Contents Revelation 1,2,3 Next Study
No.11.
The book of Revelation has never been a closed book, but some chapters were not well understood until the book of Daniel was unsealed in 1798. Written nineteen hundred years ago, God offered a blessing upon all who would read it.
“Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3. This promise still applies.
John had been taken prisoner for his faith and exiled to Patmos, an island off the coast of Asia Minor in the Mediterranean Sea. It was a small rocky island (and still is) used by Rome to banish prisoners.
While there, the apostle received a vision that became the Apocalypse or Revelation. It was written in approximately AD 96, when John, now an old man, was the last living apostle.
The vision is given on “the Lord’s Day”. Revelation 1:10.
Most Christians believe this was a Sunday, but the apostle was a Sabbath-keeper. At that time in earth’s history, the only Sunday-keepers were the heathen, keeping the day in honour of the sun-god.
“In Mithraism, the name by which Babylonian sun-worship was known in Persia, and later in Europe, Sunday, the first day of the week, was the weekly holy day for centuries preceding Christ…." Many Buddhists kept Sunday also.” Religion of Old Korea. Charles A. Clark p73.
Where Christianity had not conquered, sun–day continued to be honoured.
When Sunday was introduced into the church at Rome, it was said to be the day of the ‘son’, the day Christ had risen from the dead. In the middle of the third century, the title ‘Lord’s Day’ was given to the day, for by this time the majority in the West had accepted it in place of the Sabbath of the Lord.
However, God has a claim on the title ‘Lord’s Day’ from creation. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day.” Matthew 12:8.
You see, Jesus was the One who rested on the very first seventh day, for He created this world. (Of course His name was not Jesus at the time, but Michael) It is thought by a number of Christian denominations that the Father is the Creator and Jesus the Redeemer, but the Bible tells us “God (who) created all things by Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:9. (Certainly the Father was involved with both creation and redemption, but the Son was given the pre-eminence. Colossians 1:16-18)
The fourth commandment says, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy…. the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Exodus 20:8.10. Clearly the commandment is speaking of the true Lord’s Day.
So there is no question John was given his vision on the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week.
He is told to write the vision in a book, and once it is completed, to send it to seven churches in Asia – Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyratira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. It was read by the congregation and passed on to the next church. (Perhaps each church copied it to have a permanent record among them)
It is amazing the Roman authorities were willing to allow the book to leave the penal colony. No doubt its contents were scanned through, and not seeing it as a threat to the government, allowed it to be sent to Asia Minor. Remember this is one reason why prophecies are in code – so the enemies of God remain mystified.
The vision begins glorifying Jesus Christ, in fact, John sees the Saviour in vision. This was important, not only for John, but also for the Christian church. By the end of the first century, all the apostles had been martyred, except John. (Rome tried to boil him in hot oil, but he was unharmed. No doubt this is why he was sent to the deserted isle)
With all the major witnesses of Jesus now dead, the fledgling church needed encouragement. God, in love for His people, provided a book that promised blessings to all who read and hear its contents.
John hears a voice behind him that Sabbath on Patmos, saying, “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” Revelation 1:11.
What a blessing to hear the voice of His beloved Master after fifty five years. John probably did not recognise Christ’s voice, for it sounded like “many waters”. Revelation 1:15.
The apostle turns to see who is speaking. It is “one like unto the Son of man clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace….
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword; and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” Revelation 1:13-16.
John faints at the sight of the magnificent Being and falls to the ground. Jesus puts his hand upon him and says, “Fear not; I am the first and the last. I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell (the grave) and of death.” Revelation 1:18. (The subject of hell will come up later in Revelation)
Jesus is standing among seven candlesticks, and he explains their meaning to the apostle. “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven golden candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20.
It is encouraging that Christ knows every congregation. He is walking among them by His Spirit, and angels are protecting them.
This is also true today. You may have left your church family because of apostasy, been disfellowshipped or anathematised, and are now alone. Christ’s promise is, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst.” Matthew 18:20.
