Author: Charlie Garrett

Saturday, 29 August 2020

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

John, having seen the vision of the Lord, now says what his immediate reaction to what he saw was, stating, “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.” The overwhelming nature of what his eyes beheld astonished him to the point of actually fainting. This type of reaction is seen elsewhere. When Isaiah beheld a vision of the Lord, his reaction was –

“Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5

Ezekiel is said to have fallen on his face when beholding a vision of the Lord (Ezekiel 43:3). Daniel’s reaction to such visions was similar on several occasions, such as –

“And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. ⁸ Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. ⁹ Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.” Daniel 10:7-9

Such reactions are given to show that the presence of the Lord is like an overwhelming horror. Not because the Lord isn’t glorious, but because He is glorious. When sinful man comes into the presence of absolute holiness, the realization of his own lowly state is realized. The terrifying nature of what must come upon us in our judgment is suddenly realized. This is why Paul says concerning these things –

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. ¹¹ Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” 1 Corinthians 5:10, 11

This is speaking of saved believers; the redeemed of the Lord. And yet, Paul speaks of “the terror of the Lord.” Our joining with Christ is to be one of eternal joy, but our judgment will first sift out all that is of no value. When we are purified through this judgment, only then will what remains be set for the eternal state of glory.

Despite John’s reaction, and despite what we must face in our own judgment as believers, John next provides words of comfort, saying, “But He laid His right hand on me.” The right hand is the symbol of authority, power, and rule. And yet, instead of striking John with it, the words note that the Lord tenderly laid it on him. Something similar is also seen in Daniel 8 –

“Now, as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me, and stood me upright.” Daniel 8:18

In the act of laying His hand on John, the Lord also gave him words of wonderful comfort, saying, “Do not be afraid.” It is, again, similar to what occurred after Daniel swooned in Daniel 10 –

“Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. ¹¹ And he said to me, ‘O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.’ While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.’” Daniel 10:10, 11

Like Daniel, John was overwhelmed by what he saw, knowing that his just due for being in the presence of pure holiness was to be destroyed. But because of the mercies of the Lord to His redeemed people, he had already been set apart for pardon of sin and purification through Christ. Despite his fallen state, he would be glorified. As Paul says elsewhere –

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

Judgment for purification lies ahead, but judgment for salvation has already been obtained. As a note of surety concerning this, the Lord then said to John, “I am the First and the Last.”  This same proclamation is spoken by the Lord (Yehovah) three times in the book of Isaiah. It is found in Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, and 48:12. In fact, in Isaiah 44:6, He says –

“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,
And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
‘I am the First and I am the Last;
Besides Me there is no God.” Isaiah 44:6

How can this be when this same description is spoken concerning Jesus three times in Revelation (here, Revelation 2:8, & Revelation 22:13)? That this is without a doubt referring to Jesus is because here and in 2:8 it adds on a note that He was dead, but is alive. And in Revelation 22 it specifically says in the same context, “I, Jesus.” The answer must be that Jesus is the incarnate Lord. He is the One and only God, and the second member of the Godhead. To say otherwise is to say the Bible is contradictory.

Christ is before all things and He is the end purpose of all things. As He is God, His existence is the source for everything else. As He is the only God, no other God exists or will exist after Him. As such, He is the judge and end of all matters. What He determines, no one can thwart or call into question.

The Lord’s words to John, “Do not be afraid,” are based on His proclamation that He is “the First and the Last.” However, understanding why that should lead him to not be afraid continues to be explained in the next verse. Stay tuned. Good news is one verse away.

Life application: John was completely overwhelmed by the vision he saw of Christ and it mentally overwhelmed him. This appearance was similar to one John had witnessed many years earlier as a young man. When Jesus took Peter, James, and him up on a mountain alone, they saw Him transfigured – a slight foretaste into the glory to come. However, this appearance in Revelation 1 reflects the full glory of the Risen Christ in all His splendor. John was completely overwhelmed by what he saw.

Both Daniel and John were considered “beloved” of the Lord, both were given the blessing of seeing the Lord of creation, and both were told to not be afraid. The power of God in Jesus Christ is ultimately one of comfort for the believer. As this is so, we should live for Him now, knowing that we will be judged for rewards and loss, but when that is done, we will be in His presence forever and ever, contemplating the glory of our Creator.

