A) LET’S LOOK AT THE FACTS.

B) THE 144,000.

C) SDA MYTHS (False Teachings).

D) IT IS REALLY ABOUT CHARACTER.

E) HERE IS A KEY.

F) THE PERSECUTION WILL COME FROM WITHIN THE CHURCH.

G) THE MEANING OF THEIR NAMES.

H) WHAT ALL THE CHURCHES RECEIVE.

I) TO THE INDIVIDUAL CHURCHES.

J) TO THE TOTALS.

 

 

According to Revelation 1:11:  “unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea” = This is whom the next section (Chapters 2 &3) is written to.  Also, the fact that Jesus Himself told John to write (see Revelation 1:19):

 

(1) “The things which thou hast seen, and,

(2) “The things which are, and,

(3) “The things which shall be hereafter,”

 

These instructions would indicate that, according to the second admonition, “The things which are,” that John was writing to and about his present day seven Churches.  The “things which thou hast seen,” refers to the vision of our risen Lord just experienced previously by John in Chapter One, and most likely this entire Book.  While the third admonition, “The things which shall be hereafter,” would be of more interest to us now.

 

Something to notice and to consider, is that ALL seven of the Churches receive the same admonition, “I know thy works,” Revelation 2:2 & 7 & 9 & 13 & 19; 3:1 & 3 & 15.  Meaning, “I know what you are doing, and I Am giving you these following instructions in order for you to correct your ways before Me.”  The same instructions are for us today.  Consider which ones apply to your life.

 

However, let’s back up a little.  The Greek word, “ekklesias” is first used in Deuteronomy 18:16, from which “ekklesias” is derived from the Hebrew word, “qahal,” meaning (as translated in Deu. 18:16), “assembly.”  We learned this previous fact from the “Septuagint,” shortened as the “LXX,” which is the Jewish translation of the Old TestamentHebrew into Greek.  And “qahal” is derived from “edah,” as found in Psalm 82:1, meaning “congregation.”  Our word “ekklesias” is derived from the noun, “ekkletos,” which literally means, “called out [from].”  Thus, these “churches” that John is writing to were to be “called out from” being worldly, and instead, to “be ye Holy; for I AM Holy,” First Peter 1:16.

 

A little-known fact is that William Tindal, from where we get about 90% of our translated “KJV” Bible from (and he was the one burned at the stake for translating the Bible into English), he translated the Greek word “ekklesias” as “church” on just two occasions.  In both of those two times they were in reference to pagan temples.  Every other time, when referring to the true Church of God, he translated the word as “congregation.”  In our “KJV” today, “church” only refers to the true Church of God.  However, it should be translated as “assembly,” or “congregation,” or forms thereof.  Why?

 

By translating “ekklesias” as anything other than “church,” this would, and did, cause the irony of Rome.  For they were the “churches” designated in the Book of Revelation, and William Tindal was not giving them credit as being so.  This is the real reason William Tindal (and any who dare challenge Rome’s authority), was executed (for using the word “church” when in reference to pagan worship, and not for receiving messages from God, which the Roman Catholic church claims, as in the Book of Revelation).  Therefore, when you read “church” in our versions of the Bible, make sure you know the real meaning of the word:  “To Come Out From (these churches) And Be Ye Holy,” or “Congregate [with true believers].”

 

 

B) THE 144,000

 

 

In an interesting side note, let’s see if we can find the 144,000 comprised in the “seven Churches.”

 

Under Ephesus = “thou hast left thy first love,” meaning, living on dangerous ground, “else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick,” meaning not all will make it, because of the phrase, “him that overcometh,” Revelation 2:7, which is really expressed to all the Churches.

 

Under Smyrna = “some of you,” Revelation 2:10, implying that not all are worthy.

 

Under Pergamos = “thou hast there them,” Revelation 2:14, the “them” meaning not all conclusive, as with also the same “them” of Revelation 2:15 & 16.

 

Under Thyatira = The “them” and “they” of Revelation 2:22, and also the “children” of Revelation 2:23, includes the entire Church being whipped out unless they repent.  Also, “unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not,” Revelation 2:24, meaning not all make it.