As you fellowship with a few believers in the faith, you can be assured that Jesus recognises you as part of His church.
He is still walking among the churches and knows every member by name. If you have no one with whom to fellowship, ask Jesus to give you someone of like faith, and He will do so.
Letters to the Seven Churches
The letters were given to John by Jesus, who received them from His Father. An angel was sent to help John understand the messages. Revelation 1:1.
Before we proceed.
These are not the only churches in Asia Minor. There is a church at Colosse, Miletus, Troas and other places, all within a short distance from the seven mentioned. This tells us that the divine messages are not simply for these churches, but are given to seven churches in specific locations to enable Christ to teach Christians for all time. Each letter has three applications.
The local message
This is the specific message given to each of the seven churches. It is very interesting, especially when comparing the locality of the churches and how the message fitted perfectly. As an example, let us look at the seventh church, Laodicea.
The city was previously called Diospolis, then Rhoas, and in 261-245BC, was enlarged by Antiochus II in honour of his wife Laodice, and renamed Laodicea. In AD 154, it was destroyed by an earthquake, but rebuilt by Marcus Aurelius. Youngs Concordance p589.
Situated on the river Lycus, it was the leading health resort in the Greco-Roman empire. Both lukewarm baths and mineral springs gave visitors hours of relaxation and carefree vacations.
At Hierapolis, hot springs flowed ten kilometres (6 miles) to the Lycus Valley, and at one point plunged over a waterfall. By the time they reached Laodicea, the water was lukewarm, making the river a great attraction to bathers.
In the city there was a school of medicine, dedicated to the Greek god of medicine. In conjunction was an industry for the manufacture of collyrium, an eye treatment made from the Phrygian stone. This eye salve was a valued medication.
A rich farming district surrounded the city. Sheep were raised that produced glossy black wool, tinged with violet. It was soft in texture and very valuable. Well-to-do Laodicean men and women wore garments of this wool as evidence of their wealth.
With the wool industry, the eye medication and the health resorts, Laodicea became a wealthy city, well-ordered and successful. It had numerous markets, a large banking exchange and many manufacturing interests.
But its inhabitants were proud, arrogant and self-satisfied.
The personal message
Secondly, the letters to the seven churches are for you and me, and we must examine our lives to see if Jesus is speaking to us personally. The consequences for ignoring Christ are great loss, but the rewards are wonderful.
The prophetic message
This application relates particularly to prophecies that are outlined in the book of Daniel from the cross onwards. Each church deals with a particular time in history, but we are not given the exact time for each church. The general outline is clear.
No conclusions are given to the messages because, at the time of writing, the outcome had not been experienced. In fact, until probation closes, each message is still relevant to whom it applies, and it is up to each of us to decide our own destiny.
First Condition -- Ephesus
This period covers the final years of the first century and into the second. With the apostles dead, the apostolic church had in general lost its first love. Unless they repented, their candlestick would be removed.
This means that the people living in this period of church history who rejected the condemning message were rejected by Christ. They will never have eternal life or enter the blessed abode of the righteous. (This also applies to all who refuse to heed the words of Jesus)
The repentant ones became overcomers, and they will have the eternal joy of eating from the tree of life in the Paradise of God. Revelation 2:7.
Second Condition – Smyrna
This period follows on from Ephesus. Apostasy increased in the second and third century, as did persecution. Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who reigned between AD303 and AD313, many Christians were martyred. It was the worst and last of ten persecutions against the early Christians.
Christ’s words of encouragement were, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10.
Notice that this church period has no condemnation. It is often the way that when persecution is rife God’s people are pure in their faith and lives.
Third Condition – Pergamos
This period continues into the fourth and fifth century, a time when Satan was completing the final stages of his counterfeit church.
It was a difficult time for God’s people. They had to struggle against a spirit of worldly policy and pride among the professed followers of Christ. There were also the silent, subtle workings of the “mystery of iniquity”, what would become the devil’s masterpiece -- the little horn of Daniel.
Pergamos was also the place when the Babylonian Secret Mystery religion was situated. The Chaldean Maji enjoyed a long period of prosperity in Babylon, but when the Medes and the Persians invaded the city, the victors threw down the old religion and set up their own. In trying to recover their influence, the Chaldean Maji brought in one of their own number, Smerdis, the Majian, as king. In a few months he was detected and slain. (Remember the false Smerdis from Daniel 11?)
The Maji revolted and set up a Babylon of their own, but Xerxes took the city and many were slain. “The defeated Chaldeans fled to Asia Minor, and placed their central college at Pergamos. Here, independent of state control, they carried on the rites of their religion, at the same time plotting against the peace of the Persian Empire with the Greeks.” From Lares and Penates. William B. Barker. p232.233. 1863.
In the letter to Pergamos, Jesus mentioned the name Antipas, however, history does not record a man by this name. It has been suggested by many Bible scholars that ‘he’ was in fact a group of people who opposed the bishop or pope of Rome, who is often called ‘il papa’. The name is anti – pas means ‘against papa’. (As we have said, anti can mean ‘in place of’ and it can be ‘against’. In this case it is against)
The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was another area of great concern to the Christians in Pergamos. There is some doubt as to their origin, but no question of their standing before God. “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” Revelation 2:15. This doctrine led to an immoral life of fornication, adultery, and other lawless acts.
The presence of evil in the city was no excuse for wrongs in the church. Christians were to keep themselves pure “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation”. Philippians 2:15. They were to repent of their sins, and if faithful would receive the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. It is a fitting reward for this period, as it contrasts the occult symbolism and hidden mysteries working undercover at the time.
Fourth Condition – Thyatira
Following on from Pergamos is the fully matured Thyatira, the Roman Catholic Church, a condition that covers the period of papal dominion.
True Christians during this period are commended for their works, their love, their faith and patience, however, they are rebuked because “thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” Revelation 2:20.
The condemnation of Jezebel is very strong language, similar to that used of the Papacy later in Revelation.
God says, “I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
And I will kill all her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give every one of you according to your works.” Revelation 2:21-23.
In the Bible, fornication can be literal or spiritual, likewise adultery. As it relates to the woman Jezebel and the Papacy, it is spiritual. Instead of sexual relations with another person, it is unholy relations with a heathen and corrupt religion, where the heart and mind surrender to idolatry. This results in false worship and disobedience to the Law of God.
Ahab as king of Israel, represented God’s people, and when he married Jezebel, a heathen princess who worshipped other gods, it was regarded by God as fornication and adultery.
When the church at Rome, gradually extending throughout the Western Empire and then the world, brought into her sacred services the ceremonies and rites of pagan religions, she committed spiritual fornication.
God was patient in waiting for repentance, but instead her adulterous life became more and more corrupt, so that idols graced the buildings for worship. Idols of heathen gods were transformed into the patriarchs and prophets. (As an example, the statue of Peter in the Vatican was once a statue of Jupiter)
The very heart and spirit of the religion of Christ was changed into idolatry, and the means of salvation became a lie of the devil. The sweet spirit of Jesus was lost in a world of ritual and ceremony. The Bible was chained to the pulpit in a language only understood by the scholar.
Devotees became as heathens in their superstition, and with no hope of release, they acted as slaves bound to the fears of purgatory and hell. (In some countries today, communicants practise both Catholicism and Voodoo) Although chants, penance, pilgrimages and money partly paid the penalty for the sins of men and women, centuries in the fires of purgatory still awaited the fearful believer.
Deeper and deeper did the corruption penetrate until there is now no hope of repentance. God will say to the anti-typical Thyatira, “Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning and famine: and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.” Revelation 18:6-8.
As we think of beautiful Catholic people, loved ones and friends, we recoil at such words, but God is speaking to a corrupt system that is deceiving the people and robbing them of salvation. All who turn to the Word of God will find the precious truth. But it is not easy to give up fables when they have been your only hope in the dark world of human tradition.
