Revelation 1:12-20
Is the Son of man who appears here with His attributes of holy and steadfast justice the same humble Jesus of the Gospels, our tender, loving Saviour? Previously John had leaned confidently on His breast (John 13:25). Here he falls down at His feet as dead. What a contrast!
So we must not forget this aspect of the glory of Christ. The Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son (John 5:22); later on He must use it against those who have not believed in Him (Revelation 19:1-21; Revelation 20:1-15). But at the present, while the Church is on the earth, He is concerned with the state of each of His assemblies (the seven golden candlesticks (lamps) which should shine in His absence). Yes, the Lord can forgive everyone. He died and rose again to give us forgiveness and life (v. 18). However He can not let anything pass. His eyes are like flames of fire (Revelation 2:18; Revelation 19:12); nothing escapes His notice.
V. 19 provides the overall plan of the book.1. "The things which thou hast seen": that solemn vision of the Lord in glory (Revelation 1:12 . . .).2. "The things which are": the present condition of the responsible Church (Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22).3. "The things which shall be hereafter": the prophetic events which will soon come to pass (Revelation 4:1-11; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 6:1-17; Revelation 7:1-17; Revelation 8:1-13; Revelation 9:1-21; Revelation 10:1-11; Revelation 11:1-19; Revelation 12:1-17; Revelation 13:1-18; Revelation 14:1-20; Revelation 15:1-8; Revelation 16:1-21; Revelation 17:1-18; Revelation 18:1-24; Revelation 19:1-21; Revelation 20:1-15; Revelation 21:1-27; Revelation 22:1-21).