 

Under Sardis = “a few names,” Revelation 3:4, meaning most do not make it.

 

Under Philadelphia = The “them” and “they” of Revelation 3:9, these are made to “worship before thy feet [the Philadelphia Church members feet], and to know that I have loved thee,” i.e., the Church at Philadelphia.  And God will “keep thee from the hour of temptation,” meaning the “thee” is speaking of those in Philadelphia, i.e., all conclusive, i.e., all go through.

 

Under Laodicea = The ”neither cold nor hot” Revelation 3:15, indicates that none go through.  The “I will spue thee out of My mouth,” Revelation 3:16, is quite clear.

 

 

C) SDA MYTHS (False Teachings)

 

 

SDA’s = The following statement is NOT FOUND in the original book, “Life of Paul,” but is placed in AA:585 & 1MR:372.2 (Acts of the Apostles being the re-write of the “Life of Paul”):  “The names of the seven Churches are symbolic of the Church in different periods of the Christian era.  The number seven indicates completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the Church at different periods in the history of the world.”

 

SDA’s = It is commonly thought and taught in Adventism and other denominations that the seven Churches in the Book of Revelation cover different time periods of History.  However, EGW writes about the Church of Ephesus stating:  “I am instructed to say that these words are applicable to Seventh-day Adventist Churches in their present condition.”  RH, February 25, 1902.  Notice, this was written in 1902.  And in 8T:98, she writes:  “The messages to the Church of Ephesus and to the Church in Sardis have been often repeated to me by the One Who gives me instruction for His people.”  Again, present day time and place instruction.  In addition, when speaking of Laodicea, she states:  “I saw that this message would not accomplish its work in a few short months.”  2SG:224.  This was speaking of a time period in 1857.

 

Previously she stated:  “Soon after we embraced the view that the testimony to the Laodicean Church applied to this time, we visited Round Grove, Ills.  I will here give an extract from a letter written to Bro. Howland’s family, November 23, 1856 [notice the date].”  2SG:214.  She is learning that the Churches are more about character than time periods.  To Sardis she ascribes: ”The admonition of the True Witness to the Sardis Church is {Revelation 3:1-3quoted}.  The sin especially charged against this Church is that they have not strengthened the things that remain, that are ready to die.  Does this warning apply to us?  Let us individually examine our hearts in the light of God’s Word.”  5T:610.  Thus, the Sardis Church is also present-day instruction (character building; not “time periods”).

 

In this statement she agrees with me:  “ ‘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; I know thy works, and thy labor.’  {NOTICE, THE NEXT IS NOT UNDER QUOTES} And to the angel of the Church in Pergamoswrite; and unto the angel of the Church in Sardis write; and to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia write; and unto the angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write. Revelation 3:14-22. {16MR:204.1}

 

“These messages Christ did not withhold from His followers {IN OTHER WORDS; FOR ALL TIME} -- that they must do their work amid trials and exposure to persecution and life itself.  But they must not become dim or cease to shine as lights amid the moral darkness, to irradiate the dense gloom of immorality and sin.  They are to unite in bearing one another’s burdens.”  16MR:204.1-2.

 

Addressing the Church of Thyatira, quoting Revelation 2:24-29, she states (present day instruction):  “I am instructed to say, The sentiments of those who are searching for advanced scientific ideas are not to be trusted.”  SpTB07:62.1-2.

 

To be fair, when addressing the Church of Philadelphia, you may conclude from PrT, November 3, 1885 paragraphs 1-4, that Philadelphia is the last Church (time period).  Personally, I believe the Sabbath has been under attack since 360 A.D.  Thus, not to conclude that she is also meaning our time also is to be silly.

 

 

D) IT IS REALLY ABOUT CHARACTER

 

 

These statements and many, many more about all of the seven Churches confirm that we are again dealing with “character,” and not with hundreds of years of Church history with only one “character” represented in the final Church; or a respective Church historical period being displayed.  What I believe the Word of God is teaching us is that we are to learn to guard against any one of these “character” traits being formed within our Churches or our lives today.

