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Notes on the Book of Revelation

Chapter 3

Last Three Churches

Fifth Church: Sardis.1

Sardis = The ones escaping or that which remains. During the reformation some stayed true to Jesus.2

 

Often referred to as the dead church.

 

Timeframe: 1517-1798 AD, time of the reformation. Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses on the Wittenberg castle’s chapel door which many consider the official beginning of the reformation3, although there were some reformers before Luther such as John Wycliffe, John Huss, and Jerome of Prague.

 

Time = 1260, but there are indicators pointing to the 2300 year prophecy.

 

Location = Holy Place.

 

The reformers are coming out of spiritual Babylon at this point.

 

Lots of phrases that talk about judgment, for example Revelation 3:3-5.

 

The groups that followed each of the reformers stopped where they were and didn’t accept new light that came along with the next reformer, which ended up in the fragmentation of the church into different denominations. Those that followed Luther and learned about the importance of justification became the Lutheran church, those that followed Smythe and Williams and learned about the importance of the correct way to baptize became the Baptist church and so on. All of these different churches didn’t grow into or accept the new light that was revealed, they stagnated and stayed where they were. This is one reason why there are so many denominations.4 

 

Six Parts:​

  1. Opening address, verse 1. 

  2. Description of Jesus, verse 1.

  3. I know statement, verses 1-2.

  4. Command, verses 3-4.

  5. Overcome statement, verse 5.

  6. Spirit saith statement, verse 6.

 

  • Revelation 3:1, And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

 

3V1: Angel of the church = Angel = Messenger. Here the angel is symbolic and not a literal angel. It represents God’s messengers in each church, the minister or the respective leaders in each of the churches. In the apostolic age, the leader was usually an elder of the church, so these letters are written to the elders and then to pastors in later ages/times. 

 

“The ‘angels’ of the seven churches are the ‘messengers’, the human leadership of the church in each respective period. God speaks to His people through His ministers whom He has appointed.” (Ellen White, PK, pages 168-169) 

 

God provides pastors (or shepherds).

Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

 

Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Paul talking to the elders/leaders of the church and that they were chosen by the Holy Spirit. 

 

In the Bible, even humans are referred to as angels (messengers).

2 Samuel 19:27, “And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.” Speaking of David.

 

Mark 1:2, “As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” Speaking of John the Baptist. 

 

Luke 7:24, “And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?” Speaking of John the Baptist’s follower. 

 

Luke 9:52, “And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.” Speaking of the disciples of Jesus.

 

James 2:25, “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” Speaking of the two spies, Joshua and Caleb. 

 

3V1: Seven spirits = The complete (full) Spirit of God = 7 means completeness or complete cycle of time = Isaiah 11:2 (Of the Lord, Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might, Knowledge, Fear of the Lord) = Jesus was filled with the fullness of the Spirit of God = Jesus is able to see the whole situation.

 

3V1: Seven stars = The angels of the seven churches, Revelation 1:20. 

 

3V1: I know thy works = Sometimes this is positive like with the church of Philadelphia, but in this case it is a negative statement, see the next verse (I have not found thy works perfect before God). This dead church is similar to the corrupt church, Thyatira, see Revelation 2:19. During the time of the Sardis church, the church persecuted God’s people. 

 

3V1: Name that thou livest, and art dead = This church claims to be a Christian church but is dead spiritually. They live and call themselves Christians, but they are Christians in name only. This is a dead and false church. 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:2, Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

 

3V2: See 3V1, I know thy works. 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:3, Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

 

3V3: Hold fast and repent = Other translations say ‘keep it and repent’. They are being told to hold fast to the truth that they know, Ephesians 6:14 (stand or stand firm in the truth); 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (hold fast that which is good); 2 Timothy 1:13 (hold fast the form of sound words); Titus 1:9 (holding fast the faithful word); Hebrews 3:6 (hold fast of the hope); Hebrews 10:23 (hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering) and to their righteousness, Job 27:6 (my righteousness I hold fast). This is also a promise from God that those that stand fast to the truth and to His righteousness, that God will reward them. In this case His promise is in verse 4. The phrase ‘received and heard’ implies that there is more information that they don’t have, but they are being judged on what they know. God judges people based on the knowledge that they have, not what they don’t know, Acts 17:30 (God winks at our ignorance). But, of course, once someone learns and understands the truth they are held accountable for their choices and are commanded to repent. This phrase of ‘hold fast’ or ‘holdest fast’ is used several times in the letters to the churches, here (Sardis); Revelation 2:13 (Pergamos); Revelation 2:25 (Thyatira); Revelation 3:11 (Philadelphia).

 

3V3: If therefore thou shalt not watch = We are told to be watchmen and to be alert on the signs of the second coming. We are told not to be asleep otherwise the second coming will be like a thief in the night, we will be surprised, Isaiah 62:6 (watchmen upon thy walls); Matthew 24:36 (no one knows the day and hour when Jesus will return); Matthew 24:42 (watch therefore); Matthew 24:44 (Therefore be ye also ready); Matthew 25:13 (Watch therefore).

 

3V3: I will come on thee as a thief = This means that the second coming will be a surprise to many, especially to those that have not been watching for His return. It does not mean that the second coming will be a secret rapture as commonly taught because this verse specifically says it will seem like a thief (a surprise) for those that are not watching, 2 Peter 3:10; Luke 12:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4. 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:4, 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. 

