Connect Revelation 1:5 to other scriptures about Jesus' kingship and priesthood. Revelation 1:5—The Verse That Launches the Study “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood.” Royal Majesty—“Ruler of the Kings of the Earth” Revelation starts by crowning Jesus above every earthly power. Scripture repeats that theme: • Psalm 2:6-9 — “I have installed My King on Zion…” Nations are His inheritance. • Isaiah 9:6-7 — “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” • Daniel 7:13-14 — The Son of Man receives “authority, glory, and sovereign power.” • Luke 1:32-33 — “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David… His kingdom will never end.” • John 18:37 — “For this reason I was born and have come into the world.” • 1 Timothy 6:15 — “the blessed and only Sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords.” • Revelation 19:16 — “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” written on His robe. Every prophecy and narrative thread converges on one literal truth: Jesus already reigns and will openly reign forever. High Priest—“Released Us from Our Sins by His Blood” Kings rule; priests reconcile. Revelation 1:5 holds both offices together. • Hebrews 4:14-16 — “a great high priest who has passed through the heavens… able to sympathize.” • Hebrews 7:24-27 — “Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood… He offered Himself once for all.” • Hebrews 9:11-12 — “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19 — Redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish.” • 1 John 1:7 — “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” His priestly work is finished, effective, and eternal—no additional sacrifice needed, ever. Prophetic Union—Priest and King in One Person Long before Bethlehem or Calvary, Scripture promised a single Priest-King: • Genesis 14:18 — Melchizedek appears as “king of Salem” and “priest of God Most High.” • Psalm 110:1, 4 — “Sit at My right hand… You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” • Zechariah 6:12-13 — “He will sit and rule on His throne. He will be a priest on His throne.” • Hebrews 6:19-20 — Jesus, the “forerunner,” has become “a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” These passages lock together—prophet after prophet saw the same future: the Branch, the Son, the Lord enthroned as both sovereign and mediator. Personal Implications—Kingdom and Priests with Him Revelation 1:6 (immediately following our key verse) completes the thought: He “has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father.” Because His kingship and priesthood are literal and unshakeable, believers share in both realities—reigning under His authority and serving in His presence right now, with the promise of perfect fulfillment when He returns. |
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