Recently I was asked a question as to what basis there is for the interpretation that some Bible teachers place on the letters to the seven Churches in Asia. That is, that we see in them a prophetic disclosure of the whole history of the New Testament Church. Though I am convinced of the rightness of such teaching, yet it has caused me much thought, and to ponder what the scripture teaches.

There are several things that we can learn from these letters, some of which follow. (1st.) Though these Churches were placed within a radius of about fifty miles, yet not one Church was commanded to interfere with the affairs of another. This deals a deathblow to any pretence of the Episcopalian theory. That is that each Church is in fellowship with the other, and that what is done in one Church, (especially in matters of discipline), must be accepted by all others, (whether it is right or wrong). It clearly shows that each Church has to answer to the Lord Jesus alone. The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand.

We hear Him say repeatedly, I know, I know, I know. This shows us that not one thing escapes His jealous and watchful eye. Where the leaders of one Church, seek to interfere in the affairs of another, this is the operation of Nicholaitinism, and is hated by the One to whom the Church belongs.

For such a system to work a Papal figure is necessary, and woe betide any that are bold enough to challenge the edicts of such a one. It is sad to note that this situation exists in many circles of Brethren Assemblies, and is to be seen in its full blown evil character in the Exclusive system.

(2^nd), We learn from the address to the Church at Sardis, that it is possible to be in fellowship in a Church where evil is practiced, yet not to be defiled by that evil. I say this because though there is not one thing in that Church that the Lord Jesus can commend, yet He says "Thou hast a few names in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy". Ch. 3:4. This overturns the false teaching held by some, that separation is an ecclesiastical position which one may take up. It is instead a state of heart, and in order to purify ones self from things of dishonour, one needs to purge out the evil that dwells in our own hearts.

The fallacy of the doctrine referred to above is to be seen in the Monastic movement. This movement sprung from a sincere desire on the part of some, to live a holy life. They reasoned that if they could retire out of this world, and spend all their time in prayer, reading the scriptures, meditation, self-mortification etc, then they would surely be able to live a holy life. However it worked out entirely different from what they intended. They built monasteries and shut themselves up behind brick walls, but those very places (over a period of time) became cesspools of iniquity. They had retired out of the world, but had taken the iniquity with them; it was in their own hearts. We purify ourselves by judging, confessing, and forsaking the evil that is resident in our own hearts. 1John. 1:8-10.

But let us return to the question under consideration. We must remember that these letters were written and sent to actual Churches. It is believed that John had been visited in his exile; by elders from these Churches. When they returned to their places, they carried these letters with them. The letters have been a source of comfort to believers in Churches that have had to pass through tribulation and great suffering down through the ages. They also come as a warning to Churches today; where the very things that were condemned by the Lord Jesus are being practiced. We shall see this as we proceed. However we are justified in thinking that more than the actual state and practices of the Churches in Asia, was in the mind of our Lord.

PROPHECY.

Verse three of chapter one, clearly states that there is a promised blessing to the person that reads the book, and hears the words of the prophecy contained in it; and keeps the things written therein. This confirms our belief that in the whole book, there are prophetic statements and gives us warrant to seek to interpret the letters to the seven Churches in Asia, in the way that we do.

There is a clear division in the book at the end of chapter three. Because chapter four begins with the voice of God, offering to show John, "the things that must be hereafter". Therefore we may rightly assume that the first three chapters refer to the "things that are", (1:19). The "things which thou hast seen", refer to John’s vision of the Lord Jesus personally, dressed in judicial garb, with His affections restrained, standing in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.

Peter tells us that "no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation". Or as Mr. Darby translates that passage, "the scope of no prophecy is had from its own particular interpretation". It is plain from scripture that often prophecies are not fulfilled by one event alone. For example the prophecy of Joel was not completely fulfilled by the events of Pentecost. Because at that time God’s Spirit was not poured out upon "All flesh" and the evidence of this was the presence of scoffers. It will be finally fulfilled when the Lord Jesus comes in His glory to reign over the earth. This gives us license to apply the prophecies as to the seven Churches in the way that we do.

As we interpret these letters to the seven Churches in Asia, it is necessary to keep in mind the historical setting in which they are placed. These seven Churches were the product of the working of the Holy Spirit, but especially through the ministry of the Apostle Paul. His visits to some of these places are recorded for us in the book of the Acts. But not all of his visits to each place are recorded, and perhaps one of the reasons for this was the fact that Luke the beloved physician and historian was not with Paul at that time, having been left with Timothy at Philipi.

We have a touching display of the love that the saints of that area had for Paul in the end of Acts chapter twenty, where it is recorded that they all "wept sore’, fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him. They were especially pained by his words that they would see his face no more. However as he prophesied, after his departure grievous wolves entered and did not spare the flock. Even Elders became selfish and sought a following, they drew away disciples after themselves, Acts 20:29-30.

With sorrow he had to say in his last letter to Timothy that "All they in Asia have turned away from me", 2Tim.1:15. However there was one that remained loyal to his spiritual father, and that was Onesiphorus, verses 16-18.

But now Paul had been murdered, and by means of the sword of Nero, gained a rapid entrance to glory, accompanied there by the very Lord Jesus whom he loved so deeply, and had served so faithfully. John was thought to be in his nineties, and was the last remaining of the twelve Apostles. The Roman authorities had exiled him to the Isle of Patmos. This was not because of any political activities, but because of the "word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ". Those Churches that Paul had established and taught the truth of God’s word, continued on without him, and turned away from his teaching, (going into obvious decline), yet it seemed that the Apostle John had laboured amongst them, and sought to bring them back to the truth of Christ. It was probably while he was serving the Lord in Asia, that he was arrested by the Romans and exiled to Patmos.

Now the Lord Jesus Himself, the One to whom those Churches belonged was speaking directly to them. He spoke words of warning, words of encouragement, and of comfort, and also words of rebuke. But all that He said, He said by the Holy Spirit. His words were what "The Spirit said to the Assemblies". Thus in a certain sense, though He drew attention to specific things, and the sad state existing in individual Churches, yet what He said applied to all, and still applies today.

THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS.

In each case the letter is addressed to "the angel" of the Church. We are not to think of this as referring to a literal angel, but rather to the person through whom God spoke to His Church, the ‘messenger’. The Greek word Aggelos, simply means messenger, or one by whom a message is sent. This person would be the leading Elder in each Assembly. These persons were held in the right hand of the Lord Jesus. 1:20.

The Church at Ephesus had a very bright beginning, when those that were saved by the grace of God, brought out the books of charms that were worth a very great sum, and burnt them before all men, Acts, 19:18-20. They evidently grew spiritually, and it was to that Church that Paul wrote his greatest epistle. It was in the Epistle to the Ephesians, that he revealed the most exalted truths of the New Testament.

However it seems that they did not continue in that bold expression of their love for Christ that marked their beginning. It is to be noted that they burned their books of curious arts, they did not sell them to others, though they could have readily done so, and gained a huge sum as well. They publicly testified to their complete break with the powers of darkness that had held them up to that time. The reality of their devotion was therein testified to all, but the warm glow of that first love did not continue.

Paul warned the elders as to what was going to happen. That grievous wolves would enter in, and would not spare the flock. Perhaps those wolves were dressed in sheep’s clothing, and the unsuspecting believers were willing to receive them, and allow them to do their evil work. Even some of the Elders, were led astray by these people, and they sought a following, a place of prominence and power. Acts 20:28-30. It seems that they quickly forgot the fine example that Paul had shown them. He was not concerned about place, material profit or power. He had laboured with his own hands, to supply his own needs, and the needs of those that laboured with him. How sad it was that they so quickly forgot such a wonderful example!

Yet for all that they had not slacked in their works for the Lord. He knew full well what they had done, and were doing, their labour and their patience. Those that remained had developed some spiritual discernment. Those imposters that had made great claims for themselves, claiming to be Apostles. They put them to the test, and found them to be liars. It would be good if many today were to do the same. Because there are so many that are dazzled by the false miracles, and the lofty claims of the so-called, great faith preachers of today. These deluded believers almost worship such men, turn up in large numbers to their meetings, and pour large sums of money into their pockets.

The Ephesians had borne much for the Lord, He twice mentions their patience, but all this could not atone for the grievous fact that they had left their first love. It was something else that motivated them in all their many activities. It was not the warm glow of their first love for Christ.

They had fallen from that lofty height, and probably did not even know it. But the Lord Jesus called them to remember, and to repent. To go back to those first works, to the zeal and love for Christ that was their motive then. He warned them that if they went on heedless, and refused to repent, then He would remove their candlestick out of its place. It would seem that they did not heed the warning, because there is no Christian testimony in Ephesus today.

However the Lord commends them for the fact that they hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans, and in this they were in tune with His great heart.

These Nicolaitins were people that practiced vile immorality. They taught lascivious practices and life style. But the Ephesians hated their deeds. The name they took comes from two Greek roots. Nico = I rule, and Laity = the common people. There was a Church council held in early post Apostolic times, where the doctrine of the Clergy and the Laity was propounded and accepted This hateful doctrine has persisted down through the ages, and is held and practiced today. Though there should be leadership in the Church, yet the idea of men ruling over others within the Church is hateful to Christ. This in the time of the writing of these letters, had also caused many of those who held this doctrine to live dissolute lives, and sadly this is true today, as is evidenced by the shameful disclosures that have shocked righteous people in Australia, U.S.A, and other countries. And the prevalence of divorce and re-marriage amongst those that take the position of Pastors, etc.

This shows us that the Lord Jesus praised all that He could in that Assembly, yet none of these things were sufficient for Him to allow the lamp of testimony to continue to burn in Ephesus. His great longing was that the believers there might repent of the fact that they had left their first love. This is a solemn warning to believers wherever they are in the world today. The insistence on correct doctrine and the maintaining of a correct ecclesiastical position, or ground of gathering. The evidence of great zeal, busyness in what we might call ‘The Lord’s work", none of these things, (though right in themselves), can guarantee the continuing support and blessing of the Lord. What He requires is warm-hearted devotion that flows from a heart that is full of love for Him.

The sad truth was that what characterized the Church at Ephesus, was true of the Church universally. Thus we have a prophetic revelation of the first phase of the Church’s history. The Writings of John were given to attempt to stop this sad decline. In his gospel, and in his epistles, he sought to bring the Church at large, back to a vital faith in Christ, and a deep firm love for Him.

THE ASSEMBLY AT SMYRNA.

The name of this place is quite interesting, as it comes from the word myrrh, which in the scriptures, (both Old and New Testaments), speaks of the fragrance of suffering love. Suffering is the prominent theme in the letter sent to the Church at Smyrna. Suffering for Christ has been the portion of those that would be faithful to Him, down through the ages.

It is interesting to note how the Lord Jesus introduces Himself, as the One who is the First and the Last. The One that "was dead and is alive". He had endured suffering that none will ever be able to understand. He endured it all alone; ‘by Himself’, that is without the support of another. Now He makes available all the grace and the strength that His suffering ones would need, as they suffered for Him. But He conquered death, and the spoils of His victory were now available to all that would suffer for His sake.

Though God does not institute the suffering, yet in His wisdom often allows the Devil, the ‘Roaring Lion’ to afflict His people. Though suffering itself does not purify the Church, or the believer, (that is done through the "washing of water by the word"), yet it does have the effect of weeding out from the Church publicly, those false professors that have managed to get in amongst the true children of God. Satan has found that though it gives him a fiendish pleasure to feast his evil eyes on the suffering of God’s children, yet it never accomplishes his greatest desires. History has proved that it almost always has the effect of drawing God’s children ever closer to Himself.

It seems that the suffering experienced by the Church at Smyrna up until this time, had come mostly from the Jews, but in the years ahead it was to come from the dreadful power of the Roman Empire. The Lord Jesus reveals His knowledge and understanding of the works, the tribulations and the poverty, (and its effect), that the Church had experienced.

Let us look at these things individually. ‘Thy works’. It seems that in spite of the sufferings that it brought upon them, yet they did not slack in their labours for Him. This is often so, the more the saints suffer, the more they witness and work for Christ

‘Thy tribulation’: How the Lord Jesus; the one that is called "A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief", felt for His suffering people. We are told that "In all their afflictions He was afflicted", Isaiah 63:9, and that He "can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities" Heb. 4:15. He is able to succor them that are tempted, because He himself has suffered, being tempted. Heb. 2:18. He knew what it was to suffer, and He appreciated the love and loyalty of His faithful, suffering saints. He is just the same today, let our suffering brothers and sisters take comfort from this. There is nothing that you suffer my brothers or sisters that He does not feel even more than you do. These things that you experience will be rewarded later on, with a crown of glory. But even now may the balm of His soothing love heal your sorrowing hearts!

It was at Smyrna that the godly and faithful Polycarp laid down his life. The Jews murdered him. It is said that the Jews that murdered him were so fanatical, that they gathered wood on the Sabbath to burn him alive, and his grave is still there. To read Church history, is to fill the soul of the reader with admiration for those noble men and women that endured so much for Christ. These noble saints of God have handed down to us a heritage of truth that cost them so much.

THY POVERTY. (BUT THOU ART RICH).

How different this is to what the Lord has to say to the Church at Laodicea. (We will examine this later). History will reveal that the Church has always prospered spiritually in times of poverty and hardship. This confirms what James tells us in his second chapter verse 5. How different things are today, when believers are encouraged to covet the things of the world. They are taught that they deserve, or have a right to the very best of things in this world.

Materialism breeds covetousness, and those that desire to be rich, fall into many unwise and hurtful lusts; they pierce themselves through with many sorrows. 1Tim. 6:4 -11. Poverty tends to enhance the value of eternal things, and to increase our dependence upon God. But material wealth robs the child of God of that daily dependence on God.

The Lord Jesus reveals to that Church, that He knew fully what they had suffered at the hands of the Jews. He had heard the blasphemy of those who said that they were Jews, but were not. It seems that though they were of Jewish descent, yet they lacked the true humility of the genuine children of Abraham. They were of the synagogue of Satan, the descendants of those that had murdered the Son of God. He strips away any mask that they wore, and revealed what they were in truth.

He then warns them as to what they were to expect in the following years. They were to suffer imprisonment, torture and suffering, such as would defy description. This persecution was to come from the Roman authorities. He spoke of tribulation that would last ten days. This could refer to the tribulation that believers experienced under ten successive Emperors, or it could refer to the terrible persecution that lasted for ten years under the Emperor Dioclesianus.

During these persecutions Christian believers experienced terrible tortures, and books are written about their experiences. The Church was instructed not to fear any of those terrible things. They were given the assurance that the reward of the faithful would be a crown of life. The garland of victory. The recalling of these things fills the soul of the writer with a sense of shame, because in the Western World we have had it too easy, we know practically nothing of suffering. However our brothers and sister in the different African countries, as well as in many other countries, understand very well what their early brethren passed through. If any such should read these words, may they bring comfort you your souls!

THE PROPHETIC SIGNIFICANCE.

These events have a prophetic significance. It seems that our gracious Lord allowed these events to take place, to seek to correct the decline that had come into the Church at large. It was to cause the Church to return to their first love. Thus the decline that is brought before us in the letter to the Church at Ephesus, was followed by the terrible tribulations that are referred to in the letter to the Church at Smyrna.

PERGAMOS.

The name means married, and clearly alludes to the marriage of the Church and the world. Satan learned to his sorrow that the persecution of the Church did not achieve his desired end, so he turned to his more successful tactic, that of seduction. The city itself was a shamefully idolatrous place, and was a centre for the practice of religious healing. Some of Rome’s Emperors resorted there for that purpose. It is little wonder that the Lord Jesus warned about the dangerous nature of the place, telling that Satan’s throne was there. Satan had transformed himself into an angel of light, and the foolish believers fell for his tricks. We find a similar situation today, when there is a shameful ignorance with many as to what the word of God teaches. The Church at Pergamos had discarded much, but still they claimed loyalty to the name of the Lord Jesus. There had been faithful men in that Church and one named Antipas, had been martyred for his faith in Christ. The meaning of his name is anti, (against) Pappas meaning Pope. It is obvious that he had light as to the direction that things were taking. The way the letter reads it seems that this faithful witness was not slain by the Jews or the Romans, but was slain amongst the believers, (among you). Satan was now safely dwelling in the Church, (among you). So that we may understand that Satan who had reigned supreme in the city, was now dwelling in the Church. It would seem also that Antipas was possibly slain by his own brethren. Perhaps they resented his opposition to the Papacy?

THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM.

The Lord Jesus then proceeds to expose those things that grieved His heart, and provoked His wrath. The first thing that He exposes is that the Church had amongst them those that held the doctrine on Balaam. This man was one of the most wicked men of the Old Testament, yet he posed as a prophet of Jehovah. He was lured by the rewards of unrighteousness that were offered by Balak the king of Moab. However Balaam was not able to do what he wished to, and when he opened his mouth to curse Jehovah’s people, beautiful words of blessing rolled off his tongue. Balak was angry with him, and was about to send him back to his home, without the rewards that he had promised. The false prophet then taught the Moabite king what to do to overcome the people that he had been compelled to bless. Balaam taught him to cast a snare before the sons of Israel, that snare or stumbling block, was the principle of compromise. He taught him to break down the barriers of separation, to entice the people to attend the idolatrous festivals conducted by the Moabites, and to corrupt their morals. As a result 24,000 perished through the plague from God, without a sword being drawn.

The same pernicious doctrine was held and propagated by some in the Church at Pergamos. The same doctrine is being propagated today in many Churches. The Lord Jesus speaks of having a sharp two-edged sword in His mouth. This sword is the Word of God, Heb. 4:12. But it is not fashionable today to insist on obedience to what the word of God says. However it is this that He threatens to use, in fighting with those that were corrupting the Church.

THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS.

The Lord Jesus then goes on to tell that they had those who held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. We have referred to this earlier, when dealing with the letter to the Church at Ephesus. This is seen today in the unscriptural difference that is made between the clergy and the laity. Bring these two evils together, and you have a recipe for almost every sinful practice. This doctrine and practice prepared the Church for what follows in the letter to the Church at Thyatira. Because though the Bishop of Rome, became the head of the Roman Catholic Church, yet the hierarchy that he headed up was to stretch out into every Church that submitted to his authority.

Even the Authodox Churches established their own systems, with their Pappas or Patriarchs, and the hierarchy that stretched out to all those Churches over which they ruled. Thus the doctrine of the Nicolaitans spread out to corrupt the Church publicly, and universally.

The Church at Pergamos is exhorted to repent, and warned that if they refused to do so, then He would come to them quickly and fight against them with the word of God, the sword of His mouth. It is interesting that He does not threaten to remove their lampstand out of its place as He did to Ephesus, and thus what the Church at Pergamos represented continued, and made way for what we get in the Church at Thyatira.

THE PROPHETIC SIGNIFICANCE.

Though we have seen that this letter was sent to an existing Church, and that it applies today to every Church that adopts the doctrines and practices permitted by the Church at Pergamos. Yet we are justified in interpreting this letter prophetically.

It represents the period that followed the terrible years of tribulation and persecution that we have seen in the letter to the Church at Smyrna. We are justified then in speaking of the "Ephesian Period", the Smyrna Period, and now the Pergamos Period. They represent different phases in the history of the Church Publicly.

