The Twilight of Good and Evil - EZ Construction Estimator



The Twilight of Good and Evil

Antithetical word games provide some interesting results for the players as

their thought processes scramble for the antithesis of each word presented.

Although this game may be played by most as competitive amusement it

nonetheless has an inherent process that needs to be applied in the pursuit of

learning the objectivity of Scripture. For each action presented in the Bible

there is almost always an opposite action. As the title suggests, good is the

opposite of evil – one is the extreme of the other. Commensurate with these

two words is rewards and punishment. The common denominator of rewards

and punishment is judgement. As in the case of good and evil neither one

can be implemented without the act of judging. And it is precisely these

elements in life that the antithesis within the title of this paper needs to be

understood.

However, the liberal world has a different applied meaning of good and evil

where good is evil and evil is good. Thus, the meaning of these two words

have been reversed to fit their agenda. But, in the Church world some

interpretative processes have caused an even greater problem in that the

allegorical method of interpretation of Scripture has virtually eliminated

most of the rewards and punishments outlined in the Bible. By disregarding

the Book of Revelation as prophetic Scripture, the Church has from the time

of Augustine done an injustice to Christians by suppressing the fullness of

God’s Plan through the teaching of amillennialism. Proponents of the

allegorical method of interpretation (amillennialists and postmillennialists)

reject eschatology stating all prophecy has been fulfilled with the exception

of the return of Christ and the great White Throne judgement. They do not

believe in the system of rewards God has planned for His people. They

believe that those judged go either to heaven or to hell – there are no other

rewards. They have twisted the words of both the Old and New Testaments

to fit their doctrines and agendas. They are essentially playing word games

with Scripture, are in direct opposition with the literal interpretative

methodology, and as such have created an antithetical situation.

Interpretative Extremes

There are many in the Church who interpret Biblical prophecy in various

ways while some do not even consider prophecy at all. But, let’s face it,

anytime the subject applies to something yet to happen we are talking about

prophecy. And anytime we address prophecy there are those who hold

different or opposing views, thus the disagreements. Most of these views

center on the issue of timing in Biblical prophecy, which always begs the

question, “When was or when will a specific prophecy be fulfilled?” As a

result, there are four different views. These are past (preterism), present

(historicism), timeless (idealism), and future (futurism).

Preterists teach that most if not all prophecy has already been fulfilled. Their

major argument is that the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) and the Book

of Revelation were fulfilled in the events around AD 70 with the destruction

of Jerusalem and the Temple.

Historicism equates the current church age with the Tribulation period, but

not a literal thousand years. They state the judgements in Revelation are

major historical events over the past 2,000 years. Most Protestants from the

Reformation to about 1900 held this view. Currently, it is the position of the

Mormons, Seventh-day Adventists, and Jehovah Witnesses.

Idealism takes the position that the prophetic passages in the Bible mainly

teach good ideas or truths about God and the Christian life and are thus

timeless principles. Most liberals hold this position.

Futurism states that all prophetic events will not take place in the Church

age, but in the future Tribulation, at Christ’s second coming, and in the

millennium. Futurists also believe in the rapture, a literal Tribulation, and a

literal Millennial Reign.

But, regardless of the method of interpretation of Scripture or the belief one

has regarding prophecy or one’s doctrine, Christ’s words will come true. Not

only His words relating to punishment, but His words relating to rewards as

well. In Revelation 22:12 He states, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and

My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” The

Greek/English Lexicon defines “rewards” in this context as pertaining to

punishment and rewards. Thus, Christ will judge the world, and inflict the

appropriate action relative to each living or dead. In judging the good and

righteous of this world He will reward each in accordance with His word.

All these belief systems, with the exception of futurism, distort the Biblical

text and rob those Christians of the hope of the promised rewards He has

planned for those who love Him. However, the premillennial/futurist belief

system establishes the truest form of Biblical interpretation - it exhibits

Christ’s plan of rewards for His own.

Belief Systems

In order to understand the approach to a subject such as “The Twilight of

Good and Evil” and the rewards established for believers, it is necessary to

fathom the belief systems of the Church. That is, why do amillennialists

believe their doctrine of no millennium, and why do postmillennialists

believe in their doctrine that we are currently in a spiritual millennium? And

finally, why do premillennialists adhere strictly to the literal method of

interpretation and state there will be a literal millennium? To put each in

proper perspective it is necessary to go back to the respective origins.

As I have stated in other writings, Augustine was a premillennialists until

about 400 AD when he changed to the newly created amillennial doctrine.

From my research, his decision was in concert with the change in theology

of the newly formed Roman Catholic Church, created by merging the

Christian Church with the pagan Church of Rome. Therefore, the individuals

who started the Reformation in the 16th century were steeped in the

amillennial belief system. Luther, a student of Occanist Theology was

basically only against the indulgences in the Roman Catholic Church.

Calvin, initially a Christian humanist, stated that he was greatly influenced

by Martin Luther and gives credit to Augustine for much of his doctrine and

theology. Calvin also embraced the progressive view of the Book of

Revelation making him a preterist and an amillennialist.

