Interpreting The Book of Revelation

[sdktlk]

If it is not about the Church at all then why are the second and third chapters devoted to the seven Churches?

[OneLight]

If it is not about the Church at all then why are the second and third chapters devoted to the seven Churches?

Simple ... it is Christ's message to the church, not about the church. The book of Revelation also speaks of Satan. Is Revelation about Satan then? Revelation is about Jesus Christ and what He will bring about and why.

[sdktlk]

Again, I suppose that if it is simply about what the Lord is going to do to the lost we have no need of the Revelation, though it would seem to be important as it is 22 chapters. We all know the end of those who are not saved, why do I need to understand their calamity at the hand of the Lord. It is already written, "The Lord is angry with the wicked everyday."

And in response to it being a message to the Church, yes it is. Therefore, rather than guess at what it is saying, we would probably do well to stay before the Lord until He reveals to us what it does in fact say.

Edited December 31, 2010 by sdktlk

[sdktlk]

Something to think about:

The Revelation - The Greek word for revelation is, apokalupsis, which means, an uncovering, an

unveiling. This is the same Greek word used by the Apostle Paul when he wrote to the Christians

at Ephesus saying,

[Guest shiloh357]

If it is not about the Church at all then why are the second and third chapters devoted to the seven Churches?

It is a letter of encouragement to the churches about the Kingdom of God.

[nebula]

If it is not about the Church at all then why are the second and third chapters devoted to the seven Churches?

With each church, Jesus states a different revelation about Himself.

Why?

What does each church say about Him? How does the revelation of Him apply to each church and its situation?

Try studying that!

[nebula]

Again, I suppose that if it is simply about what the Lord is going to do to the lost we have no need of the Revelation, though it would seem to be important as it is 22 chapters. We all know the end of those who are not saved, why do I need to understand their calamity at the hand of the Lord. It is already written, "The Lord is angry with the wicked everyday."

No one stated it's about what the Lord is going to do.

It's about the Lord Himself!

And in response to it being a message to the Church, yes it is. Therefore, rather than guess at what it is saying, we would probably do well to stay before the Lord until He reveals to us what it does in fact say.

Of course it's a message to the "Church"! But the message is about Jesus.

[nebula]

This is not a Revelation, an uncovering, an unveiling by Jesus Christ, but an uncovering, unveiling of Jesus Christ.

That is what we were saying.

[Fez]

If you dig deeper into the origins of the word Revelation, you need to also look at the Latin word vellum, which could mean veil, but also a type of parchment made from animal hide that was used to write on.

So Revelation, also means lifting of the veil, if based on the Latin root.

The first Revelation was in part the "tearing of the veil", at the culmination of the crucification, which allowed believers to live under an "open heaven", in the Grace of Jesus.

The last and all important Revelation is when all things we have wondered, studied, and argued about will be made known.

Jesus will be revealed in His full glory.

Thats what the book is about, it's about Jesus.

Just my two cents.......

[sdktlk]

A study of the Churches...this is somewhat long

Chapter Two

Verse 1 - Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things says He that holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks

In Revelation 1:11 the Apostle John heard and instruction from the Lord where He said, “...What you see, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia...:” IT being the entire Book of Revelation. Here, in chapter two, and continuing on through chapter three, we will see many descriptive symbols of the Lord's Person and His administration. Also we will see the Lord's accolades, admonitions and words of encouragement spoken to, “...the angel of the church...”

There has been, and is, a discussion as to whether these letters were meant for the actual physical seven churches that existed at the time of the writing, or whether they are symbolic and point to the church(es) throughout all the Church age. We state here that they were of course written to the original seven churches. We also state again that seven is God's number for temporary perfection and we know God does everything, “...decently and in order...” (1Cor 14:40) So, recognizing these facts, along with the fact that the Book of Revelation is an unveiling of the Lord Jesus (Head) and His Church (body,) we will come to see and understand the pictures (symbolism) here in Revelation and recognize their import, from the first described Church (Ephesus) to the last (seventh) described Church (Laodicea:) as they are indeed and unfolding of the Church (body) in its relationship to the Lord Jesus (Head) throughout the ages until, “...that which is perfect is

come...” (1Cor 13:10)

“...Unto the angel of the church...write...” As we have previously discovered the angel in this instance

points to the elders of the church. “...And when they (the elders) were come to him (the Apostle

Paul,) he said unto them...take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which

the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with

His own blood...” (Ref: Acts 20:17-28) Seeing these things we state, in accordance with the Spirit

of the Scripture, that these letters were (are) clearly written to the elders, the overseers, the,

“...ministers of Christ...the stewards of the mysteries of God...” (1Cor 4:1) That is not say that

these things are not for the churches, the saints, as we shall see in verse eleven of this chapter.

Again, in order to determine if these things written have any significance for us today we are required

to discover, see, the symbolism in all that is recorded in these letters. We will come to understand

that from the first to the last there is much to be learned.

“...church of Ephesus...” The word Ephesus, in the Greek, means desirable. Ephesus, being the first

Church mentioned here in Revelation, we can most assuredly see how it was and is most desirable,

in that the Lord Himself made the ultimate sacrifice to bring it into existence. “...Delight yourself

also in the LORD; and He shall give you the desires of your heart...” (Psa 37:4) And we do know

that the Lord Jesus desired, even unto death, the birth of the first Church.

Verse 2 - I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them

which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found

them liars

“...I know your works, your acts...” Immediately, with the coming of the Day of Pentecost and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we see these works, these acts, these deeds taking place in the first Church. As recorded in the beginning of the Book of Acts, the Apostles and the disciples, “...worked, were engaged in, the works of Him (Jesus) that sent them...” (Ref: Jn 9:4) This first statement, “...your works, your acts...,” made by the Lord points to what they were doing with respect to working the works of the Lord.

“...and your labor...” The Greek word, kopiao, here interpreted labor, means (a) growing weary, (b) toiling. We are exhorted to, “...be not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not...” (Gal 6:9) This application of your labor does not express growing weary so much, but there was a toiling beginning to take place early on in the first Church. We see the Apostle's having to inform the disciples that, “...it is not reasonable that we should leave the Word of God to serve tables...” (Acts 6:2) Toiling causes sweat and therefore is not blessed, as sweat is part of the curse.

“...and your patience...” Simply, “your cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance, patient waiting.”

“...and how you can not bear them which are evil...” Bear, in the Greek, bastazo, means, endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.. Evil, in the Greek, kakos, a primary word meaning, worthless (intrinsically such.) Intrinsic means, of or relating to the essential nature of a thing. We have, early on in the first Church, an incident concerning Ananias and Sapphira. At the time of this incident we see the Apostle Peter not enduring their actions as he states, “...why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit...” (Ref: Acts 5:1-10) At Peter's word both Ananias and Sapphira, “...gave up the spirit...” The first Church did not receive or bear those of a worthless or an evil nature. “...And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things...” ( Acts 5:11)

“...and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars...” There are several instances in the first Church where we find those claiming to be Apostles, Apostle meaning one that is sent; but, for our purposes here we will use only one. The Apostle Paul, in his second epistle to the Corinthians, concerning some which were commending themselves states, “...For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming (no real transformation just a masquerade, a facade) themselves into the apostles of Christ...” (2Cor 11:13) In the first Church we see those who were masquerading as apostles but were found to be liars.

Verse 3 - And has borne, and has patience, and for My name's sake have labored, and have not fainted

A little clearer picture of this verse is to be had from the Interlinear Bible, which is a literal translation of the Hebrew and Greek. Thus: “...And you have bore up, and have patience, even due to the Name of Me, you have labored and have not wearied...” All of these commendations are given because of the first church's allegiance to the name of Jesus and none other.

“...And has borne...” Borne as bear is, bastazo, meaning, to endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.. And in the Bible we can certainly see many instances of the first Church declaring the Name of Jesus. They also were to be commended on things such as they, “...that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves (themselves)...” (Rom 15:1) And bearing, “...one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ...” (Gal 6:2)

“...and has patience...” Simply: “...and possess (has) cheerful endurance (patience) on behalf of the Name of Jesus...”

“...and for My name's sake has labored, and has not fainted...” We find in the first Church an instance where Peter and John went up to the temple and Peter had, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, caused a lame man to walk.

The people that were present at the temple saw this and gathered about and Peter, from the Scriptures, preached JESUS. “...As they spoke unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being grieved that the taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have you done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him does this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle has been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge you. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard...” (Acts 4:1-19) So, we see here, in the first church, they indeed, “...for My name's sake have labored, and have not fainted...”

Verse 4 - Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left you first love

“...you have left your first love...” To the first Church the Lord Jesus lays only this one thing to their charge: “...your first, your best love...” The best love we ever have for the Lord Jesus is at that moment of salvation. We all need to pray the Lord to help us to return to our first love. We need to plea, as did David, that the Lord, “...Restore unto me (us) the joy of your salvation; and uphold me (us) with your free Spirit...” (Psa 51:12)

Verse 5 - Remember therefore from where you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place, except you repent

“...Remember therefore from where you are fallen...” Here, in this first manifestation of the Church, we see where the Lord is giving them an exhortation to, “...Remember...from where you are fallen (past tense)...” This is the first sign of a falling away (2Thes 2:3) that will continue on in the Church until, “...that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, of ruin, of loss; who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God...” (2Thes 2:3, 4) We will unveil this one as we continue on through The Book of Revelation.

“...Remember...and do the first works...” Do we remember when we first got saved. The joy, the fellowship of the Lord, the desire to tell what wonderful things He had done for us, and especially our desire to know Him. We ourselves need to, “...Remember...and repent...” Here we see the first Church being encouraged by the Lord to recognize, “...from where you are fallen...:” that place where the first works, the first acts were a joy and rejoicing. We see also, in Acts 11:23, where Barnabas, “...when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord...” Purpose here is the Greek word, prothesis, which means, a setting forth, as exposed before God. So these in the first Church were being encouraged to, with an exposed heart cleave, adhere unto the Lord. This is the first sign of the Church becoming faithful ritualistically but not having a relationship of love with the Lord.

“...or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place...” If the first Church did not remember their first love, and return to cleaving to the Lord with an exposed heart they, individually and collectively, would find that they were no longer, “...the light of the world...” (Mat 5:14) The candlestick is that which sheds light when the oil is in good supply. If our candlestick is removed we, as a Church, do not give off light (the Lord Jesus.) Our Lord said, “...As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world...” (Jn 8:12) But He is not physically here any longer and the responsibility falls to the Church to lift up the real Jesus. For, He said, “...And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me...” (Jn 12:32) Is the Church at large lifting up Jesus from out of the earth/soil/earthy, or when the lost see the Church is all that they see is that which looks earthy. We all, collectively and individually as the body of Christ, in accordance with the word of Lord Jesus need to, “...Take heed therefore that the light which is in you be not darkness/obscurity...” (Lu 11:35)

Verse 6 - But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate

“...deeds of the Nicolaitans...” The Greek word, ergon, interpreted deeds, is a primary but obsolete word; to work; toil (as an effort or occupation;) by implication an act. Therefore the, “...works, toils, acts of the Nicolaitans...”

“...Nicolaitans...” This is a compound of two Greek words, nico, meaning to conquer or be victorious over; and laitan, which means lay or common people. Here we see in the first Church those messengers of God's people who are working towards having the preeminence over, to conquer the assembly, the common people. We have previously pointed this out from the Third Epistle of the Apostle John where he stated, “...I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us (purveyors of the truth) not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither does he himself receive the (true) brethren, and forbids them that would, and casts them out of the church...” (3Jn 1:9, 10)

“...you hate the deeds/works/acts...which I also hate...” The good news here, in the first Church, is that they understood, “...the body is not one member, but many...” (1Cor 12:14) They hated, they detested the spirit which was working to give one member, whether it be a single individual or a collective hierarchy, dominance.

Verse 7 - He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God

“...He that has an ear, let him hear...” This is literally translated, “...The one having an ear, hear...” Since this is the Spirit speaking to the leaders, the churches, the assemblies the implications are that we can be saved and still be unable to hear: here the emphasis is on hearing. In order for us to be properly turned to see we must first be able to hear. This principle was discovered in our study of Revelation 1:2.

“...what the Spirit says unto the churches...” In Revelation 1:17-20 we saw, “...one like unto, similar in appearance to, the Son of man...” speaking. Here we discover that, “...the Lord is that Spirit...” (2Cor 3:17:) ONE. So also should it be, and it will be, between the Head and the body: One voice. We also see here, that even though this letter was written unto the church of Ephesus, that it is directed to all the churches. These letters are therefore most certainly for all the assemblies throughout all the Church age. “...The one having an ear, hear...”

“...To him that overcomes...” At the very instance of our salvation we have been (pass tense) “...made alive with Christ...and He has raised us up together (at the time of Christ's resurrection,) and made us sit together (with Christ) in heavenly places in Christ Jesus...” (Eph 2:5, 6) Also, we discover that we have been (pass tense) “...blessed...with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ...” (Eph 1:3) Positionally, from the moment of salvation, everything the Lord Jesus is and has is ours; the problem lies in our experience. As we can see the victory is ours to lose.

Throughout both the Old and New Testament the Church is encouraged to take its proper place. As it is written, “...Awake, awake; put on your strength (whole armor of God,) O Zion (Zion means raised up [one] put on your beautiful garments (“...the garments, the fine linen is the rightwiseness of the saints...” [Rev 19:8]) O Jerusalem, the holy city (dwelling place of God:) for henceforth there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised (of heart) and the unclean (saved but wicked; ref: Acts 8:13-23.) Shake yourself from the dust (our adamic nature;) arise (into heavenly places in our experience,) sit down (together with Christ,) O Jerusalem: loose thyself (we have to know, we have to see the truth and the Truth will make us free) from the bands (yoke) of your neck, O captive (we have allowed ourselves to be taken captive through our not knowing the Truth) daughter (female/bride) of Zion ...” (Isa 52:1, 2)

If that particular Old Testament reference is difficult to see, let us look at a few New Testament exhortations that are easier to be seen. The Apostle Paul, in writing to Timothy states, “...And if a man strives for masteries, yet is he not crowned except he strive lawfully...” (2Tim 2:5) And, “...Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin which does so easily beset us, and run with patience the race that is set before us...” (Heb 12:1) What? “...Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway...” (1Cor 9:24-27) We see in Paul's statement here he voiced concern about being a castaway. Paul was not talking about loosing his eternal salvation, he's referring to, “...If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire...” (1Cor 3:15) There are many references to see in the Bible which point to these things. So, as we can see, the victory is ours to lose.

The instruction to “...overcome...” here points directly to the churches returning to their first love and hating the deeds, the works of those shepherds who would desire to have the preeminence over God's people.

We would also point out that the overcomer is called a he. This speaks to the fact that when the bride has made herself ready she, the Church, shall be perfectly joined together with the Lord Jesus, the Groom, and the two shall become One, and God shall call their name, “...Adam (Man)...” As the “...last Adam (the Lord Jesus Christ) was made a quickening Spirit...” (1Cor 15:45)

“...To him...will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God...” The Greek word, xulon, here interpreted tree, is not the word that is usually used for tree which is, in the Greek, dendron. What we have before us is the same word used by the Apostle Peter when he states, “...Who His Ownself bore our sins in His body on the tree...” (1Pet 2:24) The use of the word xulon, meaning a piece of wood, here points to the crucifixion. Life, speaks of the resurrection. In the New Jerusalem the crucified and resurrected Christ is the nourishment of all God's redeemed people, now and throughout eternity. The good news here is that all of God's redeemed attain to this level of overcomer. Our Lord Jesus Himself said, “...My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand...” (Jn 10:28)

“...paradise...” Paradise, in this instance, would be best interpreted Eden: as the Son of man, “...is come to seek and to save/deliver that which was lost...” (Luk 19:10) And, as it is written, “...the creature, the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God...” (Rom 8:21)

Verse 8 - And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the First and the Last, which was dead, and is alive

“...church in Smyrna...” Smyrna, in the Greek means, myrrh; myrrh means bitter, and typifies suffering. Therefore, this progression of the Church, this second Church of the Book of Revelation should point to a Church in suffering. Can we find any event in the Scriptures that would let us see the Church going into such a state of suffering? After the martyrdom of Stephen ( ref: Acts 6:8-7:60) we find, “...at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles...” (Acts 8:1) Can we determine when at that time was? From the resurrection of Jesus, in the spring (March or April) of 31 A.D., until the time we have before us, the fall (September or October) of 34 A.D., a period of three and one half years, we find the Church, “...having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved...” ( Acts 2:47) (Note: The dates set forth here will not be discussed in great detail as they are not essential to our seeing The Book of Revelation. However, we assure you they can be completely validated with much proof.) With these things now in our vision we can clearly see the second Church, the Church in Smyrna, as it truly is, the Church in suffering. This second Church, in suffering, continued under great persecution by the Roman Empire from 34 A.D. until 313 A.D.

If indeed the Churches, here in The Book of Revelation, are symbolic representations of the Church throughout the ages we should be able to continue to find conformation of this, as this second Church, the Church in suffering, came into existence in 34 A.D.

“...These things says the First and the Last, which was dead, and is alive...” Because of the fact of this great persecution the Lord gives the Church assurances the He is, “...The Beginning and The Ending...” of all things: even this persecution. They need to see clearly that He, “...was dead, and is alive...” in that death could not hold Him. And because of the fact that He lives they can trust His words when He said, “...whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die...” (Jn 11:26)

Verse 9 - I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan

“...I know your works, and your tribulation...” Here, as to the Ephesians, the Lord commends the overseer(s) and the Church for their labor of love, tells them that He is aware of their affliction, and gives them assurance that He, “...will never leave them, nor forsake them...” (Heb 13:5) Because, He “...is alive...”

“...I know your...poverty, (but you are rich)...” There had been a prophecy given by a brother named Agabus that there should be, “...a great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar...” (Acts 11:28) Dearth - destitution; scarcity of food. This dearth began during the reign of Claudius Caesar (Nero) who ruled from 54 A.D. to 68 A.D. Though the Church was suffering persecution and scarcity of food they were rich in good works in that they had distributed freely to the necessity of the saints.

“...(but you are rich)...” In addition to being willing to distribute the Lord reminds them that, "...Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to them that love Him...” (Jas 2:5)

“...I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan...” Blasphemy is practically confined to speech defamatory of the Divine Majesty. There is much evidence in the Book of Acts and the Epistles of such speech. What is being addressed here specifically by the Lord is the Judiazers. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, stated, “...Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love. You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of Him that calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that you will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubles you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you. For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another...” (Gal 5:1-13) There is much light in the Scriptures that could be shed on this blasphemy. But we see clearly here, in this instance, the Lord speaking to the second Church with regard to the Judiazers.

“...which say they are Jews, and are not...” These ones speaking evil are claiming that they are Jews. What is meant by this?

In accordance to the way we have been taught by the Church today to see things either you are a Jew because you are a descendant of Abraham or you are not. Although, if we would learn to see in accordance to God thought, we find it written, “...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) We also see, “...Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He did not say, And to seeds, as of many; but as of One, And to your Seed, which is Christ...” (Gal 3:16) As it is written, “...you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise...” (Gal 3:26-29) These one's that were troubling the Church were Jews in outward appearance only. Therefore, in accordance with the Lord, we see they say, “...they are Jews, and are not...”

“...but are the synagogue of Satan...” This is a devastating proclamation by the Lord in that they, “...ARE the synagogue of Satan...” This points to the fact that in their rejection of Christ and stubbornly clinging to their traditional religious concepts they had become one with Satan in opposing God's divine plan. Under the manipulation of Satan their synagogues had opposed the Lord Jesus Himself (ref: Mat 12:9-14; Luk 4:28, 29; Jn 9:22,) then the Apostles (ref: Acts 13:43, 45-46, 50; 14:1, 2; 19; 17:1, 5, 6,) and then the churches. Our Lord Jesus Himself stated emphatically to the Jewish leaders who opposed Him, “...You do the deeds of your father. Then said they to Him, we be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, you would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? even because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do...” (Jn 8:41-44) It does not get any clearer than that: “...synagogue of Satan...”

Verse 10 - Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life

“...Fear none of those things which you shall suffer...” Here we see the Lord reminding the second Church, the Church in suffering, not to be afraid for we (they) must, “...through much affliction enter into the Kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22)

“...the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried...” We see, from the martyrdom of Stephen and the beginning of the great persecution against the Church, the Apostle Peter (Acts 12:1-19) and the Apostle Paul, along with Silas (Acts 16:20-40) cast into prison for their testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is always the devil inciting men to oppose the Gospel, “...for we wrestle not against flesh and blood...” (Eph 6:12) We see these brothers in the Lord cast into prison by the devil as a trial of their faith. But their faith has been found, “...much more precious than of gold...” (1Pet 1:7) We see that what the devil meant for evil, “...God meant it unto good, to bring to pass...to save much people alive...” (Gen 50:20)

“...and you shall have tribulation ten days...” This statement by the Lord would seem to be of no relevance here, as ten days of affliction is of no consequence, considering all the things which are recorded in the New Testament concerning the afflictions of the saints. However, because The Book of Revelation is a symbolic prophetic utterance unveiling the Lord (Head) and the Church (body) we need to see the significance of the number ten as a symbol. Also, days.

“...ten...” Simply put, the number ten in Scripture points to complete or completion. We see this exemplified in that there were ten plagues in Egypt and the plagues were completed. Moses was given Ten Commandments and the Law was complete. Our Lord Jesus gave the parable of the ten virgins. If we see that this parable of the ten virgins points to all the Christians that will ever be then we understand ten symbolically means: brought to the full, to completion.

“...days...” In a prophecy that is symbolic it is widely understood, “...forty days: I have appointed you each day for a year...” (Eze 4:6) These ten days are pointing to a completed number of years: which years were completed in 313 A.D. In this year the Roman emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan which made Christianity the state religion. From this point forward the Roman Empire did not persecute Christians.

“...be you faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life...” One could think that the Lord is referring to the physical death which would be experienced by many during this Church in suffering period. But, He's not, for they understood, “...Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do...” (Luk 12:4) What then? It is an exhortation by the Lord that, “...If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his (soul) life for My sake, the same shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul..?” (Mat 16:24-26) It is a reminder from the Lord Jesus that, “...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it...” (Mat 7:14) The good news is, “...Blessed is the man that endures temptation, trial, trouble, affliction: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him...” (Jas 1:12) This Life that is being spoken of here is zoe: God Life. Also, a crown, in respect to the things of God, is always a reward in addition to salvation.

Verse 11 - He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; he that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death

“...he that overcomes...” The Lord Jesus said, “...Truly, truly, I say unto you, He that hears My Word, and believes on Him that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life...” (Jn 5:24) And, “...We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loves not his brother abides in death...” (1Jn 3:14) The only thing we need to do is, “...Examine ourselves, whether we be in the faith; prove our own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except we be reprobates..?” (2Cor 13:5)

The thing that needs to be overcome, in this message to the Churches, is to not be of those who, “...receives the Seed into stony places, the same is he that hears the Word, and immediately with joy receives it; yet he has not root in himself, but endures for a while: forthwith when affliction or persecution arises because of the Word, by and by he is offended/tripped up...” (Mat 13:20, 21) Nor, of those who, “...receives Seed among the thorns is he that hears the Word; and the care of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful...” (Mat 13:22, 23) Both of these ones receives the Seed, they are born again, but are, “...of them who draw back unto perdition, ruin, loss, destruction...” (Heb 10:39) Let us therefore overcome and be of those who, “...believe to the saving of the soul...” (Heb 10:39)

“...shall not be hurt of the second death...” The first death is as such: “...For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive...” (1Cor 15:22) If we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we have passed from death unto life and we, “...shall not be hurt of the second death...” If we have not received Jesus as our Lord and Savior then, “...Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death...” (Rev 20:14, 15)

Verse 12 - And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things says He which has the sharp sword with two edges

“...church in Pergamos...” Perga, in the Greek, means very earthy. Mos, means majority. Pergamos, means height, elevation, marriage. The believer's in this third Church have, for the majority, become very earthy, and because of Emperor Constantine's 'Edict of Milan' in 313 A.D. it has been elevated to a height of secular, earthly prominence. A marriage, a union, is taking place between the Church, the bride of Christ, and the State that precipitates a fall from grace which has devastating effects upon upon the Church, the body of Christ. And, the results of this fall we will see, as we continue on through this unveiling of The Book of Revelation.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “...Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the Temple of the Living God; as God has 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 you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty...” (2Cor 6:14-18) Paul explains this further in that, “...I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one Husband, that I may present you a chaste virgin to Christ...” (2Cor 11:2) We need to see what the Lord has to say about an unholy union. For, “...neither shall any woman (Church) stand before a beast (secular government) to lie down thereto (have union with:) it is confusion...” (Lev 18:23) The Hebrew word, teh'-bel, here interpreted confusion and the Hebrew word, baw-bel,' interpreted Babylon, both mean confusion. Beware, Babylon (confusion) the great.

“...These things says He which has the sharp sword with two edges...” Because of what is happening here in this third manifestation of the Church the Lord reminds them that there is nothing hid as, “...the word of God is alive, 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 thought and intents of the heart...” (Heb 4;12) As it is written, “...all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do...” (Heb 4:13)

Verse 13 - I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast My Name, and have not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells

“...I know your works...” This a continuation of the thought of the Lord, from verse twelve, stating He knows their works because nothing is hid from Him.

“...I know...where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is...” And, even though you dwell where Satan's seat is, that is not an excuse to become very earthy. “...Satan's seat...” is in this world, as the Greek word aiōn, most often interpreted world, means age. For, Satan is, “...the god of this world, this age...” (2Cor 4:4) By this we can see where Satan sits, his seat is on top of this present age. And, the Lord Jesus, “...gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil age according to the will of God and our Father...” (Gal 1:4)

“...and you hold fast My Name...” Admonition complete, the Lord commends this third manifestation of the Church in that they still hold fast the fact of the Lord Jesus' Person. The Person is the reality of the Name.

“...and have not denied My faith...” This does not point to their personal faith. Here the Lord is commending them for the fact that they still believe in the Lord's faith (My faith,) to wit: the Lord's Person and the Lord's work of faith, that is to say how He walked.

“...even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells...”

“...even in those days...” We are not looking at the martyrdom of a single individual Christian here, for it is in those days (days being plural.) And as the Book of Revelation is a symbolic prophetic utterance we again have to understand a day for a year and this is days, pointing to some period of time. This time period ran from 34 A.D. to 313 A.D., or 279 years of days.

“...wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you...” The definition of the name Antipas is, anti, meaning against, and pas, meaning all: therefore, Antipas means, against all. This points to all the faithful witnesses/martyrs (the Greek word, martus, means martyr, record, witness) that were slain during this time period for not adhering to the Roman law concerning the worshiping of Caesar and held fast to the Lord's Name and the Lord's Faith. This one was slain in the midst of this third manifestation of the Church for a period of 279 years.

“...where Satan dwells...” Where is this place in which Satan dwells? “...In that day the LORD with His severe and great and strong sword shall visit leviathan, the crooked serpent, even the serpent, that crooked serpent; and He shall slay the dragon that is in the sea...” (Isa 27:1) In prophetic symbolism we have discovered that the sea points to lost humanity. We also see the four beasts, the four kingdoms, in the Book of Daniel, rising up out of the sea. So, where does Satan dwell? The Apostle Paul tells us where. In his letter to the Ephesians he states, “...Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this order of things, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit, the serpent, that now works in the children of disobedience, the sea...” (Eph 2:2) Therefore, “...you (we) were sometimes darkness, but now light in the Lord: walk as children of light...” (Eph 5:8)

Verse 14 - But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication

“...the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel...” The name Balaam means, the destruction of the people. Balaam was a Gentile prophet who, for wages, taught Balac, which means, who lays waste or destroys, to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel. (Ref: Num 25:1-3; Acts 15:29) In this third Church era there had began to be messengers, shepherds, who were, “...unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of filthy wages...” (Tit 1:10, 11) This is easy to see for overseers are to, “...feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for the sake of filthy wages, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock...” (1Pet 5:2, 3)

“...to eat things sacrificed unto idols...” Eat, speaks of consuming, ingesting. Things sacrificed points to that which is offered. An Idol is, primarily, a phantom or likeness, or an idea or fancy. We see these Christians being enticed by the overseers to consume, to eat, what these ministers offered up, what they sacrificed, no matter how unscriptural their idea or fancy. These things are the things offered up, these things are the idols.

“...and to commit fornication...” The Greek word, porneuō, here interpreted fornication, means literally, to indulge in unlawful lust. As it is written, “...walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust (indulge in unlawful lust, fornication) of the flesh...” (Gal 5:16)

Whenever things are not taught properly in the Church, when we are not taught, “...the right ways of the Lord...” (Acts 13:10,) then only one thing can happen, and that is we commit fornication, we indulge in unlawful lust. And even though we may have the will to stay pure before the Lord we find ourselves with Paul saying, “...that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I...” (Rom 7:15) The good news is that Paul escaped his wretched man estate, as he discovered the right ways of the Lord. There is much that could be said in regards to Paul's discovery, but let us look to the Lord and, for ourselves, discover how to enter in at the strait gate.

