1:5Revelation 1:5

Jesus Christ is the faithful and true witness, the first to rise to everlasting life, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.Ms 29a, 1890, par. 27–31+2 He loved His people first and gave His spotless life in a shameful death as Son of the infinite God to save all who believe.Lt 127, 1902, par. 1–3+2 His own most precious blood alone washes away sins, removes moral stain, and cleanses the heart, where no human merit or work can take its place.Ms 29a, 1890, par. 27–31+4 To Him who loved and washed belongs glory and dominion forever, and the redeemed will praise Him for redemption through the ages and throughout eternity.GC88 416.2+2 Those already washed still need His cleansing grace when contact with evil soils the heart, and that cleansing is received by union with Him and communion with the Father and with Christ, which alone overcomes sin.DA 646.4+2

Jesus Christ Himself came personally to John on the barren Isle of Patmos in His glorified humanity to give the Revelation, as the One John honored and loved above all others.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+2 His coming is clearly described in the opening chapter.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10 That first chapter belongs to His appearance to His servant John.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+1

John was the oldest man living who had seen Christ, always speaking the truth with faith that did not change.Ms 188, 1905, par. 21–26 Men grew tired of his testimony and tried to kill him but could not kill him.Ms 97, 1906, par. 43–47+1 So wicked men banished him to Patmos, thinking his mouth would certainly be stopped and that he would become discouraged and soon die and trouble them no more.Ms 97, 1906, par. 43–47+1 Yet it was a happy place, where as brother and companion in tribulation, exiled for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus, he communed with God every day with praise falling from his lips, and God revealed Himself to him in a most signal manner.Ms 97, 1906, par. 43–47+1

His pure life stood in sharp contrast to the selfish, iniquitous lives of the professedly religious rulers and condemned them, so that the ruling powers at Jerusalem were amazed at his testimony concerning the One they had condemned to death.Ms 150, 1899, par. 3–5 The same spirit that worked in the children of disobedience in Christ's day worked against His followers.Ms 150, 1899, par. 3–5 In jealousy and hatred priests and rulers hired false witnesses, stirred the mob, and had the sinless Son of God crucified while the thief and murderer Barabbas was released.Ms 150, 1899, par. 3–5

The words spoken were not for John alone on Patmos nor for the seven churches in Asia alone.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+1 Sent through those churches, they are an inspired message to come through them for God's people in every age to the close of this earth's history, with powerful impression.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+2 The seven churches to which John was told to send what he saw represent all the churches in the world, the people of God throughout the world, and the number seven represents a perfect whole.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+1 The words he wrote under inspiration have lived through the ages.Ms 97, 1906, par. 43–47

The revelation was given to make its message known to God's servants, including truths about events before the close of the world's history and concerning the last days of earth's history.Ms 92, 1891, par. 1–4+1 It is a book containing the last warning message to the world, standing as an earnest warning to prepare to meet the Lord in the clouds of heaven, for He comes with power and great glory.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+1 It confronts indifference to the signs foretold by Christ and gives evidence that the end of the world is right upon us.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1 With it belong the kindreds of the earth wailing because of Christ.Ms 159, 1904, par. 2 Its visions extend from the opening chapter to the close and disclose solemn events leading up to Christ's second appearing.SLP 10.1–13.1 Prayerful study of Revelation, especially passages relating to the present time, helps readers understand Christ's position and His relation to God and humanity.Ms 165, 1904, par. 3–5

Its instruction is meant to be read, heard, understood with the Holy Spirit's help, and kept in practice and character, and its words are not to be neglected or forgotten.Ms 92, 1891, par. 1–4 Its truths are to be studied diligently and kept, having a sanctifying influence on those who receive them with open hearts.ST Jan 28, 1903 The whole first chapter is to be taught in camp-meetings to people unacquainted with the truth, and to be studied and believed and preached today, with its light not hidden under a bushel.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10

Jesus Christ is the giver and source of the revelation to John, and the verse presents Him as the faithful witness.SLP 10.1–13.1 The entire revelation He gave was already rehearsed by Moses in Exodus and in the plagues brought upon Egypt.Ms 132, 1898, par. 1

Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, and the prince and ruler over the kings of the earth.Ms 29a, 1890, par. 27–31+4 First begotten means the first to rise from the dead to everlasting life.Ms 29a, 1890, par. 27–31+1 He loved His people and cleansed and washed them from their sins through His own blood, and made them kings and priests to God the Father, for which glory and dominion belong to Him forever.Ms 29a, 1890, par. 27–31+4 He is the all-glorious Redeemer and Creator of the worlds.Ms 75, 1886, par. 11–12

Grace and peace come to believers from Him which is and which was and which is to come, and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ.Lt 16, 1900, par. 10+2 Joined with the eternal God and the seven Spirits before the throne, He gives grace and peace to the seven churches in Asia.Ms 97, 1906, par. 43–47+1 This shows that the connection between God and His people is close and decided.Lt 16, 1900, par. 10 John sent this testimony to the seven churches in Asia, which represent the people of God throughout the world, while he was banished on the Isle of Patmos and favored with the presence of Jesus Christ, where wicked men had banished him after failing to take his life, thinking he would become discouraged and soon die and trouble them no more with his testimony, but it was a happy place where he communed with God every day with praise falling from his lips and God revealed Himself to him in a most signal manner, and the words he wrote under inspiration have lived through the ages to give comfort about the Saviour who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood and exalted the washed to be kings and priests unto God.Lt 16, 1900, par. 10+2

As the faithful and true Witness His words are verity and truth.16MR 179.1 He stands for the claims of truth against those who counterwork and suppress the truth.Ms 22, 1898, par. 1–3 He speaks in the messages to the churches in the first, second, and third chapters of Revelation, which give the history of Satan's effort to bring dissension into the church, a difficulty to be met today.Lt 31, 1903, par. 6 He names the excellent qualifications possessed by the members of the church in Ephesus, but Satan by subtlety destroyed much of the good that had been accomplished, so Christ rebuked them for leaving their first love and called them to remember, repent, and do the first works.Lt 31, 1903, par. 6 His repeated promise to come quickly is not deception even though the quickly has been protracted longer than finite minds could anticipate.16MR 179.1

In greater condescension than the angels' missions of mercy He came to live among the people He sought to bless and save, so they could be happy in this life and eternally in His kingdom.Ms 75, 1886, par. 11–12 He came to our world as One who could heal all maladies, the divine Healer.Ms 22, 1898, par. 1–3 Christian physicians and workers under Him continue His work by restoring the moral image of God in men as well as healing diseases of the body, laboring together with God in fidelity and in touch with God in imitation of Christ.Ms 22, 1898, par. 1–3

He loved his people, he loved them first, and he gave himself to die for them, helpless sinners though they were.Lt 127, 1902, par. 1–3+4 As Prince and King, the Son of the infinite God, he gave his spotless life in a shameful death to save all who believe, and this shows the immense value and worth of human souls.Ms 65, 1900, par. 21–24 His love calls for praise and gives freshness and comfort of hope.Lt 127, 1902, par. 1–3 He must be lifted up to make the plan of salvation simple and forcible, pointing souls to himself as the answer to what must I do to be saved, breathed in every prayer and sung in every anthem.Lt 80, 1896, par. 10

Wealth and position cannot secure acceptance with the Father; acceptance comes in Jesus' name, pleading through Jesus as Advocate, Friend, and Savior, whose love calls forth love and in whom lasting comfort and happiness are found.Ms 36, 1885, par. 33 He wants sinners to come to him just as they are, and he will wash them in his own blood and purify them to fit them for the society of the heavenly angels, which serves their present interest and saves their souls for eternal life.Lt 4, 1871, par. 6 Those who come to him sincerely can be made clean, for his death makes forgiveness and cleansing possible.ApY 45.2 Through the Holy Spirit, people may help others escape Satan's power, repent, turn to the living God, and be washed from sins in the blood of the Lamb.Ms 65, 1900, par. 21–24

