He encourages them to find that fire again and continue where they were doing well. They no longer had the burning, consuming passion for their God they had when they were first saved and settled into the routine of the faith. Did God Send the Coronavirus as a Biblical Plague from Revelation? What Do the 7 Churches in Revelation Represent? Despite their lack of spirituality, Christ waits expectantly for them to open their hearts to Him. Usually, when a group of seven things are mentioned, the order has some relevance. Significance Today: Just as some in Thyatira’s church were led astray by a false prophet, Christians today fall prey to cult leaders, occult practices, and other false teachings. The Book of Revelation addresses seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor. “As for 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. So why seven? Answer: The seven churches described in Revelation 2-3 are seven literal churches at the time that John the apostle was writing Revelation. Indeed, the primary purpose for John writing his letters to the seven churches was to deliver Christ’s “report card” for the churches of that time. There was a woman in the church who claimed to be a prophetess, who committed sins of sexual immorality, and whose behavior was reminiscent of Jezebel, Ahab’s wicked wife, whose story is told in 1 Kings. Does the Candy Cane Have a Spiritual Meaning? There is also the chronological perspective. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. They did receive consolation as well because many from this church had been martyred. Each letter, as proclaimed by Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. The letter to the church there lauds the congregation for upholding its faith despite the city’s pervasive pagan influences (Revelation 2:13). Revelation 1:20 (NASB95) Jesus explained what the images symbolize. The Lord Jesus commands John to write a message to each of these churches. Summary and Explanation: Sardis was a city that had endured two surprise attacks despite its fortifications. Chart 17-1 lists fourteen occurrences of the number seven in Revelation. One church may have the hard work and patience of Ephesus, while another the lukewarm attitude of Laodicea. Each letter, as proclaimed by Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent. Modern Christians should study the example of these four churches, and even ponder their contemporary significance, but ultimately, they should strive to live in obedience with the Great Commission, and follow God’s leading. “I know your works. In the book of Acts, Lydia was a wealthy benefactress and convert to Christianity. Those who repent will be given the “hidden manna” that is the grain of Heaven (Psalm 78:24), and a “white stone” or clean slate with a new identity in Christ (Revelation 2:17). New religions and end of days cults have sprung up around some of these theories. In addition, the following articles may offer more encouragement for all to remember as we face the trials of COVID-19 together: Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2020, Christianity.com. Significance Today: Like the church in Smyrna, Christians are persecuted worldwide in obvious and insidious ways. The message ends with encouragement for those who did not follow this prophetess. Through the centuries, these churches have increased and decreased, and experienced persecution. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1971. Wilmington’s Guide To the Bible. Their location was so full of wickedness the Bible calls it, “where Satan’s throne is...the place where Satan dwells” (Revelation 2:13). Our Lord faults the church in Sardis for maintaining an outward appearance of being “alive,” while actually being spiritually dead (Revelation 3:1). The view is known as the historical-prophetical view: The seven churches are named for their locations. It’s another port city about forty or fifty miles north of Ephesus… 3:8). Their Meaning and Significance During Apocalypse, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. What Is the Mark of the Beast in the Bible? The church’s downfall was its devotion to a false prophet that led some members to commit idolatry and immorality (Revelation 2:20). Christ does not reprimand this church but warns of impending imprisonment for some of its members, urging them to remain faithful “even to the point of death” and remember the promise of their “victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10). In his second letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul answered some questions they had about the days. However, the seven churches in Revelation also have spiritual significance for churches and believers today. The church was not beyond hope, but it needed to find that passion for Christ again. These seven historical churches also serve as archetypes of churches all over the world throughout history. They most likely put their faith in their works, prideful and assuming they were saved, or in good standing with the Lord. The Church that is Spiritually Dead (Revelation 3:1-6). 3. USA: Victor Books, 1984. For a more indepth study of all the seven churches, CLICK HERE. Knowing the challenges they were facing and how they were responding, He admonished them to repent of their mist… Smyrna — Izmir. These seven cities in the Roman province of Asia, in modern-day western Turkey, were the most important of western Anatolia. The letter then addresses the church’s sin by denouncing some of its members for following false teachings that brought about religious and moral compromise (Revelation 2:14-15). These churches were seven real churches at the time, and some believe they represent seven church ages, while others argue they represent seven church types that have existed since the church began, and will exist until Christ returns. Here, Jesus asks for them to let Him in. The Lord said, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. The seven churches in Revelation are literal churches from the first century AD. This “forsaken love” can mean that the Ephesians had become less devoted to Christ or that the work they did was no longer motivated by love for one another. Although the false prophet remained unrepentant, Jesus affirms that the congregation can still repent by turning away from the prophet’s ways (Revelation 2:21-22). Sardis. Which kind of church is best? However, there were members of the church who still held onto their former traditions, not willing to let go of their idols. Others indulged in false doctrine. The "7 Churches" of the Revelation, and the Churches of today and questions of the oecumene -. But the Bible urges us to “not conform to the pattern of this world” but be transformed by the renewal of our mind in accordance with God’s Word (Romans 12:2). McGee, J. Vernon. 