CHRIST LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA
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Author: Mr. Robert Arthur
PREFACE
The Church of Living God Ministry is a Body of Christ who meet to commune and fellowship together in spirit and in truth. The church is pious in the restoration of the original plan of God of saving the world through His church, by studying to show ourselves approved as a workman of God and upholding high the Apostles' Doctrine – Acts 2:41-47, 2 Tim 2:15.
Since many find it difficult in understanding the Book of Revelation in the Christian world, it behooves on us to comment and simplify the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Chapters of Revelation, which loudly speak about the Lord Christ Jesus letters he wrote to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor.
The Writer tabled the various letters into sections: (1) Introductions, (2) Commendations, (3) Rebukes, (4) Advice & Warnings and (5) Promises, to all the seven (7) churches.
“The quest to finding the Truth is in our sincere and honest approach of studying the word of God”
JESUS CHRIST LETTERS TO THE SEVEN (7) CHURCHES OF ASIA
The Book of Revelation is very symbolic in nature. The writer was John the Apostle, one of Christ disciples. He was persecuted with many of his mates by the Roman Emperors of that day. Rev 1:9; Acts 8:1-3. Christ showed himself to him on the island of Patmos and instructed Saint John to “write and testify” what is about to come to the seven churches of Asia.
“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the island that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou sees, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea” Rev 1:9-11.
He encourages the believers to read this letter. “Blessed is he that read, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” Rev 1:3
Christ introduced himself to John in a very authoritative manner “Fear not, I am the first and the last: I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” Rev 1:17
Perhaps these opening remarks should forever comfort churches of Christ that are persecuted and troubled by the anti-Christ crusaders of our days.
Now, Christ “signifies” (show by symbols or signs to mean another) to John: “And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me… I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man.…and in his right hand seven stars. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; the mystery of the seven stars which thou saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou saw are the seven churches” Rev 1:12-16, 19-20.
During those days the Church of Jesus Christ was under severe attack. The Christians were persecuted by the Roman government. But Christ Jesus remembered his promise and assurance He made to the disciples shortly before His ascension, that "lo I am with you always". Mat 28:20. He came and gave these words of hope, comfort and assurance to Apostle John on Island of Patmos to be given to His faithful believers.
1. THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS – REV 2:1-7
INTRODUCTIONS:
Christ introduced himself to them in this letter as: “he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks” vs. 1. The words ‘hold’ and ‘walk’ here suggest possessiveness, power over, ownership of something, it shows that Christ is the only head of the church and has the final authority on earth. He owns and has the veto power to move through His church. Eph 1:22-23, Col 1:18, Mat 28:18-20.
Apparently, the recipient Angel (messenger) of this letter to the church was Young Timothy.
“Timothy, my own son in the faith… I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus…. that thou might charge some that they teach no other doctrine, neither gives heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith” 1 Tim 1:3-4
COMMENDATIONS:
He commended this church: “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou cannot bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted...thou hates the deeds of the Nicolai tans, which I also hate” vs. 2-3, 6
These attitudes are uncommon in churches that suffer tribulations and trials, but were prevalent in the believers at Ephesus.
With all the circumstances, trials and tribulations that surrounded the Christians at Ephesus they were able to withstand and lived those exemplary traits of character. It was an awesome remark anyone could give in such a situation.
REBUKES:
Upon all those colorful remarks made by Christ to this church they still had their shortfalls: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” vs. 4. This was exactly what Apostle Paul was addressing the Christians in Corinth 1 Cor 13:1-7. They may be doing all those things but without true love. It was a mechanical type of love in exhibiting those qualities. 1 John 3:18. In other words it was an act out of grudgingly. Rom 12:9
ADVICE & WARNINGS:
They were to “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” vs. 5.
The church at Ephesus had to immediately repent of their hidden sins and return to their former way of love they had for Christ else they suffer severe punishment for it.
The church at Ephesus “Therefore ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip...For how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation” Heb 2:1-3
PROMISES:
To climax this letter Christ promises his faithful followers: “To him that overcome will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” vs. 7
This is the second book in the Bible which specifically made reference to the “TREE OF LIFE”.
“And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever…So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life” Gen 3:22-24 (Refer Gen 2:9).
We could see that Adam and Eve needed the tree of life so badly to prevent, avert or cure their inevitable spiritual death, but were drove out of the garden.
“In the midst of the street… was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manners of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” Rev 22:2, 14.
From this scripture we noticed that the tree of life is provided to heal (save, a therapy. cure) the nations from its spiritual sickness, death and finally their eternal separation from God.
The church can only have access to this tree if they faithfully keep Christ words wholeheartedly. Therefore the tree of life provides us an antidote to escape spiritual or the second death.
The Lord Jesus made two declarative statements which in effect depict Him as fulfillment of the tree of life.
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” John 11:25
“Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. John 14:6
THE PARADISE OF GOD: Additionally, this is the third time the New Testament has made references to it.
Jesus told the robber on the cross: “Verily I say unto thee, Today shall thou be with me in paradise” Luke 23:43.
Paul told the Corinthian Christians that he knew certain man in Christ, and that man was “…caught up to the third heaven. And that he was caught up into paradise…” 2 Cor 12:2-4. Therefore Paradise is synonymous to Heaven.
Let him who hears this letter: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” 1 Thess 4:18.
2. THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA – REV 2:8-11
INTRODUCTIONS:
Christ introduced himself to this church as: “the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive” vs. 8
A statement made by God Almighty. Isaiah 44:6 says “Thus said the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God”.
For Christ to make such a bona fide claim shows his deity and equality with God. He lives and therefore deserves our worship. Mat 28:20, Rom 6:9-10.
COMMENDATIONS:
Christ gave a very beautiful and colorful commentary to the Christians at Smyrna: “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan” vs. 9.
Paul’s descriptions of a TRUE JEW implicated these self-proclaimed Jews as indeed fake. “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Rom 2:28-29. Read Rom 9:6.
SYNAGOGUES OF SATAN are groups of these Jews who prosecute the agenda of the vicious Roman Emperors by persecuting the followers of Christ.
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works”. 2 Cor 11:13-15
Here Christ indicated to them that he is not blind to their trials and troubles and therefore is aware of everything. Even he perceived those who pretend to be Christians. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end” Heb 6:10-11
He also made them aware that physical poverty is incomparable to the worthiness of their spiritual lives. Mat 5:3, 6
ADVICE & PROMISES:
Christ, who foresee and knows what the future holds, quickly encouraged this church to faithfully endure all future persecutions which will befall on them. And then promise those who overcome:
“Fear none of those things which thou shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death” vs. 10-11
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” Rev 20:14
It is vividly clear that those who overcome shall escape the lake of fire.
3. THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF PERGAMUM – REV 2:12-17
INTRODUCTIONS:
Christ addressed himself as: “he which hath the sharp sword with two edges” vs. 12.
What is “TWO EDGED-SWORDS” referred here? It is the Word of God. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged-swords” Heb 4:12. . “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” Eph 6:17. Indeed, Christ holds his undiluted message supreme. We will be judged by this same message of Christ in the end. John 12:48.
COMMENDATIONS:
Christ commended the faithful Christians at Pergamum for having such qualities in them: “I know thy works, and where thou dwells, even where Satan's seat is : and thou holds fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelled vs. 13.
The Christians here suffered several martyrs but were faithfully enduring with patience and perseverance. They were also aware of Paul’s admonishments to the Thessalonians about the deception of SATAN’S SEAT. “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come , except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sit in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God”. 2 Thess 2:3-4
These attributes should characterize our lives as we are also partakers of Christ suffering.
“Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him”. Jam 1:12
REBUKES:
As in the letter to Ephesus, so Christ had reasons to rebuke the church at Pergamum. This point to the fact that God is not a respecter of man: “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolai tans, which thing I hate” vs. 14-15
With all those characteristics which have soaked the church, they still entangled themselves with falsehood and paganism. They denied Christ with their deeds.
Paul said: “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate”. Tit 1:16
DOCTRINE OF BALLAM: Balaam’s name was also mentioned in 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 11, both in warnings about the conduct of false teachers and their messages. All of these are references to the Old Testament character Balaam who unsuccessfully tried to prophecy against the Israelites (Numbers 22, 23). Later he advised his client King Balak of Moab the enemy of Israel, to pursue a campaign of seduction against them - Numbers 31:8, 16. The doctrine of Balaam is not only serious, but a devious one.
TEACHINGS OF NICOLAITANS: Some Bible scholars believe they are heretical sect who followed Nicolas, who was possible one of the deacons named in Acts 6:5. It is possible he became apostate and became part of those who holds Balaam teachings. Other commentators believe “Nicolaitans” come from Greek word ‘nicolah’, meaning ‘to eat’ therefore to eat anything sacrificed to idols.
The word of God warns us against false doctrine and being equally yoke with unbelievers.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, said the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, said the Lord Almighty”. 2 Cor 6:14-18
ADVICE & WARNINGS:
Since Christ Jesus is a loving Messiah and does not want any to perish, He advised and warned this church: “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” vs. 16
Simply being sorry for ones sins isn’t enough but godly sorrow will lead you to change from one’s sins.