Verse 15 - So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate

“...doctrine of the Nicolaitans...” Here, once more, we have reference to the Nicolaitans. In Revelation 2:6, the first Church of Ephesus, the Church which is desirable, was commended for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans. In this third Church we see these deeds are being embraced. To put us in remembrance, here again is the explanation of who the Nicloaitans are, and what are their deeds. The word, Nicolaitan, is a compound of two Greek words, nico, meaning to conquer or be victorious over, and laitan, which means lay or common people. We saw in the first Church those shepherds of God's people who were working towards having the preeminence, to conquer, rule over the assembly, the common people. We have previously pointed out from the Third Epistle of the Apostle John where he stated, “...I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither does he himself receive the (true) brethren, but forbids them that would, and casts them out of the church...” (3Jn 1:9, 10) This is not, “...the right ways of the Lord...”

Here, in this Church, we see, in accordance with the Lord's admonitions in verses fourteen and fifteen, the beginnings of a worldly Church. We discover that it is allowing itself to be spoiled, “...through philosophy (sophistry – that is, charging money to present a specious argument used for deceiving someone [a Nicolaitan]) and vain, empty deceit, delusion after the tradition, after the precepts of men, after the rudiments, the principles of this order of things, and not after Christ...” (Col 2:8)

Verse 16 - Repent; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth

“...Repent...” Repent simply means to change your mind or to think differently. Who is the Lord speaking to here? He is speaking to the angel, the minster(s) in this third manifestation of the Church, as the majority of the Church have become very earthy. Also, because of Emperor Constantine's 'Edict of Milan' in 313 A.D., the Church has been elevated to a height of secular, that is, earthly prominence. We have to see that the messenger being spoken to is not a specific one individually, but one, as in all collectively. “...Repent...”

“...or else I will come unto you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth...” Here the Lord makes it very clear that He's not speaking just to some one person as He says, “...or else I will come unto you (singular) quickly, and will fight against them (plural) with the sword of My mouth...” As we know the sword of His mouth is the Truth. And, “...the wrath/anger of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold THE TRUTH in unrighteousness...” (Rom 1:18)

In this third Church we see the planting of the mustard seed, as spoken of by the Lord, in the third parable of Matthew chapter thirteen, and also in Mark. This seed grows into an aberration of nature, “...so that the fowls (demons) of the air may lodge under the shadow of it...” (Mar 4:32)

Verse 17 - He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; 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 knows saving he that receives it

“...to him that overcomes...” We see where Satan's seat is and where Satan dwells, so understanding these facts we need to recognize that, “...while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat...” (Mat 13:25) In order to overcome we have to wake up and discern those who have, “...a form of godliness, but denying the power (of a resurrected, overcoming life) thereof: from such turn away...” (2Tim 3:5) We must recognize those that prophesy or preach for wages and those that desire the preeminence over God's people, whether those one's do it knowingly or unknowingly are not true shepherds, as they have not understood the power of a resurrected life. “...He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the Churches...”

“...will I give to eat of the hidden manna...” The Lord Jesus had hidden manna. He said, “...I have meat to eat that you know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, has any man brought Him ought to eat? Jesus said unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work...” (Jn 4:32-34) “...I am that Bread/Loaf/Manna of Life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the Bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live for ever...” (Jn 6:48-51)

If we would but see the power of the crucified, resurrected life and enter in at the Strait Gate the Lord would say to us, “...Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit unto life eternal: that both he that sows and he that reaps may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One sows, and another reaps. I sent (am sending) you to reap that whereon you bestowed no labor: other men labored, and you are entered (are entering) into their labors...” (Jn 4:35-38)

“...and will give him a white stone...” White speaks of righteousness in Scripture. Much can be said about a stone throughout the Bible. Here we see that the Lord will give this righteous stone to the one who overcomes. It is written, “...A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it: wheresoever it turns, it prospers...” (Pro 17:8) The Greek word psēphos, here interpreted stone, is pebble, as worn smooth by handling. In order to acquire this righteous smooth stone gift, “...we must, through much affliction (wearing smooth,) enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22)

“...and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receives it...”

Again: “...and superimposed on the precious gift a fresh personality, a fresh character is being engraved, which no one knows except the one receiving it...”

What do these two promises of the Lord say to him that overcomes? In his overcomer, resurrected, worn smooth, newness of life state he will be receiving a gift of renewal, “...by His Spirit in the inner man...” (Eph 3:16) And superimposed on this gift is a new fresh character, another Person, which is being engraved in the overcomer. But no one else can really know, except the one that is receiving it. For, “...if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed, and are passing away; behold, all things are become, and are becoming new...” (2Cor 5:17) And no one knows, except the one receiving it.

In the first three manifestations of the Church the Lord said, “...He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches...” before His promises to the overcomer. In the last four manifestations of the Church the Lord states His promises before He says, “...He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches...” What is the significance of this? In the first three Churches there were those that could yet hear, therefore the admonitions that were given to those Churches could still fall on hearing ears. As we are about to go into a dark transition in these last four manifestations of the Church, the Lord states the promises to the overcomer first so as to encourage them to strive to obtain a hearing ear.

Verse 18 - And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things says the Son of God, who has His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass

“...Church in Thyatira...” Thyatira is a difficult name to define, for it seems to have many names, many definitions. The other six named Churches, here in Revelation, are pretty straight forward insofar as understanding what their names signify. We will list the varying definitions of Thyatira here and, as we come to see who or what this fourth manifestation of the Church is, it becomes much clearer. Thyatira, means: that which goes on continually, and continual sacrifice, and castle, and fortress, and odor of affliction, and high tower.

In our revealing of the three previous Churches we see them only being in existence for short periods of time. When we say short periods of time we do not mean that they were only around for a few years. We can see, in the Seventy Weeks allocation of the Book of Daniel, where it is written, “...Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city...” (Dan 9:24,) that the Lord is speaking of a four hundred ninety year period. Which, to the Lord, is a short span of time, considering eternity past and eternity future.

Here, in this fourth manifestation of the Church, the Lord says to it, “...But that which you have hold fast till I come...” (v. 25) As this Church began to come into being in the fifth century A.D., and is still around sixteen centuries later, we can certainly come to terms with the fact that, due to its changing appearance throughout the centuries, its name has many and varied meanings: though it does seem a bit confusing. However it is absolutely fitting, with the unveiling here in the Book of Revelation, for as we shall discover, this fourth manifestation of the Church is indeed, “...the great whore...and upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH...” (Rev 17:1; 15) The meaning of the word Babylon is mixture; confusion. So, as we can see, the name of this fourth Church can indeed be somewhat confusing. Rest assured though that all of the aforementioned meanings of Thyatira does, of a certainty, hold true. Just so we can see how all the different definitions of the name Thyatira are, in fact, pointing to her nature, we will go through a brief synopsis showing how this is so:

1) That which goes on continually - We have already pointed out that this one continues, “...till I (the Lord Jesus) come...” Has He come back yet? We know the answer is no. So, this fourth Church is continuing in the earth even until now.

2) Continual sacrifice - The practice of Mass, as a ceremonial ritual is, “again and again the same sacrifice of Calvary offered in an unbloody manner:” a continual sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. There is no need for this continual sacrifice, “...for this He (Jesus) did once, when He offered up Himself...” (Heb 7:27) Abomination and confusion.

3) Castle, fortress, high tower - This one is, “...the woman which you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth...” (Rev 17:18) Therefore, a high tower, a castle, a fortress.

4) Odor of affliction - This one, through the use of her fleshy arm, that is secular government, had, over the centuries, millions of heretics (martyrs) put to death. This is an Odor of affliction.

Much could be said on these matters but all we want to see is that all the definitions of the name of this fourth Church are applicable in every way.

“...These things says the Son of God...” In this Church the doctrine of Jesus, the Son of Mary is born and the Lord, in no uncertain terms, is encouraging them to remember, HE IS, "...THE Son of God..,” not Mary.

“...Who has His eyes like unto a flame of fire...” In Revelation 1:14 we understood the meaning of this term. And here we see the Lord reminding this Church that there is nothing hidden from, “...the eyes of Him with whom we have to do...” (Heb 4:13)

“...and His feet are like fine brass...” In Revelation 1:14 we also understood His feet. The Lord is placing emphasis on the fact, “...that judgment must begin at the house of God...” (1Pet 4:17)

Verse 19 - I know your works, and charity, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last to be more than the first

This statement is highlighting the proclamation made by the Lord that His, “...eyes (are) like unto a flame of fire ...” Therefore, “...I KNOW...”

“...your works...” I know your acts, your deeds.

“...and charity...” I know your affection or benevolence.

“...and service...” I know your service, your administration, especially of the messenger(s) of you.

“...and faith...” I know your credence, moral conviction of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God.

“...and your patience...” I know your endurance, your constancy.

“...and your works; and the last to be more than the first...” I know your acts and your deeds continue to increase in quantity, not necessarily quality, the further you go in your existence. This points to their greatly increased religious activity.

We must remember that the Lord is speaking to the angels, the messengers, the leaders of the Church first in these letters to the angels. What is the Lord saying to the angel, the leaders of this fourth manifestation of the Church? He had said to them that He knows exactly what they are doing for His “...eyes (are) like unto a flame of fire...” And what does He see them doing? He sees them moving ever closer to a state of apostasy.

Verse 20 - Notwithstanding I have a few things against you, because you suffer 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

Verse nineteen is not a commendation, as some would have us believe, but a calling to account. For this verse is a continuation of the thought of verse nineteen, and the Lord does indeed have somewhat against this angel(s,) this messenger(s,) of the Church, the body of Christ.

“...because you suffer that woman...” Suffer means to permit or leave alone. There is one here that is being permitted, being left alone, being allowed to teach who the Lord is against. A woman, in prophetic symbolism, always points to the Church: whether she be pure or impure. So, we see here the beginnings of an assembly, a body, a Church that the Lord does not approve of.

