"John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: 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, 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, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." - Revelation 1:4-6
Reflection
Revelation 1:4-6 is a profound reminder of the eternal freedom we have in Christ. These verses open with grace and peace, blessings emanating from the eternal God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This is no ordinary peace—it is the peace of being reconciled to God, free from condemnation, and the grace of living in His unmerited favor. This greeting is not simply a salutation but a declaration of freedom for those who belong to Christ.
The eternal nature of God is highlighted in the phrase "Him who is and who was and who is to come." It reminds us that our freedom in Christ is unchanging because it is grounded in the nature of an eternal, unchanging God. Furthermore, Jesus is described as the "faithful witness," the "firstborn from the dead," and the "ruler over the kings of the earth." These titles point to His authority, His victory over death, and His reliability. In Christ, we are freed from the ultimate power of death and sin because of His victory.
But perhaps the most personal and moving part of this passage is the declaration that Jesus "loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood." This act of love was not merely theoretical—it was accomplished through the ultimate sacrifice. His blood did not just cleanse us from sin but set us free from its grip. Sin no longer has dominion over us, and we are no longer slaves to its consequences. What greater expression of freedom could there be?
Moreover, the passage tells us that Christ has "made us kings and priests to His God and Father." This is a staggering truth. Not only are we freed from sin, but we are elevated to positions of honor and purpose in God's kingdom. As kings, we share in Christ's authority, and as priests, we have direct access to God and the privilege of serving Him. This is eternal freedom—not just freedom from something but freedom for something. It is freedom to live in God’s presence, to serve Him, and to reign with Him forever.
The closing of the passage, "to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever," is a fitting response to such a revelation. Our eternal freedom is not for our glory but for His. It is a freedom that leads us to worship, to ascribe all glory and dominion to the One who secured it for us.
Personal Application
The eternal freedom we have in Christ should transform the way we live each day. Too often, we live as though we are still bound by the chains of sin, guilt, and fear. Revelation 1:4-6 calls us to step into the reality of who we are in Christ—loved, forgiven, and freed.
First, it invites us to rest in the love of Christ. Knowing that we are loved unconditionally and eternally by the One who gave His life for us should fill us with peace and confidence. How often do we let the opinions of others or our own self-doubt dictate how we see ourselves? This passage reminds us that our identity is rooted in Christ’s love and the freedom He has won for us.
Second, it challenges us to live as those who have been washed clean. When we carry the weight of guilt for past sins, we deny the power of Christ’s blood to cleanse us. Instead, we are called to live in the freedom of forgiveness, not as those condemned but as those redeemed. What sins or regrets are you holding onto today that Christ has already washed away?
Finally, it empowers us to embrace our roles as kings and priests. As kings, we are called to live with authority, not in arrogance but with the confidence of knowing that we are co-heirs with Christ. This means facing life’s challenges with boldness, knowing that our King reigns above all. As priests, we are invited into a life of intimate service to God. This could mean praying for others, sharing the gospel, or simply living a life that reflects His grace and truth. How are you stepping into these roles in your daily life?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the eternal freedom we have in Christ. Thank You for loving us and washing us from our sins through His blood. Help us to live as those who are truly free—free from sin, guilt, and fear. Teach us to rest in Your love, to walk in the confidence of forgiveness, and to embrace our roles as kings and priests in Your kingdom. May we always give glory and dominion to You, for You alone are worthy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Sarah Leasure
Add comment
Comments