Seven Churches in Revelation
 

I was reading this morning about the seven churches in the book of Revelation and was wondering what your thoughts are on this.

One I have heard it taught these are dispensations of the "church" and that we are in the Ladoicean age. I have heard others teach that all of these are prevelant even now.

What are your thoughts on this?

I see no biblical reason to view the letters as any designation of church dispensations.

I think that they are all in some sense a part of the body of Christ

It could, indeed, be said that the attributes found in each of the letters could be found in the differing members of the body of Christ.

It was there then... it is probably with us yet today.

They were literal churches and the letters were the literal words of Jesus to those churches. However, just as some people take certain things in the Old Testament as types of something in the New Testament or in the Church, so also the churches are taken by some as a type of the history of the Church from Pentecost and the first century until the blessed hope. The churches are to some extent specific periods in church history but, more than that, characteristic of various churches throughout church history. I think, for example, that much of the Church in places like China, Sudan and other places where there is extreme persecution are like the churches in Revelation that experienced such extreme persecution. The Church in North America and Europe (and other places where there is relative freedom from persection) is much like Laodicea. The Church for which the Lord is going to return in the blessed hope is the Church at Philadelphia.

Are there any divisions of ages demonstrated in the Bible other than the division of the OT & NT ages?

of course read Genesis 5:happydance

Divisions of ages, like both the oneness and trinity doctrines, are nothing more than interpretations of scripture. In this case, we're talking about patterns that have been observed and the divisions or dispensations are merely explanations of those patterns.

debatable subject...I personally believe they were just churches...

Well, yes, interpretations of scripture are subject to debate.

I don't see any evidence of them being 7 church ages at all. They are warnings for those churches that serve as warnings for us as well.

I can agree with a lot posted here.

What Church got the "thumbs up" from the Lord?

Th Church at Philadelpia!

Philadelphia means brotherly Love, so not only will your doctine be right but you need to Love your brother if you want to go to heaven.:thumbsup

Well dats all I have to say bout dat.

As do I

The seven churches were just that seven literal churches not seven church ages.

I don't believe it is ages being referred to. I believe that, just about, every church can find itself, at some point, having the characteristics of the seven churches as time, growth and transition takes place.

The warnings to the seven churches apply to churches today ,cause Ichabod can be written over a church.
The idealism contained in the book of Revelation does apply to us today.

So very true...

Divisions of ages, like both the oneness and trinity doctrines, are nothing more than interpretations of scripture. In this case, we're talking about patterns that have been observed and the divisions or dispensations are merely explanations of those patterns.

Which church is your church?
 

The Ephesian church:

Rev 2:1 ¶ Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;


Rev 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:


Rev 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.


Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.


Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.


Rev 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.


Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Here we have a church commended for the following:

1. Works. They were doing many works in the name of the Lord.

2. Labour. they were engaged in evangelism, the "labour" of the gospel.

3. Patience. They were no MacDonald's fast-food religious enterprise - they had patience, and were able to not only put the hand to the plow but were able to patiently wait for the harvest.

4. They were also commended for their testing of ministers and their rigorous examination on the basis of doctrine of those who purported to represent God. They were commended for their exposing and rejection of false teachers masquerading as Christian ministers.

5. Endurance. They worked and laboured for the name of Jesus Christ and were faithful in that respect and held firmly to the work.

But they had some problems...

They had left their first love.

This church had the right doctrine, and the right attitude toward ministry, and the right attitude toward the work of spreading the gospel... but had nevertheless left their first love (which would of course be GOD HIMSELF, Jesus Christ.) Like a man who labours to maintain a "near-perfect marriage" but does so not out of love for his wife, but out of love for the fact he has a marriage...

They were commended because they hated the doctrines that Jesus hated, they hated the practices that Jesus hated, nevertheless..

They were in danger of becoming totally apostate and rejected as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Unless they repented, and did the first works, the Lord was going to remove their position from among the churches of God.

We can be doctrinally correct, and steadfast in our labours, as a church, yet slip into apostasy and reprobation if our motive is misplaced....

There is a promise, that to him who overcomes will be given the priviledge of eating of the tree of life... the true power of the gospel, resident in the Cross (the tree of life), is available to those who overcome the tendency which enshrines apostasy within the garb of perfect obedience and doctrinal purity.

