A study of Revelation: Lesson 3, the letters to the churches.
Most of you have probably studied the letters to the churches at one point in time or another as either the focal point of a sermon or a Sunday school lesson. But, since during this study, we're only spending 14 weeks (as opposed to the needed 52 weeks), I'm breaking it down a little differently. Rather than dissecting each verse or group of verses in great detail, I'm looking at things a little more broadly and doing a lot of summarizing and comparing.
If you read last week's lesson The Magnificent Sevens, you'll see that I have divided the book into seven major sections. This week we'll be looking at the 7 letters to the 7 churches.
There are several components within the letters that repeat (loosely repeat, I’ll highlight the differences as we move along). The components that repeat are as follows;
- The Command to write. Each letter begins with the exact verbiage, “To the angel of the church in LOCATION write:”. The angel referenced here is stated in Revelation 1:20, as the seven stars in Jesus’ right hand. Lampstand is also explained as the churches themselves.
- A description of Jesus. Many of these descriptions are references to others throughout the Bible and couple show his divinity over the writings in Revelation itself.
- Positive Evaluation and Praise. Sardis and Laodicea have no positive praise (wouldn't want to be them). Their evaluation is not very positive. (Note: The praises can also blur into the encouragement)
- Encouragement and/or Criticism. In this next portion of the letters (which sometimes bleed into the exhortation) come either some “hang-on” words, some direct chastisement, or both. Smyrna and Philadelphia do not have any criticism (yay them!).
- Exhortation (request/command). All the churches are told to repent (of the items in the criticisms) except for Smyrna and Philadelphia. Those two are told to “hold on” and remain faithful. Thyatira has some repent language also in the criticism, but are also told if they can hang on Jesus won’t put any more request on them.
- The reward for obedience.
- All the churches are told “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. Some are told before the reward, some after. This is a reminder that they have to choose to listen and have to be believers (can't hear the Spirit if you don't believe)
- All seven are given the statement, “To the one that is victorious… (all those that overcometh - KJV)” prior to the statement of reward.
- The Greek word used for victory is nikaō. The definition is to conquer, achieve victory, overcome. With a specified use during the time: “of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions.”
Also, in case you are wondering - I refer to a particular church (First Baptist, United Methodist, etc.) as little "c", church. I refer to all Christians and Christ followers as the Church, big "C".
First, let's agree that these letters are to established Christians (believers, people considered 'saved'). Let's also agree, that not only are these letters to the churches (little "c") during John's life, but also have applicability to, and are metaphors for churches (little "c") during all times and as well pertain to The Church (big "C"). I could go as far to add that the personification of the churches in the letters also indicate that they are written to us as individuals and the Church (big "C"). (reference back to Lesson 1 to read about my theory on the Trinity of Applicability).
Disclaimer: I will discuss in detail in a later blog my beliefs on a Post-Tribulation Rapture and that I believe there are serious things to consider about the philosophy of 'once saved, always saved'. This next section gives some leading insight to those two beliefs by me.
Let's take a moment to examine a few highlights from the exhortations.
In the letter to Ephesus, they are told, "if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand (metaphor for the actual church and also the Church) from its place." They are clearly told if they don't repent, they will be removed.
In the letter to Smyrna, they are told to "be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown." I highlight the word, "and" to indicate the message appears to say if you are not faithful to the point of death, then you won't get life as a victor's crown.
Those in Thyatira are told, they "will suffer intensely, unless they repent."
Philadelphia is told "Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." The crown symbolizes victory (which we have already discussed).
Can someone can take your crown? I personally believe we can give it up by not repenting, not staying faithful till the end, and by doing a couple of specific things such as "taking the mark of the beast" and "blasphemy toward the Spirit" (these will be covered in more detail in future blogs).
Now, one (of many) arguments against my thought that you can lose your salvation, is that Jesus is not saying you will lose your salvation in these statements, but is highlighting the level of reward for those who are most faithful. And I will admit, I also believe in levels of reward. As a good friend once said, "I reserve the right to let the Holy Spirit change my mind." Which means, I know I don't know everything, and this is how I interpret it, but I'm not so stubborn as to ignore other viewpoints.
As you can see, each letter serves and repeats specific behaviors. Jesus establishes his glory and power so that you know you should obey. He gives some praise and encouragement on what you have done, but then highlights were you have fallen short. Then He commands you correct these shortcomings so that you can receive the rewards He has planned for you.
Lastly, let's look at the rewards in the letters. If we jump ahead to Lesson 12 where we will study the 7 Visions, Revelation 19-22, we can see that there are some parallels between the two.
1. Authority to eat from the tree of life. (you are accepted into the Kingdom)
2. Not hurt by the second death. (the final judgement)
3. White stone and new name. (new name and body)
4. Authority over nations and the morning star. (Satan is defeated and has no power)
5. Dressed in white, not blotted from the book of life. (with Jesus in the clouds)
6. Become a pillar of the temple. (new Jerusalem)
7. Seated with Christ (with him during his reign)
Don't forget that these rewards are specifically designated for "those who have ears and hear what the Spirit says" and to "the one who is victorious" or remains faithful till the end.
One of the most important things we need to take away from the letters is the applicability to our current world, and the applicability to Christians during the end times and Tribulation period. He clearly commands us to remain faithful and obedient along with these specifics:
- Continue to love as He has shown us.
- We will be persecuted, but stand firm.
- Do not compromise with evil.
- Do not become corrupt like the world.
- Do not let ourselves become spiritually dead.
- Remain Faithful.
- Do not be indifferent.
Until next time,
God Bless you all,
Rob
Don't forget to check out my website, www.starvt.com. And for those of you who have read my novel Providence, you can be assured that this journey through Revelation will show up in the next two books of the series, Purpose and Perseverance (hint, hint).