I should make it clear that I regard the Church as it appears Publicly; as different from the true Church, the Body of Christ. The former involves all that appeared in the great Public body of the Church. It involves many that are not true members of the Body of Christ, and much that is contrary to the Scriptures, and is hateful to God. Whereas the True Church, The Universal Body of Christ, is made up only of those genuine believers that have been truly saved and converted, and have been baptized into that Body, by the Holy Spirit. 1Cor. 12:12-13. These genuine members of the body, may not be perfect, they may need the constant ministry of Christ in nourishing and cleansing by the word. Yet what God has done, and is doing in them, is both sinless and perfect. Please note what I have written. They themselves are not perfect, or sinless, but what God is doing in them is. These genuine members of the True Body of Christ are to be found right throughout the Church Publicly. When the Rapture of the true Church takes place, they will be caught up, (Raptured), and the Public, Professing Church will continue to operate in this world. The Rapture of the true Church will be closely followed by the Great Tribulation. This is set out for quite clearly in the Lord’s parable of the ‘Wheat and the Tares’ Matt. 13: 24-30.

THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA.

The name of the city is important. It had been named twice before, its first name being Pelopia, its second was Semiramis. This was the name of the wife of Nimrod, the first man in the human race that had designs on becoming a world conqueror. His wife was the person that Satan used to introduce the principle and practice of idol worship. It was she that introduced the practice of the worship of mother and son; (herself and Tammuz her son). `If my readers are able to get a copy of Hislop’s book, ‘The two Babylons’, it sheds light on the practice and the evolution of idolatry down through the ages. Another book on the subject (and more readable) is called ‘Babylon Mystery Religion’ (Ancient & Modern), by Ralph Woodrow

The last name of the city itself means ‘Daughter’, which is significant, because "The Virgin Mary’, was known and worshipped there, as the ‘Daughter of God’.

It would seem that the Lord Jesus in His letter to the messenger of this Church, sought to jealously guard His own honor, uniqueness, and glory as the Son of God", and the only One amongst men who is to be worshipped. John, 5:23. He presents Himself as the One whose eyes are like a flame of fire. That is blazing with righteous indignation. His feet too are like fine brass, as we are told in chapter one: 15, as if burning in a furnace, the very suggestion of the fierceness of personal indignation and holy wrath. Let us always remember that though our God is a God of love, yet He is also a God of holiness and righteousness. He is a consuming fire. Heb. 12:29. Let us never trifle with that holiness, or dabble with that which is hateful to Him.

Though He hated all that was offensive and corrupt, yet the Lord Jesus appreciated all that was done by those that were His genuine lovers. He attributes those works to the Church. So we hear Him saying in verse 19, "I know thy woks, charity, service faith and patience". And unlike Ephesus, the Church that had left it’s first love, the works of those at Thyatira were more at the end than at the beginning.

The Roman Catholic Church (which Thyatira foreshadows) has done some horrible things. Just to read Church History proves this beyond doubt. Yet those within its fold have also done many wonderful things also. Many volumes could be written detailing the labours, sacrifice and suffering of godly nuns in service to suffering humanity. Those eyes that appeared as a flame of fire have noticed all this, and what has been done for Him, by those that are truly His, will have its reward in a coming day.

This should be a real encouragement to all those believers who out of pure love for Christ, seek to do things for His glory alone, and for the blessing of others. Even the smallest thing is noticed by Him; such as giving a cup of cold water to a thirsty one. Matt.25:31-45. & Matt 10:42. However it needs to be pointed out that ‘good works’ done in an attempt to earn one’s salvation, or to pay for it, are all in vain. Salvation is a gift, and can never be earned, or bought. Rom. 6:23. But we are His workmanship, and we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has prepared beforehand for us to walk in. Eph. 2:10.

Yet none of those things which were commendable in themselves, could shelter that Church from the condemnation which the Lord Jesus proceeds to pour out upon them. This shows that any good that we can do can never compensate for anything that is evil, which we may allow or tolerate. Thus we have that very strong word coming from the Lord, ‘Notwithstanding’, (or in spite of all this).

THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL.

The first accusation is that the Church under the leadership of its messenger allowed the prominence of a woman whose ways resembled those of ancient Jezebel, the wife of Ahab. Some translations seem to indicate that this woman was the wife of the leading Elder. It was the responsibility of the leadership to lead the Church to discipline, or to cast out this woman, to totally disown her wicked ways, however the fact was that even if they felt that her influence and teachings were wrong, yet they were prepared to put up with it. This is a warning to Churches today, when the spirit of Jezebel seems to be very active. This is both in society at large, and also in the Church. Those Assemblies of God’s people that have gone the modernist way are guilty of this grievous sin.

The source of this woman’s cunning and perhaps, brilliance also, was demonic, and so it is today. The original Jezebel was doubtless possessed by a demon, and though she died beneath the hooves of Jehu’s chariot horses, yet the demon that inhabited her did not die, but is alive and active today. This power loves to exalt women in the Church, to enable them to demonstrate their ‘talents’ etc. To show that they are just as good as the men are, or even better. The writings of Paul clearly do not permit the women in the Church to take an audible, or public part. But the Churches in Asia had turned away from Paul, (2Tim. 1:15), as have many Assemblies today.

This woman claimed to be a Prophetess, and taught (publicly) in the Church. She used her powers to seduce those that the Lord calls, ‘My servants’, to lower their moral standards, and also to tolerate a form of idolatry. It has been a source of great disappointment to many who seek to obey the scriptures; to see those who were once valiant for the truth, corrupted. To see them publicly accept teach and practice, things that once they would have condemned. This is a great tragedy! The Lord was very patient with this corrupt woman, and in His great patience and fairness, gave her space to repent, but she refused.

He gives a warning of what He is going to do. He is going to cast her into a bed, (of terrible sickness) and them that commit adultery with her, into great tribulation. Let any that may read these words take heed to His warning. The only way to escape this disciplinary judgment is to repent. The generation that is born of such adultery and unfaithfulness He will kill with death. This does not necessarily physical death, but moral and spiritual death. It is a sad feature of the day in which we live, that divorce and re-marriage has become prevalent, even popular. This is so amongst those who are prepared to be called ‘Pastor’ even. If this is the shameful example being set before young people, (the next generation), what then can we expect of them? The prospect is horrendous.

It is interesting to read from history what dreadful harm women did in this Church. Just read the following quotation from Gill’s Commentary:

Mr. Daubuz observes that the first Christian of Thyatira was a woman, and that the false prophets which first enticed the Christians to apostasy in this church were women. Such as Maximilia, Quintilia, and Priscilla; to which I would add that according to Epiphanius, that among those heretics, and which swallowed up this church. Their bishops were women, and so were their presbyters, or elders; and Dr. Smith (z) is of opinion, that the inhabitants of this place, when Heathen, were worshippers of the goddess Diana. So that, upon all accounts, the church here was a fit symbol of the effeminate Church of Rome,

TO THE REST.

Those that were prominent in the Church at Thyatira, were so guilty, and were about to come under the fierce judgment of the Son of God. Yet there were many simple innocent souls in that Church, that had no knowledge of the depths of Satan to which those responsible had sunk. In those days such people had no other option but to continue on in the Church. They could not leave, as there was no where else to go to. Then there were only three things to which one could be attached. The Jews, that is authodox, dead Judaism, and such detested and murdered Christians as we have seen earlier. Then there were the Pagan Gentiles, from amongst whom they had been saved out. The only other thing was the Church of God, whatever its state might be. But it is different today, because of the sad division that Satan has caused amongst God’s true children.

The Lord Jesus loved these simple people, and said that He would lay on them no other burden, but that they should hold fast what they already had, until He should come. The cunning and the wicked corruption of the doctrine of the wicked Jezebel had, not corrupted these simple people. Thank God for such, even today!

THE PROPHETIC SIGNIFICANCE.

The letter to this Church covers that period, from the fourth century when the Emperor Constantine embraced ‘Christianity’ and made it the religion of the Roman Empire. It is said that he was facing a battle against a superior enemy, and his forces were outnumbered. In a state of mental anguish, it is claimed that he saw a shimmering silver cross in the sky, and underneath the words in Latin, ‘By this conquer". Thereupon he adopted the cross as the banner of his army, and to his great surprise won the battle. Being a Pagan, this appeared to him to be a lucky charm. As a result he adopted "Christianity’ as the religion of the Roman Empire. He appointed himself as the Supreme Pontiff, of the Church.

The Bishop of Rome ultimately took over this position. Thus began the ‘Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church’. Being a Politician he realized that he would have a rebellion on his hands if he were to immediately ban the idols and the priesthood, so he baptized the priests that would submit, and made them into ‘Christian priests’. To many of the idols he gave ‘Christian’ names, and made them into saints for his followers to worship. Christianity then became popular, and to be a ‘Christian’ was an advantage. Amongst these were the Virgin Mary, who was exalted to deity, and became an object of worship, and the one without whom, salvation could not be obtained.

So we find that the whole European Roman Empire became Christian. The Eastern branches of the Authodox Churches refused to submit, and they set up Patriarchs of their own. Thus we have the Greek Authodox, the Russian Authodox, the Syrian Authodox, and the Coptic Authodox Churches. But each followed the pattern of Rome. So we have the Thyatira period.

It is to be noted that while the first three Churches are historical, (in the prophetic sense), the last four go on concurrently until the rapture. The vestiges of the False Church, will continue, after the rapture in the Great Harlot of later chapters, and be destroyed either in, or in the times leading up to the Great Tribulation.

SARDIS.

This Church and the letter to its messenger, portrays great opportunities, possibilities, but a very derelict state. It refers to a time of real spiritual revival, and more particularly to the decline that followed it, as we shall see presently. We need to remember that though it is of great prophetic importance, yet it was a letter written to a local Church and its leaders. I suppose even today there would hardly be a Church, or Assembly in existence that cannot look back to a time when God was at work in their midst. It is a matter of great sadness that we can see a great decline in our midst. Those denominations that have dared to take a name for themselves, if they are honest will have to admit that they have a reputation to live up to, but they are dead, spiritually. Yet we have no excuse, because God has made every provision, has given us more than adequate power, so that the testimony committed to our hands may flourish.

The Lord Jesus presents Himself as the One that has "The seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars", (messengers or elders, leaders). The reference to the Seven Spirits of God, is more correctly the "Sevenfold Spirit of God". The number seven in Scripture suggests completeness perfection, sufficiency etc. The Holy Spirit of God is more than adequate to enable those that submit to His control and leadership, to live a holy life, & to bear a powerful witness and testimony, no matter how wicked the world around us. Yet those in leadership have ignored Him, and preferred their own organization and human control, entertainment etc, to His leadership and control. Thus we cannot blame God!

There were some things that remained amongst them, cherished and held by those that were faithful. These things the Lord Jesus exhorted them to strengthen; because they were about to die. He has to tell them, that He did not find their works to be complete before God. How many there are today in the Churches or Assemblies, that are willing to hold on to some things, that they find are under attack, but they are not prepared to yield complete obedience to the truth! Thus their works are not complete. They are prepared to go so far, but not the whole way.

It would do us all much good to heed the exhortation given in verse three of this chapter (3). We would do well to remember what we have received, the heritage of truth that has been handed down to us by godly men and women. Those who were willing to suffer and die rather than surrender one little bit of the truth that they had discovered from the word of God. Even to remember the words that we have heard with our own ears, from the lips of faithful, godly preachers, who have been bold enough to bear the ridicule of many, and proclaim the truth. To hold fast to the truth, the faith once delivered to the saints. Let us watch, lest these things be snatched away from us.

Let us heed the warning the Lord gives. That He will visit us as a thief, (i.e.). With a surprise, unexpectedly, but in disciplinary judgment. The Church at Sardis failed to heed this warning, and thus all vestige of life seems to be extinct. Let us listen again to what Mr. Gill has to say.

"But now there are very few Christians to be found here, and they have not a place to worship in, (nor any to minister to them). This church represents the state of the church from the time of the Reformation by Luther and others". (These comments were made back in the nineteenth century).

However there were those in that Church that met with His approval. As mentioned earlier, though they were there in the fellowship of that Church, where things were practiced that grieved the heart of the Lord Jesus, yet they were not contaminated by it. This shows us that true separation is a matter of the heart. It involves the judging, confessing, and separating from within our own hearts, all that is evil in character. If we are willing to do this, it will bring His public approval hereafter and bring us into close and sweet fellowship with Christ now. May God help us to walk in such a way that our garments, (our outward character), may not be soiled! That we may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing. Col. 1:10.

PROPHETIC SIGNIFICANCE.

As suggested by Gill in the earlier quotation, this period of the Churches history began with the reformation in the fourteenth century. For centuries the Roman Catholic Church held sway in the former Roman Empire, especially in Europe. Those were dark and terrible days indeed, during which almost every evil was practiced by that Church. It persecuted any group, or individual that dared to question the supremacy of the Pope, and of his priests. If we read Church history, we can well understand what is said later in this book of Revelation, that in her was found the blood of the saints, and of all that were slain on the earth. Ch. 18:14 & 17:6. Rome perpetuated her power by holding the masses in darkness, and denying them the word of God, and the ability to read it.

But God began to work, and He raised up noble men, like John Huss. Men that ‘loved not their lives unto death’. Many were burned alive as heretics, because they dared to proclaim the Gospel of the Grace of God. Others were treated the same because they dared to own a copy of the Bible. During the infamous time of the ‘Holy Inquisition’ countless souls were tried and found guilty of heresy, then burned alive at the demand of the hierarchy. This happened even in India, where men and women were burned alive on the banks of the river in Goa.

