Revelation 2 The Church in Ephesus

Verse 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;

We found in Revelation 1:20 that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches.

Verse 2.. I know thy works, and thy labor, 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: Verse 3.. And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.

These guys had it going on! Works, labor, patience. They hated evil. They had a spirit of discernment. False teachers were identified and found to be liars. For the Lord's name they labored. They have not fainted. What more could you ask for? What a dynamic ministry. But wait. 

Verse 4.. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Apparently the Lord is more interested in our relationship with Him than our works. He is not near as concerned about our establishing a mighty ministry as He is about our fellowship with Himself. We become sidetracked with ministry and doing works. Jesus says I just want to walk with you and talk with you. Enjoy time with you.

Verse 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.

Remember the first works. Remember how your relationship with Him was the most important thing in your life. Remember, repent, and return.

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

They did hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans. This was a good thing. Nicolaitans comes from the combined Greek words nika (he conquers) and loan (people). So conquering or lording it over the common people. Hierarchy in the church. This is exactly the thing that the disciples were arguing over. Luke 9:46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.  And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, 48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

So we are to be childlike around one another. If one would desire to be great then become a servant. 

Remember the conditions of the blessing back in Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. If we overcome. If we hear the words and keep the things which are written therein then Jesus will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

We've heard about this tree before. Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. After Adam fell, this tree was no longer available to partake of. Genesis 2:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. 

We will one day be able to again enjoy the fruit from this tree of life. The Lord promises it here in verse 7.  This fruit which really improves our quality of life. We really begin to have access to it when we repent and turn and trust in Jesus Christ. He truly does give us life and that abundantly.

Now these churches all exist concurrently. In other words one can receive this teaching today. The conditions in any one of these seven churches can be seen in the church today. There is also an historical prospective which is very interesting. The first church or Ephusus may be referring to the period of time during the ministry the apostles or the first century.

The church of Smyrna could be referring to the second and third century church which experienced tremendous persecution. It was estimated that six million Christians were martyred during this period of time. Look at the Lords encouraging words to this church.

Verse 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; Verse 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. Verse 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. Verse 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.

Now this is an interesting statement. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. This would naturally imply that he who doesn't overcome would be hurt by the second death. Jesus is talking to believers here. What is the second death. Revelation 20:13 says  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. Verse 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Verse 15 whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. And again in Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Is there a place in hell for believers who don't overcome? Why the warning if it wasn't so. It would probably be a special place though. A place where the torment would not be as bad. But a place where there is no fellowship with the Lord. That would be hell indeed!

Verse 12.. And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 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. 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 stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 

Verse 15.. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Verse 16.. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Verse 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  white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. The white stone was a stone of acceptance. The black stone was a stone of rejection, black-balled. I will give them a white stone. I will receive him. I will accept him and give him a name, which no man knows except him who receives it.

Now we see the development of the state church under Constantine.  We see a church trying to dwell in the world. A church trying to join with the worldly system. A church state system. An effort to legislate religious issues. We see idols coming into the church. Representations of Jesus and Mary and of the Apostles and Saints and Moses and so forth. The introduction of the arts and statues within the churches. External beauty and art. But we must worship internally. Jesus said in John 4:24 God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. This church also holds to the doctrine of the Nicloaitans which was previously discussed.

Now we have a continuation and development of this church state institution.

Verse 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; Verse 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. Verse 20.. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thous 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. Verse 21.. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Verse 22.. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 

So here is the first mention of a church having to go into the tribulation period. The implication is that repentance would have spared them the suffering of the great tribulation.

Verse 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. Verse 24.. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. Verse 25.. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 

Verse 26.. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: Verse 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron: as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. Verse 28 And I will give him the morning star. Verse 29..He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3 The Church in Sardis

Revelation 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. Verse 2.. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. The seven spirits being the fullness of the Holy Spirit. 

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

This church looks a lot like the Protestant Reformation.  To get a picture of dead Protestantism, we can take a look at Europe. We see a post-Christian era. Dark, no life, dead. The Protestant Reformation wasn't complete. Many pagan practices that originated in Babylonian religious systems were adopted. The celebration of Saturnalia for example. This was a huge celebration of drunkenness, feasting and the exchanging of gifts during the winter solstice. This occurred around December 25th. In an effort to convert the pagans, the early church changed the name of the holiday to Christmas. This didn't seem to stop the party though. Today people are still given to drink, feasting and gift giving. I doubt that most folks even think about Jesus while they are fighting the crowds and lines of people trying to do last minute Christmas shopping.

But not all is lost. There are a few which have not defiled their garments. So be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.

Verse 7.. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hat the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 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. Verse 9.. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 

(PC) No rebuke for this church. They have a little strength which is enough. An open door allows them the go forth and bear fruit. Their ministry is effective and life giving. If the Lord opens the door, no man can close it. If the Lord has set you on your course, you don't have to fear when any man comes against you!

This is not a super church, these are not super saints. There is a doctrine known as the manifested sons of God that advocates the super sainthood. One of these days we are going to go into the phone booth and change our clothes and we are going to come out with super power and we are going to just point at the Russians and they will just shrivel and die. And all of the enemies of God we are just going to subdue when we are manifested finally as the sons of God before the world. Balderdash. You have a little strength.

We are not very strong. You know it is true that God is doing a wonderful work here and it is exciting to see what God is doing, but we have hardly touched the tri state area. There are so many out there who need Jesus Christ. We can't really sit back and say, "Look, how many we have got coming here." There are so many more to be reached. We have a little strength. Thank God we have a little strength. Thank God that He has set before us the open door.