 

I also believe that we are given this view of the seven Churches of John’s day, because they represented those “characteristics” that where displayed in all of the Churches in his day and will be displayed throughout Church history; which means they will also be the “characteristics” that will be found in the last day churches in the final days before our Lord returns.

 

Another indication that “character” is the emphasis of the Book of Revelation, and really, the entire Bible, and that “character” is the emphasis here, is found in the phrase that is given to all seven of the Churches, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.”  Revelation 2:7 & 11 & 17 & 29; 3:6 & 13 & 22.

 

 Notice that our Lord is not singling out any one Church alone, but wants all of the Churches to take notice of that particular instruction, such that they would not repeat or acquire any of the faulty “characteristics” warned against them.  And is this not what the Book of Revelation was written for in the first place, so that we and all who read It will not do what they have done (i.e., individual bad “character”) which will result in receiving the “Mark of the Beast?”

 

It is well argued that the Philadelphian Church would be the last triumphant Church, if there is to be one, for we read:  “Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all of the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”  Revelation 3:10.  In other words, only the Church that has this righteous “character” displayed within its ranks will be triumphant.  However, Adventists know that the 144,000 WILL go through the tribulation, but WILL BE kept from falling into temptation during that time; for the “Close of Probation” has already taken place.  Thus, this is not a statement that the end-time triumphant Church does not go through the tribulation, but rather, because they learned to be “patient,” and “kept the Word of” our Lord’s “patience,” they will be sealed (going through) against “the hour of temptation.”

 

In reality, this is not a “Church” per-se.  But rather, all the “Churches” are just a representation of the “character” of the end-time individual.  144,000 sealed saints to be specific.  Scattered over the entire earth.

 

 

E) HERE IS A KEY

 

 

Our Lord tells ALL the Churches to “overcome,” Revelation 2:7 & 11 & 17 & 26; 3:5 & 12 & 21, lest they “loose their salvation,” because the reason is He also “overcame:”  “even as I also overcame,” Revelation 3:21.  It is also very important to see Revelation 21:7, some of the final Words of our Lord, which states:  “He that overcometh.”  See my Bible Study:  “PERFECTION REQUIRED.”

 

In Addition, unto the Church at Smyrna He adds: ”be thou faithful unto death,” Revelation 2:10, lest they lose their salvation.  And with Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea [notice He does not say this to Smyrna or Philadelphia] He adds, “repent,” Revelation 2:5 & 16 & 22; 3:3 & 19, or their salvation is lost.  Also, added to Philadelphia is this admonition: ”hold that fast which thou hast,” Revelation 3:11.  They have salvation, but must “hold” onto it, lest salvation is lost.

 

Another thing to consider is that since the “straight testimony” is given “to the Laodiceans,” and not “from the Laodiceans,” means that the one giving it is obviously not Laodicea.

 

There is another instruction that is given that is required in order to hold onto one’s salvation, as given to Smyrna and Philadelphia:  “holdest fast My Name, and hast not denied My faith,” Revelation 2:13; “hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name,” Revelation 3:8.  If you take the title of Christian, you must never deny that title or name.  Christ is pointing out His instructions as given in the Third Commandment of the Decalogue.

 

Now how is it that I can relate these phrases and terms to the “loss of one’s Salvation?”  Because our Lord is very specific to mention it, in that He uses the phrase, unless you follow His instructions and do these things, you will experience the “second death,” Revelation 2:11.  Moreover, you must first have died the first death in order to experience the eternal “SECOND DEATH.”

 

Therefore, HERE IS THE REAL KEY.  What our Lord is really asking of the Churches (us), is that they (we) “repent,” and then stop repenting and “overcome.” That is, “overcome” “repenting,” “even as I [Jesus] also overcame.” Revelation 3:21.

 

From Ed:225 we read:  “Character building is the most important work ever entrusted to human beings; and never before was its diligent study so important as now.  Never was any previous generation called to meet issues so momentous; never before were young men and young women confronted by perils so great as confront them today.”  If this was true in her day, how applicable is it for us today?