A study of the life of the woman Jezebel, reveals that she was a Zidonian, dedicated to heathen gods. When she married Ahab, king of Israel, she brought these gods of Baal with her. 1 Kings 16:31.
Elijah challenged both Ahab and Jezebel for their sins, and predicted that no rain would fall for three and a half years. Immediately the prophet went into hiding, and no rain fell on the land.
This literal experience is symbolic of the 1260-year reign of the Papacy, which was three and a half prophetic years. As a result, God’s people were forced to hide in the wilderness for protection from the evil ‘woman’ for over one thousand years. (Remember a woman represents a church in Bible prophecy)
At the end of Elijah’s wilderness experience, the heathen religion was challenged on Mount Carmel. The prophet built an altar to restore worship of the true God. In honour of His holy name and truth, fire fell from heaven, devouring the prophet’s sacrifice, the stone altar, and the water dowsed upon it. Then Elijah slew all the prophets of Baal.
Truth was thus re-instated in Israel.
At the end of the wilderness wanderings of God’s people during the Papal dominion, the truth of Christ’s ministration was restored and God’s name vindicated. Symbolically, the gods of Baal were destroyed, while literal destruction will take place in God’s appointed time.
But not all in Thyatira had known the depths of Satan, and to them Christ promised to give power over nations. “And he shall rule them with a rod of iron…” Revelation 2:27. These words are given in contrast to the rule of the Papacy over the Christians during the centuries of persecution.
But notice something. It looks as if the overcomer will rule with a rod of iron doesn’t it? It actually refers to Christ. (See Revelation 12:5. The identity of the ‘he’ often changes without notice, as we have seen before). This iron-rule will not be as earthly dictators today, and the overcomer will have a part in it! (This study will be later in Revelation)
Fifth Condition -- Sardis
This period is a sad one because God’s faithful people fell into a state of lethargy and spiritual death. Sardis parallels a time when those who left the church of Rome became spiritually dead. They had been known as Protestants, a name given by their enemies that applied to their strong stand for truth, but the protest was gone.
How did it happen to those who descended from the Reformers?
Here again is where the history of the local city is interesting.
Sardis was a city built high up on a hill. It was the perfect place, with a vantage point that could see the approach of enemies from a great distance. This was the home of Croesus, a man so well known for his wealth, that people used to refer to him when speaking of riches – ‘as rich as Croesus’.
Sentinals surrounded the city to keep watch for enemy soldiers. One night an opposing army crept up the stopes of the hill and to the city walls. Wondering why there was no resistance, the attackers found the sentinels asleep at their post, and the city was taken with ease.
Some years later, the same experience took place – the watchmen were asleep. Instead of being awake to duty, they failed to remain vigilant, and Sardis was overcome again.
Thus it was that the Protestant church failed the command of the Master to stay awake. “Watch”, he had said, ‘for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matthew 24:42.
Asleep at their post, the enemy was able to enter without a fight. Protestant watchmen on the walls of Zion were asleep and that once alive and zealous church was defeated.
Today the word ‘Protestant’ is meaningless. Its true meaning has become a ‘politically incorrect hate crime’.
But Christ said there were “a few names even in Sardis” who had “not defiled their garments”. Revelation 3:4. He encouraged them by saying, “they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy” and ‘I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life”. Revelation 3:4.5.
Sixth Condition – Philadelphia
Following on from Sardis is the church of ‘brotherly love’, no doubt made up of those who had “not defiled their garments”. This period in earth’s history speaks of a people who love one another, as the name implies. (Greek – phileos, meaning the love between friends)
The Philadelphians were given “the key of David” with which they were able to open a door. Christ said to them, “I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” Revelation 3:7.8. (A key opens something that is locked, and as Christ is the rightful heir to the throne of David, He is able to give this ‘key’ to His people to unlock the mysteries of Scripture)
This period corresponds to the time when the Advent people began to understand the sanctuary. Suddenly heaven was open before them. Thyatira’s corruption was now exposed, and Heaven had revealed the wonderful truth that salvation is free to all who will accept it.