He washed his people from their sins in his own most precious blood, as the faithful witness, the first to rise from the dead to everlasting life, and ruler over the kings of the earth, joined with the eternal God and the seven Spirits before the throne in giving grace and peace.Ms 29a, 1890, par. 27–31+2 Nothing but the blood of Jesus can wash away stains, remove wrinkles of moral character, and cleanse the heart, and those who receive the truth may be washed in the blood of the Lamb and redeemed to God.ExVEGW 49.1–2 Those who enter the holy city have washed their robes in his blood and stood firmly for truth, entering with a perfect right to be there.1T 60.3 His willing suffering and death on the cross at Calvary is the sacrifice that saves sinners from death, so that those washed may be raised to live with him in heaven and share eternal life, and his love calls for gratitude and surrender of the whole heart.1T 160.1–3+2

His sacrifice appeases God's wrath, bears the sinner's curse, and atones for sin, and no human merit, ceremony, or good work can take its place, for salvation is not accomplished by self.GC 219.3–221.1+1 His blood ransoms from sin, washes clean, and clothes believers with his righteousness.RH Jan 4, 1912+2 Because he conquered death they can trust him to keep them, and their hope is centered on his coming and second advent when he will raise them at the last day to meet him and share the joy of the blessed.RH Jan 4, 1912+1 His death and resurrection open the door of hope, and through his merits sinners receive pardon and peace and are fitted for heaven.ST Aug 8, 1906

By faith those who honestly examine and condemn themselves may come to Jesus just as they are in polluted condition, and he will receive them, wash them clean, purify them, and make them fit for the pure harmonious society of heaven and of angels.ST Aug 8, 1906+2 Those already washed still need his cleansing grace when contact with evil soils the heart; they must bring infirmity and defilement to him, for only he can cleanse, and cleansing is necessary for communion with Christ.DA 646.4 Cleansing is received by entering by faith into the holy of holies and holding communion with the Father and with Christ.Lt 47, 1903, par. 9–14 It comes through union with Christ, living in him, adhering to him, supported and nourished by him as a fountain in which plunged sinners lose guilty stains, which alone overcomes sin and bears fruit to his likeness.Lt 82, 1895, par. 36–37

He stands ready to forgive those who repent and turn from sin, forgiving again and again and bringing them off more than conquerors.Ms 97, 1909, par. 26 From beginning to end the gospel is saving grace, with full and everlasting salvation within reach of every soul, and he waits longing to speak pardon and impart freely offered grace, saying to every needy soul longing for what earthly riches or pleasures cannot supply that he will take away sins and wash in his blood.Lt 60, 1903, par. 3–4 He loved people first and washes away their sins, for he can cleanse every stain of sin.Ms 4, 1885, par. 17 His prior love seen in his beauty leads those who see it to love him and desire a place in his heavenly kingdom.Ms 4, 1885, par. 17

Unto him that loved and washed belongs glory and dominion forever, for the glory of redemption belongs to him because he loved his people and washed them from their sins in his own blood.GC88 416.2+2 The redeemed praise him for that redemption through the ages and throughout eternity.GC88 416.2+2 That cleansing by his own blood made them a kingdom of priests unto God, and they praise him for this deliverance.GC 645.3

The verse directs praise to Christ for saving love and sacrifice rather than to human workers or self, for he loved his people and washed them from their sins by his own blood.COL 161.2+1 He is the source of all light and efficiency and the giver of every good gift, so all honor and praise and gratitude offerings belong to him.Lt 39, 1894, par. 11–12 Worship should therefore express heartfelt gratitude for this redemption and not depend on costly instruments or outward display.Lt 2c, 1892, par. 22–26 Believers are to give him the glory and lift him up rather than glorying in themselves or their success, drawing inspiration from him for the highest spiritual attainments, consecrating everything to him, and lifting him up as the Man of Calvary.6MR 203.2–3+1