The Church of England (Anglican) was created in a split with the Roman

Catholic Church. John Wesley, who started the Methodist Church, was

initially an Anglican. The Baptist Church is an off shoot of the English

Congregationalist, which was initially Anglican. So, for all practical

purposes all the denominations have their roots in the Roman Catholic

Church, and thus up until 1900 were preterists/amillennialists. Dr. Thomas

Ice states the following regarding Church leadership. “It is no exaggeration

to say that among the Church’s leadership, including the Protestant

reformers, amillennialism has been the most widely held view for much of

the Church’s history.”

In the 19th century the original Protestant Churches not only divided, but

subdivided, thus stimulating the development of many new American-born

movements, sects, churches, and denominations. By the middle of the 20th

century there were over 200 different religious bodies in America – all

having Roman Catholic Church roots.

In researching these denominations one finds the rationale of each for the

split from the original Church; however, none of the divisions were based on

disagreement of the prophetic text of the Bible. So, it is not surprising to find

amillennialism or postmillennialism being the two dominant belief systems

in today’s churches. As such, prophecy is rarely taught, and the Book of

Revelation is a source from which to glean certain text. In short, one can see

there are differences in the position of prophetic text interpretation between

denominations, within denominations, within individual churches, and

within groups therein.

In regards to the various interpretative systems Dr. Ron J. Bigalke states the

following. “The real issue is whether the Bible is inerrant, whether it is

verbally inspired, and whether it should be interpreted literally. The concept

of literal interpretation is the real issue in the interpretation of prophecy

today. Consistent, literal interpretation is the sine qua non [Latin for

“without which not”] of any theological system since it allows no fuller or

extended meaning beyond the original intent of scripture.” Amen!

Dr. Bigalke’s footnotes in Dispensationalism Today provides some valuable

insights into the Biblical study of today. “A new approach to Bible study

methods is the use of literary genre called ‘apocalyptic’. The term is used to

distinguish predictive prophecy, which is interpreted quite literal. On the

other hand, if Bible prophecy is not categorized according to a specialized

study of apocalyptic genre then it must be interpreted literally as is true of

non-prophetic portions of Scripture.”

There are two commentaries out today that use a combination of literal and

allegorical interpretations (futurist, preterists, and idealist). Grant Osborne’s

and Greg Beale’s commentaries on the Book of Revelation describe their

hermeneutical approach as eclectic. This picking out or selecting various

systems and doctrines to interpret Scripture is designed to uphold and

support a predetermined doctrine. Dr. Bigalke explains it this way. “The

eclectic method of hermeneutics allows the interpreter to choose whatever

meaning in any given passage is suitable to his pre-understood

eschatological position. This clearly does not offer clarity to text, rather, it

offers confusion by introducing precariousness to hermeneutics.” In other

words, if a person or a denomination embraces amillennialism then any and

all Biblical interpretation will be based on that doctrine, which encompasses

a mixture of literal and allegorical interpretation. In this case the root of

interpretation is based on Replacement Theology (the Church has replaced

Israel). While in the case of postmillennialism, the root of interpretation is

based on Reconstruction Theology (we must Christianize the world before

Christ will return; they too embrace the doctrine of Replacement Theology).

These approaches are designed to make the adherents theology work when a

proper interpretation would otherwise demonstrate them to be invalid.

However, in the case of premillennialism, the literal method of interpretation

of Scripture allows Scripture to interpret Scripture, which in the end proves

the method of Biblical eschatological exegesis. To this end Dr. Thomas Ice

states, “The literal interpretative approach to Scripture treats creation

[Genesis] and the future as real historical events in history that are going

somewhere in God’s plan.” He is basically stating that just as the creation

events in the Bible are historical fact so too is unfulfilled prophecy; even

though it is written in a future tense it is in actuality history as it will be

fulfilled exactly as written.

The entire point of this discussion is to establish the interpretation of the

seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation as literal eschatological

exegesis. And it is from this perspective that the details herein in respect to

Biblical rewards are founded.

Setting The Stage

Premillennialism/futurism is the eschatological interpretation of the first

order. It literally addresses Scripture from the aspect of the total Plan of

God. It places Biblical events in proper sequence relative to time and

function while allowing Scripture to establish doctrine and theology as

opposed to interpreting Scripture with a mix of literal and allegorical

methods to fit a preconceived theological position.

But, regardless of one’s doctrine, theology or method of interpretation the

end of the Church age is fast coming to a close. We see the birth pangs ever

increasing. We see the world more and more aligned against Israel. We see

the King of the North (Russia) making allegiances with the Arab nations

initiating the fulfillment of the prophecy of Gog and the battle of Gog and

Magog in Ezekiel 38-39. Recently a noted television commentator stated in

regards to the Middle East crisis (Israel and Lebanon), “We will not see

peace in the Middle East until a strong leader from the United Nations

defines the borders and establishes order.” Is he looking for the Antichrist?

Look at Daniel 9:27, “Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one

week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and

offering.” Yes, the twilight of good and evil is upon us. The rewards are

great, and so are the punishments.

