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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