 

3V4: Few which have not defiled their garments = This refers to those individuals that were leaders in the reformation. 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:5, He that overcometh, 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.

 

3V5: Overcometh = Those that remain faithful to God and to His doctrines while going through persecution, Revelation 2:7 (eat of the tree of life); Revelation 2:11 (not be hurt by the second death); Revelation 2:17 (eat of the hidden manna and a new name); Revelation 2:26-28 (power, rule with Jesus); Revelation 3:5 (clothed in white raiment and name in book of life); Revelation 3:12 (become a pillar with a new name); Revelation 3:21 (sit on the throne); Revelation 21:7 (inherit all things). These are all wonderful promises from God for His people if they remain faithful until the end, 1 John 5:4-5 (through faith believe that Jesus is the Son of God); 2 Timothy 3:12 (all shall suffer persecution); Philippians 1:29 (suffer for His sake); 1 Peter 3:14-15 (happy are ye to suffer); 1 Peter 4:12-17 (rejoice through trials); Matthew 5:10-12 (blessed are they which are persecuted); 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (affliction is but for a moment).

 

3V5: Will not blot out his name out of the book of life = This implies that names can be blotted out of the book of life or that salvation can be lost. This shows that the once saved, always saved concept is not biblical. Here are other verses that show that a saved person can in fact lose their salvation if they choose to turn away from God, Galatians 5:4 (fallen from grace); Exodus 32:31-33 (blot out of my book); Revelation 22:19 (take away his part out of the book of life); Revelation 12:7-9 (one third of the angels lost their salvation and were cast out of heaven); 1 Timothy 4:1 (depart from the faith); Colossians 1:21-23 (if ye continue in the faith); Romans 11:20-22 (branches cut off); Hebrews 10:26-27 (sin after truth); Hebrews 6:4-6 (if they shall fall away); 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (a castaway); 1 Samuel 10:6, 9 (God gave him a new heart but he didn’t stay that way - 1 Samuel 15:11; 16:4; 28:6); 2 Peter 2:20-22 (better not to have known); Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:10 (Demas turned away from God).  

 

3V5: Confess his name before my Father = Jesus is our mediator and intercessor with God the Father in heaven. Jesus stands between us and the Father and claims us for Himself, since He purchased us with His blood, 1 Corinthians 6:20 (bought with a price); 1 Corinthians 7:23 (bought with a price); 2 Peter 2:1 (Lord that bought them); 1 Timothy 2:5 (mediator); Hebrews 8:6 (mediator); Hebrews 9:15 (mediator); 1 John 2:1 (advocate). 

 

3V5: And before His angels = The angels of God surround the throne in heaven, Revelation 5:11 (angels about the throne); Revelation 7:11 (angels stood round about the throne). God’s throne is in heaven (Psalm 103:19). 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:6, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

3V6: Let him hear = This statement is directed to those that have an open heart and mind to receive the truth from God. These are those that hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to them and directing them in their lives, 1 Kings 19:11-12. “Not in mighty manifestations of divine power, but by “a still small voice,” did God choose to reveal Himself to His servant. Not by eloquence or logic are men’s hearts reached, but by the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit, which operate quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character.” (Ellen White, PK, pages 168-169) 

 

These are also those that are obedient to God and choose to listen and take to heart what they hear and read. They choose to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to do what they have been commanded by God. These messages to the churches were specifically for those living in those times and they were to hear what God was telling them through His prophet. But, these messages also apply to those living throughout the ages (the last two thousand years). There are concepts, truths and admonitions from God that apply to everyone in the church today. See the description in the overview for chapter two which discusses the literal, prophetic and personal application of the messages to the churches.

 

Sixth Church: Philadelphia.5 

Philadelphia means brotherly love.

 

Often referred to as the faithful church.

 

Timeframe: 1798-1844 AD, the missionary age.

 

Time = Brings us to the close of the 1260 year prophecy which ends in 1798 and introduces us to the 2300 year prophecy (the 2300 year prophecy starts in 457 BC and ends in 1844 AD). 

 

Location = Moves us into Most Holy Place. The main verse for this prophecy is Daniel 8:14 which states that the sanctuary would be cleansed at the end of the 2300 year prophecy. The cleansing of the sanctuary only occurred once a year and involved the priest going into the Most Holy place, Leviticus 16 (the day of atonement). 

 

The sixth item in each series deals with the beginning of the investigative judgment in 1844. 

  1. The sixth church = The door to the Most Holy Place opens before Philadelphia.

  2. The sixth seal = Signs in the heavens announce the beginning of the investigative judgment.

  3. The sixth trumpet = The little book episode and the measuring of the temple.

 

Purpose of this church was to bring everyone into one movement or one church and end time remnant, which would counter the fragmentation of the church into numerous denominations during the past ages of the church. 

 

This is one of two churches without fault (the other being Smyrna). Smyrna was persecuted and Philadelphia had brotherly love, both of these qualities (persecution and love) create a demarcation between those who say they are with Christ and with those that are truly with Christ. Revelation 2:9 and Revelation 3:9, Synagogue of Satan = Those that claim to be Christians but are Christians in name only.

