Tag Archives: eschatology

Revelation Chapter 3- The Churches

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“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. v1

Church of Sardis = The Spiritually Dead Church

Jesus clearly identifies himself again by the One who is holding the 7 Spirits of God (Holy Spirit)  and 7 Stars (Angels/Messangers)

The 7 Spirits of God is the Holy Spirit. Remember 7 is the symbolic of completion. If you reference Isaiah 11, it describes the 7 characteristics of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2

This Church/Assembly appears to have a Sin problem, as Jesus says they are appear to be alive but are actually spiritually dead. When you live in sin you are the walking dead. It appears because of their sin, Jesus is withholding the Holy Spirit and Angels from the Church

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1

 

 

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. v2-3

Jesus is giving this Church a “Wake Up” call literally! He is telling them if they don’t Repent and change their ways. Jesus reminds them that his return will be like a “Thief in the Night” nobody will know his day or hour of Return

More support the Church always believed in the imminent return of Christ, which supports a Pre-Trib Rapture view, as a Post-Trib would require many events to take place before the Return of Christ, including the rise of the Anti-Christ, The Tribulation, Armageddon, ect

For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  1 Thessalonians 5:2

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ v4-6

Notice even though the majority of the Church of Sardis are false converts, there are few that are true believers recognized by Christ. “For they are worthy”, there is a remnant of true believers in every denomination and sect of Christianity, we shouldn’t condemn a whole group based of their affiliation

Jesus also brings up the “Book of Life” , notice I will not blot out your name, meaning the name was originally written in there, I think supports the idea of “age of accountability”

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. v7-8

Church of Philadelphia = The Faithful Church

Notice Jesus acknowledges this Church has “Little Power” Yet Christ wont allow this Church to be over Powered! Meaning Jesus is holding this Church in his hands, when we are weak Christ makes us strong!

The Christians of Philadelphia suffered a lot of persecution as they had little money or power, but Jesus never let them go!

Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you v9

Synagogue of Satan is a term introduced here in Revelation, a group of ethnic Jews who reject Jesus as the Messiah and Lord, they are hostile to the gospel, and have become an enemy of God

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. v10-11

Probably the strongest support for a Pre-Trib Rapture, Jesus promises the Church will be kept from the hour of trial (Tribulation) which shall come upon the whole world. This is not a promise just for the Church of Philadelphia but the entire body of Christ!

and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

 

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ v12-13

Think about what a Pillar is, a permanent structure, Jesus is saying we will never be removed from Gods presence! Here Jesus reveals the New Heavens and Earth and New Jerusalem talked about more in Revelation 21. And again Jesus mentions we will receive a New Name! One can only wonder the awesome plans our Lord and God has instore for his people!

The nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory; And you will be called by a new name Which the mouth of the LORD will designate. Isaiah 62:2

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. v14-16

Church of Laodicea = Lukewarm Church

This Church represents mostly the Church Age we are living in today. Notice this is the last of the Churches also, which should give you a sign!

The City of Laodicea was very wealthy, and this Church really represents the False Prosperity Gospel we see today blinding millions who believe they are actually Christians but never Repented. As Jesus said these people are not really saved at all and he spit them out!

The water is neither hot nor cold, its so nauseating makes you want to vomit it out of your mouth, this is how Jesus views false worship and works.

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. v17-18

Jesus confirming this Church is full of rich people from a worldly perspective, however spiritually they are poor and dead. They rely on the physical materials of this world instead of God. Their works will be tested and refined in the fire by God through trial and testing

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. v19

God disciplines those He loves, just as a Parent does with a child. Again a final plea by Christ for the Church to Repent before the final judgement

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ” v20-22

Jesus is knocking on the door of anyone who is willing to listen and open their heart to him!  Notice Jesus says we can sit at the throne of God with him in Victory!

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. John 14:23

This will be the last mention of the Church until Chapter 20- more strong evidence for a Pre-Trib Rapture

Revelation Chapter 1- The Son of Man Revealed

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The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. v1-2

Notice that this is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ”, this is not the Revelation from John or anyone else. The words in this prophetic book are from our Lord and Savior directly! The author is clearly identified at the Apostle John, the same author of the gospel of John, and the Epistles of John.

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. v3

What a message , “Blessed is the one who reads and hears the words of this prophecy!” This is why studying Revelation is so important as a Christian, to know no matter how out of control the world may seem, we still have victory in Jesus Christ! Also notice “the time is near”, the Church has always believed in the imminent return of Christ

John, to the seven churches which 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, v4

Here we see Jesus is giving a message (letters) to seven Churches in the province of Asia, why seven? Seven is the number of completion in the Bible, for example creation was completed on the seventh day. You will see the number seven used throughout the book of Revelation. These messages are for the entire Church, past, present, and future

We notice the “Seven Spirits” also, this is reference to The Holy Spirit. We remember Paul describing the “Seven gifts of The Holy Spirit ” (Isaiah 11:2-3) , remember 7 is symbolic for completion. So at this moment we have the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit at the throne.