The literal interpretation of Scripture indicates that the battle of Gog and

Magog and the rapture will trigger the start of the Tribulation. The seven-

year peace agreement brokered by the Antichrist between Israel and the

world will ultimately end in the battle of Armageddon and Christ’s second

coming. After this Christ will implement judgement on the world at some

point within the 45 days between the battle of Armageddon and the start of

the His Millennial Reign. Daniel 12:12 states, “Blessed is he who waits, and

comes to one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.” It is in this time

period that the twilight of good and evil will come to an abrupt end followed

by full development of good as we enter into the millennium to rule and

reign with Christ.

The wicked receive their punishment at this time, and are given their reward

– hell. However, the righteous will receive many different rewards for their

testimony to Christ. In fact, there are seven categories of rewards given by

Christ over different time periods.

The Numerics of God’s Plan

An important element in understanding why there are ten judgements (see

“The Coming Judgements”) and seven categories of rewards, with one

subdivided into five different awards, is some knowledge of Biblical

numerics. Biblical numerics is a relative new field of study for most;

however, those who do understand and study this phenomenon of Scripture

find that it provides greater understanding of His Word. As I’ve stated many

times before, the numbers and names in the Bible must stand for something

otherwise why would God insert so many in His message to us? Dr. Ed

Vallowe states, “One out of every five Scriptures in the Bible contains a

number. One of its books is called Numbers. It is not called by that name

simply because it contains the numbering of the children of Israel, but

because of the significance of the numbers in it.”

The Hebrew language does not have a system of numerics such as the

decimal or metric systems. Each of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet

represents a number. Alef, the first letter represents the number one, whereas

the last letter, Tav represents the number 400. The same holds true for the

Greek alphabet. Its first letter is Alpha or one, and the last letter Omega or

800. So, when these numbers are stated in Scripture and studied for their

impact on the text, useful information can be derived relative to God's

message to us. It gives us a much greater perspective of His Plan.

Also, each letter of the Hebrew alphabet has a specific meaning. The first

letter, Alef, is one, which stands for one or God. The second letter, Bet, is

two, which stands for opposites or division. The numbers mentioned earlier

in reference to the ten judgements and the categories of rewards, seven and

five, also have meaning. The Hebrew letters for five, seven, and ten are Hei,

Zayin, and Yod, which mean grace, divine perfection, and law and

responsibility respectively. Again Dr. Ed Vallowe states, “Five is the

number of GRACE. Here we have a number, which is generally understood

as signifying a responsibility upon man, the receipt of God’s grace. The

number seven represents completeness through the union of earth with

heaven – it stands for divine completeness or perfection. The number ten

represents man’s responsibility under the law, signifying the measure of

responsibility and its judgement or reward. Not only is the Bible the Word of

God, it is a book built on numbers from the beginning to the end. All the

numbers in Scripture are interwoven with the doctrines of the Holy One

providing harmony within the different books and texts.” As one writer

states, “The precision with which the Bible numbers all fall into their places

cannot be accounted for except by the supernatural power and wisdom of a

God who is infinite.”

The Church

Since this paper will deal with the seven letters to the seven churches in

Revelation it needs to address what the Church is and its future. The true

Church is made up of any and all peoples of the world who genuinely know

Christ as their Savior and have had their sins forgiven. Beginning on the day

of Pentecost in Acts chapter two and continuing to the point when the

Church is removed (raptured), all believers are part of the body of Christ, the

Church.

Then there is the realm of what is called the “professing Church’s

influence”, which is called Christendom. Christendom consists of any and

everything associated with the visible Church, including all its branches such

as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, Protestantism, and in some cases,

cults. Therefore, Christendom includes true believers and those who merely

profess Christianity. Thus, the wheat and the tares growing together in what

we commonly call Christianity. However, these two aspects of the Church

have totally different destinies.

The true Church will be caught up in the air to meet the Lord (1

Thessalonians 4:16-17), translated to heaven, and becomes the Bride of

Christ as stated in Revelation 19:7-9. The other group, the mere professors,

will be left behind to face the Tribulation. The Church is unique in the Plan

of God and separate from His plan for Israel. The Church partakes of the

spiritual promises of Abraham, thus has a heavenly purpose, while Israel

will fulfill its national destiny as a separate entity on earth during the

millennium after the Battle of Armageddon.

However, this is where the belief systems part rather dramatically. The

amillennialists and postmillennialists state that Matthew, chapters 24 and 25,

and the Book of Revelation was fulfilled in AD 70 with the fall of Jerusalem

and the destruction of the Temple. Based on the historical dates John was on

Patmos, the time of the writing of Revelation is estimated to be between 90-

96 AD, which solidly places Revelation in the prophetic realm. Others put

the writing at an earlier date, but not before AD 70, so even with a revised

date it is still well within the timeframe for prophecy. Again, an antithetical

situation, while those of a futurist position (premillennialism) view

Revelation as prophecy, others look at it as history.

The problem associated with the historical viewpoint is in the text of

Revelation chapter one. Christ states in 1:1, “To show His servants – things

which must shortly take place.” Then in verse 19 He tells John, “Write the

things which you have seen [past], and the things which are [present], and

the things which will take place after this [future].” “The things which you

have seen” (past) are in chapter one and relate to the vision of Christ. “The

things which are” (present) relate to chapters two and three and the seven

letters to the seven churches. “Things which will take place after this”

(future) refer to the remaining chapters of Revelation, and are purely

prophetic in nature. Although the letters to the churches had a present

element at the time of the writing they also contain a prophetic element,

which extends from the time of the writing to present. We know this to be

true as Christ said in 22:16, “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you

these things in the churches.”