“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow work repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world work death” 2 Cor 7:9-10. This is repentance.
Repent! Repent!! Repent!!! Before it is everlasting too late.
PROMISES:
Christ assured the overcomer a wonderful reward: “He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit said….To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man know saving he that receive it” vs. 17
THE HIDDEN MANNA: God’s providence and care gave the people of Israel manna in the wilderness, to sustain and strengthen them, during their exodus. Exo 16:11-15, 31
Christ declared himself as “MANNA” (BREAD OF LIFE) from heaven that sustains us even in times of hardship. “Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them… but my Father give you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and gives life unto the world.…Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” John 6:31-35
WHITE STONES: Stones were cast in Ancient Tribunal courts to give verdicts. White stones were cast to indicate acquittal and vindication, while Black stones show guiltiness. Rom 4:7-8 says “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin”. Refer Romans 8, 2 Cor 5:17-19
The overcomer receives white stones from the Lord to declare he’s pure and guiltless. He is then expected therefore to “walk in newness of life” Rom 6:4
“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” 1 Pet 4:16.
4. THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF THYATIRA – REV 2:18-29
INTRODUCTIONS:
Here Christ Jesus introduced himself to the church as: “the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass” vs. 18. The humble son of God that was cruelly tortured and shamefully crucified on the cross is now seen as the only Son of God who has vengeance in his eyes to execute judgments on the wicked world.
COMMENDATIONS: The Lord Jesus had a lot to commend the believers at Thyatira: “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first” vs. 19.
It should interest us the more to know why the Lord consistently commended all the churches that: “I know thy works”. Which works? The works of the law, the works of the flesh or the works of man?. Definitely, not at all, But the Works of Christ. “Then said they unto him, what shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them; this is the work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” John 6:28-29. All the Saints in the churches of Asia province had that strong conviction that Christ is indeed the Messiah.
REBUKES:
With all those pleasant remarks made to the church, the Son of God had his own reservations to reproof them of many evil deeds, because his flaming eyes see afar. “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou suffers that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols” vs. 20
THE WOMAN JEZEBEL: The character of this woman could be traced to that of Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, King of Israel who seduced her husband into idolatry.1 Kings 16:29-34. She died a miserable death. 2 Kings 9:22, 30-37.
The Angel (messenger) and Elders, who were suppose to feed, protect and shepherd the church of the living God from savage wolves failed abysmally to execute such duties.
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” Acts 20:28-30.
The Elders in the church have a shared responsibility to watch and oversee the church at Thyatira from any foreign gospel which overthrows the whole household of faith.
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed… again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed”. Gal 1:8-9
ADVICE & WARNINGS:
Christ knowing the consequences of such heinous practices of allowing false prophetess and paganism taking center stage of His church quickly advised and warned the Christians at Thyatira of what to do: “And 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 her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he who searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden” vs. 21-24
The space of time Christ gave them here showed his longsuffering and love to save all and not willing any to perish: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” 2 Pet 3:9.
This church has no much time than to repent. They were advised also to be steadfast in the faith. “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come” vs. 25. (Read Jude 3)
PROMISES:
The faithful ones were greatly rewarded bountifully: “he that overcomes, and keep my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star” vs.26-28
He that hath an ear; let him know “That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” Mat 19:28.
And the Lord made it clear that he is the MORNING STAR: “I Jesus… I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star”. Rev 22:16. Compare 2 Pet 1:19 “as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts”
5. THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF SARDIS – REV 3:1-6
INTRODUCTIONS:
To the recipient Angel of this church, Christ addressed himself as: “he that hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars” vs. 1. The Bible, and especially the book of Revelation, uses the number seven (7) to refer to perfection and completion. Therefore, the seven spirits of God are symbolic of the HOLY SPIRIT, and the seven stars are the Angels (Messengers) of the seven churches. Rev 1:20.
REBUKES:
The Sardis church is the only church among the seven churches Christ rebuked outright before their praise. “I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou lives, and art dead” vs. 1
The memberships have loved to live worldly lives, while they profess to be good Christians and that had resulted in their spiritual death. “She that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives” 1 Tim 5:6
ADVICE & WARNINGS:
The dynamics of this letter differ from the usual way Christ did address the other churches. Because of the eminent deaths which may crop up into the church as a result of the slackness on the part of the Elders of discharging their oversight responsibilities. Christ came in quickly to warn them.