“...Jezebel...” The name Jezebel originally meant, the lord Baal exists. In Hebrew it means, there is no nobility. In the Old Testament Jezebel is a foreign Queen who married Ahab, the King of northern Israel, and seduces him to cease from worshiping the One and Only True God and begin to worship Baal. Upon Ahab's death she tried to have her sons installed as rulers of Israel to no avail. In her death, under the hands of the rightful King of Israel, Jehu, she decked herself in all her finery and portrayed herself as a prostitute. (Ref: 1st and 2nd Kings) She, on several occasions, tried to kill the prophet Elijah, but to no avail. Elijah means, a.) God the Lord; or b.) the strong Lord. In the end Elijah, that is God the Lord, the strong Lord won out. This is a beautiful picture of Christ and an apostate Church.

“...which calls herself a prophetess...” Prophetess: a female foreteller or an inspired woman. This perverted manifestation of the Church says she is a purveyor of God's Truth and speaks by God's authority. When, in fact, she is leading in a direction where they will eventually, “...honor the God of forces: and a god whom his/her fathers (founders of the True Church) knew not...” (Dan 11:38)

“...allowed...to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols...” See verse fourteen of this chapter for a refresher on this. Here in this fourth manifestation of the Church there is also beginning to be a mixture of pagan beliefs, evil speakings and many more heretical teachings.

This woman, which has come upon the stage here in the fourth Church, is the woman of the fourth parable of Matthew chapter thirteen. The Lord Jesus said, “...The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened...” (Mat 13:33) This is the woman that is about to hide the kingdom of heaven in three measures.

Verse 21 - And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not

Again: “...I gave her a space of time to repent...” From the “Edict of Milan,” the marriage of Church and state in 313 A.D., until the placing of, “...the abomination that makes desolate...” (Dan 11:31) in 538 A.D. she had a space of time to repent, “...and she repented not...”

Verse 22 - Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds

“...Behold, See, I will cast her into a bed...” Symbolically, a bed points to a place of sorrow, sickness, disease, slothfulness, death and a place where prostitutes ply their trade.

“...and them that commit adultery with her...” We are, “...espoused to one husband...” (2Cor 11:2,) and those who chose to lie with this one are commiters of adultery. The question would be how could they be committing adultery with a her as she cannot be the Churches husband. The Lord is addressing the feminine side of this one in His letter, but, she has another side. With the issuing of the Edict of Milan by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 313 A.D. the Church, the bride, this woman has lain down with a beast: to wit, secular government. And when the woman joins together with a beast (a he) the two become one and God, “...called their (plural) name (singular) Adam, that is Man...” (Gen5:2) Here though we see the Lord only referring to the woman, for that Man of sin has not yet been revealed.

“...into great tribulation...” The Greek word here, thlipsis, being interpreted tribulation, means pressure (literally or figuratively:) - afflicted, (-tion), anguish, burdened, tribulation, trouble. This is not tribulation in the sense that we have been led to believe today. This is a place of affliction, anguish, burden, trouble, pressure that will cause great distress on these adherents of this Jezebel.

“...except they repent of their deeds...” If they were to repent, that is, change their minds with regards to their deeds, their actions, the Lord always makes, “...a way to escape...” (1Cor 10:13)

Verse 23 - And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works

“...And I will kill her children with death...” What is the Lord saying here? This would seem to be a very extreme statement if this Jezebel is indeed a literal woman. If these are literally her children, in the sense of a natural child, we would be appalled, for the Lord is not a murderer. However, as we are correct in that this woman is indeed, “...the great harlot...” (Rev 17:1,) “...BABYLON THE GREAT...” then she is, “...THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH...” (Rev 17:5) So, as we can see, her children are women: And it says she is the mother of harlots, plural, pointing to more than one.

If we but look at history we see the only woman, church, that came from the beginnings of the Church established by the Lord Jesus is the Church Catholic. Did she have any daughters, that is, churches birthed out of her? Yes, we see two. The first daughter is what is know as the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the second daughter is Protestantism. The Eastern Orthodox Church was born in 1057 A.D. and Protestantism was born in 1517 A.D. The Great Harlot had two daughters, and only two, no more.

What then is meant by, “...kill her children with death..?” This is spiritual death in the context of the one who, “...wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead...” (Pro 21:16) Greek Orthodoxy was born dead, in that its practices are almost a mirror image of her mother, it never had life. Protestantism was, as a move of the Spirit, alive for a short period of time but, in accordance to the Lord, it also died. Protestantism is the Church in Sardis which, “...has a name that you live, and are dead...” (Rev 3:1) We will be coming to this fifth manifestation of the Church, the Church in Sardis, next in Scripture. However, as we see, Jezebel has two harlot daughters and they both are dead.

Please do understand we are not against any believer at any time. But we agree with the Lord, in that these man made systems are dead and are an abomination unto God. For again, “...neither shall any WOMAN stand before a beast to lie down thereto it is confusion...” (Lev 18:23) All these systems are in bed with, married to, committing adultery with a beast, secular government in some manner. Business license, incorporation papers, tax exempt numbers, etc. etc. It is BABYLON THE GREAT. It is, by the Word of the Lord, confusion.

“...and all the churches shall know that I am He which searches the reins and hearts...” Even though we might close our eyes rather than see this Truth there is a time coming when, “...Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour (a very short space of time) is your judgment come...” And, again, “...they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. Rejoice over her, you heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets; for God has avenged you on her. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all...” (Rev 18:19-21)

We could adhere to the fables that are prevalent saying, “we likely will not be here, as this is an event which happens in a period that is called The Seven Year Tribulation Period.” However, the Lord has said that there is a time coming when, “...all the churches shall know that I am He which searches the reins and hearts...” Looks like the churches will still be here when this event that is to happen to Jezebel and her daughters takes place and they will, without a doubt, know. As confirmation of this fact we are exhorted to, “...Come out of her My people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues.” (Rev 18:4)

Verse 24 - 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

“...But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira...” Unto you, being those that have been present in this system in centuries past. And unto the rest, being those who are present in this system even now.

“...as many as have not this doctrine/teaching...” “...For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication...” (1Th 4:13) “...Little children, keep yourselves from idols...” (1Jn 5:21) There are many idols, and enticements to commit fornication (both physical and spiritual) in this Jezebel manifestation of the fourth Church.

“...and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak...” This Church has in it those of “...the synagogue of Satan...” (v.9) who say they are Jews (saved) but are not. She is joined, she is married to this worlds system where “...Satan dwells...” (v.13) And here we see she also has many dark teachings which the Lord calls, “...the depths of Satan...” The believers who are in this Church can keep themselves in God's grace, if the will refuse to know, that is accept these depths.

“...I will put upon you none other burden...” For those who have found themselves in this fourth Church the Lord tells them that the trial of their faith in the midst of this assembly is sufficient, and He will not allow the Devil to place any further affliction on them.

Verse 25 - But that which you have already hold fast till I come

As we have previously stated this Church will still be present until, “...I (the Lord) come...” There are approximately thirty nine different Greek words in the New Testament that deal with some aspect of come, coming, etc. The Greek word hayko, here interpreted come, has its emphasis on, to be present.

In Revelation 1:15 we touched on this event in that, “...the Lord, whom you seek, shall suddenly be present in His temple, even the Messenger of the Covenant, whom you delight in: behold, He shall come, says the LORD of hosts. But who may abide the day of His presence? and who shall stand when He is seen? for He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and He shall sit (in His Temple) as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years. And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift Witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not Me, says the LORD of hosts. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed...” (Mal 3:1-6)

We could say that this is a natural coming of the Lord Jesus to a natural temple in natural Jerusalem, but it is not. The Lord Jesus will never come to a natural Temple for, as it is written, “...if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor...” (Gal 2:18) And as it was God which caused, “...the veil of the temple to be torn in two from the top to the bottom...” (ref: Mat 27:51; Mar 15:38; Luk 23:45) He will never have a Hand in building again a natural temple, as He certainly will never make Himself to be a transgressor. At this presence of the Lord in His spiritual Temple, “...all the churches shall know that I am He which searches the reins and hearts...” (v. 23)

Verse 26 - And he that overcomes, and keeps My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations

“...and keeps My works...” Keeps, in Greek, is tēreō, which means, to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon.) Works, in Greek, is ergon, and means (a primary but obsolete word; to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication and act: - deed, doing, labor, work.

We are instructed by the Lord Jesus here to, “...guard, by keeping our eye on, (seeing in truth) My (the Lord Jesus') completed work...” This is not just speaking of the Cross, for on the Cross the Lord Jesus said, “...It is finished...” What was finished? All the work that He had done in His Ministry, how He had walked to become The Overcomer. We are required of Him to, “...Prove all things; hold fast that which is good...” (1Thes 5:21) And, we are exhorted to, “...give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard (they heard the Truth, are we certain we have?,) lest at any time we should let slip...” (Heb 2:1) For, “...He that says he abides in Him (the Lord Jesus Christ) ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked...” (1Jn 2:6)

“...unto the end...” Unto the end of what? The Greek word telos, here interpreted end, means, the conclusion of an act. This is not the end of the world, this is the end of the Church age, a particular act in the eternal scheme of things. There are, “...ages to come...” (Eph 2:7) The next age, after the Church age, is what is called the millennium age for lack of a better term. This coming age, after the Church age is the age where:

“...he that overcomes...to him will I give power...” The Greek word exousia, here interpreted power, means - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength. This exousia, this authority, is not the same as, dunamis, meaning force; which, “...the Lamb that was slain...” (Rev 5:12) was worthy to receive. The first, exousia, is privilege, the second, dunamis, is absolute power.

“...power over the nations...” It appears that the overcomer shall be given the authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength to rule the world. And this concept, on the surface, seems somewhat strange. This power is the same as when the Lord told the disciples, “...Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you...” (Luk 10:19) What the Lord Jesus did in fact was give the disciples, the overcomers, authority. Here, once again, the Lord is saying the overcomer will be given, “...authority over the nations...” We still need to understand the word nations somewhat better though. So, let us take a look to see what we discover.