He is before all things and He holds all things together by the power of His word. He is the Lord of the universe and the Lord of His people. He is Jesus.

Lord, because of You, and because of what You have done for us, we can live without fear. Trials cannot overcome us, pains are a temporary inconvenience, and death cannot hold us. We know that we are safe in the power of Your right hand and that nothing in all of creation can separate us from You. All of our hope, all of our trust, and all of our confidence is in You alone. You are great and greatly to be praised. Amen.

Friday, 28 August 2020

He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. Revelation 1:16

Again, John continues with his description of Christ, revealing His glory to us. In this verse, he begins with, “He had in His right hand seven stars.” In verse 20, he will explain that these seven stars are the “seven angels of the seven churches.” That will be reviewed then. For now, the “right hand” is used to denote the position of power.

The hand is the place where activity occurs, and tasks are accomplished. Thus, the symbolism is that these seven stars are within His powerful grasp, and that His purposes are being accomplished through them. Nothing is said of the order in which they are presented to John’s eyes, nor how they were displayed. But John clearly saw that there were seven of them, and they were in Christ’s powerful right hand.

Next, he says that “out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.” The order of the words in Greek is precise, saying, “sword, two-mouthed, sharp.” The word translated as “two-edged” is distomos. It signifies “two mouthed.” The idea of the edge of the sword being described as a mouth permeates Scripture.

In this, the sword is considered a devouring instrument, consuming that which it comes in contact with. Being a mouth, it is then likened to a drinker of blood – meaning it has the ability to take life because the “life is in the blood.” Being two-mouthed, it is a consumer of blood at all times. No matter which side is presented, its effect remains the same.

Proceeding from the mouth of Christ, who is the embodiment of truth, it gives the sense that Christ will cut out all that is false and all that is contrary to the truth that is found in Him. The sword is used to describe destruction throughout the Old Testament, and even into the New. Jesus uses the terminology of the sword to describe the fate of the Hebrew people in Luke 22  –

“And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Luke 21:24

The presentation of Christ is one that should be terrifying to those who reject Him and His word. To see this sword in action, one can turn ahead to Revelation 19:15-21. In that passage, Christ will dispatch the armies gathered together to make war against Him.

John next says, “and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.” The word translated as “countenance,” opsis, is rare, being used only by John. It is found in John 7:24, John 11:44, and here. It signifies sight, meaning the act of sight. It is an external appearance. John says that this sight of Christ is like the sun. But more specifically, like the sun shining “in its strength.” This would indicate midday. The sun at midday, and particularly in an arid region like the Mideast, is what is being referred to here – a dazzling brightness.

The terminology reaches all the way back to Judges 5 –

“Thus let all Your enemies perish, O Lord!
But let those who love Him be like the sun
When it comes out in full strength.” Judges 5:31

The comparison of the sun to the Lord is found elsewhere as well, such as in 2 Samuel 23:4, Psalm 19:5, and Malachi 4:2. If the face of Christ – His appearance – is as the sun, then it means that what it shines upon is fully illuminated. There is nothing that He will not see. All that is dark or hidden will be brought to light. Jesus spoke of this idea in regard to a lamp. If this is so, how much truer is it with the light of the sun shining forth –

“Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? ²² For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.” Mark 4:21, 22

With the awesome presentation of Christ now fully seen by John, he will explain his reaction to it in the coming verse.

Life application: Elsewhere in Scripture, the sword is noted as the power of the Spirit of God and also as the word of God, the Bible. These descriptions point to an instrument which is authoritative, powerful, and able to consume anything that comes against it. It is effective in both directions (two-edged) as it can be used 1) internally in the church for judgment –

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God.” 1 Peter 4:17

2) It can also be used externally for destruction of the enemies of God –

“Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.” Revelation 19:15

Concerning the sun, when the Lord appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus, His radiant glory blinded him. Human eyes can’t perceive the fullness of the glory of God, and this is what Jesus is, the unveiled and infinitely glorious revelation of the unseen God. He is the One who created the universe, the One who sustains the universe, and therefore the One who is more glorious than anything in His creation. He is Jesus.