7. One such section is at the very beginning, where John addresses the seven churches in Asia - an area in modern Turkey. She maintains a faith and lifestyle blog graceandgrowing.com, where she muses about the Lord, life, culture, and ministry. Some believe the seven churches are only relevant to people living in the 1st century A.D. Others believe the seven churches are relevant today. Smyrna in ancient times was a very wealthy and powerful city, indeed it vied with Ephesus and Pergamon for influence in… The first church mentioned is the Church of Ephesus. Each of these periods can be traced and assigned to a specific phase of the growth and change of the body of Christ over time, from its inception, to its decline before Christ’s return. EDITOR'S NOTE: This previously-written article has become a resource for many seeking to understand if the Coronavirus pandemic is an End Times plague. Theologians believe many of the laborers of this church were expelled from their labor guilds - and unable to legally work in their craft - because of their conversion. In the letters He applauds and chastises each church and He offers them advice on how to get back on track. You can find her on Twitter @LolaWordSmyth. For example, Revelation 2:1 says, "The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands." Christ scolds this church for allowing its economic prosperity to cause it spiritual bankruptcy and reveals that, despite its economic wealth, only He can provide spiritual wealth (Revelation 3:17-18). Thyatira. The Church with a Lukewarm Faith (Revelation 3:14-22). The seven churches also represent the seven spiritual church ages from the New Testament church, right through to the last church before Jesus returns at the second coming. These particular seven churches may have been chosen to receive Christ’s apocalyptic message because, geographically, the churches were located along an established, circular trade route that brought together the most populous and influential parts of the province. The seven churches of Revelation described in Revelation chapters 2 through chapter 3 are seven literal churches at the time that John the apostle was writing Revelation. We can avoid becoming “the living dead” by engaging in our faith through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1991. These church ages are explained below. There are also seven angels blowing seven trumpets which herald seven judgments. They are represented by seven golden lampstands, and the seven angels – or messengers – of the churches, represented by seven stars in the right hand of Jesus. A church that upholds doctrinal purity at the expense of showing love is just as flawed as a church that upholds congregational harmony at the expense of truthful teachings. Thyatira: The church whose false prophetess was leading … The seven churches listed in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 are seven actual letters from Jesus — one to each church. A. Significance Today: Like the Christians in Pergamum, it’s easy to normalize the non-Christian behavior of those around us and allow that behavior to dilute our values (1 Corinthians 15:33). Although they refused to deny … The Lord reminds us in this revelation that He will repay each of us according to our deeds (Revelation 2:23). Who Are the Four Horsemen in Revelation? While they were doing well in an earthly fashion, they were spiritually lacking. The Church of Smyrna received words of comfort. According to this view, each church mentioned in these chapters represents a period in church history. Some theologians ascribe to a combination of these three theories, while others have their own, but these three are prominent. He chided them however, “...you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4b). The Bible notes that slanderous accusations by Jews against Christians had led to Christian persecution by Roman authorities (Acts 14:2, 19: Acts 17:13). What action items should the church take in light of these seven messages? One of the criticisms of this theory is that it dismisses the prophetic nature of the messages, and reduces the significance of the prophecies coming from the glorified Christ. Sardis was a seemingly active church, full of good works. 2. Proud member Despite the church’s love, patience, and endurance, they tolerate this wicked woman taking an inappropriate role of leadership, giving false prophecies, and being flagrantly sinful. Instead, Jesus urges us to keep seeking the Lord’s face even after His hand has bestowed riches in our lives. Christ promises that if Philadelphia’s congregants remain faithful to Him, He will protect them from the “hour of trial” and make them pillars in God’s heavenly temple (Revelation 3:10-12). The Book of Revelation contains the prophecies of the last days, before the New Heaven and the New Earth go on into eternity, with believers living for their God with no sin, no sorrow, and no pain. Those who persevere in faith, however, will receive a share of Christ’s messianic authority over all nations and triumph over death (Revelation 2:26-28). Significance Today: Today, Christians can fall into the trap that ensnared the church in Sardis if we merely go through the motions of practicing our faith without really feeding our spirit. Revelation’s seven churches were among a number of early Christian communities in Asia Minor. Thru the Bible Vol. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. One example of the use of the number seven in the Revelation given to John is the seven churches the text is addressed to. It also only includes a western perspective; it does not take into account movements in Africa, Asia, or South America. Wilmington, H.L. Smyrna is the second church mentioned in Revelation. Philadelphia. Jesus does not reproach this congregation but condemns its persecutors. While the other churches received some encouragement or commendation from the Lord, this church received no positive words. Although John literally wrote Revelation, the Book makes it clear that the source of the revelations is Jesus (Revelation 1:1-2). Jesus’ letter to this church wastes no time denouncing the congregation for its lukewarm faith, threatening to “spit” the congregation out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16). Summary and Explanation: Smyrna was home to a large Jewish community hostile to Christians. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. It’s been almost 2,000 years since the apostle John was instructed by Jesus to write letters to the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation. 4. Pergamum. The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 is a topic of much speculation. John’s “crime” was practicing Christianity. Some believe that the seven churches represent seven periods of church history or seven types of individuals that exist today. The instruction given to Revelation’s congregations, therefore, is valuable to Christian congregations today. It was not a wealthy church either, with opportunities to flee and take refuge somewhere else. Jesus Christ is the infallible Revelator. They were mocked and persecuted for their faith, and it was going to get worse before it got better. Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer and editor. Though they were literal churches in that time, there is also spiritual significance for churches and believers today. In fact, those who persevere despite weaknesses will stand strong as pillars in Heaven. Ephesus. This number shows the completeness of God’s wrath, as well as the perfection of His love throughout the Bible, and becomes a motif in the Last Days. The messages to the church played their part in God’s perfect plan historically, and may still be a part of it currently, depending on which view of the Book of Revelation and the churches an individual takes. Ephesus Smyrna Pergamos Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea. Finally, John addresses the Church of Laodicea. Laodicea. The primary role of these letters concerns what was actually happening in each of the seven local churches that existed during the time of John’s writing. What Are the Different End Times Opinions Amongst Denominations? The seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 were congregations of the Church of God in the first century. 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