We heard last time then that the church addressed by John, is greeted by a Triune God (verses 4b and 5). We read: “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; And from Jesus Christ.” In mentioning the Trinity, the Son is mentioned last. And so, the greeting of a Triune God flows seamlessly into a praise of the Lord Jesus.
That praise begins with the words, "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” (verse 5) Not for nothing is this mentioned first in the praise. Can it ever be fully understood and appreciated to what extent He has loved us? Yes, so loved that He washed us in His blood. He gave His life at Golgotha’s cross. How great are our sins... Our blackness can be taken away with nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God who became flesh. How great is this grace... How shameful, that there is so much unfaithfulness on our part when it comes to Him and His Word.
The praise of the Lord Jesus continues with the words, "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father.” (verse 6a) In the Old Testament, Israel is said to be a priestly kingdom. In the New Testament, that restriction is removed. All who are regenerated, from any nation or tongue, are priests and may serve Him. But more than that, there is re-creation. The man was made a king, a viceroy under God, but we lost that kingship because of our sin. But Christ has come to re-create, and so the kingship is also restored.
And notice how it says: "Who has made us.” The verb here is in the past tense. Yes, well, the full fulfillment still awaits, but even now, it already applies, by grace alone, we are kings and priests.
The praise of the Lord Jesus Christ is not yet finished. We read, ”To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.” His Glory is demonstrated by His "grace and truth.” (John 1:14) He is full of grace. The believer is washed in His blood. He is full of truth, of faithfulness. He is the faithful Witness. In other words, Jesus shows fully what God's Glory is, He expresses it (Heb 1:3). In Him, we see who God is, only glory and power. He can do the impossible. Only grace and truth. He does the impossible.