Doctrinal purity and obedience and patience and steadfastness are necessary, but cannot be used as replacements for our first love, the Lord Jesus Christ himself.

The Smyrnan church:

Rev 2:8 ¶ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;


Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.


Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.


Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

This church was commended for the following:

1. Works. They were no inactive social club religious group. They were involved in spreading the word, and being obedient to the ordinaces of Christ.

2. Tribulation. They were persecuted, as the Lord said - all who live righteously will be hated and persecuted by the world system.

3. Poverty. They were poor as far as material wealth was concerned. This was no gloriously wealthy and fashionable assembly. They were not "up scale" at all. But ...

4. They were rich. True wealth comes from spiritual communion with God. Their wealth was not in the material world of things, but in the spiritual power of the Holy Ghost and in the things of God. Definitely not a "prosperity church" in view here, but a genuine, old time life changing world impacting old fashioned religious Holy Ghost powered church of Jesus Christ.

This church was also being forced to deal with blasphemy being committed by pretenders. "Those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of satan." That is, those who CLAIMED to be the people of God but who in reality were of the devil, opposed to the real plan and work of God. This materially poor but spiritually rich church were going to suffer increased persecution. some folks were even going to jail for a time, to try them (demonstrate the power that rested upon them and the grace of God that was resident in their lives).

But, if they were faithful in the midst of these tribulations, even unto death, no matter the cost, they would receive the crown of life. Those who overcome the evil false religions and the persecuting world system, will not be hurt of the second death.

The Pergamosian church:

Rev 2:12 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;


Rev 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan's seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.


Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.


Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.


Rev 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.


Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].


This church is commended for the following:

1. Works. This church, too, was active in propagating the gospel.

2. They were in a bad location where satan had power as if it were the very throne room of hell, yet they still promoted the gospel, held fast to the name of the Lord, and had not denied the faith of Jesus. They did not cave in to the pressures of their environment and deny the true faith, even when persecution came against them for their stand for the true gospel.

But they had some problems.

1. The doctrine of Balaam was believed in by some of the members, and apparently being promoted. Balaam's great sin was to teach Balak to set out the Moabite and Midianite women to entice Israel to join in ecumenical idol worship and fornication, resulting in God's wrath slaying many of Israel's finest. So here there is in the church those whose believe in ecumenical compromise and enticing of the sheep to partake in the benefits of idolatry...

2. The hated doctrine of the Nicolaitanes was maintained by some mebers as well. We do not know for sure what that doctrine was, but Christ hated it and some members of His church embraced it. This church thus had members who had accepted some doctrines and practices which Christ hated.

The church is warned that unless it repents - that is, unless the Balaamites and Nicolaitanites repented, and the church as a whole purged those evils from their midst, the Lord would bring judgement upon them and condemn them by His Word. And the ones who overcome the ecumenical spirit of compromise, and purge themselves from all teaching that is offensive to the Lord, will enjoy the true benefits of being a new creature.

The Thyatiran church:

Rev 2:18 ¶ And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet [are] like fine brass;


Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last [to be] more than the first.


Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.


Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.


Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.


Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.


Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.


Rev 2:25 But that which ye have [already] hold fast till I come.


Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:


Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.


Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.


Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.


This church was commended for the following:

1. Works. Again, this is no slouch church, they are labouring for God.

2. Charity. They have love for one another.

3. Service. Voluntary bond-slaves of the Lord, ministering to one another and to others.

4. Faith. The church is known for its great faith.

5. Patience. They endure hardship, and are willing to wait for the blessing of God.

6. Works, again. These latter works said to be greater than the former works. They had grown in their effectiveness.

But they had a problem:

Jezebel. They had someone in a position to influence the leadership in a bad way. This influence was in the same direction as Balaam, teaching ecumenical compromise and sinfulness to the members. There was an influence which was unduly influencing leadership to lead people astray into compromise....

This influencing power was given time and opportunity to repent, but chose not to. As a reuslt, the Lord promises to set this compromising influence up, in a sort of sting operation. The Jezebel faction and all who are seduced by it will be vexed by the Lord, and persecuted by the Lord, unless and until they repent of their spiritual fornication and compromise with "idolatry" (false religion).