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; Isaiah 11:2-3

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, v5

Here we see a couple key passages, first it confirms Jesus is the firstborn from the dead, meaning Jesus physically died during his crucifixion and was resurrected back to life. This is important because there are some groups who don’t believe in a physical resurrection.

And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. Colossians 1:18

Second it says “Jesus loves us” in present tense. This is the only place in the Bible where its stated in present tense. What a wonderful message!

and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. v6

Every translation has the same thing, we were all made to be priests to serve God. Not just your local pastor but every Christian. What the means is what Jesus commanded at the great commission ” Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19) Share the gospel to everyone whenever you have a chance

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. v7

This is a clear reference to Daniel 7 , which Jesus also revealed to the religious leaders in Matthew 24. Jesus is clearly revealing He is the Son of Man, God in the flesh, who will return to bring judgment upon the world. This is a reference to his 2nd Advent, the physical return of the Church and not the Rapture event of 1 Thessalonians 4

In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. Daniel 7:13

At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:13

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” v8

Jesus is revealing his deity here, Alpha and Omega are the first and last words of the Greek alphabet, so Jesus is saying he is the beginning and the end (Isaiah 41:4) Meaning Jesus has always existed, he was not created as some false teachers preach

Who has performed this and carried it out, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—the first and the last—I am He.” Isaiah 41:4

I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. v9

Here again, the Apostle John is identified as the author of this book. Also it reveals the location , on the island of Patmos, where John was banished by the Roman government for persecution.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, v10

This is an important scripture here as John was writing this on “The Lords Day”, which is Sunday the day Jesus was resurrected. This confirms that “The Lords Day” was established and recognized by the first century church.

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight. Acts 20:7

Those who oppose this view confuse “The Lords Day” with “Day of The Lord” which are totally different. “Day of The Lord” would be referencing Revelation 6:17 when Jesus Christ returns for judgement!

For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2

saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” v11

Once again Jesus revealing His Deity, quoting Isaiah which is a reference to God

Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 44:6

Remember earlier the number 7 is symbolic for completeness, so even though there are more than seven churches in the Asia Minor, Jesus will address only 7 to symbolize the complete “Body of Christ” hence these letters are relevant to all Christians just as all the other Epistles are.

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. v12-13

John is now about to come face to face with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. First he sees 7 golden lampstands, these can be described better as “Jewish Menorahs” As revealed later in the Chapter, the lampstands are symbolic for The Churches.

John begins describing Jesus appearance, Son of Man which was a common phrase for Christ (Matthew 24:30) which Jesus himself described himself fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel 7:13

The robe and golden sash are symbolic for Jesus authority and royalty as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and also Jesus is our High Priest, the fulfilment of the Levitical Priest line

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; v14-15

This is the glorified Christ, this is not The Lamb who came during the First Advent, this is now the Lion of Judah, who rules and reigns. The whiteness is symbolic for his holiness and purity, while his eyes are a blazing fire, meaning he has come to bring judgement upon the unrepentant sinners.

Bronze is symbolic for Gods judgement. His voice was so authoritative and intimidating sounds like rushing waters.

Again we see the comparison to the Son of Man in Daniel 7, Jesus Christ is the One the prophet Daniel has seen and foretold about

As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. Daniel 7:9

He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. v16

Here we see 7 stars in the right hand of Jesus, remember right hand is very symbolic in Jewish culture meaning “special place of honor or authority” as Jesus sat at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19)

The stars symbolic of the messengers/angels of the Churches, notice all authority is in Christ

Jesus is the living Word and Truth, everything he speaks is like a double edge sword as described in Hebrews 4:12, his truth cuts to the bone of sinners and scoffers, that’s why the Bible is so offensive to the ungodly

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Jesus is The Light of The World (John 8:12) is holiness, truth , and righteousness radiate as the Glory of God

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. v17

What will you do when you meet Jesus face to face? You will fall on your face! The holiness of The Lord is overwhelming!

Again Jesus reveals his deity , Jesus is omnipotent meaning he has no beginning or end ( Isaiah 41:4) Notice also when John fell to Jesus feet to worship him, Jesus did not rebuke him but acknowledged him

Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 44:6

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. v18

I AM He, This is a statement and title that Identifies Jesus as the Great I AM, God in the flesh. Christ has identified himself as the I AM 7 times in the gospel of John

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” Exodus 3:14

Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades (grave) Jesus holds the only hope for our souls, only through him can we obtain eternal life. Notice death is the state and Hades is the location

Hades typically means grave or realm of the dead. Its sometimes confused with Hell but has a totally different meaning, Hell is referenced as the Lake of Fire later in Revelation

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. v19

This is important to understand that some things in Revelation already happened, some things were happening right then, and many things are prophetic (will be happening in the future)

The Preterist view of Revelation is highly unlikely, as many events need to still take place, including the physical return of Christ, the Millennial Reign, the binding and elimination of Satan, the battle of Armageddon, the restoration of Israel, the final judgment, and the New Heavens and Earth

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches v20

Jesus reveals the symbolism of the 7 stars and 7 lampstands

7 Stars = Angels/Messengers of the Churches

7 Lampstands = Churches

7 Churches = Body of Christ

7 Spirit = Holy Spirit