 

 

F) THE PERSECUTION WILL COME FROM WITHIN THE CHURCH

 

 

Another point of interest is that the persecution to come, comes from within the Church!  Mainly because of false doctrine allowed within the Church.  Let’s look:

 

Revelation 2:2:  “how thou canst not bear them which are evil, and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not.”  So, they test people who want to join or are in the Church.

Revelation 2:9:  “and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews [these are in the Church; they claim to be of this denomination], and are not.”

Revelation 2:10:  “the devil [those in the Church who have given themselves over to him; which is in them] shall cast some of you into prison.”

Revelation 2:13:  “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.”  The statement “among you” would indicate internal strife.

Revelation 2:14:  This makes it even clearer that this comes from within:  “because thou hast there [in the Church] them that hold the doctrine of Balaam.”  Continued in Revelation 2:15:

Revelation 2:15:  So hast thou also [within the Church, note the word “also”] them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.”

Revelation 2:20:  “thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants.”  This is of course done within the Church.  How else can you “teach?”

Revelation 3:4:  “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis [within the Church] which have not defiled their garments.”  Meaning most have; within the Church.

Revelation 3:9:  “I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews [remnants of Revelation 2:9 which are in the Church], and are not.”

Revelation 3:15:  “neither cold nor hot.”  It will get to the point where the Church becomes careless, couldn’t care less.

 

Some interesting points about the messages to the Churches can be found in my following breakdown of the “promises,” “commendations,” and “rebukes” given to each Church.  Should you differ with mine, make your own and see if you can glean other important features other than I have pointed out.

 

 

G) THE MEANING OF THEIR NAMES

 

 

EPHESUS:  The Desired One; Desirable.

SMYRNA:  Myrrh; Death.

PERGAMOS:  Height; Elevation.

THYATIRA:  A Perfume; Sacrifice Of Labor.

SARDIS:  Peace And Joy.

PHILADELPHIA:  Brotherly Love.

LAODICEA:  People Rule; Just People.

 

 

H) WHAT ALL THE CHURCHES RECEIVE

 

 

FIRST LET’S NOTE:  There are “22 promises” given to all of the Churches.  I will not list them as they apply to all of them; and as such, need to be added to each Churches total.  The promise, “To him that overcometh” is implied to all of them.  There is “one rebuke” which is also given to all the Churches, “I will give unto every one of you according to your works,” which also must be added to each Churches total.  Therefore, here is our list for all of the Churches:

 

All Receive:  “I know thy works,” Revelation 2:2 & 9 & 13 & 19; 3:1 & 8 & 15.

 

“to eat of the tree of life,” Revelation 2:7;

“not be hurt of the second death,” Revelation 2:11;

“to eat of the hidden manna. . . give him a white stone. . . a new name written,” Revelation 2:17;

 “power over the nations,” Revelation 2:26;

“rule them with a rod of iron. . . be broken to shivers,” Revelation 2:27;

“give him the morning star,” Revelation 2:28;

“clothed in white raiment. . . not blot out his name out of the Book of Life. . . will confess his name before My Father; [also] before His angels,” Revelation 3:5;

“pillar in the temple of My God. . . go no more out. . . write upon him the name of My God. . . [also] the name of the city of My God. . . I will write upon him My new Name,” Revelation 3:12;

I will come in to him. . . [also] will sup with him. . . [also] he with Me,” Revelation 3:20;

“sit with Me in My throne,” Revelation 3:21.

 

 

I) TO THE INDIVIDUAL CHURCHES

 

 

EPHESUS (Revelation 2:1-7):

 

Receives 0 Promises (with above 22 equals: 22):  NONE.

Receives 12 Commendations:  “thy works; thy labour; thy patience; how thou canst not bear them which are evil; tried them which say they are apostles, and are not; found them liars; hast borne; hast patience [interesting that our Lord mentions this twice; must be important]; hast laboured; hast not fainted; hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans.”

Receives 8 Rebukes (with 1 above equals:  9]: “hast left thy first love; Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen; repent; do the first works; I will come unto thee quickly; remove thy candlestick; repent [again, mentioned twice for importance and emphasis].”

