NUMBER SEVEN: #6 The Son of Man
The sevenfold snapshot of the risen Christ arising out of John’s vision is brought to us in terms the human mind can associate.
SEVEN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SON OF MAN
Amid the Golden Lampstands, John, the writer of Revelation, sees Jesus Christ. Now, with eyes wide open, he is given seven descriptions of the glorified, risen Son of Man. The sevenfold snapshot of the risen Christ arising out of John’s vision is brought to us in terms the human mind can associate. Each of these depictions contains symbols that reveal the Holiness of the Son of Man.
Before we unfold the seven primary descriptions, let’s look at man’s seven views of the term “Son of Man” in various contexts in the Bible, particularly in the book of Daniel and the Gospels.
Daniel’s Vision: In the seventh chapter of Daniel, the “Son of Man” is seen coming with the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of Days. He is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom that all peoples, nations, and languages to fulfill His mission. His dominion is everlasting and shall not pass away.
Unique Reference in the Gospels: Jesus used the title “Son of Man” more than any other, including well-known titles such as Messiah or Son of God. This title was a unique reference to Daniel in his visions.
Humanity and Divinity: The phrase “Son of Man” can be translated as “human,” but Jesus took this phrase from Daniel and took it on as a title. While His humanity was never challenged in the Gospels, He used the phrase as a title to reveal His divinity as God.
Uniqueness of the Title: The use of “Son of Man” is very unique in the Gospels. Jesus was the only person referred to as “Son of Man” in the Gospels. He was also the only person who called Himself the “Son of Man,” and He referenced Himself with this title at least seventy-eight times.
Exalted Status: Jesus used “Son of Man” to justify His Heavenly exalted status and the authority of His teaching and to present Himself as the only Divinity sent by God the Father.
John’s Vision: In the book of Revelation, the “Son of Man” is portrayed as walking among seven lampstands, which represent the seven churches of Asia.
Sevenfold Characteristics: In the book of Revelation, the “Son of Man” is described with seven characteristics, including eyes like flames of fire, feet like glowing bronze refined in a furnace, and a voice like the sound of raging waters.
These descriptions provide a multifaceted understanding of the “Son of Man,” emphasizing His humanity, divinity, authority, and eternal dominion. They also highlight the unique use of this title in the Gospels and its significance in biblical eschatology.
It is time to review the Sevenfold Characteristics John spoke of in the book of Revelation 1:12-16.
HIS CLOTHING: On the top of John’s list is His long flowing white robe. White is the ultimate symbol of purity. The symbol of a white robe carries various meanings across Biblical references -Purity, Innocence, and Humility. White robes are often worn by leaders or individuals on special occasions to commemorate Holiness within Christianity. The fact that Jesus had His robe wrapped around His chest speaks of His righteousness (Isaiah 11:5). This passage reveals the shift from Jesus’s earthly towel of servitude (John 13:4-5) to that of the King of kings.
HIS HEAD AND WHITE HAIR: The whiteness of Jesus’s hair discloses His eternal position and His endurance within eternity. While most view white hair as accompanied by old age, this characteristic firmly reveals His Holiness (Daniel 7:9-13).
HIS EYES: John describes Jesus with eyes like flames of fire, penetrating to the deepest part of the soul to reveal every hidden sin within humanity and their governing modalities. It confesses that there is nothing hidden from the gaze of His sight (Hebrews 4:13). People will hide in the rocks of the mountains, but He will see every trembling soul. All things are visible to the Son of Man.
HIS FEET: A common fact known by only a few, brass in the Bible always speaks of judgment. The reference to Jesus’s feet being that of brass symbolizes the time when Christ will put all His enemies under His feet for His final judgment. Romans 10:15 reveals that the feet that brought the indwelling Gospel to humanity, in the end, are now the feet of the Judge of those who have refuted the Great Messiah since the days of Adam and Eve.
HIS MOUTH: Can you imagine a voice sounding like the roar of many waters? Nobody can. I stood at the base of one simple waterfall. It shook the foundation beneath my feet. Jesus’s voice will be so far reaching that every living and dead soul will be impacted by His voice. John literally saw a sharp, two-edged sword shooting forth from His mouth. Within Biblical history, the sword is the ultimate symbol of the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). With this sword, He will judge every nation and its people. Read more about that in Revelation 19:15, 21.
HIS HANDS: While droves of people are left-handed, the right hand is the Biblical symbol of Lordship, control, and ultimate authority. Revelation 1:20 shows us the Seven Stars Jesus holds in His right hand, who are the messengers, angels, of the Seven Churches. Most theologians believe these Seven Messengers are the angels that supervise the Seven Churches.
HIS FACE: The scriptures reveal that John saw the face of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, according to Matthew 17:2). This time, John sees Jesus’s face radiating with the Shekinah Glory, the Hebrew description of God’s indwelling Glory. Keep in mind, according to the book of Revelation, by the time Christ appears in His Second Coming, all other sources of light will be gone – the sun, moon, and stars. Jesus’s face alone will illuminate a dark and wicked world, brighter than any light source in creation.
Looking back, when God revealed His presence on Mount Sinai with Moses, He met the Israelites with lightning, thunder, and a voice that shook the ground beneath them (Exodus 20:18-22). Today John’s Seven Descriptions of Jesus in His Heavenly state reveals the image and authority of a King who is about to come back to earth in full representation of an eternal Judge. Since the indwelt believers will be seated at Jesus’s right side at this time, due to the Rapture, this judgment will be reserved for unbelievers, all those who refuted His offer for salvation.
Indwelt believers do not fear this perfect image of Jesus. If you are authentically indwelt by the Holy Spirit, never forget these words.
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:4-6)
Thanks for the big red hearts, followers. Your red hearts make my heartbeat regularly. LOL