The Seven Churches of Revelation
Christ’s message to the seven churches in Asia Minor
emphasizes the necessity of Godly works. Most churches today avoid sound
doctrine in order to please their tithers, the result is that they are shutting
people out of the Kingdom of Heaven. The books of first and second Peter,
James, Epistles of John, as well as Revelation 2 and 3, are ignored by many
because they conflict with the false grace message that tickles their ears. The
Apostle Paul made his case that we are saved by Faith, and not by keeping the
Law of Moses, because we are under a new covenant. However, many churches twist
some of his teachings in order to bring about a comfortable doctrine that gives
grace for un-repented sins. However, Paul made it very clear that if we
continue in sinful bondages and do not cross the finish line, we will be lost.
To have a complete understanding of God’s Word, you must study the entire Bible
and not scripture pick.
To the church at
Ephesus Christ said, Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have
left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent
and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your
lampstand from its place--unless you repent.
Like many Christians today, the Ephesians were beginning to
compromise with the world and were considered unfaithful to Christ. Christ
said, that if you love him you will keep his commandments. When Christians take
on the attributes of the sinful culture, they are committing spiritual
adultery; unless they repent, they will be lost. Christ said that unless the
Ephesians repented, he would remove their lampstand from its place before the
throne of God. This passage alone makes it clear that Christians can fall from
grace, because of sinful compromise.
That is why it is important that we examine ourselves daily and repent of
willful sins. There is grace for sins committed in ignorance, as well as for
sins that are repented of, but grace is not automatic. Christ told the
Ephesians, not only to repent, but also to do the first works. The first works
is a reference to being born again. When we first come to Christ, we die to our
old nature and become a new creation through heartfelt repentance. Unless a
believer has a transformed life, they are not truly born again. This passage
indicates that when we backslide, we are in need of another born again
experience. In verse seven Christ said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from
the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." This
verse is clear that the overcomers will inherit the Kingdom of God. An
overcomer is one who endures unto the end and crosses the finish line. You must
keep the faith, as well as live a sanctified life until the day you die, to
enter God’s paradise.
Rev 2: 8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna
write, “These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to
life: 9 I know your, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know
the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue
of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.
Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be
tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I
will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second
death." '
The message to the church of Smyrna was one of hope. The
Lord was pleased with them because they remained true to Him in spite of
persecution. Although they were poor monetarily, they were rich in Spirit. The
Lord told them to remain faithful to Him unto death and He would give them the
crown of life. The message to the church of Smyrna is also for the many
persecuted Christians around the world. There are many home churches in
communist China that meet in secret. If they are caught, many will be
imprisoned in hard labor camps, where many will die from sickness or
malnutrition. The same was true of the former Soviet Union, as well as eastern
Europe. In India, as well as the Islamic nations, Christians risk their lives
daily for their faith. Many believers have their homes and churches burned to the
ground. In spite of the persecution, Christianity is growing and true revival
is occurring among the oppressed. When a person must risk their life or
imprisonment for their faith, God’s Spirit will make them strong. The
persecuted church is an example of selfless, true Christianity.
Rev 2:12 "And to
the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ' these things says He who has the
sharp two-edged sword: 13 I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's
throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the
days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where
Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there
those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling
block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to
commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of
the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you
quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 He who has
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes
I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone,
and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives
it." '
The saints in Pergamos lived in a very evil place. The Lord
said that Satan’s throne was in that place. Although wickedness was all around
them, many within Pergamos kept their faith and God commended them for this.
However, the Lord said that some of them held to the doctrine of Balaam. They
ate things sacrificed to idols and some were given over to sexual immorality.
The Lord told them to repent, or else he would come to them quickly and fight
against them with the sword of His mouth. We live in a perverted culture that
is bound by sexual lust of all kinds. Many within the churches, including
pastors, are addicted to pornography.
A home Bible study
group leader, made a comment that shocked me. He quoted the statistics of how
many pastors admitted to being addicted to pornography within a prominent
denomination. He asked the group, “Do you know why so many pastors are addicted
to pornography?” He then said,” Because they are only human that is why.” I was
shocked that this leader would sanction the use of pornography. This was the
same attitude of some of the members of the church at Pergamos. The Lord
obviously did not wink at their sin, and say it is okay because you are only
human. The Lord told them that unless they repent, He would fight against them
with the sword of His mouth. This statement means that they would suffer the
judgments of His wrath during the Great Tribulation. There are many other
scriptures concerning sexual immorality within God’s Word. Each passage makes
it clear, that the sexually immoral will not enter the Kingdom of God. Greasy
grace Christianity will give you a fatal heart attack.