 

Six Parts:​

  1. Opening address, verse 7. 

  2. Description of Jesus, verse 7.

  3. I know statement, verses 8-10.

  4. Command, verse 11.

  5. Overcome statement, verse 12.

  6. Spirit saith statement, verse 13.

 

  • Revelation 3:7, And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

 

3V7: Angel of the church = Angel = Messenger. Here the angel is symbolic and not a literal angel. It represents God’s messengers in each church, the minister or the respective leaders in each of the churches. In the apostolic age, the leader was usually an elder of the church, so these letters are written to the elders and then to pastors in later ages/times. 

 

“The ‘angels’ of the seven churches are the ‘messengers’, the human leadership of the church in each respective period. God speaks to His people through His ministers whom He has appointed.” (Robert J. Wieland, Revelation of Things to Come, page 17) 

 

God provides pastors (or shepherds).

Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

 

Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Paul talking to the elders/leaders of the church and that they were chosen by the Holy Spirit. 

 

In the Bible, even humans are referred to as angels (messengers).

2 Samuel 19:27, “And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.” Speaking of David.

 

Mark 1:2, “As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” Speaking of John the Baptist. 

 

Luke 7:24, “And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?” Speaking of John the Baptist’s follower. 

 

Luke 9:52, “And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.” Speaking of the disciples of Jesus.

 

James 2:25, “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” Speaking of the two spies, Joshua and Caleb. 

 

3V7: Is holy = This is part of the description of Jesus, Psalm 16:10 (Holy One); Psalm 22:3 (thou art holy); Psalm 33:21 (in his holy name).

 

3V7: True = This is part of the description of Jesus, John 14:6 (I am the truth).

 

3V7: Key of David = Isaiah 22:21-22, giving access to something, here it is the understanding of government; access to knowledge of the government in heaven which revolves around the sanctuary, Luke 11:51-52 (key of knowledge of the sanctuary); Isaiah 9:6-7 (similar to Isaiah 22:21-22, knowledge of the government in verse 6). The key is access to the way of God, which is in the sanctuary (Psalm 73:17); the sanctuary is the will of God and the way of God.6 The Philadelphian church was given the knowledge of the sanctuary message which was partly understanding the 2300 year prophecy and the cleansing of the sanctuary. 

 

3V7: Shutteth = People tried to shut out this message in the church of Philadelphia and in the church in the Millerite movement in the 1840s; they misunderstood the cleansing of the sanctuary and what it meant. They believed it meant the cleansing of earth by fire and that it meant Jesus was coming back, but it actually meant the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, Leviticus 16 (day of atonement); God gave them the key to understanding of the sanctuary. This is also quoting from the Old Testament, Isaiah 22:21-22. 

 

3V7: Openeth and shutteth = Refers to a door opening and closing; this might refer to three doors.

 

1.  A symbolic door from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary which opened symbolically in 1844 when Jesus moved from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place to cleanse the sanctuary, Daniel 8:14; Leviticus 16; Exodus 25:8-9 (the earthly sanctuary was modeled after the heavenly sanctuary); Hebrews 8:1-2 (Jesus is our High Priest in the true sanctuary which is in heaven); Hebrews 9:7, 24 (once a year the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place just as Jesus as our High Priest moved from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place in 1844); Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 (Jesus moving from Holy Place to the Most Holy Place to begin the investigative judgment); Revelation 22:11-12 (Jesus completing the investigative judgment and the second coming occurs); Malachi 3:1-3 (this describes Jesus coming to the throne in the Most Holy Place to begin the investigative judgment - He sits in judgment).

Ellen White attributes verses 7-8 as the door to the Most Holy, so this is the most common understanding and the correct understanding of this verse. 

 

“Men sought to close the door which God had opened, and to open the door which He had closed. But "He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth," had declared: "Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it." Revelation 3:7, 8. Christ had opened the door, or ministration, of the most holy place, light was shining from that open door of the sanctuary in heaven, and the fourth commandment was shown to be included in the law which is there enshrined; what God had established, no man could overthrow.” (The Great Controversy, Page 435) 

 

2.  A spiritual door which means access to God the Father through Jesus Christ our Saviour. This also means that the door of probation is still open for all of mankind. Once the door closes then probation is over and Jesus will return. Revelation 22:11 says, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”; Matthew 25:10-12 says, “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”; Luke 13:25-28 says, “When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.”; also Genesis 7:16 (God closes the door of the ark signifying the close of probation for all those that did not enter the ark); John 10:0 (Jesus is the door); James 5:9 (judge before the door); Revelation 4:1 (door to throne of heaven).

 

3.  The symbolic opening of the gospel door to the whole world; 2 Corinthians 2:12 (The Church Missionary Society of Anglican Church in 1799; The British and Foreign Bible Society in 1804; Robert Moffatt in Africa in 1817; David Livingstone in 1840; and John Ludvig Krapf in East Africa in 1844); Acts 14:27 (door to the gentiles); 1 Corinthians 16:9 (great door open to Paul to preach).7 During this time period the gospel and knowledge of the sanctuary message spread throughout the world, especially during the 1830s and 1840s.  

 

 

  • Revelation 3:8, 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.

 

3V8: I know thy works = This is one of two churches that have nothing negative said about them (the other being the church of Smyrna). 

