He Holds the Keys

Revelation 1:1-7, 17-18

Adrian Rogers


Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Revelation 1:1-7, 17-18

The Book of Revelation is the unveiling or unfolding of Jesus Christ; reading it is a study of prophecy for the purpose of loving and worshiping Him more fully. He holds the keys to our fellowship and our understanding of Him; we are His willing servants.

And as we study Revelation 1, we’ll learn four things about our Risen Lord.

First, we learn about the grace of our Risen Lord.

“...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood…” (Revelation 1:5). Because of His grace, Jesus loves us; there was never a beginning to His love for us, and there will never be an end.

Adrian Rogers says, “He loved you before He swung this planet into space, before time began. You’ve been in the heart and mind of God before the foundation of the world.” He has loosened us free from sin and lifted us, making us kings and priests (see Revelation 1:6).

Second, this passage reveals the glory of our Risen Lord.

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him…” (Revelation 1:7).

When Jesus came to this Earth the first time, He came with His glory veiled; but when He returns, His outshining glory will be unveiled, and we will truly see Him.

Third, we see our Risen Lord’s gentleness.

“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last…’” (Revelation 1:17).

For those who are in Christ Jesus, the Second Coming is not a fearful occurrence, but a comforting one.

Finally, we see our Risen Lord’s government.

“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death…” (Revelation 1:18).

The one who has keys has the power to open, close, liberate and imprison. Jesus is the keeper of the keys to Hell and death, revealing His complete authority over our greatest enemies.


Apply it to your life

Are you a servant of the Risen Lord Jesus? Receive His grace, glory, and gentleness. He is the keeper of the keys, and has authority over all.