Rev 2:18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira
write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire,
and His feet like fine brass: 19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and
your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20
Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman
Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to
commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her
time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I
will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great
tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children
with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds
and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. 24 Now
to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this
doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on
you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who
overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the
nations-- 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to
pieces like the potter's vessels'--as I also have received from My Father; 28
and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit says to the churches." '
Like Pergamos, the Church at Thyatira was given over to
sexual immorality and eating foods sacrificed to idols. A woman referred to as
a Jezebel, who called herself a prophetess, was teaching and seducing God’s
servants to commit these grave sins. The Lord who searches the hearts and minds
of everyone, had harsh words for those who refused to repent. The Lord said
that He would cast this Jezebel into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery
with her into the great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. The
Lord also said that He will kill her children with death, and He will give to
each one of you according to your works. As you can read, works do entirely
matter. James states that, as the body is dead without the spirit, so faith
without works is dead. In addition, at the great white throne judgment, each
person will be judged according to their works. On that day, the sheep will be
separated from the goats. In verses 25, 26, Christ said, And he who overcomes,
and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations.
These verses, emphasize the point, that the overcomers are those who keep His
works until the end. That is why it is vital, that Christians understand that
they must keep the faith, as well as maintain good works unto the end.
Rev 3:1 "And to
the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the
seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you
have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen
the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works
perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold
fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a
thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few
names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk
with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in
white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I
will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '
Like many churches today, the church at Sardis had a name
that it was alive, but it was dead. The Lord told them that He found their
works not to be perfect before God. The Lord instructed them to repent, and to
strengthen the things, which remain that are ready to die. The Lord told me
once that most churches in America are dead, dying, or buried. The revelation
that the Lord has given me concerning the apostasy within Christianity shook me
to the core. A number of years ago I had an experience that felt like my spirit
left my body. I found myself caught up to a place of white milky light. The
Lord spoke to me concerning the apostasy, as well as the counterfeit ministers
who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. The Lord instructed me to teach sound
doctrine, as well as to expose the heretics. Through many visions, dreams, and
audible words, the Lord has shown me that pastors are failing to teach their
flocks to get sin out of their lives. This grace for everything doctrine is the
apostasy (great falling away). Grace is not automatic; it requires repentance.
However, our good works are not enough to get us to Heaven.
We must be redeemed (purchased) by the blood of the Lamb. Our Lord Jesus Christ
made atonement for our sins upon the cross. Since our works can never be good
enough for salvation, Christ supplies our lack. If we truly make Christ our
Lord, His blood will atone for past and present sins, but this requires true
repentance. If Jesus Christ is truly your Lord, you will have a spiritual
transformation. You will be buried with Christ in baptism and raised with
Christ as a new creation. You will die to your old sinful nature and reflect
God’s divine attributes. We are not perfect by any means, but if we continue in
sinful bondages and do not repent, we will be cast away. If you are truly
saved, then you must produce good works, as well as fruit. Christ told the
church at Sardis that their works were not perfect before God; this emphasizes
how crucial our works are.
Christ said to the church at Sardis, “Therefore if you will
not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I
will come upon you.” The messages to the seven churches emphasizes the point
that the overcomers will inherit the kingdom, and those who refuse to repent
will be thrust into the great tribulation. We must remain awake and watch, as
well as prepare for Christ’s return. Christ will return immediately after the
great tribulation. Many of the overcomers will be hidden and protected by the
Lord in the wilderness during the tribulation (Rev 12).
Christ said, that there were a few names in Sardis who had
not defiled their garments. The faithful ones would be clothed in white. Verse
5 states, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not
blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My
Father and before His angels.” This verse shows that our names can be blotted
out of the Book of Life if we do not remain faithful to the Lord.
Rev 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia
write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the
key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can
shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied
My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are
Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your
feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to
persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon
the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming
quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who
overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go
out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the
city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God.
And I will write on him My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit says to the churches." '
The Lord praised the church at Philadelphia, because they
kept His word and did not deny his name. Therefore, the Lord opened a door for
them that no one could shut. They persevered in their faith in spite of
persecution from the Jews. Therefore, the Lord said that He would make the Jews
worship at their feet, as well as would keep them out of the tribulation. It is
obvious that the tribulation did not occur during their time. The message to
the seven churches is a dual prophecy. The exhortation to each church is also
for us today. If a person is surrendered to the Lord, a door will be opened to
them for eternal life, as well as an intimate relationship with Christ. The
Lord will protect those during the tribulation who persevere in their faith in
spite of adversity. God did not rapture Noah out of the earth or build the ark
for him. Rather, God instructed Noah to build the ark, and because of Noah’s
obedience, we are here today. Although it took Noah 120 years to build the ark,
he persevered and believed God. There is a reward for simple childlike faith.
