“From John, to the seven churches that are in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from “he who is,” and who was, and who is still to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ – the faithful witness, the firstborn from among the dead, the ruler over the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and has set us free from our sins at the cost of his own blood 6 and has appointed us as a kingdom, as priests serving his God and Father – to him be the glory and the power forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 1:4-6 NET2.
John writes this extensive prophetic statement to the seven principal churches in Asia. It must be noted here that the words ‘the province of’ is not found in the best mss, but the words are used not refer to the continent of Asia but to the ancient Roman province which was located in western modern-day Turkey.
This is a greeting not found anywhere else in the entire NT and especially expresses the presence of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. His eternal presence is noted in “He who is, was and still to come. The Bible clearly teaches there is but one Holy Spirit:
And Paul points out in His instruction concerning the Gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:11 that “It is one and the same Spirit, distributing as he decides to each person, who produces all these thing.” Consequently, the "seven Spirits" does not refer to seven different spirits, but most likely to the different avenues by which God expresses Himself by His Spirit.
In Isaiah 11:2 we find at least 6 manners by which God expresses Himself: “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Most likely the "seven Spirits" are not to be thought of as different spirits but refer to the complex ministry of the one Holy Spirit.
The question has been asked, “If these seven spirits are identified as the Holy Spirit, why is He see as being in front of the Throne?” Obviously, this is a pertinent question, but we must not forget the fact that God is present everywhere at all times. Therefore, this Presence before the Throne should not be an issue.
Verse 5 speaks to the ministry of the Christ as being faithful in witness of the majesty of the Almighty God of which He is. John reminds the reader that He was born the Savior of the world which is expressed by His being the ‘first born among the dead’ which comes by His crucifixion and blood sacrifice. He is King of kings and we serve as His priests. Revelation culminates the story of God which runs like a thin blood-red thread from Genesis until the very last verse of Revelation. “The one who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.” 22:20-21.
Jesus is Lord.
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