Those converts who are produced as a result of the Jezebel influence of compromise and spiritual whoredom will DIE and not live. As a result of this judgement, the churches will know that the Lord does indeed judge His House, and will not overlook sin but will render to everyone their just deserts.

The rest, who have not descended to such depths of satanic compromise, are told to "hold fast" what they have until the Lord comes. They are warned here not to compromise, but to HOLD FAST until the end.

And the ones who do this will rule the nations with Christ and be given authority in the Kingdom of God.

The Sardisian church:

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


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


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


Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.


Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.


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


This church has works. They are "doing things for Jesus." They have the reputation of being "alive" (in revival?) but in reality they are dead.

It's a sham, a show, a semblance of life but lacking the power of it.

They are known for being a church that is alive, but spiritually they are truly dead.

Their works are not perfect (complete) before God, and they are warned they must strengthen the things that remain, that are about to slip off into spiritual death and religious paralysis...

They are told to remember HOW they had received and heard... HOW did they originally get their reputaiton for being alive? What have they abandoned since then? What must they recover?

There are things that remain from the old days... those things must be strengthened.... They must be held fast, and not forsaken...

The church must repent, and get back to its original foundations...

Otherwise, the church will be ignorant and blind to the time of the Lord's visitation in judgement upon them.

There is a remnant still in this old dead church which has a NAME that suggests it still has LIFE.... that remnant have not been defiled by religious DEATH yet, and they shall walk with the Lord in the true power of gospel religion...

Those who overcome the spirit of spiritual sloth and petrification and traditionalism will enjoy resurrection, and will not be blotted out of the book of Life, and our Lord will confess them as His own before the Court of Heaven... but those who give in to that evil, defiling spirit, will find themselves excluded.

The Philadelphian church:

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


Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.


Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.


Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.


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


Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.


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


The church is commended for these:

1. Works. Again, they are active, and their labours are known to the Lord.

2. They have a little strength, and are faithful and obedient in the midst of apostasy.

3. Therefore, the Lord has given them a green light, an open door, and nobody can stop them from entering into the blessing of the Lord.

The false religionists, who claim to be of God but who are lying blasphemers and who are of the religious establishment of satan will be made to acknowledge that THESE are the true people of God, the TRUE beloved and faithful holy ones ("saints") of the Lord Jesus.

Because they have kept the word of His patience, and have endured tribulation and persecution as He also did, without complaint, but faithfully, they will be kept from the Great Temptation coming on the entire world.

They are told to hold fast what they have and not compromise it so they do not lose their crown, their victory. Those who overcome the spirit of compromise, the spirit of intimidation from false religionists, the temptation to quit in the heat of battle, will be assured of a place in God's temple, assured of their membership in God's family and in His city, and of their place in Christ.

The Laodicean church:

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


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


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


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


Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.


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


Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.


Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.


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


This church has works known to the Lord, but those works are apathetic. They are neither hot nor cold, but indeterminate and uncertain.

Because of their wishy-washiness they will be rejected by the Lord. The church will be reprobated and removed from among God's churches because they are unwilling to make a stand and give a clear note and a certain sound.

They pride themselves on their wealth. They think they have it all, great spiritual depth and insight and truth, but in reality they are doctrinally amorphous, spiritually poor, naked, wretched, miserable, blind...

They have opportunity, however... to get some medicine from the Lord so they may SEE, to get some clothing so they may not be NAKED and their SHAME be exposed, to get some spiritual wealth so they may not be spiritually bankrupt....

They are rebuked for their spinelessness because they are still yet loved by the Lord, therefore he rebukes and corrects them.

He stands outside their door. He is not present IN their midst, His presence is not truly manifest because they have sought their spiritual wealth from sources other than the Lord alone... but He knocks, seeking entrance...

If any will hear that knock, and open to Him, they will find themselves dining with Jesus Christ, feasting on the manna from above instead of that paltry, spiritually useless junk they were used to...

Those who overcome the spirit of deception, whereby spiritual weakness is made to appear as strength, and lukewarmness is made to appear as "moderation", "balance", and "an even keel" (when it is really spiritual spinelessness), those who overcome will be granted power with God in Christ and will be used by God in His administration of the kingdom.