However God began to work in a marvelous way in spite of all, and one that was used mightily in this work of Reformation, was a converted priest named Marti Luther. It was at this time that the art of printing was discovered. A German named Gutenberg invented it. The first book ever to be printed on a printing press, was Luther’s German New Testament. Luther boasted that he would make the beggar in the street to know more than the Bishop on his throne. He did this by putting the scriptures into the hands of the common people.

As the result of the Reformation what became known as Protestantism came into being. It was given this name because it protested against the evils, and the excesses of the Roman Catholic Church. It stood for freedom of worship, and above all for the principle of ‘Salvation through faith, by grace alone, without works’. It truly had a name to live, but the reforms did not go far enough. Their works were not complete before God. Even Luther himself, though he championed (at one time he was alone), the Gospel of Salvation by grace through faith alone. Yet he still clung to many of the false doctrines of the R.C. Church. His works were not complete.

Other reformers like Ulrich Zwingle Melancthon etc rose up, and God gave them even greater light, yet even their works were not complete before God. As the result many Protestant denominations came into being. But the tragedy is that most have become dead spiritually. Some have been mightily used of God in past days, but today they allow many forms of evil, both in doctrine and practice. Thus we have the period of Sardis whose empty shell will continue on in this world, after the true Church is taken.

THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA.

Here we have another Church, (one of the seven), where the state was quite different. The name means ‘brotherly love’, and though the city was several times almost destroyed by earthquakes, yet it remains to this day. It is called by the Turks, ‘The city of God’, and even today there are many genuine Christians in that place.

The Lord Jesus introduces Himself here, as ‘He that is holy, He that is true, He that has the key of David’. It is apparent that He found in this Church some conditions that were like what was to be seen in Himself. He accredits them with keeping His word, and not denying His name. He says that they have a little strength because of this, and He was setting before them an open door of opportunity. Any Church today, that meets these conditions, has these qualities, can expect to receive the blessings promised to the Church at Philadelphia. Like the Church at Smyrna, they brought upon themselves the wrath and persecution of the Jews, those who were of the synagogue of Satan. Those who though they were truly Jews by nationality, yet they were not so in heart. They knew nothing of the circumcision of the heart. Their claims were false, they were liars. Rom. 2:28-29. He promises that in a coming day things will be reversed. He will yet make those liars to come and bow down, (the word translated worship, is really just to bow down) before their feet. There He will show just what those faithful believers meant to Him. (True worship is never addressed to man, or to angels, but only to God). Luke, 4:8.

In this passage we learn that when people take any other name, then they deny the only name that is worth owning. That Name that is above every other name. The only name to which true believers gather. Matt. 18:20. The Lord Jesus here shows His appreciation of the fact, that they gathered to that name alone, and that they did not deny it. They were true to that name which they loved.

This was because they had kept His word. It seems that all that truly keep His word will gather to His name only. They will not deny that name. They had clung to that word through difficult times. History records that at least twelve of the members of this church were martyred at the same time as Polycarp. Thus we see what it cost them to keep His word, and to maintain what was due to His name. O that we might see such faithfulness today!

There was a reward to be given for the faithfulness shown. Though they passed through tribulation because of their faithfulness, yet they would be kept out of the hour of trial that is soon to come on the whole habitable earth, to try them that dwell on the earth. This is one passage, (amongst many), that gives to many believers today the assurance that the Church will not pass through the Great Tribulation.

To this Church is given the promise of the Lord’s Second Coming, and this will take place quickly. They (and we) are exhorted to hold fast what they have, and to allow no man to take their crown. It would seem from this statement, that though Satan cannot snatch away the crown of the faithful, yet men can. They do this through ‘change’ through cunning and through compromise.

THE PROPHETICAL SIGNIFICANCE.

The address to this Church gives us to hope and to expect that there would be a spiritual revival, following the failure and deadness that resulted from the Sardis period. (The time of the Reformation and what followed).

I truly believe that this did take place beginning in the early years of the nineteenth century. There was a sudden simultaneous and sovereign work of God that took place all over the world. Believers began to study the scriptures, and they saw that the Protestant Churches with which they were affiliated, were nothing like the Church that they read about in the book of the Acts, and the Epistles of the New Testament. They were ashamed of the dead state of things that had developed, of which they were part. They began to gather to read, to pray, and to discuss the scriptures. The hierarchy of the established denominational Churches frowned upon this movement, because it was threatening their authority. Yet amongst them, there were genuine servants of God, and some men of great learning and scholarship. These men did not discourage the movement, but joined in the meetings for the study and discussion of the Bible. Those that gathered in this way continued in the fellowship of the Churches to which they were attached. But the time came when God challenged them to obey the light and instruction that He has given them. He challenged them to gather together to the name of Christ alone, just as the Church did in the beginning.

Those that had the courage to obey were despised and ridiculed by the hierarchy of the established denominations. They gave them the name of ‘Brethren’, because these simple, yet intelligent, believers saw from the scriptures that they were brothers and sisters in the family of God. It seemed to them that the only name that they could give each other was the name of brother, or sister. Matt 23:8 & 10. Thus those that wore the ‘cloth’ lost their distinction and position of authority. There was no longer any distinction between the ‘clergy’ and the ‘laity’ amongst them. They were all one in Christ Jesus.

As mentioned earlier, this provoked the wrath and the ridicule of the ‘gentlemen of the cloth’, and they despised those they called the ‘brethren’. However brotherly love did develop amongst them and the reproach and the ridicule drove them ever closer together.

They also began to experience the ‘little strength’ that was the result of keeping the word of Christ, and owning no other name than His. These despised ‘brethren’ became a power for God, and in His time spread His word to the lost in many lands.

Before this happened, those that God had given the gift of teaching ability, began to move about (mostly on foot) the European countries to spread the truths that had meant so much to them. However in doing so, they discovered that believers in other countries were doing the same as they had been led to do. This showed that it was not a mere human movement, but a sovereign and simultaneous movement of the Holy Spirit of God. They then did not set up another denomination, or system, but just had fellowship together, in the things that were most precious to them.

As time went on, these believers began to be exercised about the lost souls in other lands. Some felt called by God to go to the country of His choice, and to take the message of the Gospel. These brothers and sisters did not form any missionary society, nor did they organize any body to support them, pay them or supply their needs. They simply followed the example set for us by the Apostle Paul and those with him, as is recorded in Acts chapter 13.

