Thus a survey of the four places in Revelation where the seven spirits of God are mentioned fails to provide sufficient information to arrive at a certain understanding of this enigmatic phrase. 26) acknowledges that some hold the view that seven Spirits refers to angels, but his own view is that John means the Holy Spirit and his sevenfold manifestation. 129) says, “The seven spirits which are before God’s throne symbolize the Holy Spirit, seven again symbolizing completion or perfection.” The number seven in the Scriptures often is used this way. As examples of how scholars treat this expression, we cite the following: The last view is really an extension of the second. However, these views stand out: (1) the expression refers to angels (2) John is referring to the Holy Spirit and (3) he is identifying seven manifestations of the Spirit. Many different explanations of the “seven spirits” are given. The question is, “To whom does the expression “seven Spirits” refer? However, the second phrase is the subject of considerable discussion. The last phrase, of course, specifically names Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. He is the One who is and who was and who is to come. Very clearly, the first phrase refers to God the Father. The grace and peace is (1) from Him who is and who was and who is to come, (2) from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and (3) from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. John bestows upon the seven churches “grace and peace” from the Triune source. Because we are studying the Holy Spirit, we will focus our attention here on this expression. In the salutation, John mentions the “seven Spirits.” This same expression is used in 3:1, 4:5, and 5:6. He begins his covering letter with a salutation (1:4-8). Although he will write to each church, he intends that they all read all of the letters. Then, he writes a covering letter to the seven churches in Asia (1:4-20). John introduces his book in Revelation 1:1-3. – Revelation 1:4-7, New International Version Introduction And all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |