Brother Sparks emphasizes the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, focusing on three titles: the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. He explains that these titles reveal Christ's authority and judgment over the church, nations, and the kingdom of Satan. The faithful witness embodies perfect love, faith, and obedience, representing God's intentions for humanity. Jesus' life exemplifies perfect love for God and mankind, unwavering faith amidst trials, and complete obedience to the Father. The firstborn of the dead signifies that Jesus is the prototype of believers, offering them the same victorious life over death. Lastly, as the ruler of the kings of the earth, Jesus' authority is spiritual and long-term, demonstrating that truth ultimately prevails over lies and falsehoods. Brother Sparks concludes by highlighting the comfort these titles provide to believers and the warning they pose to the ungodly, urging a deeper understanding of the risen Lord's greatness.
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.