We find in Psalms 2:8, 9 where the Father said unto the Son, “...Ask of Me and I shall give You the heathen for Your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel...” The Hebrew word in this passage interpreted heathen is the exact equivalent to the Greek work interpreted nations in our text. This word can just as easily be rendered people. And we in fact see that the promise the Lord is making to the overcomer is exactly the same as the one the Father made to Him. Therefore, we see the promise to the overcomer is that he will have, “...authority over the people...” Does this hold true to the Spirit of the Word? Yes, it does, as we shall see as we go on to the next verse.

Verse 27 - 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

“...he shall rule them...” The Greek word poimainō, here interpreted rule, means to tend as a shepherd. Therefore, “...he shall shepherd them...” Easy enough.

“...with a rod of iron...” Rod speaks of that which the shepherd uses to direct the sheep in the right direction. “...Your rod, the Scriptures, and Your staff, the Holy Spirit, they comfort me...” (Psa 23:4) A rod is used to direct, and Iron points to that which breaks. As it is written, “...forasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all...” (Dan 2:40)

“...as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father...”

Again: “...as the vessels made of clay shall they break in pieces: even as I received of My Father...” As it is written, “...The Stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the Corner. Whosoever shall fall upon that Stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever It shall fall, It will grind him to powder...” (Luk 20:17, 18)

This corporate overcomer, this mature, complete man, this Bride of Christ, who is now married to, thereby becoming one with the Groom, has become the son of Man and will be given, “...authority over the people and he shall shepherd them with a rod of iron; as the vessels made of clay shall they break in pieces...” How can this be? The next verse is the key.

Verse 28 - And I will give him the morning star

In the promises of verses twenty six and twenty seven which are given to “...he that overcomes...” we see a coming event that has never before been on this earth: and will not ever be again.

“...give him the Morning Star...” In the words of the Apostle Peter we see, “...We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Day Star arise in your hearts...” (2Pet 1:19) And the Apostle Paul's prayer is that we, “...might be filled with all the fulness of God...” (Eph 3:19) Can this be possible? The Lord Jesus Himself said, “...Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away...” (Mat 24:35) Is it not written, "...Yes, I have spoken it. I will bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it...” (Isa 46:11) What will this event look like?

“...Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen UPON you. For, Behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon you, and His glory shall BE SEEN upon you. And the Gentiles (lost) shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes round about, and SEE: all they gather themselves together, they come to you: your sons (spiritual babes) shall come from far, and your daughters (spiritual babes) shall be nursed, built up, supported at your side. Then you shall see ("face to face" [1Cor 13:12],) and flow together, be one, and your heart shall stand in awe, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea (lost humanity) shall be converted unto you, the force/strength of the tribes (earthy) shall come unto you...” (Isa 60:1-5)

In this we see the people, both the lost (sea) and the tribes (earthy,) being dealt with unto salvation and sanctification. As we proceed on through this unveiling we will better understand the tribes.

Verse 29 - He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches

CHAPTER THREE

Verse 1 - And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things says He that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and are dead

“...church in Sardis...” Sardis means, the remains, the remainder, the restoration or those which have escaped.

“...seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars...” As we have discussed seven points to temporal fulness, completeness, perfectness. This is a reminder that God is fully engaged in His Church and that all the shepherds should be aware of this fact.

“...I know your works...” This statement again points to the fact that the shepherds of this fifth manifestation of the Church need understand that the Lord knows what works they are doing.

“...I know...that you have a name that you live, and are dead...” Name speaks of identity or attributes. This one has an identity that is thought to be alive, spiritually, but is declared dead by the Lord. And if the Lord declares you dead then your are indeed dead.

This fifth Church began to come into existence in 1517 A.D. when Martin Luther came out of the Catholic Church and posted his protest to a great many doctrines Church Catholic held at the time: this document of protest is called the “Ninty-Five Theses.” The persons that participated in this movement would be called, of the Lord, the Church in Sardis, as they are those which have escaped. Here we have the beginnings of what is today named Protestantism. There are a multitude of names that fall under the name Protestant but, no matter the sub-name, they are Protestant none the less. And the Lord says, “...you have a name that you live, and are dead...”

Verse 2 - Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found your works perfect before God

“...Be watchful...” Simply, stay awake and be vigilant. Why? In order that they may see to be able to:

“...strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die...” Strengthen means to steadfastly set. In this fifth Church there are some things which remain that had been lost in the Church in Thyatira. Things such as, “...For by grace are you saved, through faith...” (Eph 2:8,) and the availability of a Bible for everyone, etc.. Amazingly enough, in some Protestant aberrations of today, they do not even talk about, “...you must be born again...” (Jn 3:7)

“...for I have not found your works perfect before God...” Perfect, here in the Greek, is plēroō, meaning to make replete, level up, finish. This is the situation in the Protestant Church: nothing has ever been made replete, leveled up or finished.

Verse 3 - Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come upon you

“...Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent...” Remember, that is to reflect accordingly, in what way you got hold of and understood the truth, also the need to prevent those things from escaping These one's need to repent, they need to reconsider.

These one's, the leaders of God people, are instructed that they should reconsider, and look back with clear vision, so that they would understand how they got hold of what they have, what it is that they, the shepherds, previously understood so as to prevent those things from slipping away. As the Apostle Paul said, “...Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let slip...” (Heb 2:1)

“...If therefore you shall not watch...” If accordingly, on the other hand, you will not stay awake...

“...I will come on you as a thief...” The term come on you, here again, is in the sense of something being superimposed upon something. If we are awake and have, “...put on our beautiful garments...” (Isa 52:1,) then when the Lord comes we will be ready. If not, “...The Lord of that servant will come in a day when he looks not for Him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to His will, shall be beaten with many stripes...” (Luk 12:46, 47)

The Lord will come “...as a thief...” to those stars, those shepherds, “...who hold the truth in unrighteousness...” (Rom 1:18) As we see those servants will be bisected, that is thoroughly examined by, “...Him with whom we have to do...” (Heb4:13) And we see that the portion, the share, this one receives is whatever the Lord allots to unbelievers. The word unbelievers does not speak of the lost, for they get no portion, their final destination is, “...the lake of fire...” This points to the fact that, “...the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back (becomes an unbeliever,) my soul shall have no pleasure in him...” (Heb 10:38)

Brothers and sisters let us not be, “...of them who draw back unto perdition, unto ruin, unto loss; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul...” (Heb 10:39) Let us be of those, “...who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation which is ready to have the cover taken off in the latter end of the set or proper time...” (1Pet 1:5)

Verse 4 - You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy

“...You have a few names even in Sardis...” Even in this fifth manifestation of the Church the Lord points to the fact that a few, meaning puny in number, have managed to escape the system, and therefore have an identity, a name, before the Lord.

“...which have not defiled their garments...” Garments, in the Bible, signify what we are in our walk and living. To defile one's garments here means to stain them with death, as this Church is dead in the eyes of the Lord. Death is more defiling before the Lord than is sin. (Ref: Lev 11:24, 25; Num 6:6, 7, 9) If we sin we can repent and, “...confess our sins and He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness...” (1Jn 1:9) However, if we fellowship with a dead thing it is almost impossible for us to see the need for cleansing.

The Lord Jesus, in speaking to the stars, the shepherds of God's people during His visitation said, “...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, you make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you blind guides...” (Mat 23:15) Once a person has become a proselyte of this dead Church system it is virtually impossible to bring them to the light. We need to determine if our garments are defiled. And, if so, we need to repent, that is change our minds, and, “...come out from among them and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean (demonic) thing; and I will receive you...” (2Cor 6:17)

“...and they shall walk with Me...” “...This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh...” (Gal 5:16)

“...in white: for they are worthy...” “...And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the rightwiseness of saints...” (Rev 19:8) These one's have walked, “...worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God...” (Col 1:10) Let us walk worthy.

Verse 5 - 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

“...the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life...” We just saw the meaning of white raiment. But what is this about not blotting out of his name out of the Book of Life? Does this mean that we can lose our salvation?

“...For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of One the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life...” (Rom 5:17, 18) The Blood which the Lord Jesus shed was for all men; He purchased all men with His sacrifice. At that moment all the names of present and future mankind was written in the Book of Life. To overcome here means to accept the free gift: the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who refuse the free gift will find their names blotted out of the Book of Life.

“...but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels...” Every name that is not blotted out but remains written in the Book of Life will be acknowledged in that day and all the redeemed will proclaim, “...YOU are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for YOU have created all things, and for YOUR pleasure they are and were created...” (Rev 4:11) For, “...he that glories, let him glory in the Lord...” (2Cor 10:17)

Verse 6 - He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches

Verse 7 - And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things says He that is Holy, He that is True, He that has the key of David, He that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens

“...the church in Philadelphia...” Philadelphia means love of a brother or brotherly love. This is phileo, to be a friend to, be fond of, that is, have affection for. This is not agapao (agape,) which speaks of God love or unconditional love.

The sixth Church came into existence in the mid 18th century. There was an awakening to the fact that the Church was, as in the Church in Thyatira, once again married to government. It had again become a state religion and if you weren't a member of the church you had no social standing. For an understanding of this you can do a study of the Church in Europe, from around 1520 A.D. even unto this present day. This awakening is what prompted the pilgrims to come to the place that was to become America.

“...These things says He that is Holy, He that is True...” The Lord here assures this sixth Church that if they will but follow Him He will get them to the right place. For, He is Holy, that is totally separated from the world, the flesh, and the devil. That they can trust Him not to mislead them for He is True, that is Trustworthy. We can understand the need for these assurances as the fifth Church system, in which these Christians had been trusting, was separated for a moment in time. However, they have again found themselves in a dark place looking for The Way.

