The 1st Vision: The Testimony of Jesus
Brother Stephen emphasizes that the central focus of the book of Revelation is the "testimony of Jesus," which is mentioned nine times. As the end of the age approaches, more people are drawn to Revelation, but the true purpose is not merely to predict future events. Instead, Revelation reveals the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus. God’s primary interest is in this testimony, not in the events themselves. A testimony must be personal, experiential, and revealed by God—only then is it genuine. Stephen explains that no one truly knows Jesus except through divine revelation from the Father, as Jesus Himself stated. Human knowledge alone is insufficient; true knowledge of Jesus comes through the Holy Spirit’s revelation, which must be living and real, not just tradition or doctrine. The testimony of Jesus is powerful and essential for spiritual victory, as seen in the lives of martyrs and believers who overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Stephen urges believers to seek deeper revelation, purify their hearts, and be willing to suffer for the testimony of Jesus. Ultimately, the church’s faithfulness in testifying about Jesus impacts the spiritual realm and advances God's kingdom. The goal is to have a living, powerful testimony of Jesus that transforms lives and overcomes Satan’s schemes.
Main Points Outline
- The book of Revelation centers on the "testimony of Jesus," not just future prophecy.
- The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus, which God reveals through divine revelation.
- Knowing Jesus personally requires divine revelation from the Father, Holy Spirit, and Jesus Himself.
- Testimony must be living, experiential, and based on personal revelation, not tradition or secondhand knowledge.
- Jesus’ own testimony about Himself is true because the Father testifies with Him.
- Believers overcome Satan through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, even unto death.
- Revelation and deeper knowledge of Jesus require seeking God sincerely, purity of heart, and willingness to suffer.
- The church’s faithfulness in testifying impacts spiritual warfare and advances God's kingdom.
- Living, genuine testimony of Jesus is vital for spiritual power, victory, and the fulfillment of God's purpose.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