But, the contents of Revelation and the words of Christ do not daunt the

preterists and the historicists, they hold firm to the position that the seven

letters to the seven churches represent the history of the Church from

Pentecost to present. I think their rationale has been sufficiently defined in

previous paragraphs regarding their belief systems; therefore, will not be

repeated.

Letters to the Churches

With the above explanation of the Church we now need to address the seven

churches defined in Revelation chapters two and three to see just how they

relate to the Church today and what prophetic messages are therein. Keith

Harris states in his book The Unveiling, “The seven churches were chosen

for their particular traits, which apply to all of Christendom. Found in their

characteristics are not only practical teaching and doctrinal beliefs, but also

an outline for Christian and anti-Christian history. These churches set the

tone and foundation concerning the true Church and the false Church.” This

is basically the viewpoint of premillennialists or futurist.

However, there are other viewpoints pertaining to these seven churches,

which need to be addressed if for no other purpose than to inform you of the

interpretative differences within the Church. These viewpoints are as

follows:

1. Historical – these churches existed as stated and bore the characteristics

cited in Scripture. They have no other value.

2. Historic and futuristic – the churches were not only actual churches

bearing the characteristics cited, but represent the different type of

churches throughout the Church age. Note: this is the viewpoint of the

premillennialist.

3. Futuristic – the cities mentioned in Revelation will be fully restored at

some point in the future.

4. Church history – each church represents a segment of Church history

beginning with Ephesus and ending with Laodicea.

The predominant viewpoint of Christendom today is that the seven churches

represent Church history. Therefore, an expansion of the meaning needs to

be addressed to gain insight into the differences in that position and the one

describing the premillennialist viewpoint later in the text. As one

commentary put it, “It is extremely difficult to understand how the advocates

of the historical viewpoint can extract Church history from the Biblical

text.” I agree!

1. Ephesus – AD 70-AD 170; losing first love

2. Smyrna – AD 170-AD 312; falling into persecution

3. Pergamos – AD 312-AD 606; accepting Nicolaitane and Balaam doctrine

4. Thyatira – AD 606-AD 1520; outwardly saturated with paganism

5. Sardis – AD 1520-AD 1750; escaping the over lording Papal Religious

System

6. Philadelphia – AD 1750-AD 1948; opening missionary doors

7. Laodicea – AD 1948-????; binding religions together

Please note the date of Laodicea, 1948, the year Israel became a nation. Also

note the activity of the period – binding religions together. This is the

unification of world religions, which is globalism. So, the question is, how

can the preterists and the historicists state that the seven letters to the seven

churches represents Church history when no one knows the full extent of the

Church age in which Church history is still actively being fulfilled?

In regards to the premillennial position of the seven letters, Keith Harris

states, “The churches hold religious doctrinal application for today. In a

figurative sense, a type, or metaphor for modern application with the

addition of parallels for interpreting future Biblical realities.” How does this

relate to today? Revelation 1:20 states, “The mystery of the seven stars

which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The

seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands

which you saw are the seven churches.” This is not a one-time event. The

text of verse 20 indicates a continuous oversight of the churches by the

angels having a heavenly connection. The angels inform heaven of Church

activities. Christ states in 2:5, “Repent and do the first works, or else I will

come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place – unless you

repent.” Christ is stating that unless the Church remains faithful in this life

until death He will sever His connection with it. A foreshadow of this event

is found in Genesis 4:14 as God punishes Cain for killing Abel. “Surely You

have driven me out from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your

face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth.”

The fact that the angel to the Church communicates to God all the things the

Church does is found in Ephesians 3:9-10. And to make all see what is the

fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been

hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that

now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the Church to

the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.” This Scripture had for

many years puzzled me until one day I was made to understand its meaning.

It was such a revelation that I inserted a comment in the margin of my Bible

regarding this text so I might never forget its message. My comment goes as

follows.

“The redeemed of the true Church through their actions, speech, love,

stewardship, and being Christ centered, certifies they understand the mystery

of Christ, and the deep meaning of the Scriptures. ‘Make known to the

principalities in heavenly places’ is somewhat a connection via the angel of

the Church (Revelation chapter 2). Now if this is so, then God and Christ

will surely know when the Church is separated or falls away (2

Thessalonians 2:3), i.e. those parts of the Church that will be swayed by the

secular world. Even though many in the Church will be duped by secular

issues they will nonetheless continue to openly profess Christianity. The

angel to the Church will be able to discern this inward delusion and

communicate the status to heaven. It is through this action that the

principalities and powers in heaven will know the timing of the separation,

i.e. when the last Gentile has been added to the Church.” Jacob saw this

activity in a dream. “Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on

the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were

ascending and descending on it.” (Genesis 28:12).