Lord God, how glorious You are. The descriptions of You in Scripture reveal majestic splendor. But how can words fully describe an infinite? And so, we can only imagine You and Your glory in a limited way. Knowing this, how truly glorious You are! You are worthy of infinite praise. May our hearts never be arrogant towards You, but may we humbly walk in the radiant light of Your glory, ever boasting in You alone. Amen.

Thursday, 27 August 2020

His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; Revelation 1:15

John continues with his description of the Lord in all of His glorious splendor. Here he notes that “His feet were like fine brass.” He uses a word found only here and in verse 2:18, chalkolibanon. It is derived from chalkos, meaning “copper” or “bronze,” and libanos, signifying “frankincense.” That is then derived from the Hebrew word leboonah, also meaning “frankincense,” but signifying “white” based on its root, the verb laben, or “to make white.” That, in turn, comes from the word lebanah, or “brick.” The reason for this is that bricks whiten as they are dried or fired in a kiln.

This may seem like an unnecessary rabbit trail into the etymology of an obscure word, but it is not. In understanding the typology from the Old Testament, what is stated about Christ’s feet here will make complete sense when the second and last use of chalkolibanon is given in Chapter 2. A hint of the reason for this is that bricks in the Old Testament signify works, particularly man’s works which are insufficient before God. For example, when the people built the Tower of Babel, they made bricks in order to erect a tower to heaven.

In this, there was a picture of human effort in order to reach God – works based salvation. God rejected that. Therefore, this special word – found only these two times, both of which point to the color of Christ’s feet – are referring to judgment on works. The reason for this is that brass (bronze/copper) in the Bible has its own signification.

In the Bible, it mainly symbolizes judgment, but also endurance. This judgment can be positive or negative. If positive, it results in purification and justification. If negative, it results in punishment or even death.

However, there is the truth that in order for there to be positive judgment for a sinful person, then there must be the death of an innocent in his place. Therefore, the positive judgment still carries with it a negative aspect.

This description of Christ’s feet in Revelation reflects the same picture that is carried forward from instances in the Old Testament. In Daniel 10:6, it says –

“His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.”

Another time in the Ezra 8:27, two bronze vessels being carried to Jerusalem with the returning exiles are considered as “precious as gold” –

“…twenty gold basins worth a thousand drachmas, and two vessels of fine polished bronze, precious as gold.”

Taking this into consideration, Thayer’s Lexicon says it seems “to have been in the writer’s thought” to “compel us to understand some metal like gold, if not more precious.” This special brass with its unique and magnificent color represents – most especially – judgment on works, and also endurance.

Further, feet are what are used to propel a person, keeping on the right or wrong path depending on where the person directs them. They are the part of the body that picks up defilement while walking, and thus need to be washed as it is picked up. Christ’s, however, are presented as instruments of judgment. They are further presented as enduring through all trials and having come through without any defilement.

That is seen in the words, “as if refined in a furnace.” The word translated as “refined” signifies “to burn.” Being refined in a furnace explains the color derived from the word “white.” The heat causes things to whiten in a furnace, burning off all impurity and allowing the metal to be formed or shaped accordingly. In Christ’s feet, there is pure judgment, no defilement, and absolute perfection.

John next says of Him, “and His voice as the sound of many waters.” This looks to the same verse from Daniel 10 cited above, which said, “the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.” However, the direct citation that John is using comes from Ezekiel –

“And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.” Ezekiel 43:2.

Both descriptions speak of a voice that resonates with a multitude of wavelengths coming forth at the same time. What cannot be denied here is that, in Ezekiel, the voice is attributed to “the God of Israel.” Therefore, a direct connection is made between Christ Jesus here, and Yehovah – the God of Israel – in Ezekiel. One cannot deny the deity of Christ without first dismissing the very words that reveal who He is.

Concerning this voice, it is necessary to understand the etymology of the word yam, or “west” from the Old Testament. For example, in Genesis 12:8, it notes the directions “west” and “east.” The word for “west” is yam, the same as the word for “sea.” The reason for this is that the Mediterranean, or “Great,” Sea is to the west of Canaan. The land itself forms typological pictures. The word yam comes from an unused root meaning “to roar.” Thus, it is “the roaring.”

