Revelation 1:4-8
The Second Sunday of Easter, Year C
The One Who Was, Is, and Is Coming
Revelation 1:4–8
Opening Reflection
Before Revelation gives us visions of dragons or thrones, it gives us a blessing.
Grace and peace.
Not from a distant deity, but from the One who was, who is, and who is coming—the ever-present God, the Spirit that surrounds us, and the Christ who lived, died, rose, and now reigns.
This isn’t a warning. It’s a reminder: Jesus is not done. Resurrection isn’t over. And everything history tried to bury—love, justice, mercy—is rising again.
Context
This greeting opens the book of Revelation. John writes to seven churches under pressure—communities navigating persecution, compromise, and fear. But instead of starting with correction, he starts with witness.
Jesus is described in three powerful ways:
Faithful witness (he revealed God through love)
Firstborn from the dead (resurrection changes everything)
Ruler of the kings of the earth (even when empires still seem strong)
This is an Easter greeting, meant to ground the church in the bigger story.
Read the Passage
Revelation 1:4–8 (NLT)
4 This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne;
5 and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us.
6 He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
7 Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him— even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega— the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
Key Insights
Resurrection Reigns - Jesus is not just alive—he is ruling. Not in the way kings or empires rule, but through mercy, witness, and love. Death doesn’t get the last word.
God Holds All of Time - Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. When life feels unmanageable or fragmented, this passage reminds us: there is a deeper story holding it all together.
We Are Priests, Not Spectators - Jesus “has made us into a kingdom of priests.” We’re not just saved—we’re sent. Not just recipients of grace, but participants in resurrection life.
Guiding Question
Where in your life do you need to remember that Jesus is not finished—and that grace and peace are still the first word?
Reflections & Resources:
A Plain Account on Revelation 1:4-8
Working Preacher on Revelation 1:4-8
The Peripatetic Preacher on Revelation 1:4-8
