The Trinity Speaks

Revelation 1:4-5a John, to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5a and from Jesus Christ.
 
THERE is a good, assuring reason New Testament epistles often begin with “Grace and peace.” “Grace” was the Greek greeting; “peace” was the Hebrew greeting. The early church took these two greetings and used them together as a way of declaring that God had given these gifts to his people of all nations. Two simple words convey a profound, eternal blessing.
    The language, too, of Revelation begins to be unveiled here. First, you will see the number seven is common throughout the epistle. Even here, seven is twice written. Seven is the number in Scripture that signifies completeness. The Triune God is directing John to write specific messages to seven churches. These are also an illustration that God’s words are for all the churches then and all that will be in the future. Church leaders would do well to often read the seven messages to the churches in Revelation. We should use Jesus’ praises, admonitions and rebukes to honestly answer, “Are we following the Lord?”
    Second, John wrote that the words come from three sources, including the “the seven spirits before the throne.” This is one way to define the Holy Spirit. He is complete in every way. As he is before the throne of God, he is God, one person in the Trinity. The letter also comes from the other two persons of the Trinity. The Father is defined as the eternal “who is, and who was, and who is to come.” Note the present tense “is” was written first. That means God is present now. God was present in eternity past. And God is present in the future.
    The letter is also from Jesus Christ. In summary, God has given a message to John. He commanded John to write letters to seven churches. God’s complete power and authority has spoken to his church on earth. The Trinity is the source of all truth: 1 John 2:27b But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit – just as it has taught you, remain in him.
  Yes, know God has given you the truth. Nothing from God is false. Remain faithful to that truth.