Understanding this, the concept of man returning to God is from east to west. Man was cast east of the Garden of Eden. In the tabernacle/temple, the Most Holy Place is in the west. It is the place where the Lord God of Israel resided.

The picture is that of man returning to God from His place of exile, heading once again toward Him where He is residing in the west. This description of “many waters,” gives the sense of the roaring of the sea, crashing and terrifying. It is, again, a confirmation that Christ is the Lord, Yehovah, who occupies the Most Holy Place and whose voice issues forth from there.

His voice goes forth in judgment upon the peoples, or it goes forth as a beckoning call to those who will come to Him.

Life application: “How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
‘Your God reigns!’” Isaiah 52:7.

The feet of Christ carry the message of God’s judgment. For the saved, it is a judgment of salvation leading to rewards and losses. For the unsaved, it is one of condemnation. The message of Christ issues forth on a voice that roars as of many waters. It calls out for wisdom and discernment to be applied by the people of the world. Christ has come! Respond to the call!

There can be no mistaking that John intends for his readers to understand Jesus as the incarnation of “Yehovah” of Israel’s past. He is the Mediator and Advocate for believers between God and man, and He is the image of the invisible God in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He is Jesus. Let us be prepared for our time of judgment by responding to the call of the Lord. May today be that day for those who are wise and discerning.

It is glorious to contemplate Your majesty as described within the pages of Scripture, O Lord. Surely Your glory is above all of creation. It extends beyond the height of heaven and beyond time itself. How wonderful to think that someday we will stand in Your presence and behold Your glory with our own eyes, ever hailing the splendor of the King of kings! Amen.

Wednesday, 26 August 2020

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; Revelation 1:14

Here, John continues with the description of the Lord whom he beheld in His vision, beginning with, “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow.” Here we have a comparison to that found in the Old Testament. In Psalm 51, David’s sin was uncovered, and he mourned over what he had done wrong. In his words, he said –

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

Thus, we have a direct comparison of “whiter than snow” by David to being pure and undefiled; sinless. Isaiah provides a second comparison of what is seen here in Revelation saying –

“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Not only does Isaiah equate “white as snow” with sinless purity, but he then adds in a like-comparison, saying, “as wool.” Scripture has interpreted Scripture. Understanding this, Daniel 7 unites both and uses them to describe not the Son of Man introduced in the previous verse (Daniel 7:13 14), but the Ancient of Days of Daniel 7:9, 10 –

“I watched till thrones were put in place,
And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His garment was white as snow,
And the hair of His head was like pure wool.
His throne was a fiery flame,
Its wheels a burning fire;
¹⁰ A fiery stream issued
And came forth from before Him.
A thousand thousands ministered to Him;
Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.
The court was seated,
And the books were opened.”

What this is telling us is that the Son of Man IS the Ancient of Days. This should be obvious because God cannot be seen. He has no parts. This is the first hint that every revelation of God seen in a physical aspect in the book of Revelation is that of Jesus Christ, revealing the unseen God to us.

That God cannot be seen is supported elsewhere in Scripture, such as 1 Timothy 1:17, 1 Timothy 6:16, and 1 John 4:12. To understand this from a logical perspective, one simply needs to understand that time, space, and matter were all created by God. None can exist apart from the other two. As this is so, God is before His creation and He is outside of His creation. He is not bound by time, by space, or by matter. He is thus pure actuality with no potential to change. Therefore, Jesus Christ – the incarnate Word of God – reveals the unseen God to us. As this is so, any theophany of God is Jesus revealing the unseen God to us. This should be remembered as we proceed through the book of Revelation. The book is the “Revelation” or unveiling of Jesus Christ.

With this understood, there is one other attribute of the white hair that could be logically applied. In Leviticus 19, it says –

“You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:32

Also, Proverbs 16 says –

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16:31

The intent of these, and other, verses is to show that the gray hair of a person conveys age, wisdom, honor, respect, and righteousness. Therefore, this second connotation certainly applies. Jesus Christ is the Ancient of Days, He is the epitome of Wisdom, He is deserving of the greatest honor and respect, and He is the embodiment of righteousness.

John next says of Him, “and His eyes like a flame of fire.” It is a description seen in Daniel 10:6 –

“His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.”

The idea of fire in the Bible is that of judgment, purification, refinement, and so on. The Lord spoke from the midst of the fire when the Ten Commandments were given. It spoke of judgment. Any infraction of the law would be met with it. In Numbers 31:23, fire was to be used for the purification of defiled items.

And Paul, writing to the Corinthians, says the following –

“Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, ¹³ each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

&

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. ¹¹ Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11

Believers will come before Christ at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and that which is of no value shall be burned away. The eyes of the Lord will pierce through the days of our lives and the actions of our conduct, and they will purify us for our eternal state. On the other hand, Revelation later says –

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.” Revelation 19:11, 12

Those who are not found in Christ will be judged with those same burning eyes, and they will be purified through destruction. See Revelation 20:9-15 for a description of their fate. None of this should be a surprise, however. Jude 1:7 says that what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah was given as an example to all of those “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”

Life application: As has been the case and will continue to be the case, the argument against Jesus’ deity crumbles into emptiness before the words of John as he relates what he sees in the glorious person of Jesus Christ.

Understanding this, the world must view Him from every aspect. He is the Provider of peace, but He is also the Judge of the wicked. He is gracious and merciful, and yet He is holy, pure, undefiled, and righteous. Those who fail to come to Him for salvation are set for an eternal swim in the Lake of Fire. Be ready for the day you stand before God. Call on Jesus Christ and receive His pardon for your sins now. Believe the gospel – Christ died for your sins, O sinner. Let Him wash away your misdeeds and purify you for eternal life in glory.

Lord God, we know that it is by Your righteousness that we are purified, and through Christ our sin is removed. We also know that it is Your penetrating gaze that looks upon our hearts and that knows every deed we do, both good and bad. Because of this, we cannot hide our sin. Instead, we confess it to You openly, asking that You cleanse us, purify us, and restore us to You through the precious blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 25 August 2020

…and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. Revelation 1:13

John’s vision, which began in the previous verse, spoke of seven golden lampstands. Now, continuing with that thought, it says, “and in the midst of the seven lampstands.” Although getting ahead of the presentation, it is right to explain the meaning of these lampstands. Verse 20 will say, “the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.”

With this understanding, John then sees a vision of one “in the midst of the seven” churches. The word translated as “midst” signifies “in the middle.” Therefore, this is probably referring to seven lampstands, rather than one lampstand with seven branches. However, John could be beholding someone standing in front of a seven-branched lampstand. That would appear less likely though.

Either way, there in the midst of them is “One like the Son of Man.” This terminology permeates Scripture, and it can be speaking of the Lord, or of a given person. For example, Ezekiel is called “son of man” numerous times in his book. It is a way of specifically identifying the humanity of a person.

Further, there is no article before “Son of Man” in the Greek of this verse. Therefore, it should say, “a Son of Man.” However, this does not mean that it is not the Lord. Rather, it is focusing on His humanity. This term, Son of Man, is used of the Lord in both testaments. For example, it is speaking of Him in Daniel 7:13, where the definite article is also lacking in the original (even those placed in the translation) –

“I was watching in the night visions,
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.” Daniel 7:13

The term will also be used in Revelation 14:14 –

“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” Revelation 14:14

The term “Son of Man” is used again and again by Jesus when refereeing to Himself in the book of Luke. There, to stress His humanity, He uses the article – “the Son of Man.” However, in John 5, He says this while leaving off the article –

“For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, ²⁷ and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.” John 5:26, 27

John’s vision now is clearly referring to Christ Jesus – the God/Man. However, the focus is first on His humanity. Of Him, it says he is “clothed with a garment down to the feet.” The word “feet” is singular – “down to the foot.” Thus, it gives the sense of being fully covered. One might paraphrase this as “from shoulder to foot” to get the sense of the words.

This is a clear reference to the tunic worn by the high priest of Israel. The same word used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament concerning the length is seen in Exodus 28:31. This is the only time this word, podérés, is used in the New Testament.

Such a full covering pictures absolute purity and sinlessness. When one is naked, partially or completely, it signifies being exposed. Such exposure represents being in a state of sin. The typology goes back to the garden of Eden where Adam and Eve realized they were naked and tried to cover themselves. Being fully covered, this Son of Man has no exposure, and thus is sinless.

The study concerning the garments and implements of the high priest of Israel shows that every single detail of them points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Those were types and shadows of the true High Priest of the New Covenant. Unfortunately, the heretical sect known as hyperdispensationalists claims that the symbolism is Jewish and has nothing to do with the church.

This shows a complete misunderstanding of Old Testament typology. The things of the Old anticipate Christ in the New. The garments of Christ, our High Priest, are not relying on those types and shadows. Rather, they are the fulfillment of them. Christ performs His priestly functions (mediating between God and man) based on His status as the Mediator.

To say that Christ is not the High Priest of the Gentiles, as well as the Jews, is to say that Paul’s reference to Christ as our Mediator (see 1 Timothy 2:5) has no meaning. It robs the significance of Christ’s work, it denies that the New Covenant it a single covenant for all people, and it heretically separates the one gospel of Jesus Christ into two.

To understand the symbolism of this garment, prefigured by that of Israel’s high priest, one can refer to the video or written sermons on those passages provided by the Superior Word.

Next, the description continues with, “and girded about the chest with a golden band.” This is reflective of the description found in Daniel 10 –

“I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! ⁶ His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.” Daniel 10:5, 6

Noting this, it continues to show the inaccuracy of the doctrine of hyperdispensationalists. The same symbolism of Christ, even from the Old Testament, shows that what was given to Israel’s high priest under the Mosaic Covenant was only anticipatory of the greater things found in Christ.

This zónén chrysan, or golden band, reveals both the priestly and kingly offices of the One being presented. The zóné, or “band,” simply signifies a belt, sash, girdle, etc. At times, it describes a money belt. In this case, because it is about His mastos, or literally “breasts,” it signifies a band, or sash.

The sash of the high priest of Israel is described in Exodus 28 – all of its details anticipate Christ Jesus. In Isaiah 11:5 and 22:21, a sash is used to describe the coming Messiah, either directly or in typology. In particular, Isaiah 22:21 anticipates a ruler, not a priest. The same is true with Job 12:18 –

“He loosens the bonds of kings,
And binds their waist with a belt.”

Paul uses the idea of such a girdle in Ephesians 6:14 to indicate binding oneself with truth. Of this Son of Man, His band is gold. It signifies purity and holiness, royalty, and divinity. Thus, even though He is a Son of Man, He is also divine. He is pure and without spot, He is set apart, and He stands in kingly status.

Life application: The garments described in this verse show a uniting of the offices of both High Priest and King into one. This was anticipated in the book of Zechariah –

“Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!
From His place He shall branch out,
And He shall build the temple of the Lord;
¹³ Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord.
He shall bear the glory,
And shall sit and rule on His throne;
So He shall be a priest on His throne,
And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” Zechariah 6:12, 13

Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of that prophecy. In the New Covenant, He replaces the Aaronic line of Israel’s priests, and He fulfills the promise of eternal kingship made to King David. Again, to argue against the intolerably poor doctrine of hyperdispensationalsm, as has already been done above concerning Christ’s priestly office, the same is true with His kingly office.

Paul uses the term “kingdom,” again and again, when writing to the Gentile believers. One simple example of this is speaking of the time of the rapture of the church –

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.” 1 Corinthians 15:50

It would be rather silly to set up a kingdom that had no king. Christ is the fulfillment of the types and shadows of the Old Testament, having become both High Priest and King of a New Covenant – one which is set up for those who accept His one (and only one) gospel. Do not be led astray by the heretical teachings of hyperdispensationalism. Jesus is the Lord and Savior of both Jew and Gentile.

The book of Matthew displays Jesus as the King, and John shows Jesus as the High Priest; both of these are more fully explained in the book of Hebrews. Jesus, who is our Great King and High Priest, is the One who is always in the midst of the church, watching over us and directing us according to His purposes. Those churches who glorify Him will receive their reward; those who fail to do so will be removed from His presence.

He is our God and worthy of our devotion, adoration, and praise.

The Church serves the One true, eternal, and awesome God through the Lord Jesus! It is You, O Christ, who reveals the Father, and it is You through whom the Holy Spirit is given. You are the focus of our faith. You are our glorious and reigning King and our faithful and merciful High Priest who mediates on our behalf. You are most glorious and worthy of all praise! Amen.