“...He that has the key of David...” The key of David (David meaning, well beloved) is that spiritual key that locks and unlocks the spiritual realm where God resides: the heavenlies. Where is this realm, this abode in which God dwells? We see Jesus, “...for in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily...” (Col 2:9)

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “...Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that You are John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He said unto them, But whom say you that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, You are The Christ, The Son of the Living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but My Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto you, That you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto you the key of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven...” (Mat 16:13-19)

The Lord Jesus asked the disciples who did the general populace say He was. And then He asked who did they say He was. It was Simon who responded and said, “...You are The Christ, The Son of the Living God...” The Lord responded to Simon and told him that he indeed was Peter, Petros, a piece of rock. This meaning that in order for Simon to see Jesus for Who He really is Simon had to be a disciple indeed, he had to be a lively stone. For this revelation knowledge only comes to those who are in the way. And, it is upon this rock (petra) of revelatory seeing that the Lord Jesus' Church would be built.

“...For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God IN THE FACE, IN THE PERSON, OF JESUS CHRIST...” (2Cor 4:6) Where can we see the Face, the Person of Jesus Christ? And how can we get on the rock of revelatory knowledge upon which the Church will be built?

We all know that Jesus is the, “...Word made Flesh...” (Jn 1:14.) So, in order to see His Face we must see His Word, for in truly seeing His Word we will see Jesus. As it is written, “...whosoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them (sees Me,) I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (petra:) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock (of revelatory knowledge)...” (Mat 7:24-26)

When we truly see Jesus and do His sayings then there is no shaking us because the Lord Jesus said, “...My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself...” (Jn 7:16, 17) HE is The Key of David.

“...He that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens...” When The Key opens, it is open and when The Key closes, it is closed. But the Gospel, the good news is that He has given The Key of The Beloved to us: which is HIMSELF.

Verse 8 - I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept My Word, and have not denied My Name

“...I know your works...” The is the Lord making this sixth manifestation of the Church understand that He is aware of their efforts to be free of the apostate fourth Church and the dead fifth Church, both of which are still in existence today. So...

“...behold, I have set before you an open door...” And this open Door is the Lord Jesus Christ, as He said, “...Truly, truly, I say unto you, I am the Door of the sheep...” (Jn 10:7) And, this Open Door will continue for, “...the path of the just is as the shining light that shines more and more unto the perfect day...” (Pro 4:18) We only need to pass through The Door to be on the right path.

“...and no man can shut it...” The apostate Church may stand against The Truth, the dead Church may stand against The Truth, the gates of hell, the abode of the dead, may stand against The Truth but they will not, in the end, be successful. For, The Key, The Beloved has said, “...not even one, (no man, woman or thing, that is, none, nobody, nothing, naught) can shut it...”

“...for you have a little strength...” It is not how hard you work but how you work. We may be weak in the faith, our light may be small, but if we will walk as best we can with what we have the Lord Jesus has said, “...My grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2Cor 12:9) It is not the quantity the Lord is interested in it is the quality.

“...and have kept My Word...” In the beginnings of this sixth Church revelation of the Word was small, as the Church was coming out of many centuries of total darkness. You can only keep as much of The Word as you have. This points to the statement of the Lord where He said, “...But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes...” (Luk 12:48) This is not saying the Lord is going to beat those who have no ability to know. What He is saying is that He will not allow Satan to, “...sift you as wheat...” (Luk 22:31) to any great degree. These have kept the Lord's Word, insofar as the amount of Light they have.

“...and have not denied My Name...” These Christians do not hold up another Jesus. These one's hold fast, they do not deny, Jesus' Name. This pointing to the fact of His Person, His Identity, the Essence of Him, in that He said exactly what He meant and meant exactly what He said. As an example Jesus said, “...Give to every man that asks of you; and of him that takes away your goods ask them not again...” (Luk 6:30) If we do anything less than this we, “...do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God...” (Mat 22:29) Anything less and we deny His Name, The Living Word of God, thereby lifting up another Jesus.

Verse 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 your feet, and to know that I have loved you

“...them of the synagogue of Satan...” We have seen this before, in Revelation 2:9, where the Lord is speaking to the Church in Smyrna, the second Church, the Church in suffering. If what we are saying is true about these churches being a progression of the Church throughout the age then what is this doing here? We are approximately 1600 years removed from the second Church, and there are not a great lot of the Judaizers around at this time. So, what does this mean?

The synagogue of Satan was not just confined to the early Church. Satan has continued throughout the centuries to cause those religious systems, “...who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the fraud of the wicked; whose ways are crooked, and devious in their paths: to deliver you from the adulterous woman (church system,) even from the adulterer which flatters with her words; which forsakes the guide (Hebrew, alluph, meaning friend) of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God. For her house (synagogue) inclines/sinks unto death/ruin, and her path/track unto the dead (Hebrew, rapha, meaning lax: not strict.) None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life...” (Pro 2:13-19)

Let us do the last part of this passage again, “...which relinquishes the Friend (this being Jesus as, “...You are My friends, if you do whatsoever I command you...” [Jn 15:14]) of her youth (points to the first Church,) and forgets the Covenant (New Covenant in His Blood) of her God. For her house (synagogue - degraded religious system, having union with government, no matter by what name it calls itself) sinks unto ruin (“...But we are not of them who draw back unto ruin; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul...” [Heb 10:39],) and her track unto laxness. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of Life...” Laxness is as such, “Oh, that Scripture doesn't really mean that.” Here we have a picture of where the synagogue of Satan continues to be, even unto today.

“...which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie...” “...Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world...” (1Jn 4:1) There are many false prophets, both individual and corporate, and this warning was issued 1900 years ago.

“...behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet...” On the surface this would seem to be a very strange saying: for the Lord Jesus Himself said, “...You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve...” (Mat 4:10) And, again we find, “...And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the messenger (the resurrected glorified saint) which showed me these things. Then said he unto me, See you do it not: for I am your fellowservant, and of your brothers the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God...” (Rev 22:9)

Worship is an act of homage or reverence, a giving of allegiance or loyalty. Feet points to that which touches, walks upon, the earth. Thus, “...Heaven is My throne, and earth is my footstool...” (Acts 7:49) The earth is where the Lord's Feet rest, and earth is where our feet touch, though we are positionally in heaven with Him. These one's that come will see the real Jesus manifest through this remnant of the Church, these one's of the feet company, which is “...in heavenly places in Christ Jesus...” (Eph 2:6) And, just as in an alter call, they will prostrate themselves and repent of their earthly mindedness and worship God.

“...and to know that I have loved you...” This is the final result when, “...then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth (man made/earthy Christian systems and those who have given their allegiance to, worshiped them) mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other...” (Mat 24:30, 31) There is much that could be said in respect to this passage of Scripture but, for our purposes here, suffice it to say, “...I will make them...to know...”

Verse 10 - Because you have kept the word of My patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth

“...you have kept the word of My patience...” Kept means, to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon.) The word patience here would be more properly translated endurance. There are those in this sixth manifestation of the Church which have guarded/kept safe the Word of Jesus' patience in that, “...Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God...” (Heb 12:2) The testimony of the Cross of Christ, this is the, “...word of My patience, My endurance...”

“...I also will keep you from the hour of temptation...” Hour, here speaks of a specific the hour period of time, which is of a limited duration. Temptation, is a putting to proof; by implication adversity. This temptation, Greek, peirasmos, is not tribulation, Greek, thipsis. Here we are looking at the Lord applying a trial of faith, a putting to proof and He is assuring those which have guarded the “...Word of His endurance...” that He will guard them. For, “...There has no temptation (peirasmos) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear...” (1Cor 10:13) These one's will be guarded by the Lord. Who then will go through this putting to proof then?

“...which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth...” We must remember that the Book of Revelation is an unveiling of the Lord Jesus (Head) and His Church (body.) Therefore, anything that we see is something in which the Lord is dealing with His body.

“...which shall come upon all the world...” This is indeed a global event of a putting to proof of the Church. The lost cannot be proven for they are indeed lost. Only those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior can be proved or tried. As it is written, “...Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried...” (Dan 12:10a) And as a further witness that this proving is not for the unsaved we read, “...Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer...” (Pro 25:4) There is no proving or trying that can take away the dross from the lost. Only the silver, those who have been redeemed, can be purified.

“...to try, to prove them that dwell upon the earth...” Here, we discover again those who will be tried. “...For to be carnally, earthy minded is death; but to be spiritually, heavenly minded is life and peace...” (Rom 8:6) We are not called to “...mind earthly things...” (Php 3:19,) but rather to “...awake you that sleeps and arise (ascend into the heavenlies) from the dead (earthy) and Christ shall give you light...” (Eph 5:14) If we will attain to our proper place, “...in heavenly places in Christ Jesus...” (Eph 2:6,) we will indeed escape the proving of them that dwell, that is, have their habitation in the earthy realm. These one's haven't risen but remain upon the earth.

The Church, at this time upon the earth, sees things coming upon the earth which we have been taught deal with the lost. We have been taught there is a seven year tribulation period which will effect the lost. We have been taught there will be a horrible person, who has been labeled the anti-christ. We have been taught there will be plagues, destruction, earthquakes, asteroids, hail falling upon men in the weight of about an hundred pounds, etc. We have been taught there is something called the mark of the beast, which men will be required to take, else-wise they will be killed. But, praise God, we have been taught that these things are not relevant to the Church, only to the lost.

Children of God wake up! This is that which was spoken of by the Apostle Paul when he wrote, “...For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape...” (1Thes 5:2, 3) The Church is in this place. And, the Lord Jesus Himself gives us fair warning as He says, “...Behold, I come quickly...”

Verse 11 - Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown

“...Behold, I come quickly...” One further aspect of this is, as we hear the Lord Jesus say, “...I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work...” (Jn 9:4) The night did come when no man could work . The Church was, for a period of about 980 years, in a place of total darkness: then light did again begin to shine. From the placing of, “...the abomination that makes desolate...” (Dan 11:31) in 538 A.D., until Martin Luther in 1517 A.D. the Church was pitch black. But, “...now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, THE DAY is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof...” (Rom 13:11-14) We see our brother Paul as an Apostle, though sometimes we fail to see him as a Prophet. We need to awake out of our sleep for, “...Behold, I come quickly, shortly, that is without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly...” Yes, the Lord whom we seek, “...shall come suddenly to His Temple...Behold, He shall come...” (Mal 3:1)

“...hold that fast which you have...” Paul said, “...Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be mature, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the Cross of Christ...” (Php 3:13-18) “...hold fast that which we have already attained...”