 

3V8: Set before thee an open door = This refers back to the three possible open doors in verse 7. There is the symbolic door that is open from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place. We as Christians must understand the full meaning of the ministry of Jesus and must follow Him spiritually through that door. For instance, understanding this concept helps us to understand that the investigative judgment has begun, what Jesus is doing in heaven, that Jesus is our High Priest, that Jesus is coming soon, and so on. The second door that is open is the spiritual door that is open to God the Father and that the door of probation is open to us. There is still time to repent and to accept the free gift of salvation. The third door that is open is the gospel door that is still open as the good news of Jesus is still working around the world. 

 

3V8: No man can shut it = The doors mentioned in verse 7 cannot be shut by man and can only be shut by God. For instance, when the investigative judgment is complete, the door of probation will close and no man can open it, Genesis 7:16 (only God can close the door to the ark which signified the close of probation for those that did not enter the ark). 

 

3V8: Not denied my name = These are people that have not denied the character of God since His name is His character. Name = Character. Exodus 33:18-19 says, “And he said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.”; then in Exodus 34:5-7 it says, “And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” See verse 12 for a full description of name and character. 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:9, 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. 

 

3V9: Synagogue of Satan = This refers to those that call themselves Christians and are not. These are false Christians. 

 

3V9: Say they are Jews = This use of ‘Jews’ here is referring to two groups of Christians. The first being Jews that converted to Christianity and are now a part of the Christian church in Smyrna. Unfortunately, many of them were not truly converted or did not have the strength and courage to persevere through the tribulation and left the church when persecution began. So these are people calling themselves Christians but are not and are being weeded out of the church because of persecution. The second group are gentiles (non-Jews) that became Christians and are considered spiritual Jews. Romans 2:28-29 says, “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.” Once we accept Jesus as our Saviour, we are considered spiritual Jews and heirs to the promises made to Abraham and are considered a part of Abraham’s seed. Galatians 3:7-8 says, “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” In Romans 9:6-8 it says, “Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” Many in this second group were also nominal Christians and left when persecution began. 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:10, 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.

 

3V10: Patience = Those that keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus, Revelation 14:12; where are the commandments in the sanctuary = In the Most Holy. This is another reason why we know that we are now in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary. 

 

3V10: Hour of temptation = God is allowing a test, but we will be kept because we have the knowledge of the sanctuary. This is pointing to the great test of the Sabbath truth that will come near the end, Revelation 13:15. Follow the Lamb into the Most Holy Place. Lamb = Jesus Christ. Revelation 15:3 says, “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”; 1 Peter 1:19 says, “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot…”; John 1:29 says, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” and verse 36 says something similar, “And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!”

 

 

  • Revelation 3:11, Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 

 

3V11: I come quickly = When the investigative judgment is complete, then Jesus will return to gather His people, Revelation 22:11 (describes the investigative judgment), then in Revelation 22:12 it says ‘I come quickly’. So this does not mean that Jesus is coming quickly in the time of the church of Philadelphia, it means when the investigative judgment is complete, then Jesus will come quickly. 

 

3V11: Hold fast = Other translations say ‘hold on to what you have’. They are being told to hold fast to the truth that they know, Ephesians 6:14 (stand or stand firm in the truth); 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (hold fast that which is good); 2 Timothy 1:13 (hold fast the form of sound words); Titus 1:9 (holding fast the faithful word); Hebrews 3:6 (hold fast of the hope); Hebrews 10:23 (hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering) and to their righteousness, Job 27:6 (my righteousness I hold fast). This is also a promise from God that those that stand fast to the truth and to His righteousness, that God will reward them. In this case His promise is in verse 12. The phrase ‘which thou hast’ implies that there is more information that they don’t have, but they are being judged on what they know. God judges people based on the knowledge that they have, not what they don’t know, Acts 17:30 (God winks at our ignorance). But, of course, once someone learns and understands the truth they are held accountable for their choices and are commanded to repent. This phrase of ‘hold fast’ or ‘holdest fast’ is used several times in the letters to the churches, here (Philadelphia); Revelation 2:13 (Pergamos); Revelation 2:25 (Thyatira); Revelation 3:3 (Sardis). 

 

3V11: Take thy crown = The saints will receive a crown in heaven, 1 Corinthians 9:25 (incorruptible crown); Philippians 4:1 (longed for crown); 2 Timothy 4:8 (crown of righteousness); James 1:12 (crown of life); 1 Peter 5:4 (crown of glory); Revelation 2:10 (crown of life).

 

 

  • Revelation 3:12, Him that overcometh will I make 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.

 

3V12: Overcometh = Those that remain faithful to God and to His doctrines while going through persecution, Revelation 2:7 (eat of the tree of life); Revelation 2:11 (not be hurt by the second death); Revelation 2:17 (eat of the hidden manna and a new name); Revelation 2:26-28 (power, rule with Jesus); Revelation 3:5 (clothed in white raiment and name in book of life); Revelation 3:12 (become a pillar with a new name); Revelation 3:21 (sit on the throne); Revelation 21:7 (inherit all things). These are all wonderful promises from God for His people if they remain faithful until the end, 1 John 5:4-5 (through faith believe that Jesus is the Son of God); 2 Timothy 3:12 (all shall suffer persecution); Philippians 1:29 (suffer for His sake); 1 Peter 3:14-15 (happy are ye to suffer); 1 Peter 4:12-17 (rejoice through trials); Matthew 5:10-12 (blessed are they which are persecuted); 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (affliction is but for a moment).

 

3V12: Pillar = Those that overcame disappointment of 1844 and support the church like a pillar. These are referred to as pillars of our faith.8

 

3V12: Jerusalem out of heaven = Revelation 21:2. After the thousand years that the saints will spend in heaven, the New Jerusalem will descend out of heaven onto the earth, the final judgment of the wicked will occur, and a new heavens and a new earth is recreated as God intended it at the beginning. This is all revealed in Revelation 20 to 22. Also, see the study called The Millennium. 

 

3V12: Write upon him the name of my God = Revelation 14:1, Father’s name written in foreheads = Seal of God, Name = Character = Law of God; This lets us know we’re talking about end time events. Name = Character, Exodus 33:18-19; 34:5-7, name of the Lord equated to His character, Psalm 138:2 (which is also the transcript of His law); Name of God as His character;9

  • Adonai = The God who is in charge, Genesis 15:2.

  • Yahweh = The God who is always there, Genesis 2:4.

  • Elohim = The Creator God, Genesis 1:1.

  • El Shaddai = The Almighty God, Genesis 17:1.

  • El Elyon = The Most High God, Genesis 14:19.

  • El Olam = The Everlasting God, Genesis 21:33.

  • El Roi = The God who sees, Genesis 16:13.

  • Abba = The God who is our daddy, Mark 14:36.

Other examples of names as a reflection of character:

  • Genesis 27:36, Jacob = Supplanter.

  • 1 Samuel 25:25, Nabal = Fool.

  • Revelation 3:13, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

3V13: Let him hear = This statement is directed to those that have an open heart and mind to receive the truth from God. These are those that hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to them and directing them in their lives, 1 Kings 19:11-12. “Not in mighty manifestations of divine power, but by “a still small voice,” did God choose to reveal Himself to His servant. Not by eloquence or logic are men’s hearts reached, but by the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit, which operate quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character.” (Ellen White, PK, pages 168-169) 

 

These are also those that are obedient to God and choose to listen and take to heart what they hear and read. They choose to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to do what they have been commanded by God. These messages to the churches were specifically for those living in those times and they were to hear what God was telling them through His prophet. But, these messages also apply to those living throughout the ages (the last two thousand years). There are concepts, truths and admonitions from God that apply to everyone in the church today. See the description in the overview for chapter two which discusses the literal, prophetic and personal application of the messages to the churches.

 

 

Seventh Church: Laodicea.10 

Laodicea = A people judged or the judging of the people11 (living during the investigative judgment).

 

Laodicea was a city with great wealth and was situated on a Roman road used for trade. This city was known for its banking center and a medical center which included a medical school that specialized on the eyes. Laodicea was also known for its black wool.12 

 

“The message to the Laodiceans is applicable to Seventh-day Adventists who have had great light and have not walked in the light. It is those who have made great profession, but have not kept in step with their Leader, that will be spewed out [the shaking] of His mouth unless they repent.” (Selected Message, volume 2, page 66)

 

The message to the Laodiceans will cause the shaking. 

 

“I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people.” (Testimonies for the Church, volume 1, page 181)

Often referred to as the lukewarm church.

 

Timeframe: 1844-Close of Probation.

 

Time = 2300 year prophecy since this prophecy ended in 1844 AD.

 

Location = Most Holy.

 

Six Parts:​

  1. Opening address, verse 14. 

  2. Description of Jesus, verse 14.

  3. I know statement, verses 15-17.

  4. Command, verses 18-20.

  5. Overcome statement, verse 21.

  6. Spirit saith statement, verse 22.

 

 

  • Revelation 3:14, And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

 

3V14: Angel of the church = Angel = Messenger. Here the angel is symbolic and not a literal angel. It represents God’s messengers in each church, the minister or the respective leaders in each of the churches. In the apostolic age, the leader was usually an elder of the church, so these letters are written to the elders and then to pastors in later ages/times. 

 

“The ‘angels’ of the seven churches are the ‘messengers’, the human leadership of the church in each respective period. God speaks to His people through His ministers whom He has appointed.” (Robert J. Weiland, Revelation of Things to Come, page 17) 

 

God provides pastors (or shepherds).

Jeremiah 3:15, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

 

Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Paul talking to the elders/leaders of the church and that they were chosen by the Holy Spirit. 

 

In the Bible, even humans are referred to as angels (messengers).

2 Samuel 19:27, “And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.” Speaking of David.

 

Mark 1:2, “As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” Speaking of John the Baptist. 

 

Luke 7:24, “And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?” Speaking of John the Baptist’s follower. 

 

Luke 9:52, “And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.” Speaking of the disciples of Jesus.

 

James 2:25, “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” Speaking of the two spies, Joshua and Caleb. 

