I, John, am writing this letter to the seven churches in the province of Asia.
I send you the grace and peace that originates with
the One who is, who always was, and who is still coming,
as well as from the seven spirits serving before his throne;
5 and indeed from Jesus the Anointed King. He is the focus of this letter because he is the faithful witness,
the honored-first to rise from the dead,
and if that were not enough, the ruler over every governing authority on the earth.
Glory to him who loves us and by his blood has freed us from our sins.
6 In doing so, Jesus has formed us into a Kingdom of priests in service to his Father, who is God.
Glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
7 Look! Jesus comes riding on the clouds of heaven — out in the open, visible to everyone — even those who speared him in the side while he was on the cross.
People from everywhere in the world will experience anguish at the sight.
Yes, indeed! Amen!
8 “I am the First and the Last — the one who began it all and will carry it all to the end,” declares God the Supreme Leader.
“I am the God who is, who always was, and who is still coming—the One who defines power and might.”
