Revelation 1:4
“John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before his throne;”
What does Revelation 1:4 mean?
John opens his letter by sending greetings to seven churches in what is now Turkey, offering them grace and peace from God himself. The way he describes God, "who is and who was and who is to come," emphasizes that God exists in all times, completely free from the limits that trap us in the present moment. This is meant to be deeply comforting: the God addressing these churches isn't surprised by what's happening now and won't abandon them in what's coming next. The mention of the seven Spirits before God's throne points to the fullness of God's Holy Spirit, suggesting his complete awareness and power to sustain his people through whatever they face.