Roy Hilton writes; “The characteristics of the seven churches can be found

in every age and every Church even to the present time. There are some

churches that are cold, some indifferent, some worldly, some liberal in

doctrine, some missionary minded, etc. The same is true of individual

Church members. In one Church membership there will be some on fire for

the Lord and others who are indifferent, some are worldly, some unsound in

doctrine, some backslidden, some in apostasy.”

So, from my perspective the seven churches actually existed, and these

seven Church types have existed from that time even to today. The problems

cited in each letter can be related to Church actions throughout history and

especially in the actions and events of today. I also stand firm in the fact that

these seven churches hold the prophetic references to the rewards promised

by Christ to those who are His. Jesus said in John 16:13, “However, when

He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; He will not

speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He

will tell you things to come.”

Seven Letters

Earlier in this paper I stated that to teach that the Book of Revelation and

especially the seven letters to the seven churches as history robs the

Christian of the hope of the rewards promised by Christ.

The seven letters define seven types of churches in existence from the first

Church started after Pentecost until today. Each type exists in one form or

the other not as a specific denomination or specific Church assembly or

individual Church body, but represents the people who make up

Christendom addressed earlier in this paper. Within the discussion of each of

the seven churches you will see some of these traits currently existing in

many of today’s churches. I will let you decide which one fits each category.

Before getting into the details of the individual letters it is necessary to

correlate the timing of the rewards cited in the letters with the

implementation of the “Coming Judgements.” As outlined in that paper the

Church is raptured and goes before the Bema Seat of Christ. This happens

before the Tribulation whereas those remaining on earth to go through the

Tribulation and judged after the Battle of Armageddon. Since one of the

letters pertains to the raptured Church the other six pertains to those

remaining. Thus, the timing of the rewards reflects the transition of the

twilight of good and evil.

Each of the letters consists of six parts: 1) Salutation; 2) Commendation; 3)

Complaint; 4) Warning; 5) Praise, and 6) Promise. The only exception to

this is the letter to Philadelphia, which only contains a salutation, a warning,

and a promise. The following examination of the text of the letters will

address those areas applicable to the promised awards and the basic issue

with the individual Church in overcoming its adversity.

As one analyzes the context of Revelation chapter one and its direct

relationship to the seven letters a realization becomes very evident that these

letters are prophetic realism. In the first half of the chapter Christ describes

Himself having seven attributes before instructing John to write down the

text of the individual letters. However, in the second half of the chapter John

sees an entirely different Christ, one dressed for battle. The first seven

attributes Christ describes to Himself are:

1. “Who is, and who was, and who is to come” – 1:4.

2. “From the seven Spirits who are before His throne” – 1:4.

3. “The Faithful Witness” – 1:5

4. “Firstborn from the dead”- 1:5

5. “Ruler over the kings of the earth” – 1:5.

6. “Who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” – 1:5.

7. “Has made us kings and priests to His God and Father” – 1:6.

As John sees Christ in his vision he describes ten attributes to the One in the

midst of the seven lampstands, which are:

1. “Appearance like the Son of Man” – 1:13.

2. “Clothed with a garment down to His feet” –1:13.

3. “Girded about the chest with a golden band” – 1:13.

4. “Head and hair white like wool” – 1:14.

5. “Eyes like a flame of fire” – 1:14.

6. “Feet like fine brass” – 1:15.

7. “Voice like the sound of many waters” – 1:15.

8. “Seven stars in His right hand” – 1:16.

9. “Out of His mouth a sharp two-edged sword” – 1:16.

10.“Countenance like the sun” – 1:16.

This description is the image of The Holy One ready to do battle with evil.

There are basically only two other places in Scripture that describes Christ

with any of these attributes – Daniel 10, and Revelation 19. In both instances

He is entering into battle with satanic forces.

It is also interesting to note that in the salutations to the seven churches

Christ addresses five with the attributes He describes in the first half of

chapter one; however, He addresses the other two with the attributes in

which He is prepared to do battle. He is ready to destroy the satanic forces

that have invaded these two churches.

The impact of these messages that precede the letters states without a doubt

that Christ is saying that He is in the midst of the Church. And Christ said, “I

have the keys of Hades and of Death.” (verse 18). Therefore, the verses

emphasize that Christ is the One who holds life in His hand. But before He

gets to the meat of the letters He makes one last reference as to who He is,

which ties all His attributes together into one neat package in His

relationship to the Father. “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in

My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the

angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven

churches.” (verse 20). This entire text relates back to verse 4, “From the

seven Spirits who are before His throne.” The seven Spirits is the concept of

the seven Spirits of God signifying the perfection and fullness of the

activities of Christ who is the second Person of the Godhead! It cannot be

any clearer or more definite than this that He is the One who rules and the

One who has power over all, and the One who will judge the churches.

Christ then uses each of these attributes as an opening salutation to the

respective Church based on the condemnation of that Church. His

subsequent warning is coupled directly to His attribute within the salutation,

and depicts the action He will take if the Church does or does not overcome.

In each case, He is citing the power of God in dealing with the unrepentant

world and those who overcome. As one examines each attribute it becomes

apparent each reflects the eternal God. As such, the rewards promised to

those who overcome the condemnations within each of the letters are

incorporated into the eternal realm.