 

3V14: Church of the Laodiceans = This is the only church of the seven that is written or addressed as a plural form of the name of the church. If it was to match the other six churches, it should have been written as ‘…of the church in Laodicea write…’, but instead it says ‘church of the Laodiceans write…’ Since this is the last church, we are currently living in the age of the Laodicean church or what is commonly referred to as the lukewarm church. This might be written in plural form because we now live in a world where God’s people are in many different churches. The Christian church has fragmented into numerous denominations, so God is not speaking to a unified or singular church here, He is speaking to His people that are in many different churches. Before the second coming of Jesus there will be a time when God will call His people into one unified church, Revelation 18:4. 

 

3V14: The Amen, the faithful and true witness = Another description of Jesus Christ. Each of the seven churches always begins with the opening statement and then a description of Jesus. 

 

3V14: The beginning of the creation of God = Creation started with Jesus, He was the start of creation or the source of creation. Christ initiated the work of creation. Jesus Christ and the Father are coexistent. John 1:1-3 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.; Hebrews 1:8 says, “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” In this verse God the Father is referring to the Son as God. They are both God and coexistant.; Colossians 2:9 while referring to Jesus says, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”; and finally in John 10:30 Jesus says, “I and my Father are one.”

 

 

  • Revelation 3:15, I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 

 

3V15: Cold = Someone that has completely turned away from God or has never known God. But, this person in the future may feel the need for God. Since God is love, 1 John 4:8, He allows us to make a choice whether to accept Jesus as our Saviour or not to accept Jesus. God does not force us into making a decision either way, He wants love out of choice, not out of force. 

 

3V15: Hot = Someone that is on fire for Jesus Christ and is fully committed to God and has surrendered their lives to Him and are obedient to His will. 

 

3V15: I would thou wert cold or hot = God doesn’t want lukewarm people, those that are neither cold nor hot but somewhere in the middle. They are on the fence and actually cause people to turn away from God even more so than those that are cold. Lukewarm Christians call themselves Christians but live in the world and act like others in the world. They are Christians in name only. They look no different from someone that is cold. This makes Christians look like hypocrites and causes people to turn away from God, or to look somewhere else for their spirituality. That is why God would rather have people make their decision either for Him or for the world. At least a cold person may eventually feel the need for God, but a lukewarm Christian already believes that they are Christians and will not feel the need to turn away from the world. Lukewarm Christians negatively impact the effectiveness and work of the church in reaching out to the community and bringing others to Christ as their Saviour.13 This church represents the current church in the world where there are a lot of lukewarm Christians or Christians in name only. For instance, there are many movie stars, musicians, politicians that wear crosses, and sometimes huge bejeweled crosses, but live and act as the world does. There is no difference between the person that wears a cross and someone that says they are not a Christian, they act the same. Christians should be different from everyone else, they should be peculiar. Exodus 19:5 says, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine…”; Deuteronomy 14:2 says, “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.”; Deuteronomy 26:18 says, “And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments…”; and Psalm 135:4 says, “For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.” This concept of being different from the world is in both the Old and New Testament. Titus 2:14 says, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”; and 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light…”

 

 

  • Revelation 3:16, So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 

 

3V16: Spue thee out of my mouth = The thought of a lukewarm Christian is so abominable to God that He would spue (or vomit) them out of His mouth. Everyone must make a decision either to follow God fully or to live in the world. 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:17, Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 

 

3V17: Wretched = Wretched is only used twice in the Bible, one here and one in Romans 7:24. Paul says he’s wretched but the difference here is that the Laodiceans don’t think that they’re wretched or in need of God because of their great wealth and a comfortable life. They are deceived by the riches and comforts of the world. They believe they are Christians but they are lukewarm, see verse 16. 

 

3V17: Poor = Laodicea was a city of great wealth and they saw themselves as rich which is the opposite of what God says, which is that they are poor. The Laodiceans are poor spiritually and need to be purified like gold to become rich spiritually in God’s eyes, see verse 18. 

 

3V17: Blind = As mentioned in the overview above, the city of Laodicea was known for their medical center and school which specialized in an eye slave. They specialized in healing people with eye problems to see again, but the Laodiceans were spiritually blind. Again, God is describing Laodicea as the opposite of what they saw themselves as. This also points to the Laodicean’s being blind to their condition because of their wealth and their feeling that they are in need of nothing.14 

 

3V17: Naked = As mentioned in the overview above, Laodicea was known for their black wool, but here God describes them as the opposite of having wool clothing. God is contrasting how they really are in God’s eyes as opposed to how they see themselves. God’s people are clothed in robes of righteousness, but the Laodiceans are naked, without righteousness. They have a from of godliness, but are nominal Christians (lukewarm).15 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:18, 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 eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 

 

3V18: Gold tried in the fire = Faith and love. 

 

1 Peter 1:6-8 says, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…”

 

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

 

Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 

 

We need a faith that can withstand fiery trials as depicted in the story in Daniel 3. The fire burned away the things of Babylon that bound them and Jesus was with them in the fire. It is the faith of Jesus that was tried in the fire. We need the faith of Jesus. His faith is found in His closing moments on earth.16 

 

3V18: Rich = Here it refers to their potential spiritual condition, not worldly wealth. The Laodiceans were spiritually poor, see verse 17. 

 

3V18: White raiment = Primarily represents the saints covered in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

 

Revelation 19:8, 11 says, “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. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”

 

But it also represents Jesus’ glory and wisdom as can be seen in these verses. Proverbs 16:31 says, “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.” White hair would command the same respect as gray hair (both representing elders who deserve respect and honor).

