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John to the seven churches that are in Asia… (Revelation 1:4, NASB).
John begins his revelation to the “seven churches” in Asia as the originally intended recipients.
Then the book ends with this statement, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people” (Revelation 22:21, NLT). The beginning of the book was written to specific churches, and the end of Revelation was written to God’s holy people, reflecting the purpose of the entire book: to bring revelation of end-times events not only to specific churches of that time but to all of God’s people throughout church history.
Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne (Revelation 1:4, NASB).
What do we say today when we greet other believers — something like “Hey, brother” or “Good to see you,” or “How are you doing,” or just plain “Hello”? Paul uses either “grace and peace” or “grace, mercy, and peace” in all his letters. The words are also used in 1 and 2 Peter and 2 John, and we find them used here in the Book of Revelation.
If we attended the Church of Ephesus on a Sunday in the first century, our greeting might be “charis hymin kai eirene,” or the Greek for our English “grace and peace.” Grace means gifts we don’t deserve, and peace indicates a calmness and solemnity of life that can be experienced only by God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation.
Perhaps this Sunday, consider saying to other believers, “Grace and peace!” You would be exemplifying Scripture.
From Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood – and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father – to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen (Revelation 1:5-6).
After a greeting to the seven churches with “grace and peace,” the Apostle John presents a doxology (words of thoughtful description and praise), and though originating in the Book of Revelation, these words have been pulled from it to stand on their own, being sung and read in churches throughout Christian history.
This doxology exists as truth because of the grace and peace of Christ. Note that He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father. And as priests, we speak for God to others who need the ultimate message of grace and peace.
And what exactly is this message?
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen (Revelation 1:7).
He is coming! This phrase is used seven times in the Book of Revelation, and, as with “church” and “God’s holy people,” the “coming soon” message begins and ends Revelation.
He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20, NLT).
Yes, come quickly!