Rewards

Christians are quick to complain they are not rewarded in life for the works

they do or for the faith they state they have. But, from a Biblical perspective

the Church age is a time of deferred blessing in the sense that believers are

promised rewards in the life to come. Dr. Thomas Ice states, “The Lord

promises future rewards and crowns to those who are faithful in this life and

live in accordance with Christ’s provisions.” This statement by Dr. Ice fully

explains the manner in which the text of the seven letters is written. Each is

a promise of the future based on earthly actions. Again Dr. Ice states,

“Rewards are motivations for believers in this life to remain faithful to

Christ until death or the rapture.” This is why Paul said, “I buffet my body

and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself

should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

The seven rewards listed in the Book of Revelation chapters 2 and 3 are as

follows:

1. Eat from the tree of life – 2:7

2. Delivered from the second death – 2:11

3. Acquitted of a sinful life – 2:17

4. Power over the nations – 2:26

5. Clothed in white garments –3:5

6. Pillar in the temple of My God – 3:12

7. Sit with Christ on His throne – 3:21

From what has been taught to date it may appear that the raptured Church is

to be the recipient of all these rewards. However, in the study and analysis of

the seven letters it becomes obvious that these rewards are directed to others

in addition to the raptured Church, and based on overcoming the conditions

outlined in the text of the letters. The rewards listed above are not the same

as salvation. Works do not add to or take away from one’s salvation in

Christ since that is not the basis on which anything is accomplished.

Salvation is the result of the work of Christ that we trust, whereas rewards

are given to those who overcome the trials and tribulations of this life –

those who are motivated to remain faithful to Christ regardless of the

circumstances. Each of the seven letters addresses the issues and

circumstances within the respective Church, and defines the reward

promised for those who overcome.

Ephesus – “These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right

hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.” In His

salutation to Ephesus Christ states He is the Spirit of God, which is reflected

in 1:4, “Which is, which was, and which is to come, and the seven Spirits,

which are before His throne.” Thus, Christ is indicating He is the One who

holds eternal life in His hands. This salutation reflects the reward of eternal

life in the reference to the Tree of Life in verse 7. However, in the

condemnation to the Church He states the major problem with Ephesus –

their first love. “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your

first love.” (verse 2:4). But, they have fallen as stated in verse 5. “Remember

therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works.” First

love relates to the Church’s love for Christ, which equates to Christ’s love

for the Church. This first love is an unselfish love in which there is no single

thought of self. The Wycliff Commentary states, “First love is the

abandonment of all for a love that has abandoned all.” Looking at this from

the perspective of the opposites cited in the introduction of this paper, if

Ephusus left their first love where did they go? They returned to self-love.

We see this today, especially in the secular world – self-esteem, self-love, be

true to yourself, forgive yourself, believe in your self – ME, ME, ME!

Christ says to the Church at Ephesus, “Repent and do the first works, or else

I will come and remove your lampstand.” (verse 5). This is a warning that

unless they repent God will no longer recognize them and will hide His face

from that Church. But, if they do repent He will give them the right to eat

from the Tree of Life. “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the

Tree of Life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” (verse 7). This is

the same tree that was in the Garden of Eden, which gives everlasting life.

Smyrna – “These things says the First and the Last, who was dead and came

to life.” (verse 8). This relates to the reward in that Christ is stating He

overcame and was resurrected. This reflects the first resurrection and as such

the second death will not apply. Thus, Christ tells the Church that if they

overcome they too will not see the second death (verse 11), which are the

fires of hell.

The word Smyrna means bitterness, which exhibits the situation it was in.

Smyrna had a real problem, one that was spiritual in nature. Keith Harris

states, “They were trying to keep up with the Joneses.” They were in

competition with the Old Testament Jews of the day who hated the

Christians. As such the Church at Smyrna displayed a cruel nature to those

they deemed inferior – the Old Testament Jews. As a result of their trials

they were discriminated from the trades, lost income, etc, thus became

impoverished. Christ said in verse 9, “I know your works and tribulations.”

But, He also states in verse 10, “To be faithful.” In other words, He is stating

that He is still in control if they are faithful to Him unto death. If they remain

faithful then he will give they the crown of life, which is defined as the

martyr’s crown – those who are killed for their testimony to Christ. Dr.

Thomas Ice states, “This crown is reserved for those who endured special

suffering.”

Pergamos – “He who has the sharp two-edged sword.” Christ then states in

verse 16, “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and fight against them

with the sword of My mouth.” For those who repent He will give them a

white stone. (verse 17). The concept here is only Christ knows the heart and

thus judges the inter-most thoughts of those in Pergamos who have truly

repented.

Pergamos was historically given to idolatry. The city contained the temple

of Zeus who was referred to as Soter Theos, the Savior of God. It also

erected a temple to Augustus, which was known as Satan’s throne. They

held to the doctrine of Balaam described in Numbers chapters 22-25, which

was to seduce and introduce idolatry. Thus the Church at Pergamos allowed

a mixture of religions and idolatry to be practiced, which begs the following

questions. Is there idol worship in our churches today? Do Christians

celebrate secular holidays, which are based on pagan religions and idol

worship? Do any of today’s churches pray to anyone other than Christ?

Christ says to repent of these things. He is saying separate from these

practices in the Church. If you do He will give you a reward. “To him who

overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him

a white stone, and on that stone a new name written which no one knows

except him who receives it.” (verse 17). Hidden manna relates to angel food,

which is in heaven. No one knows what this is, but Christ indicates it is of

great value. “He rained down manna from heaven on them to eat, and given

them the bread of heaven. Men ate angels food; He sent them food to the

full.” (Psalm 78:24-25). A white stone signifies “not guilty” and a new name

is indicative of a new person. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new

creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become

anew.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This person has eternal life!

Thyatira – “These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of

fire, and His feet like fine brass.” (verse 18). There is an inter-working

within the Church that is not Christian. It has a hidden agenda and is referred

to as the “depths of Satan” (verse 24). The authority of the Church is

preaching a false doctrine. “Because you allow that woman Jezebel, who

calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants.” (verse 20). The

use of Jezebel here denotes a false teacher who draws away from Christ

through subtle teaching of a false gospel, and instituting the worship of

idols. In other words a mixture of Christian and pagan doctrine. This first

appeared with the merging of the pagan Roman Church with the Christian

Church under Constantine.

“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him will I

give power over the nations.” (verse 26). These people will enter the

millennium and become part of Christ’s government and enter into

everlasting life.

Sardis – “These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the

seven stars.” (verse 3:1). Christ repeats the mystery He mentions in 1:20.

The salutation is very subtle, but meaningful. The Church at Sardis is

Christian as attested to in verse 3:5 – names in the Book of Life. But, the

problem is one of works. They put works first, which appears outwardly that

they are spiritual. As one commentary states, “They are caught up in various

programs, ministries and activities, yet they are spiritually lifeless.” Some

within the Church are very spiritual, hold to gospel truth, and walk

according to righteousness, which is the reference to, “walk with Me in

white.” (verse 4). However, for those who overcome the basic issue He has

with them, Christ will confess their the names before the Father and before

the angels, and as such have everlasting life.

Philadelphia – “These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who

as the key of David.” (verse 7). This salutation in conjunction with verse 12

ties the Philadelphia Church to the Bride of Christ – “I will make him a

pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more.” The key of

David relates to Christ on David’s throne in Jerusalem during the

millennium. This letter also relates to those who will be raptured and as such

is defined as the true Church. There is no condemnation in the letter, only a

warning to, “Hold fast to what you have, so no one may take your crown.”

(verse 11). The only other reference to crown is in the letter to Smyrna – the

crown of life. Thus, the reference to crown here indicates that there are

crowns waiting for the raptured Church.

The verse that indicated this Church will be raptured before the Tribulation

is verse 10. “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will

keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to

test those who dwell on the earth.” The hour of trial is commonly known as

the Tribulation or the Time of Jacob’s Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). The Greek

word translated “from” or in the original “out of” is ek, which is a

preposition denoting origin meaning from whence motion or action

proceeds, i.e. removed before the action begins – the Tribulation.

The rewards are numerous as stated in verse 12. “He who overcomes, I will

make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I

will write on Him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God,

the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I

will write on Him My new name.” Where does the Bride reside? With the

Groom!

However, there is the question of the crown mentioned in verse 11 – “That

no one may take your crown.” Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we

must all appear before the judgement seat (Bema) of Christ, that each one

may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done,

whether good or bad.” There are five levels of awards (crowns) presented to

the raptured Christians as follows:

1. Crown of righteousness – “all who have loved His appearing.” (2

Timothy 4:8).

2. Incorruptible crown – for each person who “exercises self-control in all

things.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

3. Crown of glory – for faithful pastors of local congregations who “will

receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:1-4).

4. Crown of rejoicing – a special crown for those who have led others to

faith in Christ. (1 Thessalonians 2:19).

5. Crown of life – for those who have endured special suffering. “He will

receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love

Him.” (James 1:12).

Laodiceans – “These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness,

the Beginning of the creation of God.” (verse 14). Laodicea is the only one

of the seven in which Christ has nothing good to say. However, the

salutation speaks volumes as Christ emphasizes the necessity of the gospel.

He makes clear that the gospel should be incorporated into the life of the

Church. But, they are neither hot nor cold, as they have incorporated the

philosophy of the world in their worship. Paul writes to the Church at

Laodicea in Colossians 4:17, “Take heed to the ministry which you have

received in the Lord, that you may be fulfilled.” Paul saw a spiritual problem

even then.

One major difference in this letter is the salutation. Each of the proceeding

six letters were addressed to the angel of the Church in Ephesus, Sardis, etc.

However, the salutation to Laodicea reads, “To the angel of the Church of

the Laodiceans.” Christ is not in this church as indicated in verse 20.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” The people are lukewarm, stagnant,

non-spiritual. They are momentarily rich and have given themselves all the

credit. They feel their success is all of their own effort, and have no need for

Christ. But Christ says, “Do you not know that you are wretched, miserable,

poor, blind, and naked? (verse 17).

However, Christ pleads with the Laodiceans to buy from Him gold refined in

the fire (verse 18). This pertains to His opening statement relating to His

Word. The problem with this Church is that their position is such a mountain

for them to overcome that Christ states that for those who do overcome He

will give them one of the highest rewards. “To sit with Him on His throne as

He overcame and sat down with His Father on His throne.” (verse 21).

Simply put, Laodicea symbolizes those people who boost of their own

success, social position, and wealth, but who are without Christ. They

receive nothing from the Church as they perceive its message is of little or

no value. There are many Laodiceans in the Western world today.

How Close Are We

Anytime there is a twilight it must by definition be preceded by a dawn. That

dawn is closer than most Christians think, but there are certain things that

must occur before the dawn can begin. This period between the twilight and

the dawn is commonly called in Scripture the “Time of Jacob’s Trouble.”

(Jeremiah 30:7). Although the definition of Jacob’s trouble relates to Israel

and the Tribulation, the entire world will suffer as well. Jesus said in

Matthew 24:21, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not

been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

Dr. Dwight Pentecost in Things to Come (1958) states, “The condition at the

close of the age [Church age] is seen to coincide with the state within the

Laodicean Church, before which Christ must stand and seek permission.”

Within this same book he provides the following picture of conditions within

the professing church at the end of the age by a system of denials.

• Denial of God – Luke 17:26; 2 Timothy 3:4-5.

• Denial of Christ – 1 John 2:18; 2 Peter 2:6.

• Denial of Christ’s return – 2 Peter 3:3-4.

• Denial of the faith – 1Timothy 4:1-2; Jude 3-4.

• Denial of sound doctrine – 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

• Denial of a separated life – 2 Timothy 3:1-7.

• Denial of Christian liberty – 1Timothy 4:3-4.

• Denial of morals – 2 Timothy 3:1-8, 13; Jude 18.

• Denial of authority – 2 Timothy 3:4.

In 1947 Dr. Lewis Chafee, Dallas Theological Seminary made the

following statement regarding the end of the Church age. “The Scriptures

which set forth the last days for the Church give no consideration to

political or world conditions, but are confined to the Church itself.” This is

true, but there are certain world situations that indicate the world is heading

toward the dawn of Jacob’s Trouble.

Dr. John Walvoord (1990) generated a list of events he calls “a prophetic

checklist for the nations” that lead up to the Battle of Gog and Magog,

which will ultimately transition into the Tribulation. Some of the events he

lists have already come to pass, but there are four that are very relevant for

today.

1. Russia [not the Soviet Union] rises to become a world power and

becomes an ally of the Arab countries.

2. The EU and the World Bank show a need for international regulation of

world economies.

3. The Middle East becomes the most significant trouble spot in the world.

4. Oil blackmail awakens the world to the new concentration of wealth and

power in the Mediterranean.

Both Israel and the world are racing toward Armageddon as the material

things of this life have taken front row in the department of world values.

Wilfred Hahn makes a comment in Money: Ends and Trends. “While the

world strains for the attainment of material wealth, the most precious

acquisition of all, faith, today lies cold in many countries – especially

wealthy countries of Christian heritage. Yet, there is nothing absolutely

more worthy than faith.”

Where does the faith of the world lie today? “The woman was arrayed in

purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls,

having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of

her fornication. For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her

fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and

the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her

luxury. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel whose names are not

written in the Book of Life.” (Revelation 17:4; 18:3; 17:8b). The world’s

faith is in the world and the material things therein, not in the Word of God!

Faith in the Bible is an action word, and we can see from the above there is

action in these last days – in the wrong direction. But, the faith Jesus talks

about is a rhetorical question when He asked, “Nevertheless, when the Son

of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Jesus implies

that faith will be scarce. These words do not predict a general improvement

in the spiritual condition before His second coming, but of the faith

Christians should have in the hope of His appearance. The Greek/English

Lexicon states that the word faith in this context means a conviction of the

truth. Thus, Jesus is stating a prophetic fact that there will be in short supply

a conviction or belief respecting mans relationship to God and divine things.

In other words, do we believe and have faith in His Word and not twist it to

fit man’s agenda?

Each of the seven letters ends with the following statement. “He who has an

ear, let him hear.” The Greek/English Lexicon states this phrase to be, “The

faculty of perceiving with the mind, the faculty of understanding, and

knowing.” Anytime you see this in Scripture God is telling us to read and

understand that what I have said is about to come true. It is a prophetic

warning as to the condition of the Church, and the actions to be taken against

those who do not overcome. Some state these letters represent Church

history, but for what reason would Christ be so adamant for us to perceive,

understand, and know the history of the Church? No, this is prophetic

realism!

Recently, I have been asked several times if I think the actions in the Middle

East between Israel and Lebanon are the birth pangs of World War III. My

answer is no. There will never be another World War as we know and

understand the concept of World War. However, the Middle East situation is

not the prelude to another World War, but an alignment of forces to come

against Israel in the conflict called Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 28-39). This

action will lead to the Tribulation, the Battle of Armageddon, and ultimately

the second coming of Christ. At that point the Time of Jacob’s Trouble will

come to an abrupt end as the Twilight of Good and Evil transitions into the

serenity of the millennium.

Maranatha,

Carleton Dowdle, 8-15-06

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