The Prayers of the Apostles - Booklet Seven - Revelation 1,5, 6

Extract

The Prayers of the Apostles – Booklet Seven
A. W. Pink

Revelation 1:5, 6.

“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, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” Revelation 1:5, 6.

Our present prayer really forms the closing part of the salutation and benediction of Revelation 1, verse 4, where “grace” and “peace” are sought from the Triune God in His distinct persons. First, from “him which is, and which was, and which is to come:” that is, from JEHOVAH as the self-existing and immutable One—He is addressed by His memorial name (Exod. 6:3). Second, from “the seven Spirits which are before his throne:” that is, from the Holy Spirit in the fullness of His power and diversity of His operations (Isa. 11:1, 2). Third, from “Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:5), who is mentioned last as the connecting Link between God and His people. A threefold appellation is here accorded the Saviour: 1. “The faithful witness,” which contemplates and covers the whole of His virtuous life from the manger to the Cross. 2. “The first begotten [better, “Firstborn”] of the dead,” which celebrates His victory over the tomb. It is a title of dignity (Gen. 49:3), and signifies priority of rank rather than time. 3. “And the prince of the kings of the earth,” which announces His regal majesty and dominion, and views the Conqueror as exalted “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.” He is the One upon whose shoulder the government of the …