These faithful believers faced much hardship, and suffered much opposition from the local people where God sent them. As an example in Andhra Pradesh in India, a country that I know well, having been labouring there over the past 26 years. At a place called Parlekol, the pioneer missionaries, Messrs. Beer and Bowden, were stoned by the people of that town, and had to run away to save their lives. But today there are hundreds of New Testament Assemblies in that whole area. I have personally been to some of them. In the sub continent of India itself, it is believed that there are more than 2,000 such Assemblies, and their number increases each month, (in spite of much persecution). All this has been accomplished by the mighty God; through those despised ‘brethren’!

Some of the strong points that characterized this worldwide revival were the realization of the importance of the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper. That is in the simple way that He instituted it, without the superstitions and mysticism that the denominations had clothed it with. At the meeting for that purpose, appointing no one to preside, giving that honour to the Holy Spirit alone. The importance of recognizing the gifts that the Holy Spirit sets in the local body of the Church, and allowing these gifts to function under the Holy Spirit’s control, and direction. The rejection of the idea of a presiding Clergyman or Pastor; this being a grief to the Holy Spirit.

The return to the New Testament practice, of the government or rule in the local Assembly, being entrusted to the hands of a plurality of qualified male elders. The revival of the hopes of the Church. That is in the pre-tribulation return of the Lord Jesus to take her home to glory. Many other forgotten truths were re-discovered in the Holy Scriptures.

The practice of what is taught in the word of God gave great power to the testimony. The constant study of the Scriptures, and the ministry of the gifts, made the Assemblies to be perhaps one of the best-taught bodies of believers anywhere in the world. The training and preparation of the Lord’s servants for His service, for service wherever He may send them, took place in the local Assemblies. People learned the teaching of the scriptures, and how to exercise their gifts, in the meetings of the Assembly, in open-air witness, and in Sunday school, sister’s meetings etc. Candidates went straight from the local Assembly, to the mission field, and they stayed there. Either to establish a pioneer work, or to work under the instruction and influence of godly more senior and more experienced brethren who had preceded them.

Satan could not bear to see his kingdom being assailed, nor could he bear to see God finding such pleasure, and being glorified by and amongst His people. So he quickly began to fester jealousy and other divisive things amongst the believers. It is sad to say that he was quite successful. Thus over a period of time, the believers broke up into opposing or competing groups. So that brethren who once walked together in happy fellowship, would no longer have anything to do with each other. Thus we have the Philadelphia period, that will continue until the Lord comes for His Church. Because wherever Christian believers are prepared to follow what the Scriptures teach, the blessings promised to that Church will be theirs.

THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA.

This Church was situated in a city about forty miles east of Ephesus. It was built between two rivers, one of which was the Lycus. One river ran with cold water and the other with hot. As these joined, the waters as they merged, became lukewarm. A brother who on a tour visited the site of ancient Laodicea told me this.

This city was once famous and prosperous. The Church was in a lukewarm or halfhearted state The Lord Jesus introduces Him self in an impersonal way, as the ‘Amen’, (the last word), and the faithful and true witness, (One whose witness can be relied on fully). The Beginning of the creation of God. That is the One who began it all. The Lord Jesus was not a creature, but the Creator, the One that began it all. The impersonal introduction of Himself, is to be noted. He finds no pleasure in judgment or discipline. But He does judge just judgment, and when He bears witness of anything His witness is absolutely true and reliable. Being the Amen, His word and judgment was final and could not be questioned in any way, by any one.

In spite of their state, they were still quite active. The Lord Jesus said to them "I know thy works". However these works were of no value, because any good they intended was nullified by their lukewarm state. The Lord Jesus said that they were neither cold or hot. They were a half-hearted Church in their affections for Christ. Because of this, they made Him feel like vomiting. We need to take notice of this even today, because it may be truthfully claimed that the Church publicly is in a Laodicean state.

The Church at Laodicea was well off materially, and this had blinded them to their truly poor and unspiritual state. Materialism has robbed the Church of more than we can realize. This Church was saying, that they were rich, grown rich and increased with goods and needed nothing. This may have been so as to material things, but certainly not so of them spiritually.

When we look at the Churches today: Once they were poor but devoted and happy. People in the world despised Christian believers; yet they respected and envied them also. I think of my father’s native place. In his boyhood days all the believers were poor. They were pioneer farmers, had very rough homes. They had no electricity, no roads, no machinery, yet they were regular in attending the meetings. They would come by walking, sometimes several miles, and come after milking the cows by hand. Yet they would be on time. After the worship and remembrance meeting, they would have a fellowship lunch together.

After lunch, the children would be gathered for Sunday school, and the older people for a Bible study meeting. After this they would walk back to their homes (farms), again and milk the cows by hand. Then they would have their evening meal, and once more would walk back for the Gospel meeting. But the people in the world noticed their devotion and they would come to the Gospel meeting. The meetings were marked by great power and sinners were saved. The company grew in size, and several times it was necessary to extend the hall to accommodate the people that came.

Today the believers have very good farms, modern machinery; Electricity is connected to every farm and house. They have large herds of cows, and machines to milk them. They have sealed roads to drive on, and the latest and most luxurious cars, heated halls, and comfortable cushioned seats, yet almost nobody comes anymore. The last time that I was present at the meeting for remembrance and worship, there were five people beside myself present. Here we see a practical display of the same state as existed in the Church at Laodicea.

It behooves us to take a look at ourselves, to honestly acknowledge our wretched and poverty stricken state. Just as the Lord Jesus told that Church to buy from Him, ‘gold tried in the fire’, so that they may be spiritually rich. This is consistent with the teaching of Christ, in the ‘Sermon on the Mount’. It is spiritual wealth that is gained, and proved through the fires of suffering. It is only the spiritual things that are really of worth, because they are eternal. To buy white raiment: That is that they may be concerned to live a holy life; that the shameful things that they tolerated in their lives might be confessed, forgiven and cleansed away

He told them to buy from Him eye-salve, so that they might anoint their eyes, (spiritually), so that they might see their true state before God. You will notice that there is a cost attached to these things, a price to pay. The eye-salve may have caused some pain and discomfort, but it would remove the spiritual cataracts that the devil’s materialism had made to form on their spiritual eyes, (beclouding their discernment, and distorting their vision).

The fact that He told them to buy of Him indicates that there is a price to pay, it was going to cost them something. This cost is the humbling of self in the dust of true repentance. The surrender of the pride and sense sufficiency that the flesh loves to bask in. The denial of self, and leaving it behind. Luke, 9:23.