The open door also refers to the change of Christ’s location from the holy place to the most holy place. Although not a literal door, a beautiful veil divided the two apartments. This moving of Christ from one phase of ministry to another tells mankind that salvation is closing. When it is finished, all will be over.
Those who came to this Biblical conclusion were a little flock with only “a little strength”, but they had been faithful. They had not denied Christ’s name or His leading in the 1843-4 experience. Revelation 3:8.
(Jesus speaks of people who tell lies about their identity, calling them the “synagogue of Satan” He says to those of brotherly love, “Behold I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” Revelation 3:9. This is yet future)
Christ says to Philadelphia, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown”. Revelation 3:11. This shows that the prophetic period is close to the return of Christ.
At the end of John’s book, Jesus repeats these words, “Behold, I come quickly….” Revelation 22:20.
In God’s great ‘week of time’, the coming of the Lord is not far away.
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
Creation !________!________!________!________!________!________! Earth’s Sabbath rest
* ‘Hold on’
Jesus arrives
The church at Philadelphia was a most desirable church, one without any condemnation. In the personal application, it is the one we must emulate in our Christian walk.
Seventh Condition -- Laodicea
Earlier in this study you read a description of the city, and now Jesus parallels its main features to the condition of the church in this area.
It follows on from Philadelphia, where the majority of those who were waiting for the coming of the Lord failed to maintain the condition of trust and patience. It is quite amazing that these Advent believers grew weary, even though they believed the final judgment had begun.
Sadly, they lapsed into the condition of Laodicea.
Let us read Christ’s startling denunciation of these people.
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would that thou wert either cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth… thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing…” Revelation 3:15-17 - first part.
Are these people really rich and in need of nothing?
No. Their claim to be rich is false. They are lukewarm and their boasting is in something they do not possess.
And yet, their boasting is subtle.
These Laodiceans appear to be Christians. They go to church. They give offerings and many return God’s tithe. But they are resting in their own works; comfortable, as if reclining on soft cushions.
If anyone disturbs them, they say…. ‘God is blessing us and we are prospering’, and self-satisfied, they turn from the cutting words of Scriptures.
Sermons rarely stir the conscience. Instead they leave the Laodicean feeling good about himself. Their unspoken cry is, ‘Give us pleasant things’, as did Israel in the days of Isaiah, for they said, “… say to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” Isaiah 30:10.
Today pastors are happy to comply, for they are in the same condition as the congregation.
Visiting a church during the 1990s, a Pentecostal lady heard the teacher claiming to be a Laodicean. As the visitor listened to the obvious pride of being the 7th church, she could contain herself no longer and said, “If you believe you are Laodicea, why don’t you get out of it.’
Her statement horrified the class as they had no idea the condition applied to them. The word Laodicea means ‘judging the people’ -- in the Greek, laos means ‘people’; dikea means ‘to judge’. The class had misunderstood completely, thinking Laodicea was the title of the seventh church.
Instead of seeing Christ judging the Laodicean condition, they only saw Him judging the righteous in the most holy place. Certainly the time frame was correct, but the meaning was lost on a people who were satisfied with their spiritual condition.
‘Laodicea is going through’ still is their cry. As there is no 8th church, they believe their interpretation unchallengeable.
But no, Laodicea will be rejected, for Jesus said, ‘I will spue thee out of my mouth’. Revelation 3:16. This is a rather repulsive analogy, but the description fits well, for lukewarm water is often given to induce vomiting.
Look at Christ’s true description of these people in the last part of verse 17. “… and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: Revelation 3:17 – last part.
It is obvious why Laodiceans do not want soul-stirring messages of rebuke – they possess great riches of self-satisfaction, wear classy black woollen garments, and they cannot see beyond their own comfortable lifestyle.
Imagine the reaction of such people being told they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked!
Jesus continues speaking to them. “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:18.19.
Sadly, the Spirit of Christ does not dwell in the hearts of these people. They are void of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20.
This is the door of the heart, and the latch is only on the inside. Jesus does not force an entry, but patiently knocks.
Have you opened the door to Him?
