Theology Proper

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A Theology of the Book of Revelation

Session #2 – Theology Proper Theology Proper

“Theology Proper” is a sub-discipline of Systematic Theology. Systematic theology asks atemporal questions, like “What does the Bible say about prayer” or “What does the Bible say about Christ?” “Theology Proper,” as a sub-discipline of Systematic Theology, asks the question, “What does the Bible say about God?” For tonight’s study of Revelation, we are asking, “What does the book of Revelation say about characteristics of God? What do we learn about God from the book of Revelation?” In an effort to organize our material, we are going to attempt to answer this question by considering how the book of Revelation speaks of God, particularly in light of the way that John refers to God in the book. The first truth that we find about God in Revelation is found in Revelation 1:4b-5a in John’s salutation to the seven churches. He writes, 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 of the kings of the earth. In the ancient letters of the New Testament, the salutation often revealed some theological conviction of the author. This is exceedingly clear in the works of the apostle Paul and Peter, and it is true of John as well. The Divine Trinity

As we look at this opening portion of Revelation, it becomes clear that John unashamedly reference the triune nature of our God. Some have disputed that the reference to “seven Spirits” refers to the Holy Spirit, but that dispute is predominately rooted in a failure to understand the symbolic nature of the reference. For John to refer to the “seven Spirits who are before the throne of God” is for John to refer to the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s work in relationship to the Father and Son in the mission of the church. The Trinitarian nature of God will structure the majority of our study of Revelation. As we progress through the book, we will see all three persons of the Godhead functions in different yet complimentary ways to accomplish God’s purpose in the church and the world. The Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8, 1:17, 21:6, 22:13)

The significance of this designation is rooted in its Old Testament context. In Isaiah 44:6, we read, “I am the first and the last; besides me there is no god.” Now, does anyone remember the context of the book of Revelation from our last session? Who was ruling the Roman Empire at the time? Domitian was ruling. And what did Domitian believe and declare about himself? He declared that He was a god. Now, in the context of Isaiah, the LORD was declaring through the prophet that while there may have been many “idols” in the land, there was still only One True God. Therefore, as John appropriates this title, “The Alpha and Omega” in reference to God, he is declaring that His God is God alone, the “sole Creator of all things and sovereign Lord.”

The One Who Is and Who Was and Who is to Come (Rev. 1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5)

Much like the previous title, this title is rooted in the Old Testament context of God’s selfdescription of His own name in Exodus 3:14, where the LORD declares, “I am who I am.” Later Jewish interpreter’s began to describe the divine name of God as “The One Who Is,” which is a clear reference to God’s self-sufficiency. Some call this the asceity of God, which means that God has no need of anything or anyone. No one provides for God. He exists on His own in His own strength and power. He depends on no one! Yet, this God is not simply the One who exists. He is also the God who comes! As one scholar put it, “This is the biblical God who chooses, as his own future, his coming to his creation, and whose creation will find its own future in him.” The One who is and was will remain so in the future. God will not change when he comes. If He can be trusted in the past, then he can be trusted in the present and in the future. The Lord God Almighty (Rev. 1:8, 4:8, 11:17, 15:3, 16:7, 19:6, 21:22)

Simply put, this title parallels the title given to the LORD by the Old Testament prophets. By using this title of God, John is paralleling his work with that of Old Testament prophets. In other words, the God who spoke in times past is speaking clearly through John regarding Christ in order to strengthen the church during persecution and oppression. The One Who Sits on the Throne (Rev. 4:9, 5:1, 7, 13, 6:16, 7:15, 21:5)

The throne of the LORD is one of the central symbols of the book of Revelation. It represents the sovereign reign of God as Lord over all. Specifically, it figures prominently into the scene of the throne-room in Revelation 4, where we see the sovereignty of God full acknowledged in heaven. So when Jesus speaks of “the coming of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven,” He has in mind the full submission and recognition of God’s sovereignty as king by all creation! As Richard Bauckham writes, “What is true in heaven must become true on earth.” Yet, the rulers of the earth are yet to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ. In Revelation 4, we get a glimpse of what the kingdom will look like on earth. Hardly anything is more encouraging to the believer who is suffering from depression or discouragement than to behold how things are going to be one day when Christ returns. So, would you follow along with me in your Bibles as I read Revelation 4-5? If these verses teach us anything it is that a true knowledge of God (a true theology of God) is inseparable from worship of God. As we see the holiness of God and our utter dependence upon Him, worship overflows in our hearts toward Him. The vision of God on His throne reminds us that no matter who appears to be in control in this world, they will all perish, but God will remain. Therefore, we must be sure not to put our hope or trust in the chariots of politics and earthly power. Rome looked strong once as well, but the emperors are all dead now and Christ is still alive and well. We will be tempted to put our trust in someone other than Christ the King and that's when we need to return to the book of Revelation have our vision of God corrected and checked for eternity.