Revelation 1:18

Keys of death and hell.

Rather, Hades, the abode of the dead. The meaning is that he has the mastery over death and the abode of the dead.

PRACTICAL AND SUGGESTIVE.

1. The apostles were the brethren of the saints, not lords over God's heritage.

2. He who stooped to human form, took our nature and became the Son of man on earth, still remains the Son of man and our brother in his exaltation and glory.

3. To be "in the Spirit" by obedience to its commands on the Lord's day is the surest way to have the presence of Christ.

4. The vision of the Savior walking among the golden candlesticks and holding the seven stars in his hand, teaches. lesson of trust in him. The candlesticks symbolize the churches, and the vision teaches that he is with his people always; always in the midst of the churches.-- Vision of the Ages.

5. THE GLORY OF CHRIST.--He was arrayed in. kingly robe and girt with. girdle of God. Heavenly purity was indicated by the dazzling whiteness of his head and hair, and the splendor that shone from his countenance was like that of the unclouded sun. Every manifestation of the divine glory is accompanied with brilliancy and splendor. "In him is no darkness at all." The burning bush of Horeb; the glory of Sinai; the shekinah of the tabernacle; the City of which God and the Lamb are the light; the transfigured Savior of Hermon; the Son of man of Patmos, and all the visions of the prophets of both covenants, indicate that whenever Deity manifests himself there is. revelation of heavenly splendor. The Son of man; the Man of sorrows; the Lamb of God, is also the bright Morning Star and the Sun of Righteousness.-- Vision of the Ages.

6. THE GROUPING.--This lesson is. picture and the imagery is most striking. The teacher should not fail to note and impress it. There is, (1) The Place:. lonely, rocky, surf-lashed isle, with the sea near at hand in every direction; (2) The Time; The Lord's day, the day that Christ had risen from the dead, and at which the churches everywhere were meeting and celebrating his dying love; (3) The Subject: An old man, the last of the apostles; an exile driven from the churches by persecution and cast into this place as. prison; (4) The Lord: He has not forgotten his aged servant. He had loved him on the earth and he loves him still. Observe the glory of his appearance. Such is his glory on the heavenly throne; (5) His Message: It is to the churches; to us, his disciples. In heaven he does not forget us, but remembers us, hears us, and watches over us.