No one in heaven sings to self for loving self, washing self, and redeeming self, because no person can save self, regenerate self, or subdue the pride of the human heart, though many on earth make self-love and self-salvation the keynote of their song.Lt 73, 1896, par. 55–56 Salvation is not something people accomplish for themselves, since Christ alone loved and redeemed people through his blood.STMW9 61.2–62.1+1 Glory, honor, blessing, and praise belong to Christ, not to those who claim to love or redeem themselves.STMW9 61.2–62.1+1 Justification by faith is God laying human glory in the dust and doing for man what man has no power to do for himself, so that when men see their own nothingness they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and regeneration reveals to man his own real worthless nature, so that praising and exalting God all the day long and beholding him changes men into the same image, learning Christ's meekness and lowliness as the whole gospel.Lt 73, 1896, par. 55–56

His love calls for praise and gives freshness and comfort of hope, for he gave himself to die for helpless sinners.Lt 127, 1902, par. 1–3 That pardoning love brought into the heart moves the believer to praise, thanksgiving, and adoration, and awakens peace and joy.ST Apr 3, 1893+1 His love and keeping power call for hearts filled with thanksgiving and voices expressing gratitude to him, and expressing thankfulness for his love gives strength and guards against sinning in word or deed, while a deeper experience of it brings peace with God.Ms 158, 1902, par. 28–29 He must be lifted up to make the plan of salvation simple and forcible, pointing souls to him as the answer to what must I do to be saved, breathed in every prayer and sung in every anthem.Lt 80, 1896, par. 10 This love calls for heartfelt adoration and praise in Sabbath worship, and should be the central theme of songs and spoken words.6T 367.1

The verse gives the praise the redeemed will speak when they see him face to face in heaven, having seen him only by faith on earth, beholding as he is the one they love, saved eternally to live ever in his presence.RH Jan 5, 1905+1 Then they will thank him for his redeeming mercy in loving them and cleansing them from their sins in his own blood, including converts from heathen lands who demolished their idols and worshiped God.RH Jan 5, 1905 He loved his people and washed them from their sins in his own blood, exalting them to be kings and priests unto God, a kingdom of priests, to whom be glory forever, with grace and peace coming to believers in close and decided connection from him which is and was and is to come, from the seven Spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness and first begotten of the dead and prince of the kings of the earth.Lt 16, 1900, par. 10+1 These words comfort believers and give glory and dominion to Christ forever.ST Jan 28, 1903

The redeemed praise him for this saving work and honor him as they receive crowns and the insignia of victory before entering God's city.GC88 645.3 Those who enter the holy city have washed their robes in his blood and stood firmly for his truth, entering with a perfect right to be there.1T 60.3 The redeemed will praise him for this saving mercy and live eternally in his presence.GW 518.2–3 Holy angels will join that song of the redeemed celebrating cleansing by his blood, yet they cannot sing that cleansing from personal experience because they have never needed to be redeemed.Lt 79, 1900, par. 33 They still understand the great peril from which God's people have been saved, having been sent to minister to the heirs of salvation and to lift up a standard against the enemy for them, and they fully sympathize with the glowing joy of those who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.Lt 79, 1900, par. 33

Being washed from sins in His own blood is the ground of assurance and hope of salvation.SC 55 Children can have a real Christian experience and know their sins are washed away through the blood of the Redeemer.ApY 56.1 When children pray to Him for deliverance in temptation, Jesus washes away sins in His own blood.Lt 1, 1860, par. 6–7

Those washed and saved by His blood are claimed as His jewels.Lt 1, 1860, par. 6–7 When the wrath of God comes upon the earth, Jesus tells the destroying angel to spare them and come not near to destroy them.Lt 1, 1860, par. 6–7 They are given victory over the tempter, crowned for His kingdom, and fitted to dwell in His heavenly mansions forever, where they shall never more be tempted but be free and happy.Lt 1, 1860, par. 6–7

Profession to have been cleansed from sin by His blood must be reflected in a humble, self-denying life, not in pride and showy dress.SG4 179.1 Cherished pride contradicts the claim to be washed by His blood, and those not cleansed from sin cannot see God, for only the pure in heart will see Him.SG4 179.1 His blood has power to remove sin and wash the redeemed clean, and through the Lamb's blood believers can gain victory through trials and stand before God.ST Aug 6, 1885

Nothing but the blood of Jesus can wash away stains of sin and remove wrinkles in the moral character.Lt 11, 1864, par. 17–19 God's eye is upon all acts of men, and even the most secret acts and thoughts of the heart are recorded for the judgment.Lt 11, 1864, par. 17–19 Sinful traits must be seen and overcome before God can pardon transgressions and blot them out of His book of records.Lt 11, 1864, par. 17–19 Giving way to an unyielding strong will, acting out feelings, and standing opposed to reproof or correction develops a large diseased spot upon the heart, deeper-seated and longer-lasting than known, which threatens eternal interest and ruin of the soul.Ms 12, 1863, par. 4–6 Only the blood of Christ can wash that spot away, so that the heart is affected by truth, refined, purified, and fitted up for Christ's kingdom.Ms 12, 1863, par. 4–6

His blood cleanses people from sin, and those who belong to Him are His purchased inheritance.Ms 24, 1900, par. 7–8 Those facing temptation must rely moment by moment on the Christ who gave His life for fallen humanity, not on their own strength.Ms 24, 1900, par. 7–8 He redeemed believers by the blood of the Lamb and washed them from their sins so that the righteousness of Christ may adorn their life and character to His praise.Ms 240, 1902, par. 8–10 Those so washed are to represent it by showing forth Christ in words and works and good works instead of copying fallen angels.Ms 240, 1902, par. 8–10

Wealth and position cannot secure acceptance with the Father; we come to Him in Jesus' name, pleading through Jesus as Advocate.Ms 36, 1885, par. 33 Jesus is Friend and Savior, His love calls forth our love, and lasting comfort and happiness are found in Him.Ms 36, 1885, par. 33 He loves helpless and sinful people and died for them, and wants them to come to Him just as they are.Lt 4, 1871, par. 6 He will wash them in His own blood and purify them to fit them for the society of heavenly angels, and coming to Him serves present interest and saves the soul for eternal life.Lt 4, 1871, par. 6

Sinners are saved through His blood, and putting on Christ ends self-condemnation and expels selfish motives.Lt 50, 1891, par. 5 Gratitude, love, and loyalty then lead the believer to seek Christ's glory and learn to do what is good.Lt 50, 1891, par. 5 A believer washed clean in the blood of the Redeemer has God's love in the heart, and His love accompanies the changed life.RH May 18, 1876

His love and keeping power call for hearts filled with thanksgiving and voices expressing gratitude to Him.Ms 158, 1902, par. 28–29 Expressing thankfulness for His love gives strength and guards against sinning in word or deed.Ms 158, 1902, par. 28–29 A deeper experience of it brings peace with God.Ms 158, 1902, par. 28–29

He is the source of all light and efficiency and the giver of every good gift, so all honor and praise and gratitude offerings belong to Him.Lt 39, 1894, par. 11–12 Believers should therefore draw inspiration from Jesus Christ to secure the highest spiritual attainments, glory not in self or in success, consecrate everything to Him, and lift Him up as the Man of Calvary.Lt 39, 1894, par. 11–12 He has matchless charms because He first loved sinners, and that love is to be regarded and taught to children.Ms 18, 1894, par. 32 A person must surrender to Him just as he is and ask to be washed in His blood, and must remain in His presence and go no more out.Ms 18, 1894, par. 32 Those washed receive eternal life in the kingdom of glory and will sing the song of the redeemed, the song of redeeming love, and by glorifying God now and revealing the power of Christ's religion they will lead many others to meet them there.Ms 18, 1894, par. 32

His spotless life was given in a shameful death by their Prince and King, the Son of the infinite God, to save all who believe in Him, showing the immense value and worth of human souls.Ms 65, 1900, par. 21–24+1 Sinners are washed from their sins in the blood of the Lamb.Ms 65, 1900, par. 21–24+1 Through the Holy Spirit people may help others escape Satan's power, repent, turn to the living God, and be washed from sins in the blood of the Lamb.Ms 65, 1900, par. 21–24 Through the Holy Spirit's work people can use their voices and means to lead others out of Satan's darkness and into repentance and service to God.Ms 65a, 1900, par. 28