Fulfilling the Mystery

Preface

Fulfilling the Mystery - Apostolic and Prophetic Ministry in the Book of Revelation comes in two parts. In part one we first look at John’s letter to the church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:1 - 10) and then we follow up with an examination of his vision of God’s throne room (Revelation 4, 5) to see what truth God has deposited there concerning apostolic ministry. Part two will then consider Revelation Chapters ten and eleven for insights concerning the prophetic ministry.

First, we propose that the Apocalypse is an apostolic book like the rest of the New Testament. If this is true, then we should be able to discover its primary apostolic message. In Revelation Chapter 2 we discover the Lord’s strategy to communicate with His angelic forces through His word to each local church. As His people hear and respond to His voice, God’s wisdom arises through their lives to the angel assigned to that region at the time of the local congregation’s planting. Apostolic truth walked out is the most potent weapon we have in the great spiritual war engulfing this present age.

As a result of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the door is opened into eternal truth for God’s people. In stepping through that door, our first area of insight is that of a throne at the center of human history. To contemplate our planet and the unfolding of the human drama, without taking into consideration God’s sovereign rule, is at best foolish and at worst blasphemous. Our main quest in this life must be to know the One who rules and to learn His priorities. What else could constitute a successful human life? The Scriptures reveal for us His main concern. He intends to form a holy and beautiful bride to walk intimately with Him and to rule beside Him. Along with her identity as a bride, John discovers that God also likens her to a city that is emerging from heaven. Christ’s bridal city began to come into view in an upper room in the city of Jerusalem 2000 years ago. In those days, God began to define His city, bringing an increasing clarity to His purpose among the cities and nations of the earth. Today He continues that work.

Central to His purpose on earth is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Not only was God with us 2000 years ago in the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, today His name, Emmanuel i.e. “God with us”, identifies His present work on earth. Apostolic ministry is rooted not in men’s plans to extend God’s kingdom, but in the initiative, planning, and manifest power of the Holy Spirit. He has been poured out into the hearts of His people to reveal Christ. First, God sent (Greek, APOSTELLO) His Son to save the world (John 3:17). Then He sent (APOSTELLO) His Spirit to reveal His Son to the world (Revelation 5:6). Apostolic ministry will express this truth.

Fundamental to the theme of the present revelation of Christ on earth is the truth of His corporate body. His Church is to express through the diversity of its members submissively serving together, the unity in heaven. Submissive diversity will bring a greater revelation of God’s heart to the nations than will strong individual ministers who though spiritually gifted, function independently. As we yield to the apostolic vision of Christ revealed through a body, God will give us a comprehensive vision into His purpose – past, present, and future.

The heart of God’s kingdom message is the centrality and preeminence of His Son. Divine order on earth is revealed among people who give to Christ the same place of honor that the Father has given Him in heaven. Worship will characterize such a people. Informed worship on earth rooted in the apostolic revelation of Christ’s preeminence will then inspire the angels in heaven in their worship as well.

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