Verse 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. So this church won't be going into the tribulation period. They will be kept from that hour, that time which shall come upon all the world. This is the church that I want to be in!

Verse 11.. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Verse 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. Verse 13.. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

These verses speak of permanency. Secured and established. Overcoming the world (with His help) enables us to reap these wonderful benefits.

Verse 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; Verse 15.. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold of hot. Verse 16.. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Verse 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: What a difference between how we think of ourselves and how the Lord thinks of us! Verse 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.

(PC) A lukewarm condition. Indifference to what is happening in the church. Probably accepting all sorts of teachings and doctrines. Trusting in their increase and numbers. Rich in their own eyes. The final apostate condition of the church, the church of Laodicea represented by those ministers that are pro-abortion and pro-pornography and pro homosexual and pro every other evil that comes down the pike, who dress in clerical robes and claim to be ministers of Jesus Christ but are really of the synagogue of Satan.

Actually the church has put Christ on the outside. You read the polls and it is frightening to find out how many ministers do not really believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, do not believe in the virgin birth, do not believe that there is an actual heaven or hell. The percentages are falling. It is sad. You wonder why they are ministers. You might as well establish another religion on Mother Goose rhymes or something, or Aesops Fables. Why espouse a book that you can't trust or is not true? In Thessalonians Paul said that the wicked one won't be revealed until there is a falling away. 2 Thess. 2:3

The Laodiceans are trusting in their riches and are missing the mark. This brings to mind the story of Jesus and the rich ruler. Luke 18:18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Verse 19.. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Verse 20.. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother. Verse 21.. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.Verse 22.. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. Verse 23.. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. Verse 24.. And when Jesus say that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! Verse 25.. For it is easier for a camel to go through  a needle's eye, that for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Verse 19.. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Verse 20.. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Verse 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. Verse 22.. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Eating with someone signified becoming one with that person. Jesus was always wanting to eat supper with people. He wants to become one with you. I always like to say that relationship is the currency of the kingdom. Gold and silver will not hold their value in the kingdom. As a matter of fact, they will be used as pavement which we will see later on in Revelation. But right standing; relationship with the Lord holds much value. Drawing closer and closer to Him will translate into riches in the kingdom to come. It will also enable peace and blessed recreation in your life in this world. Just open the door and He will come in and become one with you. He will eat supper with you!

Revelation 4 The Heavenly Scene

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Back in revelation 1:19 John was instructed by Jesus to write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the  things which shall be hereafter; 

He saw the glory and the power and the majesty of Christ. The things which are or the things of the church seen in chapters 2 and 3. Now, the things which shall be hereafter. Hereafter what? After the things of the church. The time of the church is passed. The church is forcefully removed from the earth. 

Paul said in 1 Thess 4:13-17, "I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. Verse 14.. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Verse 15.. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. Verse 16.. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Verse 17.. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

We also know that this event will happen at the same time the Antichrist is revealed. 2 Thess 2:7.. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. Verse 8.. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: So the Holy Spirit who is keeping that Wicked from appearing will be taken out of the way and the church will taken with Him. 

We are now introduced to the heavenly scene. Revelation 4:2.. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. Verse 3.. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Verse 4.. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Verse 5.. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Some commentators believe that these elders refer to angels or heavenly beings. I believe they are representatives of the church. There is no instance in the bible where the word elder refers to an angel. It is always a person and a representative of the people. The seven lamps being the fullness of the Holy Spirit there before the throne.

Verse 6.. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. Verse 7.. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.  In Ezekiel 28 we see a parallel description of the creatures. He names them cherubim.

Verse 8.. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Verse 9.. And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, Verse 10.. The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Verse 11.. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Now it is interesting that these elders cast their crowns before the throne. When we look at the use of the word crowns in the bible we find. Phil 4:1.. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, 1 Thess 2:19.. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 2 Tim 4:8..  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. James 1:12.. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 1 Peter 5:4.. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 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 3:11.. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.  

How fitting that these elders should cast their crowns before the Lord! It is because of him that the crowns are made possible!  

Revelation 5 The Book Sealed with Seven Seals

Revelation 5:1.. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. Verse 2.. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? Verse 3.. And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. Verse 4.. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

So, the title deed to the earth. Sealed with seven seals. God created the earth. When God created man he gave him the earth. Adam turned the earth over to Satan when he disobeyed God and obeyed the suggestion of Satan. Jesus came to redeem the world back to God. The thought of the earth continuing in it's current state was just too much for John to bear. But wait!

Verse 5.. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Verse 6.. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Verse 7.. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. Verse 8.. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which re the prayers of saints.

Verse 9.. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 

Who are they that are singing this song? They are the ones who are the subject of the verse. Those redeemed to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; These are not angels singing. This is not their song. This is the church singing. We are there with the Lord in heaven before the first seal of the scroll is even opened. The Lord has snatched us away to be with himself before the tribulation period begins. The tribulation period begins with the opening of the first seal of the scroll.

Verse 10.. And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Verse 11.. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times then thousand, and thousands of thousands; 

Now in verse 12, everyone joins in the chorus for all can sing this part. Verse 12.. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. 

Verse 13..  And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lame for ever and ever. Verse 14.. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshiped him that liveth for ever and ever.

"And every creature" see Romans 8:19-25
Verse 19.. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Verse 20.. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope, Verse 21.. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Verse 22.. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Verse 23.. And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body. Verse 24.. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Verse 25.. But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

See also Romans 1:18.. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Verse 19.. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. Verse 20.. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: