5 NIV). Paul regularly taught believers about the return of our Lord. Why? It gives us steadfastness in the face of persecution, and encourages us to live godly and holy lives. What reassurance comes to us in knowing that God knows the end from the beginning! God knows what the future holds for you! God reminds us in Isaiah 46:10, I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please (Isa 46:10 NIV). The fact that God knows the end from the beginning

4 4 and reveals some of these secrets in His Holy Word should become for us, as it was for the prophet Isaiah, one of the great evidences of the truthfulness of God s words (cf. Isa. 46:10ff; 48:3-6). Today our world denies that God is in control of the future. The Atlantic Monthly described those who hold to the literal second coming of Christ as the lunatic fringe in American religious life. 4 But remember what the apostle Peter warned: Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. (2 Peter 3:3b-4 NKJV). Unfortunately in our day many who identify themselves as Christians no longer live with the expectancy of Christ s return. My hope is that through this study of Revelation our anticipation and expectancy of Christ s return will be increased? Jesus warns us Be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected (Luke 12:40 NLT). CHRIST S RETURN IS OUR HOPE. Living with an expectancy of Christ s return motivates us to purify ourselves (cf. 1 John 3:1-3). Understanding and living with an understanding and expectancy of what the future holds for us as believers gives us the hope we need in the midst of life s difficulties. Belief in Christ s second coming is not some pie in the sky dream. Understanding what the future holds allows us to be optimistic realists. In the early church those Christians, often persecuted, would greet each other on the streets with the warm salutation, Maranatha! which means, The Lord is coming! or O Lord, come! 5 God expects us to live in anticipation of Christ s return for us! The author of Hebrews writes, Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.... And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Heb 9:28; 10:23 NIV). Christ in the first advent came to deal with the sin problem. In the second advent, He s coming back for His people. Since Christ has already died once in order to bring salvation in His first coming, His second coming will not be to die for but to deliver those WHO EAGERLY AWAIT HIM. A characteristic of us who have put our faith in Jesus Christ for our forgiveness should be that we are eagerly awaiting His return for us! My prayer is that our study of Revelation will increase your anticipation of Christ s return for us! My prayer is that our study of the book of Revelation will increase our fervency and love for the Lord. Now today and next week I want to provide you with an overview of Revelation. As I read the introduction to Revelation notice the emphasis on Christ s soon return (cf. Rev 1:3, 4, 6, 7, 8). Turn with me in your Bibles (or electronic devices) to Revelation 1:1-8. 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, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 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. 4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from

5 5 Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from 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, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 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. 8 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 (Rev 1:1-8 NKJV). As our children became old enough that we could leave them alone, we would give them instructions to guide them while we are gone. When we returned home there was a time of reckoning. This is when we hear how well, or not so well each child has obeyed our instructions. And our children would experience the reward for obedience [ Well done ] and/or consequences [ No Play Station for the rest of the week....]. Now when the time for our return would draw near our children would suddenly remember, Mom and Dad expect us to have the house picked up before they get home. And then the children would spend time getting everything in order before our return. Now in a similar way, Jesus has left us with certain instructions while He is gone. We do not know when he is going to return. But as we are going to see Jesus wants us to LIVE WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT HIS RETURN IS SOON. Notice how God promises that if we will take Jesus return to heart, prepare ourselves for it, we will be blessed by God. Look at Revelation 1:3, Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near (Rev 1:3 NIV). God provides a special blessing for those taking to heart the words of this prophecy. If you take to heart the message of Revelation you will become a stronger Christian, more steadfast in your faith. You will find yourself bearing up better under the trials and difficulties of life. Now notice in v. 3 that the book of Revelation is described as a prophecy [cf. also Rev 22:7, Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy expressed in this book (Rev 22:7 NET)]. God revealed to John this prophecy. But note that this is not revelation from John or about John. This revelation is both from and about Jesus Christ. 6 Look at Revelation 1:1-2, 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, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw (Rev 1:1-2 NKJV). So this revelation God gave to Jesus Christ. These visions came directly from God and Christ, mediated by angels. In the crisis being faced by the churches in Asia Minor, God reassures His people that He is still in control. 7 Did you notice too how God refers to believers in v. 1? God identifies us as His servants, His slaves or bond-servants. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, our lives no longer belong to ourselves. You and I as believers in Jesus Christ are His servants. To be a slave or bond-servant of God describes our special loyalty to and relationship with the Lord God. 8 This means that your purpose in life is greater than yourself. It would be appropriate for you and me

6 6 to pray each day, God, use me today for your honor and glory! Help me to be your servant! The sense is that we voluntarily present ourselves to God with the intention to be his servant. Now God gave this revelation to Christ. This revelation God gave to Christ is one long, difficult Revelation. This revelation can be referred to as apocalyptic, which comes from the Greek word translated Revelation [ἀποκάλυψις ( apocalypse )]. 9 Apocalyptic literature is a genre that flourished between the second century B.C. and the first century AD. For about 300 years, it was a common type of literature among the Jews. Its outstanding characteristic is symbolism. That s the main thing. It s usually God speaking directly through symbols. 10 And we ll see as we go through Revelation that many of the symbols and imagery used have their roots in the Old Testament. Now God gave this revelation to us, His servants to show us what must soon (or quickly) take place. God made this revelation known by sending His angel to His servant John. This refers to the apostle John. John was probably over the churches of the Province of Asia. Strong tradition has him at Ephesus in his closing years of ministry. AD 95 It s my understanding that God gave this revelation of Jesus Christ to John around AD 95. Domitian [Doe Mish in] reigned as emperor over the Roman Empire. To help set the context of Revelation consider with me the social, political, and religious conditions. Rome was at the height of her prosperity. Socially, Rome was at the height of her prosperity. It s very interesting. You can see that a bit in Revelation 18. In Revelation 18 we will see a long list of the cargo that ships are carrying. When you look at the list we find cargo such as gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, all sorts of objects made of ivory and expensive wood, and other valuables. This was cargo for the wealthy, including slaves for the wealthy. You find that there s the idea of wealth. And we see the riches in Revelation 18. Rome was at the height of her prosperity. A large gulf separated the rich and poor. At the same time, there s a large gulf between the rich and the poor. The wealthy were extravagantly wealthy, and the poor were very poor. For example, I read in one case in the ancient world the entrée for a banquet was peacocks tongues, considered a delicacy in the ancient world. Now, think of how many peacocks tongues it would take to have a meal! They apparently killed hundreds of peacocks. So, on the one hand you had the very wealthy, and on the other hand you had extreme poverty. There was wild extravagance and also poverty. Let me just remind you that part of our responsibility is to remember the poor, to seek to be a blessing to those in need. Such acts of mercy can include sponsoring a child through a mission such as AMG, International, and/or helping people here in our local congregation in need. It also can be helping with ministries here at CBC such as our Adopt-a-Family that will be coming up in just under two months, where we help some 75 families or so in the Hanover area, both with food as well as clothing and Christmas gifts. Remembering the poor can also include assisting such ministries as New Hope Ministries here in Hanover. I believe when I visited there in July that the director stated they serve some 1300 families each month with basic needs.

7 7 This is a ministry in which you can help people with their physical needs on a regular basis, but also freely share the good news about Christ as well. So there was an extreme contrast in John s day between the very wealthy and those in extreme poverty. Consider also the political conditions when God gives this revelation of Jesus Christ to John. Totalitarian government The Flavian Dynasty: Vespasian (AD 69 to 79); Titus (79-81); Domitian (81-96) Believers were under a totalitarian government. The government was totally in control. Domitian was the third emperor in the Flavian dynasty. The first one was Vespasian; his dates are AD 69 to 79. You may remember the story already, but Vespasian was the general in charge of invading Israel and putting down the uprising that took place between 66 and 70. In the meantime, the emperor of Rome had died. So he left off the siege of Jerusalem in AD 69, and rushed back to Rome to make himself emperor. Well, interestingly, the Jews, instead of preparing for the onslaught that was certain to come after that, just fought with one another. Then his son, Titus, reigned. Titus destroyed Jerusalem. Titus reigned from AD 79 to 81. His brother, Domitian reigned next from AD 81 to 96. Now all three of these rulers displayed strong anti-semitism. Totalitarian government The Flavian Dynasty: Vespasian (AD 69 to 79); Titus (79-81); Domitian (81-96) The borders were secure and expanding During this time the borders of Rome were secure. In fact, they were expanding. They had new territories in Great Britain and in Germany. If you re in Great Britain, especially, you can still see some of the walls that were built by the Romans way back in this time, so Rome was expanding her borders. They were secure. In understanding the book of Revelation it is also beneficial to be aware of THE RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS at this time, for the Jews, the Romans, and for Christians. The Jews: Strong antisemitism after AD 70 FOR THE JEWS, the Fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 had forced them into exile. Before Vespasian, anti-semitism was much less. But after the rebellion of the Jews, antisemitism increased greatly during Vespasian s reign, as well as under Titus, and then his brother Domitian. All three of these emperors would hate the Jews. In fact, the antisemitism was so strong that the Roman government put a special tax on you just for being a Jew. The Jewish tax [Fiscus Judaicus] was a tax-collecting agency instituted to collect the tax imposed on Jews in the Roman Empire after the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in AD 70. It was used to fund a pagan temple. 11 So, there was antisemitism. The Jews: Strong antisemitism after AD 70 The Romans: Idolatry Domitian promoted emperor worship Secondly, the religious condition for the Romans can be described by one word, IDOLATRY. Under Domitian, emperor worship was also promoted. While there had been emperor worship

8 8 in some parts of the Roman Empire prior to Domitian, when he became Emperor, mandatory worship of the emperor was promoted and enforced as official Roman policy. It appears that persecution of Christians was more universal under Domitian than even had occurred under Nero. And how interesting to note that in this crisis being faced by the churches in Asia Minor, God does not remain silent but assures His people that He is still in control. So too, for you and me, Christ comes alongside you and me and says, Be reassured! I am with you. I m still in control of what s taking place in your life, in your family, in your church, and in your country! Now we ve noted the religious condition of the Jews and the Romans. What about Christians? Christianity was seen as distinct from Judaism. Christians were accused of being atheists and were persecuted (Rev 1:9; 2:13). Christians, by this time were seen as distinct from Judaism. Remember, in the Book of Acts, Christianity still existed under the umbrella of Judaism, but now, Christianity and Judaism are distinct. We can see that, as well, under Nero. Interestingly, Christians were accused of being atheists. Why would Christians be accused of being atheists? Christians did not worship idols. We ll see references to Christians being persecuted for their faith in the book of Revelation. 12 (Cf. Rev 1:9; 2:13 with Church of Smyrna, etc.). We ll see that emperor worship under the reign of Domitian anticipates and serves as a figure of the future worship of the beast, the antichrist. This persecution of Christians leads to a primary purpose of Revelation. To encourage us to endure To challenge us to godly living God gave the book of Revelation to encourage us TO ENDURE in the midst of persecution. Secondly, God gave the book of Revelation to challenge us, His people, to godly living. In spite of persecution, in spite of hardship, in spite of the difficulties of this life, God encourages us, Live a godly life. It will be worth it all when you see Jesus! To these Christians facing persecution and oppression under the reign of the emperor Domitian what is God s main theme in this prophecy? What is the central theme of the book of Revelation? God ultimately will be victorious in Christ. The theme of Revelation is very clear. God will ultimately be victorious in Christ. God will ultimately be victorious in Christ. I love that. You know what that says, people? We are on the winning side!!! That s what that s saying. God will ultimately be victorious in Christ. The lamb, the lion will overcome and be victorious. WE RE ON THE WINNING SIDE. [ILL] Vernon Grounds, a number of years ago in Christianity Today, wrote an article about the attitude we should have in persecution. He used the Book of Revelation as an illustration. He told of a seminary, probably thinking of his own, Denver Seminary, where he had served as president that had a basketball team. The school lacked a gymnasium in which to practice, so they used a neighboring high school gym after 6:00 at night. As the team practiced night after night, in the bleachers there would be a custodian, just waiting for the young men to finish

9 9 practicing. One of the young men noticed the custodian was reading a Bible. He said, What are you reading? He said, I m reading the Bible. He said, I see you re reading the Bible, but what are you reading IN the Bible? He said, I m reading the Book of the Revelation. You re reading Revelation? Yes. Do you understand it? Yes, I do. Well, the seminarian was dumbfounded because he didn t understand the book of Revelation, and yet this custodian said he understood it. Well, what does it say? the student asked. The custodian said, It says Jesus is going to win. Then, Grounds goes on to say that s the best summary of the Book of Revelation he had ever heard. And it s true. Jesus is going to win. 13 That s the theme of the Book; wonderful, wonderful! GOD WINS! [ILL] Dr. May, that elderly man whom I met as a college freshman, displayed a confident hope in the Lord, even in life s tragedies. I still recall the sadness of hearing that their only son and his wife were killed in an auto accident as their son and wife were driving the day before Thanksgiving to see Dr. May. Dr. May was devastated, of course! Yet his anticipation of the Lord s return gave him hope and endurance, in the midst of his sorrow and loss. We will see that as we heed the prophesy contained in Revelation we will experience great blessings; the blessing of hope, and the endurance that hope produces. Taking the book of Revelation to heart will help strengthen you for the present trials you are going through. Living in anticipation of Christ s return will also encourage you and me in our own personal holiness. In the midst of the disappointments and trials of this life, let s remember the theme of the book of Revelation. God ultimately will be victorious in Christ. God ultimately will be victorious in Christ. God wins! In the midst of a political landscape that looks bleak, in the midst of trials of this life, let s keep before us this truth; We are on the winning side! To remind us of the victory we have in Christ, stand together and let s read these words of encouragement the apostle Paul gives us in Romans 8:31-39: If God is for us, who can be against us? 8:32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? 8:33 Who will bring any charge against God s elect? It is God who justifies. 8:34 Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. 8:35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 8:36 As it is written, For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 8:37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:31-39 NET).

10 10 1 Dr. William May served as president of Calvary University on two separate occasions Cf. accessed 10/8/16. 2 Cf. Gene Getz, The Measure of Spiritual Maturity: Student Workbook, Cf. John Piper, The Gospel Collation. 4 Cf. Donald Grey Barnhouse, The Invisible War, 252. Cf. also Ross Andersen, Nature Has Lost Its Meaning, in The Atlantic, Nov 30, Cf. accessed 10/8/16. 5 Cf. David Larsen, Biblical Spirituality, pp The phrase ἀποκάλυψις Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (ajpokalupsis Iēsou Christou, the revelation of Jesus Christ ) could be interpreted as either an objective genitive ( the revelation about Jesus Christ ), subjective genitive ( the revelation from Jesus Christ ), or both (M. Zerwick s general genitive [ Biblical Greek, 36 39]; D. B. Wallace s plenary genitive [ExSyn ]). In 1:1 and 22:16 it is clear that Jesus has sent his angel to proclaim the message to John; thus the message is from Christ, and this would be a subjective genitive. On a broader scale, though, the revelation is about Christ, so this would be an objective genitive. One important point to note is that the phrase under consideration is best regarded as the title of the book and therefore refers to the whole of the work in all its aspects. This fact favors considering this as a plenary genitive. NET note on Rev 1:1. 7 Cf. Grant R. Osborne, Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002), Osborne, Revelation, Cf. G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary, (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999), Cf. Stanley Toussaint, class notes, BE107. Hebrews, General Epistles and Revelation: Unit 8. Revelation, Video 1. Introduction to Revelation Part Cf. Fiscus Judaicus Wikipedia. Cf. accessed 10/11/ Cf. Toussaint, ibid. 13 Ibid.