“...that no man take your crown...” Who is this man who can take our crown? We just saw him in that, “...many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the Cross of Christ...” (Php 3:18)

These one's walk and seem to be, “...ministers of righteousness...” (2Cor 11:15) but they are, in fact, the “...the enemies of the Cross of Christ ...” Simply put they do not understand the strait gate, they have never denied themselves, that is their carnal, earthy nature, and taken up their cross and followed Jesus. Though they seem righteous, as they have the right look and say many of the right things their, “...end shall be according to their works...” (2Cor 11:15) This is the man that will misdirect you and steal your crown. For, “...Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him...” (Jas 1:12) This crown of Life is Zoe, God Life, which comes on the other side of the Cross. “...Little children let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is Righteous...” (1Jn 3:7)

Verse 12 - Him that overcomes 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 comes down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new Name

“...will I make a pillar in the Temple of My God, and he shall go no more out...” All Christians are lively stones. But, to the one that holds fast and does not allow his crown to be taken he will be transformed into an unmovable pillar when the Lord comes to inhabit His Temple. From that point forward he will never be moved.

“...and I will write upon him the Name of my God...” Write is, to engrave, with the emphasis pointing to that which is in the process of being done. We have previously discussed upon, in that it points to something being superimposed. Also, we have discovered that Name speaks of the identity and

attributes of a person. So, this one that has overcome is to be in a continuing process of being overlaid with all the attributes of God. A process that began the instant we were saved.

This is something that takes place when, “...The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ...” (Rev 11:15) This is not when, “...Behold, I create a new heavens and a new earth: and the former (heaven and earth) shall not be remembered, nor come into mind...” (Isa 65:17) As we can see by these passages of Scripture the former is still present in Revelation 11:15, for it is, “...the kingdoms of this world...” that are being spoken of. But, in Isaiah 65:17 this creation, “...shall not be remembered, nor come to mind...”

“...and the Name of the City of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God...” This overcomer will also be in a continuing process of being overlaid with all the attributes of the City of God, New Jerusalem which is being, “...built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner...” (Eph 2:20) At the time that this process begins the New Jerusalem is not yet complete, for we are only at the beginning of the millennium.

Verse 13 - He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches

Verse 14 - And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the beginning of the creation of God

“...the church of the Laodiceans...” Laodicea means, opinion, judgment of the people or of the laymen. The first thing we see here is, unlike the second through the sixth manifestations of the Church, this Church is of the Laodiceans rather than in. The first Church was the Church of Ephesus (desirable; desire.) Ephesus was, in fact, desirable of the Lord or, in other words, His Desire, therefore, of. This seventh Church is not in any particular spiritual state because of circumstance, as were the second through the sixth manifestations of the Church. This Church has come into existence because of the particular judgment of the laymen; therefore of. It is not of the Lord, it is established upon the opinions of the people.

This is the final, the seventh Church, the temporal completion of the Church which comes into being, and is a conglomerate of Sardis and Philadelphia. This Church is a picture of those Christian institutions who, by opinion and judgment of the people, have reached a place where they have all the answers insofar as doctrine, correct procedures, the mysteries of God, etc..

“...These things says the Amen...” As we have seen thus far in our unveiling the Lord always addresses the churches by referring to what He is and what He does, respectively, according to the situation and condition of each shepherd. He starts here by telling this overseer(s) He is, “...the Amen..,” which, in Hebrew, means firm, steadfast or trustworthy. So, His beginning statement to the leader(s) in this Church which has been established by the judgment of the people is, “...I am the LORD, I change not...” (Mal 3:6) No matter whose opinion a teaching is based on the fact remains, “...Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever...” (Heb 13:8) Amen.

“...the Faithful and True Witness...” The Lord is the Trustworthy and Truthful Witness. The implication being that the angel(s) of this seventh Church have not been trustworthy in the things of God. Therefore, his/their witness before men is less than truthful . The Apostle Paul said to the elders of Ephesus that he had, "...not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God...” (Acts 20:27) However, this shepherd(s) of Laodicea has indeed shunned his/their responsibility before the Lord.

“...the Beginning of the Creation of God...” He reminds this one that He is the Origin and Source of God's creation and he/they need to remember and return to the Source. Doctrine is not good enough, knowledge is not good enough, knowing the meaning of everything is not good enough, etc. etc. If he/they are to continue on he/they need to return to the Source.

Verse 15 - I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot

“...I know your works...” There are many works in this seventh manifestation of the Church they are not, however, the works that meet with the Lord's approval. In order to do the works that are, “...pleasing in His sight...” (1Jn 3:22) we have to, “...strive lawfully...” (2Tim 2:5) As we can see these one's are not doing that which is pleasing in His sight, or striving lawfully in accordance with what the Lord says next.

“...you are neither cold nor hot...” They are satisfied, complacent, ritualistic, ceremonial, doctrinal, believing they have it all: religious.

“...I would you were cold or hot...” One that is cold can be rekindled of the Lord, one that is hot is malleable before the Lord.

Verse 16 - So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth

“...because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot...” They being neither hot nor cold presents grave danger. The one that is lukewarm, satisfied, complacent does not see a need for change.

“...I will spew you out of My mouth...” When we are in such a state the Lord has no other option, for it is written, “...unto every one that has shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that has not shall be taken away even that which he has. And cast/eject you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth...” (Mat 25:29, 30) To be spewed/ejected from the place where the True Word of the Lord is, which is in the Lord's mouth, will in the end be a cause of great distress.

Verse 17 - Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked

As we have just seen this seventh manifestation of the Church believes that it has it all. They think, just as the Scribes and Pharisee's in the day of the Lord's visitation, they are, “...perfect in every good work to do His will...” (Heb 13:21) In accordance to the Lord's Word they have no idea that they are in need of, “...all things that pertain unto life and godliness...” (2Pet 1:3)

Verse 18 - I counsel you to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see

“...I counsel you to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich...” Buying indicates that there is a price which one must pay. What do we have in our hand that we can give to Lord for this gold tried in the fire? The obvious answer is, “...He says, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to

mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up...” (Jas 4:6-10) The price is the very life, the very Adamic nature of us.

The Gold is Jesus, as He is, “...the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints...” (Eph 1:18) The fire is, “...the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ...” (1Pet 1:7) When the fiery furnace (ref: Dan 3) burned its hottest it only burned the bonds off Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and set them free. As it is written, “...Is not My (True) Word like as a fire...” (Jer 23:29) For, if we submit to the TRUTH He will, “...take away the dross from the silver (the redeemed) and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer...” (Pro 25:4)

“...and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear...” As we have already seen the white raiment is, “...the rightwiseness of saints...” (Rev 19:8)

“...and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see...” The anointing which causes us to see the Truth is the Holy Spirit. To wit: “...the anointing which you have received of Him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is Truth, and is no lie, and even as He has taught you, you shall abide in Him...” (1Jn 2:27) We can allow men to teach us, we can allow institutions to teach us, we can even allow Christian books to teach us. But we, just as these of Laodicea, will never SEE until we see Who the Real Teacher is.

Verse 19 - As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent

“...As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten...” The Lord loves ALL His children. So, the born again Christians which find themselves in this seventh and final manifestation of the Church age need to, “...despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of Him: for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are you bastards, and not sons...” (Heb 12:5-8)

“...be zealous therefore, and repent...” To be zealous means, to have warmth of feeling for or against. Have a warmth of feeling for/toward Me, says the Lord and change your mind (repent) in respect to your estate. Recognize My Hand in your life rather than the devil this or the devil that, or its just bad luck, or its life's circumstance. See Jesus, warm up, repent.

Verse 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

“...Behold, I stand at the door, and knock...” What door is this? As the Lord is speaking to the angel(s) of this seventh manifestation of the Church we can readily see that they have put the Living Word outside the Church door. He is LOVE and He is, “...meek/gentle and lowly/humble in heart...” (Mat 11:29) When you put Him out He does not, “...behave Himself unseemly...” (1Cor 13:5) but rather, “...suffers long...” (1Cor 13:4,) gently knocking at the door.

“...if any man hear My voice, and open the door...” He does not intrude, you have to want to hear His Voice. We find that the Prophet Elijah discovered this when the LORD instructed him to, “...Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD

was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it...” (1Ki 19:11-13) These one's, as do we, need to listen for that still small voice if they desire to hear the Voice of the Lord.

“...I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me...” Wait! Are these one's not saved? When we are born again do we not receive the Holy Spirit? The answers are yes they are saved, and yes we are sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. This is something altogether different. The Lord said, “...He that has My commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me: and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him...” (Jn 14:21) And again, “...If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him. He that loves Me not keeps not My sayings: and the Word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me...” (Jn 14:23, 24) To dine with the Lord He has to be abiding with you. This is further explained by the Lord in that, “...If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be My disciples...” (Jn 15:7, 8) If we want to sup with the Lord we must learn to abide in Him.

Verse 21 - 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

Do we see what the Lord Has said to him that overcomes here? For, it is written, “...The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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 8:16, 17) A joint-heir is one who gets exactly the same thing as the Heir. If we will but see our way clear of the muddle we will come to understand: “...Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world (this order of things) knows us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure...” (1Jn 3:1)

If we will but trust in Him to cause us to overcome the world, kosmos, meaning this order of things and, as we can see, there is much to overcome in these four, of the earth/earthy, manifestations of the Church: from Thyatira through Laodicea. If we will but trust Him to show us The Way to victory over the flesh, and cause us to put on the True armor of God so that we will be able to stand against the tricks of the devil: then we too can sit down on the right hand of God and give all glory and honor and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the First Overcomer. For, it is “...not by might (natural,) nor by power (natural,) but by My Spirit (supernatural,) says the LORD of hosts...” (Zec 4:6)

Verse 22 - He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches

Edited January 1, 2011 by sdktlk