 

Jesus’ glory was often mentioned in the New Testament. Matthew 16:27 says, “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”

 

Matthew 19:28 says, “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, 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.”

 

Matthew 24:30 says, “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

 

Matthew 25:31 says, “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory…”

 

Mark 10:37 says, “They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.”

 

Luke 2:9 says, “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”

 

Luke 9:26 says, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

 

John 1:14 says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

 

2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

 

2 Corinthians 8:23 says, “Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.”

 

The righteousness of Jesus was also mentioned in the New Testament. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

 

Romans 1:17 says, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

 

Romans 3:5, 21-22 says, “But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man). But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference…”

 

Romans 10:3 says, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

 

The righteousness of God is also associated with wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30 says, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption…”

 

Mark 6:2 says, “And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?”

 

Luke 2:40, 52 says, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

 

Luke 11:49 says, “Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute…”

 

Romans 11:33 says, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”

 

1 Corinthians 1:24 says, “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

 

1 Corinthians 2:7 says, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory…”

 

Ephesians 3:10 says, “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God…”

 

When we accept Jesus as our Saviour He covers us in His righteousness. 

 

3V18: Shame of thy nakedness do not appear = Refers to those that are not covered in the righteousness of Jesus Christ are naked like Adam and Even in the garden of Eden when they fell, Genesis 3:6-7 (the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked). 

 

3V18: Eyesalve = Enlightenment of the word of God. The Laodiceans were blind to their sins, but God wants their eyes to be opened to see their sins and then to repent and turn away from their sins (to stop being lukewarm).

 

John 9:41 says, “Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.”

 

1 Peter 1:5-9 says, “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

 

Luke 4:18 says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised…”

 

Eyes = Innermost soul. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:19, As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 

3V19: As I love, I rebuke and chasten = This should give hope to those that have bad things happen in their lives. Maybe God allows some things to happen to redirect our lives or to make us turn to Him. When bad things happen, maybe we should look at the situation and ask ourselves what we can learn from the experience. We are all sons and daughters of God, 2 Corinthians 6:18 (sons and daughters of God); 1 John 3:10 (children of God), and our heavenly Father corrects us on occasion out of love. 

 

3V19: Repent = Repentance is to feel sorry for what we have done and to turn away from sin. There are many examples in the Bible, Acts 2:36-38 (Peter speaking to Jews and telling them that they crucified the Son of God and they were ‘pricked in their hearts’ and were told to repent and be baptized); Acts 5:30-31 (Peter speaking to the Jewish council about Jesus and that they killed Him); God winks at our ignorance, but once we learn the truth we are to repent and turn away from our sin, Acts 17:30. Once we repent it leads to confession, 1 John 1:9. See also Revelation 16:9 (repentance is a gift of God). 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:20, 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.

 

3V20: I stand at the door = Jesus stands ready to enter the hearts of anyone that desires or calls out to Him, all we need to do is ask for the free gift of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:21, To him that overcometh 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. 

 

3V21: Overcometh = Those that remain faithful to God and to His doctrines while going through persecution.

 

Revelation 2:7 says, “…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

 

Revelation 2:11 says, “…He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

 

Revelation 2:17 says, “…To him that overcometh 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 knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

 

Revelation 2:26-28 says, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth 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.”

 

Revelation 3:5 says, “He that overcometh, 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.”

 

Revelation 3:12 says, “Him that overcometh will I make 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.”

 

Revelation 3:21 says, “To him that overcometh 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.”

 

Revelation 21:7 says, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”

 

These verses are promises from God to give us a new name, to give us an inheritance, to keep our names in the book of life, to give us access to the tree of life, and to rule and sit with God on the throne which are all wonderful promises for His people if they remain faithful until the end. God’s people have been persecuted in throughout history, are currently being persecuted around the world and will definitely be persecuted in the end time, but God’s people must remain faithful even during troubling times.

 

In 1 John 5:4-5 it says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

 

2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

 

Philippians 1:29 says, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake…”

 

1 Peter 3:14-15 says, “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…”

 

1 Peter 4:12-17 says, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

 

Matthew 5:10-12 says, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

 

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

 

These verses show that as a Christian we will suffer persecution, but we are to rejoice and praise God and we are told to focus on heaven and spiritual things (those things we cannot see right now) and not to focus on worldly things (those things we can see right now). We must keep our eyes and focus on Jesus and He will get us through persecution. 

 

 

  • Revelation 3:22, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

3V22: Let him hear = This statement is directed to those that have an open heart and mind to receive the truth from God. These are those that hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to them and directing them in their lives, 1 Kings 19:11-12. “Not in mighty manifestations of divine power, but by “a still small voice,” did God choose to reveal Himself to His servant. Not by eloquence or logic are men’s hearts reached, but by the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit, which operate quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character.” (Ellen White, PK, pages 168-169) 

 

These are also those that are obedient to God and choose to listen and take to heart what they hear and read. They choose to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to do what they have been commanded by God. These messages to the churches were specifically for those living in those times and they were to hear what God was telling them through His prophet. But, these messages also apply to those living throughout the ages (the last two thousand years). There are concepts, truths and admonitions from God that apply to everyone in the church today. See the description in the overview for chapter two which discusses the literal, prophetic and personal application of the messages to the churches.