However Christ’s love for the believers in this Church was unchanged. His discipline was not the mark of His anger, but the display of His love. Verse 19. It pained His great heart of love, that those that He loved were so occupied with what they thought that they possessed. They were so taken up with their own works, that they did not know that the One whom they professed to love, was outside the door of their Church, and the door of their hearts. He had been ignored and rejected. There He stood in their cold neglect, and He was knocking, seeking an entrance into the hearts of those He loved.

If any were willing to open the door, to invite Him to come in, then He was so willing to respond. He would come in and sup with them, and they with Him. That is He would give them the sweet experience of fellowship with Himself. A joy that no material possessions can give.

THE PROPHETIC SIGNIFICANCE.

Thus we come to the Laodicean period. The Spiritual revival that is suggested in the letter to Philadelphia, though lasting for about a hundred years, slowly (in the beginning), and more rapidly, (near the end), declined. After the end of the Second World War (1945) material conditions began to improve. Believers began to build new homes, and new halls in which to gather, and to buy new cars to travel about in. These buildings had luxuries and comforts were unknown before. But their interest in spiritual things began to decline, and attendance at meetings also declined. Then television was introduced into the homes of believers, and this slowly took the central place in such homes. The family altar, (the daily custom of the family gathering to read the scriptures and pray), began to be neglected, and finally abandoned.

Thus the world was introduced into the homes of believers and the wrong appetites in both old and young were being fed. This caused the appetite for spiritual things to decline and disappear. The younger generation gained an appetite for entertainment, and in a vain attempt to hold them, the elders of Assemblies began to give way, and to introduce worldly entertainment into the meetings. So spirituality declined. Those Assemblies that were determined to cling to the truths that they had learned from godly men began to be deserted by the younger people. These either went right into the world, or else to those Assemblies, or Churches that had introduced worldly entertainment into their meetings.

The meeting for the remembrance of the Lord and for worship, became a second rate concert. Spontaneous worship was either restricted, or eliminated altogether. The Lord’s Supper was no longer the centre of the gathering, but tacked on to the end of what was conveniently called a "Family Hour" True Christian morality was rejected, wife leaving husband, or vice versa. Divorce and remarriage became acceptable, or even fashionable, and such people were even appointed to positions of public leadership and responsibility in the Church. All this has taken place in Assemblies and Churches that were once full of fire and zeal for God. Where God was glorified, many souls were saved, and were used of God to affect the whole community.

Thus we have the Laodicean period, and it will continue until the Lord comes. But let me sound a warning! I have met believers that have a fatalistic view of things. They have resigned themselves to the fact that this is the final condition of the Church, and that we therefore must accept it, and cannot hope for anything better. This is a wrong and false attitude to adopt. We have already seen that the last four Churches go on concurrently until the end. In spite of the condition of the Church publicly, yet still there are (even today), Churches or Assemblies that are in a Philadelphian state. Let us strive to attain such a state, and never let us accept anything less.

THE PROMISES TO THE OVERCOMER.

Let us go back now, and notice that in the letter to each of the Churches, the Lord Jesus makes a promise to him that overcomes. This is to encourage right and godly desires in every individual. As well the Lord Jesus appeals to "him that has an ear", and encourages that person to listen to what the Spirit says to the Churches". It will be noticed that the Holy Spirit does not say the same thing to each Assembly. The message, (what He says), is suited to the state of that Assembly. Some have accepted the notion of ‘Authoritative Ministry’. This means that what is said by the self-appointed universal leader, must be accepted by every Assembly within that circle of fellowship. (Or be excommunicated). Anything that a servant of God may say, that differs from the oft-repeated ‘line’ of ministry, that comes from the ‘Leader’, is considered a ‘rival ministry’. These seven letters disprove such a notion, as all are different from each other.

Then it is important that each individual should regularly read the Holy Scriptures. Because they are what the Holy Spirit uses to speak to God’s people. May God give us ears to hear what He says to us!

The promises that are made, must not be taken literally, as they have a spiritual meaning. A different promise is offered to the one that overcomes in each Church. This is because of the different trials or evils that have to be overcome. The reward offered to the person that overcomes in Ephesus is that they will be given to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. The Lord Jesus is that Tree of Life. Thus the one that overcomes will be blessed with a rich enjoyment of the fruits of the life and service of Christ. They will be brought into close and sweet fellowship with Him. They will come into the very centre of the will of God. This is a personal experience, even while that person remained in the Church that had left its first love. Let us notice that these promises are given to the individual. Any improvement in the general state of a Church, must begin with the individual. A godly father once advised his son who was complaining about the state of the Church where he ministered; "Make it better by one". If we all did that, things would improve.

The promise given to the one that overcame in the Church at Smyrna, was that they would not be hurt of the second death. What a comfort this must have been to those that were called to lay down their lives in cruel and horrible suffering. The agonies that they endured were at the best only brief, (compared to eternity). Whereas those that meted out such terrible cruelty to them, would suffer in the flames of Hell for eternity.

To the one that overcame in the Church at Pergamos, they were promised that they would be given the hidden manna to eat. This refers to the manna in the golden pot that was laid up before Jehovah, and was hidden from the eyes of all but the High Priest. This speaks of the grace and humility of Christ, the One that came from heaven, and was here in this world, shedding His grace abroad. Becoming available as food for all that would take advantage of God’s provision. This was a rich diet indeed for one that was surrounded by pride and unfaithfulness. A white stone was also to be given (something to treasure, to hold on to). A name was written on that stone, His new name, and this revelation was unique to the one that overcame, no one else had this insight or knowledge.

The one that overcame and kept Christ’s words to the end in the Assembly at Thyatira, was promised power and authority, a power that was so different from the corrupt tyranny of the Papal system. They had followed in the steps of the Lord Jesus, He that was despised and rejected of men. They were promised the morning star, that is the light of a new and wonderful day, where the reign of wicked men would come to an end.

White garments are promised to those that overcame in Sardis. And the wondrous privilege of having the assurance that their name was indelibly written in Heaven’s honour roll. We are not to take this positive statement to mean that those persons whose names are written there, (from the foundation of the world), are ever to think that their name could possibly be blotted out. Rather it means that those who stood, or stand for God, amidst the dead formality and pretension of Protestantism would be singularly honoured by God, and by the Son confessing their names before His Father and the holy angels.

Those that overcame in the Church at Philadelphia, were promised a place of permanence, strength and beauty in the Temple of Christ’s God. The local Church is this now, 1Cor. 3:16. Gal. 2:9.

Finally, those that overcame the wretched lukewarm state of the presumptuous Church at Laodicea, were promised a place of real dignity and authority with Christ, sharing His throne. Just as He had overcome the whole world and its king, and is now crowned with glory and honour. May the Lord give you and I ears to hear, and hearts to obey what the Spirit says to us in our situation.

These are just a few things that we can learn from the letters to the seven Churches.