Abraham believed God and his faith was considered righteousness. God told
Abraham to leave his home country of Ur and go to a new land. Abraham believed
God and set out for this new land because God told him to. In Genesis 15,
because of Abraham’s faithfulness God made a covenant with Abraham to give this
land to his descendants. If we are faithful to God’s word, as Noah and Abraham
were, we will pray and seek the Lord as to where to relocate to ride out the
coming storm. If you are in the wrong location, God will not protect you where
you are. I believe that God is raising up people who will be guides into the
wilderness for His children. Like the early Christians in the book of Acts,
Christians will need to band together and share their resources, as well as
skills to survive.
In verse 11, Christ said to hold fast to what you have, that
no one may take your crown. It is very important that Christians remain in the
faith, as well as avoid false doctrines. There are many heretics, false
prophets, as well as unsound teachers, which will lead you astray if you are not
grounded in God’s Word. That is why it is vital that we study God’s Word for
ourselves, and not take a minister’s interpretation as fact. We must remain
faithful to the Lord unto the end to receive the crown of eternal life. If it
were not possible to be led astray, or lose your salvation, Christ would not
have said, “let no one take your crown.”
Rev 3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the
Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness,
the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are
neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because
you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of
nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and
naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may
be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your
nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you
may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and
repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and
opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To
him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame
and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit says to the churches."
The church of Laodicea was very similar to the churches
today, because they compromised their faith. The Lord said, “I know your works,
that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then,
because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My
mouth.” True Christianity does not
merely believe in Jesus, it is a lifestyle. If we live, dress, talk, as well as
act like the sinful world, we deny our faith, and bring shame upon the name of
Christ. I watched a video on YouTube that showed girls in short shorts trying
to evangelize the Amish. They did not believe that the Amish were saved,
because they did not understand their culture. The truth is that the Amish
could teach these girls about modesty, as well as holiness. If a person from
one hundred years ago, walked the streets of America, as well as attended
modern churches today, they would be shocked at what they witnessed. The
lewdness of our culture is well displayed within the lives of those who profess
to know Christ.
Many Christians watch
television shows and movies filled with profanity, sex, violence, and the
occult. If Christians would get rid of their televisions, as well as certain
books, they would rid their homes of demons. Many movies and books are a portal
for demonic activity to enter your homes and lives. God, as well as His house, is
disrespected when women wear mini-skirts to church. Christians represent
Christ, and we are to be role models for the world. If there is compromise in
our lifestyle, then God will vomit us out like the lukewarm church of Laodicea.
Christ told the Laodiceans, that he wished that they were either cold or hot,
but because they were lukewarm, he would vomit them out. When some people first
come to Christ, they may be cold at first, but they are expected to grow up
spiritually. God gives us grace to grow from milk to strong meat. New
Christians take baby steps at first, but eventually they must learn to walk in
the Spirit. In time, a Christian is expected to become spiritually hot (mature)
in the Lord. If you are only lukewarm, then you are compromising your faith, by
reflecting the culture and not Christ. Some churches teach that God is
progressive. They believe that as our culture becomes more wicked, God gives
more grace for sins committed by His children. This is opposite to what the
Bible teaches. God, as well as His standards, does not change with time. God is
still the Ancient of Days and he will not be mocked.
The Laodiceans were corrupted by their wealth, and were
probably lovers of pleasure more than God. The Lord told them that they were
wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Verse 18, “I counsel you to buy
from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments,
that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed;
and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” The Lord instructed the
Laodiceans to be zealous and repent. He said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and
chasten.” Many people today are blinded by the god of materialism. They seek
after nice houses, expensive vehicles, fun vacations, or power positions in
their community or on their jobs. Most people are comfortable and do not give
God, or His ways, a second thought. God’s Word tells us that the love of money
is the root of all kinds of evil. Christ said, that you cannot serve God and
money, because only one will be your master. However, it is not a sin to be
rich, if you are generous with your money by helping the poor, as well as
supporting God’s ministry work. There are people in the Bible who God blessed
with wealth, Job, Hezekiah, David, Solomon, Abraham are but a few. These men
put God and His kingdom first, and God blessed them for it. However, most
people love their money and possessions more than anyone, including God. Greed
mingled with selfishness will lead a person down the path of destruction. That
is why we all need to do an introspection of our heart, to see where our
treasure is. Do we lay up our treasure in Heaven, or on the earth? Do we love
and serve God, or money?