“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shall not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shall not know what hour I will come upon thee” vs. 2-3
COMMENDATIONS: Christ who is never blind to our good works did not fail to mention it to this church: “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy” vs. 4.
Only few believers here appeared to be pure and righteous in the eyes of the Lord.
What are WHITE GARMENTS? “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” Rev 19:8.
Compare Isaiah 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decked himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorned herself with her jewels”. White Garments depict Righteousness and Holiness.
PROMISES:
The peak of this letter is that the overcomer here was promised something which is the ultimate goal of every Christian.
“He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” vs. 5.
We can be sure of this promise for our dear fellow Brother Clement name is securely registered in this book of life. “And I in treat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life” Phil 4:3.
Yeah, our names may be erased from the book of life if we woefully do things otherwise.
“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” Rev 22:19
“Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book” Exo 32:33
6. THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA – REV 3:7-13
INTRODUCTIONS:
Christ who continuously claim the authorship and the brain behind these letters, introduced himself to the Saints at Philadelphia as: “he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shut, and no man opens” vs. 7. Christ is indeed the Truth and has the Keys in his hands. Refer to John 14:6, Mat 16:18-19, Rev 1:18.
COMMENDATIONS:
The Lord commended this church for many good works they had done for his name sake:
“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” vs. 8-10.
Many deny their Lord in times of hardship; others regret following the Savior at all. But Philadelphians proved otherwise. ”But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven”. Mat 10:33
But to those who have kept his words, there await a great prophecy for them: “The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel” Isa 60:14
ADVICE:
Here Christ reminded them to be watchful and sober; lest their legitimate possessions will be taken away from them. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man takes thy crown” vs. 11
PROMISES:
The faithful overcomer is promised to be “….made a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name” vs. 12
The NEW JERUSALEM (CITY OF GOD): Is the church of Christ. In Rev 21:2, it is pictured as a “bride adorned for her husband”. Paul referred to the church at Corinth as “chaste virgin espoused to Christ, the husband” 2 Cor 11:2. Compare Heb 12:22-24
Let those who hath ears “seemed to be pillars in the church of the living God” Gal 2:9, 1 Tim 3:15, Eph 2:19,
7. THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF LAODICEA – REV 3:14-22
INTRODUCTIONS:
To the Christians at Laodicea, the Lord addressed himself as: “These things said the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God” vs. 14. Christ fulfils all these attributes.
1. Jesus Christ is AMEN: “But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him is yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Cor 1:18-20.
2. Jesus Christ is the BEGINNING OF GOD’S CREATIONS: “…..of his dear Son: …Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature” Col 1:13-15
3. Jesus Christ is the FAITHFUL WITNESS: “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness” Rev 1:5
REBUKES:
As nothing is hidden in the eyes of our Lord, for we must all appear before Him to give accounts of our lives. Christ could perceive through our lives and did rebuke the so-called Self-proclaimed Christians in Laodicea: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” vs. 15-17
I know thy works here is in sharp contrast with the ones we discussed in our previous letters. These are the works of the flesh. Tit 1:16.
Ironically, Christ Jesus made them aware that their thoughts of being financial and economically stable in life are insufficient and insignificant to that of the spiritual life.
ADVICE:
The church of Laodicea was advised to take certain measures to curb their spiritual bankruptcy.
“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 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” vs. 18-20
The phrase “buy of me” suggest the human part of the bargain of God’s plan of salvation processes. The same word was used by the Wise King Solomon: “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” Proverbs 23:23. The truth is like precious gold or a priceless ornament, which every zealous Bible students have to search for. Read (Mat 13:45-46)
Christ made this categorical statement during His earthly ministry. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” John 8:32
The Truth opens our eyes, heals, vindicates, bring joy into our hearts and finally it saves our soul.
For their own good, Christ repeatedly advises them to appreciate his constant rebukes: “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourge every son whom he received….” Heb 12:5-11 (Refer 1 Cor 7:35)
To “sup with the Lord” is to do the will of God: “…My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work” John 4:31-34.
PROMISES:
The Christians in Laodicea were not left out with all the great promises made to the other six churches. The faithful ones (overcomers) who endure to the end are surely rewarded by the Lord.
It should interest us to comprehend the frequent use of the word OVERCOMER(S) in all of Christ letters to the seven churches of Asia. They are simply Christians for that matter.
1 John 5:4-5 says: “For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God”
“….. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father” 1 John 2:13
And the Lord said: “To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” vs. 21.
This promise is equivalent to the assurances Paul gave to the Roman Christians.
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together”. Rom 8:17
He that hath an ear let him hear that: “what he had promised, he is able to perform” Rom 4:21.
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