Or is He still outside your heart and life?
If so, why not kneel or bow your head right now and invite Him in? Acknowledge the guilt of your sins, and ask Him to forgive you through His precious blood. Ask Him to lead you into true obedience.
Perhaps He is waiting for you.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (second coming of Christ), as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.
According to the Bible, all men will not repent and be saved, but God is so long-suffering, He is waiting as long as He can for those who will repent, even in the final hours of earth’s history.
Only the repentant and obedient ones will be overcomers and sit with Jesus on His throne. Revelation 3:21.
“He that hath an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit saith unto the churches.’
Revelation 3:22.
Now, something important relating to the prophetic line-up. It is true the prophetic application covers specific times in New Testament history, however, four of the churches also continue to the coming of the Lord.
Thyatira Roman Catholic Church
Sardis Mainline Protestant churches
Philadelphia Those who have all the truth and who are ready to meet Jesus.
Laodicea Particularly the Advent people who understand the truth of the sanctuary, and the investigative judgment. However, the condition of Laodicea also applies to other Christian churches.
The Laodicean condition is a deadly spiritual disease that is very difficult to cure because our carnal natures love it. We can so easily fall back into its self-satisfaction. The symptoms will appear and we will not see them.
Christ’s counsel is:
Repent and receive My gold – faith and love.
Be clothed with My white raiment – imputed and imparted righteousness.
Receive My eye-salve – the Holy Spirit.
We need the Spirit to discern where reform is needed in our own lives and in the church. Even if we lapse back into the Laodicean condition, so long as we are willing to be disturbed and allow the ‘two-edged sword’ of Scripture to cut its way into our lives, we will discover our condition.
If not, we will be lost.
We also need to be vitally aware of the activities of the counterfeit, and how the world is moving steadily towards the final showdown before the return of Christ.
We must not pacify ourselves into thinking all is well. All is not well -- in the church or in the world. Evil waxes worse and worse.
Look at Paul’s description of the last days. “This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come, For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth…” 2 Timothy 3:1-7.
Notice that among these sinful people are ‘Christians’ who have a form of godliness, but not its power.
They are from three of the last four churches – Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea.
Sadly, among many of the sins listed, professing Christians are guilty. Laodiceans love pleasure more than they love God, likewise those in Sardis and Thyatira. In fact, were it not for their attendance at church, there is no difference between the churched and the un-churched. This latter term, often used today, is actually an appropriate one, for that is the only difference. Both are on the ‘highway to hell’.
Notice how the Bible describes the two roads.
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13.14.
You see, Christians are to be different from the world. There is a bumper sticker that says, ‘Christians are just forgiven’. The implication is that they are no different from non-Christians, except in forgiveness. This is totally false.
Christians are to be separate from the world. We are certainly ‘in the world’, but we must not be ‘of the world’. At times it is a delicate balance.
The apostle John wrote under inspiration, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17.
We are to daily learn to deny self to the things of the world, and this involves trial and at times suffering.
It means being misunderstood by family and friends. Often it involves staying home when those we love attend the pleasures of the world. We might be called names, but this is all a part of being a Christian.
There will come a time when men and women will want to remove us from this world because we don’t fit into its evil ways. And sadly, they will believe they are doing the will of God in putting us to death.
Christianity is not religion. It is a Person, the Person of Jesus Christ. This might seem a play on words, but unless our lives are filled with Jesus, we have just a religion. If that is so, it might as well be a heathen one, for there is no difference.
Now back to the four last churches.
All who repent in Thyatira, Sardis and Laodicea will become Philadelphians. This is not a title. When God sees that the condition has been reached, He will designate them ready to meet Jesus, His beloved Son.
“The object of the Christian life is fruit-bearing – the reproduction of Christ’s character in the believer, that it may be reproduced in others…. Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” Christ’s Object Lessons p67.69.
All of us, no matter from where we have come, must realise that our personal condition is stained with sin. We have nothing of our own to offer a holy God, and can only come with our sinful, but contrite heart.
Do you Want to Know the Future?