 

END OF CHAPTER BIBLE STUDIES:

Bible Study: An Example of the Need to Understand the Old Testament.17

Things written in OT were for our admonition (1 Corinthians 10:11); the seven churches also parallel books of the Bible or stories within the Bible;

 

First church (Ephesus) = The loveless church; Genesis (Adam and Eve); the pure church but they lost their first love and caused the fall of mankind and the world.

 

Second church (Smyrna) = The persecuted church; Exodus is the story of a persecuted people the Israelites, 400 years in captivity in Egypt; this parallels a persecuted church in the Smyrna timeframe of 100-313 AD.

 

Third church (Pergamos) = A compromising church; Israel in the desert and then enters the promised land; the Israelites compromised their beliefs throughout this experience such as the golden calf incident; Israel also chose a king to protect them; the early church in the Pergamos timeframe chose to follow Emperor Constantine’s edicts; books of Exodus to Samuel. 

 

Fourth church (Thyatira) = The corrupt church; Israel is led into apostasy by literal Jezebel and is eventually led into captivity by the Babylonian Empire; Thyatira is the beginning of the corrupt church called Mystery Babylon; books of Kings and Chronicles.

 

Fifth church (Sardis) = The dead church; A decree by Cyrus to set the captives free to begin the work of rebuilding the house of the Lord; Israelites were building their houses while the house of the Lord was not being rebuilt; parallels the timeframe of the church of Sardis because the reformation followers stopped where they were at when their leader died or was martyred and this caused the development of separate denominations and the fragmentation of the church, churches starting building their own houses (churches); book of Ezra; also Israelites were escaping Babylon like the reformers were escaping spiritual Babylon (the Roman Catholic Church).

 

Sixth church (Philadelphia) = The faithful church; Nehemiah called to finish the work and rebuild the temple; he gathers the people together to finish the work; Isaiah 58, repairers of the breach; Nehemiah 7:64, almost like a work of judgment, verses 67-68 - about 50,000 people were a part of the movement; during the timeframe of the church of Philadelphia there were about 50,000 people involved in the Millerite movement; Nehemiah 10, a sealing occurs; a sealing work takes precedence in the end time church.

 

Seventh church (Laodicea) = The lukewarm church; After Nehemiah they are waiting for the first coming or the arrival of the Messiah. The church of Laodicea represents the second coming of Christ and the condition of the church right before that event. During the first coming of Christ the church (Israel) was lukewarm and thought they had no need of God and didn’t want anything to do with Him (Jesus). Israelites put stock in the fact that they were God’s chosen people and became lukewarm; the Adventist church today is doing the same thing, they “brag” about being 3rd generation or 4th generation, but God doesn’t care about our spiritual history. The wise men understood the first coming of Christ and Israel didn’t; In this time, wise men who are not in the church may understand the second coming of Christ better than those that are in the church. Israelites misunderstood the first coming (thought Jesus was coming as a Lion); Current church misunderstands the second coming (think Jesus is coming as a Lamb in a secret rapture, but He’s coming as a Lion).

 

 

Chapter 3 Resources and Notes

1.  Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

 

2.  Pastor John Bradshaw, It Is Written Ministry television episode called, What I Like About My Church, Can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndehUX3hEsQ.

 

3.  History.com Staff (2009), Martin Luther and the 95 Theses, A&E Networks, can be accessed here: https://www.history.com/topics/martin-luther-and-the-95-theses

 

4.  Pastor Geoff Youlden, Youlden World Report Ministry video, Why so Many Denominations?, Can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQGdMISOock&index=29&list=LLKO2xoRkM9qvNAYKW_D4-xA&t=0s.

 

5.  Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

 

6.  Ibid.

 

7.  Original source is unknown. 

 

8.  Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

 

9.  Article from bibleinfo.com titled, What are the names of God?, can be accessed here: http://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/names-of-god.

 

10.  Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

 

11.  Pastor John Bradshaw, It Is Written Ministry television episode called, What I Like About My Church, Can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndehUX3hEsQ.

 

12.  Anchor Point Films (2017), www.anchorpointfilms.com, video series called, Revelations Seven Churches, it is a two DVD documentary series and can be purchased here, https://www.anchorpointfilms.com/series/60-revelation-s-seven-churches.

 

13.  Pastor Philip Sizemore, Amazing Discoveries video series called, For Every Truth, A Little Leaven, can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSld6Q2hX8o&index=38&list=LLKO2xoRkM9qvNAYKW_D4-xA&t=0s

 

14.  Anchor Point Films (2017), www.anchorpointfilms.com, video series called, Revelations Seven Churches, it is a two DVD documentary series and can be purchased here, https://www.anchorpointfilms.com/series/60-revelation-s-seven-churches.

 

15.  Ibid.

 

16.  Pastor James Rafferty and Pastor Ivor Myers, Salvation in Symbols and Signs (Program on 3ABN’s Dare To Dream Network), video series can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42C2tZ5yuI&list=PLZE9r6f37K0AJPuImVU9DX-Y1Ntikqv0R.

 

17.  Ibid.

 

 

Ellen White references can be found here: https://beta.egwwritings.org

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