 

SMYRNA (Revelation 2:8-11):

 

Receives 5 (with above 22 equals: 27) Promises: “thou shalt suffer; cast some of you into prison; ye may be tried; tribulation ten days; a crown of life.”

Receives 4 Commendations:  “thy works; tribulation; poverty; thou art rich.”

Receives 0 (with 1 above equals: 1) Rebukes:  NONE.

 

PERGAMOS (Revelation 2:12-17):

 

Receives 0 (with above 22 equals: 22) Promises: NONE.

Receives 3 Commendations:  “thy works; thou holdest fast My name; hast not denied My faith.”

Receives 5 (with 1 above equals: 6) Rebukes:  “thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam; thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans; Repent; I will come unto thee quickly; will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.”

 

THYATIRA (Revelation 2:18-29):

 

Receives 1 with above 22 equals: 23) Promise:  “put upon you none other burden.”

Receives 6 Commendations:  “thy works; charity; service; faith; thy patience; thy works [these “works” must have been very special, for “the last to be more than the first”].”

Receives 7 (with 1 above equals: 8) Rebukes:  “sufferest that woman Jezebel; to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication; to eat things sacrificed unto idols; repented not; great tribulation; repent; kill her children with death [“according to your works,” already included].”

 

SARDIS (Revelation 3:1-6):

 

Receives 1 (with above 22 equals: 23) Promise:  “they shall walk with Me in white.”

Receives 5 Commendations:  “thy works; hast a name that thou livest; art dead; names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; they are worthy.”

Receives 6 (with 1 above equals: 7) Rebukes:  “have not found thy works perfect before God; hold fast; repent; not watch; come on thee as a thief; thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”

 

PHILADELPHIA (Revelation 3:7-13):

 

Receives 6 (with above 22 equals: 28) Promises:  “set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; worship before thy feet; [also] know that I have loved thee; will keep thee from the hour of temptation; I come quickly; thy crown.”

Receives 6 Commendations:  “thy works; thou hast a little strength; hast kept My Word; not denied My name; kept the word of My patience [same as “hast kept My Word”]; hold that fast which thou hast.”

Receives 0 (with 1 above equals: 1) Rebuke:  NONE.

 

LAODICEA (Revelation 3:14-22):

 

Receives 4 (with above 22 equals: 26) Promises:  “spue thee out of My mouth; thou mayest be rich; thou mayest be clothed; thou mayest see.”

Receives 1 Commendation:  “I Love.”

Receives 11 (with 1 above equals: 12) Rebukes:  “thy works [notice, this is the only Church where “thy works” is a negative]; thou art neither cold nor hot; thou art lukewarm; neither cold nor hot [mentioned again]; thou art wretched; miserable; poor; blind; naked; shame of thy nakedness; repent.”

 

 

J) TO THE TOTALS

 

 

TOTAL EASY VISIBLE BREAKDOWN:

 

EPHESUS

 

Receives 22 Promises;

Receives 12 Commendations;

Receives 9 Rebukes.

 

SMYRNA

 

Receives 27 Promises;

Receives 4 Commendations;

Receives 1 Rebuke.

 

PERGAMOS

 

Receives 22 Promises.

Receives 3 Commendations;

Receives 6 Rebukes.

 

THYATIRA

 

Receives 23 Promises;

Receives 6 Commendations;

Receives 8 Rebukes.

 

SARDIS

 

Receives 23 Promises;

Receives 5 Commendations;

Receives 7 Rebukes.

 

PHILADELPHIA

 

Receives 28 Promises;

Receives 6 Commendations;

Receives 1 Rebuke.

 

LAODICEA

 

Receives 26 Promises;

Receives 1 Commendation;

Receives 12 Rebukes.

 

Thus, I conclude that this is a message for all time, and as The Book of Revelation begins with, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the Words of this prophecy,” Revelation 1:3, meaning, we are supposed to gain a blessing by reading this Book.

 

But let’s finish the statement: “and keep those things which are written therein:  for the time is at hand.”  Meaning, this is about “CHARACTER.”

 

BOTTOM LINE, it would appear that Jesus is not so concerned as to you establishing Church time periods, which will not save you, but He is concerned about your “CHARACTER.”

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