Grace and Peace Extended

Revelation 1:4 "Grace be unto you, and peace..."

A Salutation Rich with Doctrine

This salutation is found throughout the New Testament. Every one of Paul's epistles begins with this same salutation.  It is more than a formal greeting; it is the inspired expression of the writer’s desire that these two divine gifts be manifested in the life of the reader.  No greater gifts could be extended than grace and peace.  Grace is defined as a benevolent favor extended to one who does not deserve it.  The very fact of a person being saved is the manifestation of grace.  Yet grace does not cease at conversion.  It continues to operate in the life of the believer as needs are provided, protection is granted, instruction is presented, and direction is furnished. This is the abounding grace of God.  Likewise, peace means that things are set as one again.  What was broken and separated is restored to unity.  Where there was struggle and opposition, peace brings rest and quiet confidence.

The Triune Source of Grace and Peace

Both John and Paul identify the source of the grace and peace to be God Himself. Paul commonly mentions the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Here in Revelation, John includes the Holy Spirit as well.  He states that this grace and peace originate with the one which was, which is and which is to come.  This is clearly a reference to God the Father, who is consistently presented in Scripture as the originator of the work of God.  John also includes the Holy Spirit, referring to Him as the seven Spirits.  Revelation 5:6 clarifies that this term refers to the Holy Spirit.  John then declares that Jesus Christ is equally included as the source, showing His qualifications as the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings on earth.  In other words, He is the God/Man, possessing all authority and therefore fully qualified to impart grace and peace.  It was His work of redemption that made it possible for this grace and peace to be extended to unworthy sinners.

The Believer’s Present Assurance and Future Hope

What a wonderful truth.  We who have been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ can continually experience God’s unconditional and unmerited blessings. Because we are in Christ, we have unity and rest with God.  There are no more struggles to reach acceptance before God.  There is no more conflict in trying to force our way upon Him.  We have unhindered entrance into His presence at the throne of grace. Though everything may be falling apart around us, the peace that passes all understanding is ours.  John is about to describe terrible future scenes that are almost impossible to imagine—scenes that bring fear to the hearts of sinners.  Yet he first reminds those who are in Christ that grace will be given to face every horror, and peace will be supplied by God alone.  Not only can we count on this grace and peace in the difficult hours of life, but we can also look forward with great expectation to our meeting with the Lord Jesus.  John declares, "Behold, He cometh with clouds (there is no doubt in this statement); and every eye shall see Him..." O glorious day, when He shall return to rule and to reign.  Until then, the child of God may rest assured that God’s grace and peace remain available to all who are in Christ Jesus.