Fundamental Evangelistic Association

selected articles from:

© FOUNDATION
A MAGAZINE OF BIBLICAL FUNDAMENTALISM
Dennis W. Costella, Editor; Karel Beyer, Production Manager; Matt Costella, Copy Editor
M.H. Reynolds, Jr. (1919-1997), Founding Editor

Christ Speaks to the Seven Churches

And Christ's Message to the Church in the Twenty-First Century
Part 1
by Matt Costella
©Foundation Magazine, Jan-Feb 2001

BELIEVERS IN FUNDAMENTALIST churches today often take the time to study and scrutinize
Paul's epistles to the early New Testament churches, but they often overlook John's epistles to the seven
churches in Asia Minor. Yet these seven "mini-epistles" found in Revelation chapters two and three
contain a wealth of truth for the church today, just as Paul's epistles to the churches at Corinth,
Ephesus, Philippi, Galatia, Thessalonica and Colossae are applicable to the lives of all believers in this
present age. As the Word of God, these letters to the seven churches should be studied and applied just
as any other portion of the New Testament, for they contain words of encouragement, exhortation or
rebuke to believers in the twenty-first century Church.
Sadly, the Church through the ages has usually taken one of two approaches to the interpretation and
application of these "mini-epistles." On the one hand, many tend to either neglect the study of the entire
book of Revelation or spiritualize it in a manner so as to drain it of any relevance to the Church today.
On the other hand, many tend to view these messages primarily as a collective, panoramic view of
church history throughout the ages, thus failing to apply the messages for each church to believers in
the present age. Yet the messages to these churches must be interpreted and applied as one would
interpret and apply any other epistle written to an early New Testament church. These letters to the
churches must be taken literally, for they were literally written to living believers at a particular time in
history. Yet these letters are also exemplary in that they can be applied to the church today just as the
Pauline, Petrine and other Johannine epistles were written to literal local churches in the past but apply
to the New Testament Church in the present.
The apostle John wrote the letters to these churches, and the entire book of Revelation, while exiled
on the isle of Patmos as a result of his testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:19 contains a
general outline of the entire book of Revelation; in this verse, Jesus Christ tells John to "write the
things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter." The first
chapter of Revelation contains a detailed description of those things that John had already seen up to
that point–the resurrected, glorified Christ as He stood in the midst of the candlesticks (signifying the
seven churches to which John wrote). "The things which are" refers to Christ's messages to seven
different churches that existed at the time John penned the book of Revelation. These accounts of "the
things which are" comprise the second and third chapters of Revelation. Finally, "the things which shall
be hereafter" refers to John's vision of that which is still yet future, even today–the seven-year
Tribulation, the second coming and millennial reign of Christ and the eternal state. These events are
recorded in chapters 4-22.
As Revelation chapters 1-3 reveals, Christ is walking in the midst of the churches today acting as
their Inspector and Judge. He is observing the outward actions and attitudes as well as the hearts and
motives of those within the church. A careful study of Christ's messages to the seven churches in Asia
Minor is important for the Church today for several reasons. First, such a study reveals the strengths
and weaknesses of the early churches, and today's churches can likewise measure themselves against
the positive and negative aspects of those local bodies of believers. Second, such a study reveals the
mind of Christ concerning the various motives and activities of the local churches. The reader can
discover Christ's thoughts concerning suffering, false doctrine, love, lethargy and many other
characteristics of these early churches. Finally, such a study should serve as a true blessing and
encouragement, for it reveals to the reader that Christ is walking in the midst of the churches and is
intimately acquainted with their every thought, word, motive and deed.
In a day when it seems as though the majority of professing Christians are readily espousing a
pragmatic philosophy of ministry while searching for ecumenical unity at almost any cost and are
lethargic in their approach to applying and understanding sound doctrine, it is necessary to read and
study Christ's words to these seven specific churches in Asia Minor, for the messages of these mini-
epistles are just as applicable to the Church today as they were to the early churches approximately
1900 years ago. God's Word is timeless and always relevant in every age.
Ephesus
Revelation 2:1-7
Background: Accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila, the apostle Paul founded the church at Ephesus
(Acts 18: 18-22). Shortly after the establishment of this church, wicked men attempted to imitate the
apostle Paul's special gifts. But such signs were soon proven to be counterfeit, and the Word of God
grew and prevailed in this city (Acts 19: 8-20). Yet Paul knew that in this region, false teachers lingered
and were ready to destroy the work of God. He called the Ephesian elders together at Miletus and
warned them about the wolves in sheep's clothing that would arise and attempt to destroy their church
(Acts 20:17-38). The church at Ephesus was surrounded by materialism, paganism, heathenism and
immorality.
Christ's Commendation: Christ commended those in the church at Ephesus for several qualities.
First, they were hard workers, or "laborers, " for Christ who persevered for His name's sake. These
believers were not lazy nor idle. Rather, they spent their time working diligently and therefore growing
weary as a result of their labors. Second, they were patient and steadfast. Despite the fatigue from their
labors, they were persistent in doing that which they knew needed to be accomplished. Third, they
hated and condemned that which was morally wrong. They kept themselves pure from immorality
despite the fact that licentious behavior surrounded them. Finally, Christ commended them for
abhorring that which was theologically wrong. Apparently, the leaders in the church at Ephesus had
heeded Paul's warning to them recorded in Acts 20: 17-31. The believers in-this church hated the deeds
of the false teachers known as the Nicolaitans (v. 6). They exercised spiritual discernment and kept
themselves pure from compromise and theological error. They did not tolerate false teachers, nor did
they give up in the battle for truth even though it was often wearisome to carry on. While they
physically grew weary in the work, they did not grow weary of the work. They persevered patiently and
worked diligently for Jesus Christ.
Christ's Complaint: Despite such admirable works, Christ had a solemn rebuke for this church: It
had left its first love (v. 4). While the church at Ephesus appeared to be the perfect church from the
outside, Christ knew their hearts, and He knew that something was missing: a love for Him that fueled
their motivation for service. The first-generation Ephesian believers possessed an unwavering love for
Jesus Christ, as is evident in Acts 19:17-20. These believers changed their lifestyles as a result of their
unwavering love for Him. But this second generation of Ephesian believers consisted of callous
Christians. They worked hard for the cause of Christ as they contended for the faith and fought for
doctrinal purity, but they lacked a yieldedness to Him due to their waning love for Him.
First, the Lord commanded them to "remember" (v. 5)–they were to take time to recall the joy of
their salvation that they experienced when they were first abiding in Christ and feeling the peace of
God in their hearts. The church will not realize its need to possess a love for Christ unless it remembers
what it is missing in the first place. Second, Christ commanded this church to "repent" (v. 5)–this is an
act of the mind that determines a change in behavior. Once these believers remembered the joy,
sweetness and reality of their "first love," they needed to decide with God's help that they would desire
to know that same love once again. Finally, Christ counseled them to return to Him-this is an active
change of behavior. He said, "Do the first works" (v. 5). What were the "first works"? They consisted of
simple faith in Jesus Christ and a genuine love for Him for what He had done for them on Calvary's
cross.
Love for Christ is the proper motivation for Christian service. Most likely, many Fundamentalists
today are valiantly contending for the faith and fighting one battle after another; but for some, their
motivation for service falls short: Love for their Savior is no longer the reason behind their preaching,
teaching and contending for the Faith. It is certainly easy to become so caught up in the battle that a
proper perspective and motivation for service is lost, but Godly, Bible-believing Fundamentalist
churches today need to especially take heed to Christ's message to the church of Ephesus: Outward
"good works" mean little to Christ if one is serving Him for the wrong reason.
The consequences of failing to heed Christ's counsel were serious. Christ said He would cause the
church of Ephesus to lose its influence to the point that it would no longer exist as a light in the midst
of darkness (v. 5). Eventually, their light did burn out. Even today, any work not motivated by love for
the Savior is empty and futile. First Corinthians 13: 1-3 further reveals the importance of love as the
impetus for service. Perhaps some Fundamentalist churches and ministries through the past century
have ceased to exist as a result of an improper motivation for service. Fundamentalist ministries today
that seek to preach, teach and contend for the faith should carefully consider Christ's message to this
church at Ephesus and evaluate their own reasons for service to Christ.
Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11
Although Smyrna was a beautiful seaport town just 35 miles north of Ephesus, it was a city full of
hatred against Christians. The church at Smyrna was plagued by severe physical persecution at the
hands of evil men and false teachers within the city who were fueled by the Jewish community which
hated the followers of Christ. Even several years after John had penned this small epistle to the
believers in the church at Smyrna, the pagans within the city murdered Polycarp, the 90-year-old
bishop of Smyrna who served as a student of the apostle John.
Christ's message to the church at Smyrna was short-only four verses long. Yet these four brief verses
contain unparalleled words of comfort to this church. Christ introduced Himself as "the first and the
last, which was dead, and is alive" (v. 8). Even this introduction was comforting, for it revealed to the
readers in the church at Smyrna that Christ is the eternal One who humbled Himself and came to earth,
who willingly suffered and died on Calvary's cross but is now alive forevermore! Christ's resurrection
assured these saints at Smyrna, who were being martyred for their faith, of their own future resurrection
and everlasting life. This comforting introduction revealed to the believers that the one for whom they
were dying was the one who had the power to guarantee their personal resurrection one day yet future.
Jesus Christ knew about the "tribulation" that the saints at Smyrna endured (v. 9). This strong word
does not merely refer to trials or difficult situations but rather to physical persecution and even
martyrdom. He was also aware of their "poverty," that is, their utter lack of material possessions. This
abject, physical poverty consisted of the loss of all material possessions as a result of the persecution
these believers were called upon to endure. History reveals that the Jews in Smyrna incited the pagans
in the city to unlawfully loot the possessions of the Christians and drive them into hiding. Yet Christ
also knew "the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not" (v. 9). The Lord could see the
very hearts of those who were afflicting His children and knew that the believers at Smyrna were being
persecuted falsely in the name of religion. He explained to them that Satan was the mastermind behind
this great persecution, calling the instigators the "synagogue of Satan." In verse ten, Christ even tells
the believers that Satan himself would cast some into prison and mastermind an intense period of
persecution that would last for ten days. The church today must remember that in the past, Satan has
persecuted the true church in the name of "religion" and he will continue to do everything in his power
to ruin the testimony of the church.
Christ's Commendation: The resurrected, glorified Christ declared to these faithful saints, "Thou
art rich" (v. 9). While they were physically destitute, these saints at Smyrna were spiritually wealthy.
Christ's statement of commendation tells today's church much about the way in which the believers
reacted to their persecutors. They did not act like victims and wallow in self-pity. Rather, they
continued steadfastly in the work of the Lord and refused to allow their intense persecution to detract
from what they knew needed to be accomplished for Christ. Once again, Bible-believing
Fundamentalist churches can learn much from the believers at Smyrna. While today's North American
church does not even remotely begin to experience any form of persecution similar to that of the church
at Smyrna, believers today can learn from this text that when they are scorned, scoffed or ridiculed for
the Biblical positions they take, they must not retreat from the battle nor act as though they are the
"persecuted remnant" who are left alone to fight the battles of the faith. Rather, their attitude should be
one of holy resolve and persistent diligence in that which God has called them to do.
Christ's Complaint: Christ did not utter one word of complaint against this church. He did not find
any fault with the way in which the believers at Smyrna responded to their persecution or with the
works accomplished by these faithful saints. Concerning the absence of any charge against the church
at Smyrna, G. Campbell Morgan noted that in this instance, "silence is more eloquent than all language.
" The conduct and the character of this church perfectly satisfied the Savior.
Christ's Counsel: Christ's instruction to the church at Smyrna was to "fear none of those things
which thou shalt suffer" and "be thou faithful unto death" (v.10). Christ never gave them advice on how
to avoid the persecution but only exhorted them to be fearless and faithful to Him even though they
would suffer for His sake. They would one day receive a crown of life (v. 10) and would not experience
the second death (v. 11). These martyred believers had no need to fear–nor do faithful believers today,
for they will receive the approval of their Savior and are assured of escaping the lake of fire (Rev.
20:11-15).
Christ likewise exhorts His children today to diligently honor and serve Him at all costs. Believers
must know why they believe what they believe and remain rooted and grounded in the Faith (1 Pet.
3:13-18). They must also realize that God often allows suffering in order to make the believer more
suitable for the Master's use (notice Phil. 1:27-30 and I Pet. 4:1-2). The church today must be aware
that in the midst of trials and temptations, the manner in which it responds is vitally important.
Believers need to use such times of difficulty to honor and glorify Christ who suffered and died for all
(1 Pet. 4:12-16).
Pergamos
Revelation 2:12-17
The city of Pergamos (or Pergamum), which was located approximately 50 miles north of Smyrna,
was the great religious center of the Middle East at the time John wrote the book of Revelation.
Pergamos was home to the imperial cult which centered around the worship of the Roman emperor. It
also contained several notable temples to pagan gods and goddesses and was the site of the altar to
Zeus. Christ introduced Himself to the church of Pergamos as the One having "the sharp sword with
two edges" (v. 12). Symbolic of the Word of God which discerns both the thoughts and intents of the
heart (Heb. 4:12), this sword is used by the Lord to judge and declare a verdict against whatever does
not conform to His Word of Truth. The believers in the church at Pergamos needed to see Christ in this
light.
Christ told the believers in this church that He realized the difficult situation in which they found
themselves: "I know... where thou dwellest" (v. 13). This comment is especially noteworthy, for Christ
then adds that they were actually living in the very midst of Satan's domain. At the time of the writing
of Revelation, Pergamos was the center of Satan's seat of power. Not only did he use its paganism and
false religious systems to destroy the lives of its unsaved inhabitants, but he also attempted to destroy
the local church.
Despite popular belief, Satan is alive and actively working today as well, and he is the ruler of this
present, evil world. But Christ knows that Satan controls the world system. He knows where Satan is
located, and He knows how the believer can gain victory over the enemy of his soul.
It is important to notice that Satan chose Pergamos, not Smyrna, to be the place of his personal,
concentrated work. Although he fueled the persecution of the church at Smyrna, his own individual
work focused upon pagan religion and the attempted infiltration of such a world system into the church.
Likewise today, Satan is using "religion" and false teaching even within the church-to lure unsuspecting
individuals away from a relationship with God. The Lord told the believers at Pergamos that He knew
the difficult situation in which they found themselves. He knew that they were surrounded by
unparalleled worldliness and paganism. Even though these believers lived "in the world," they needed
to refrain from partaking "of the world."
Christ's Commendation: Christ commended the believers for holding fast to His name and not
denying the faith (v.13). They remained loyal to Jesus Christ, the center of their belief. They resolutely
affirmed the Person, work and deity of Christ as they preached sound doctrine. Despite the many false
religions around them that certainly mocked their belief in Jesus Christ as God and as the only Savior
of mankind, they held fast to the Person of Christ and did not renounce Him nor embrace a doctrine
that rejected His very nature. Furthermore, they did not distort nor misrepresent the nature or Person of
Christ in a misguided attempt to draw unbelievers to a knowledge of God. Christ told them, "Thou ...
~hast not denied My faith."
Such "faith" to which Christ refers pertains to the body of truth that concerns His perfect, finished
work on Calvary's cross and the pure teaching that had been delivered to the church. This faith belongs
to Christ. It was not theirs to distort or deny. The church at Pergamos believed the Truth and faithfully
affirmed It, even to the point of death. Sadly, the church today often feels as though it has a right, or
even the prerogative, to change the message, to dilute the message or to make the message more
palatable to the masses. Yet the body of truth revealed to believers is God's message-the believers at
Pergamos understood this and respected it. They preached sound doctrine and did not succumb to the
pressure to deny or misrepresent their Savior.
Christ's Complaint: Despite the fact that these believers did not deny nor distort God's message,
Christ brought a grave charge against them: They did not always separate from false doctrine. Christ
said, "Thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam " and "so hast thou also them that hold the
doctrine of the Nicolaitans" (vv. 14, 15). Christ's complaint against the church at Pergamos centered
around its lack of separation from those who espoused false teaching. While the corporate church body
did not hold to false doctrine, some in the assembly did, and the church did not separate from them.
The problem with the church at Pergamos was that these believers tolerated error even though they did
not embrace it themselves. The church was guilty of fellowshipping with those who held to false
doctrine.
Christ's Counsel: First, Jesus Christ instructed the church to repent-they had to change their mind
concerning who they would allow to remain in their fellowship. Notice that He directed this exhortation
toward the church ("thee"), not to the individuals who were espousing the false doctrine ("them").
Second, He instructed the church to take action. The only course this church could take was to separate
from those who embraced false doctrine-to exclude them from their fellowship. Christ said, "Repent; or
else ..." (v. 16). He did not leave room for dialogue or compromise. He knew the course of action they
needed to take, and if they refused to exclude these people from their fellowship, Christ said He would
"fight against them with the sword of [His] mouth" (v. 16). Again, the Word of God is the standard by
which man will be judged, and those who reject or twist the Scriptures will do so only to their own
destruction.
The message to Pergamos is extremely relevant to the church today, for many Evangelical and even
Fundamentalist churches tend to preach sound doctrine, proclaim the Gospel to the unsaved and even
contend for the faith but refuse to separate from those who embrace false doctrine. Many leaders within
professing Christendom today undermine the Biblical doctrine of separation when, in reality, God's
Word clearly declares that separation from false doctrine, and even from believers who espouse false
doctrine, is necessary. Refusing to take God's Word seriously concerning this matter is a dangerous
mistake, for compromise and tolerance of error are greatly displeasing to the Lord. Fundamentalist,
Bible-believing Christians today must make sure that they are not only doctrinally sound (like those in
Pergamos) but also doctrinally pure in their fellowships.
Continued in Part 2

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Fundamental Evangelistic Association

selected articles from:
© FOUNDATION
A MAGAZINE OF BIBLICAL FUNDAMENTALISM
Dennis W. Costella, Editor; Karel Beyer, Production Manager; Matt Costella, Copy Editor
M.H. Reynolds, Jr. (1919-1997), Founding Editor

Christ Speaks to the Seven Churches

And Christ's Message to the Church in the Twenty-First Century
Part 2
by Matt Costella
©Foundation Magazine, Mar-Apr 2001
Continued from Part 1...

Thyatira
Revelation 2:18-29
Unlike the other cities already mentioned in Revelation chapter two, Thyatira was not a major center
of religion or political power. Rather, it was a small, seemingly insignificant city known in the first
century for its trade guilds and its production of dye. Yet despite the city's political, social and religious
inconsequence, the Lord issued a specific, important message to the church at Thyatira, a message that
the Church in the twenty-first century likewise needs to heed.
Christ's Commendation: Christ knew the works of the believers in Thyatira, and He first
commended this church for its love ("charity"). This agape love involved an unselfish love for others.
Christ knew that these believers selflessly loved God and their fellow brethren and that this love was
their motivation for service. Second, He commended them for their service, for He knew that they
genuinely desired to help others in need. The word service in verse 19 means "assistance." Their
compassionate love compelled them to aid needy individuals within the church. Both a spirit of love
and a humble attitude of service motivated the works of the believers in Thyatira. Third, Christ
commended them for their faith, knowing that they possessed complete confidence in Him. He
understood that their works were accomplished out of a spirit of steadfastness to His Word and a
knowledge that what He said would certainly come to pass. Fourth, He commended them for their
patience. He recognized that they continued to endure in their work for His name's sake despite the
unpleasant circumstances in which they found themselves. Finally, Christ commended this body of
believers for continually improving upon its works. Not only did the Savior see their activity for Him
and not only was He aware of the motivation behind their activity, but He also knew that their works
only grew more perfect as time passed. Rather than slowing down in their service for Christ, these
believers became more productive and motivated as they served the Lord.
Christ's commendation of the church at Thyatira in verse 19 should serve as a measuring stick for
today's churches. Bible-believing churches in this present age must evaluate whether they are serving
the Lord out of a proper motivation and continually growing in Christ and improving upon their service
for Him. Sadly, many churches today are satisfied to simply meet the status quo. Rather than
attempting to do more for their Lord, they try to merely survive by doing as little as possible. But
Christ commends only those churches that seek to grow and excel in their service for Him as they
purpose to glorify Him out of a pure, loving heart.
Christ's Complaint: Despite His words of praise for the church at Thyatira, Christ also leveled a
serious charge against this body of believers: It allowed a woman who called herself a prophetess to
remain in the congregation and influence the believers (v. 20). Notice that Christ does not accuse the
church of corporately committing certain sins, but rather, He condemns the church for allowing or
tolerating sin within the congregation. The issue in the church at Thyatira, like that of Pergamos, was
their theological compromise and refusal to separate from that which was contrary to the teaching of
the Word of God. Such unwillingness to separate from sin and error is extremely serious in the sight of
God. These believers within the church refused to separate from and discipline, this woman who
claimed to have received extra-biblical revelations (to the extent that she even called herself a
"prophetess") and who induced the believers to commit fornication and embrace idolatry. This false
prophetess claimed to have received special knowledge of what Christ described as the "depths of
Satan" (V. 24), which led some within the church of Thyatira to commit immorality and idolatry against
the Lord. As in the city of Pergamos, Satan used sexual licentiousness to destroy the lives of men and
women within the city of Thyatira, clothing such wickedness in a cloak of religion. This woman's
extra-biblical "revelation" supposedly gave those within the church license to do that which God had
clearly forbidden them to do, namely, to commit fornication and practice idolatry, causing the believers
both physical and spiritual ruin.
Christ gave this woman a period of time to repent of her false teachings, but she refused to repent (v.
21). Consequently, He declared that judgment would fall upon this false prophetess and her followers.
Any who heeded and practiced her doctrine, even those within the church at Thyatira, would surely die;
this judgment would serve as an outward example of Christ's omniscience and His lack of toleration for
sexual and spiritual fornication and idolatry.
Christ's Counsel: While this woman did teach and seduce some within the church, many did not
follow her ways; however, they were guilty of keeping quiet and tolerating her false teaching. To those
who refused to heed her doctrine (that is, to claim to know "the depths of Satan"), Christ reminded
them, "I will put upon you none other burden" (v. 24). To what was Christ referring? One must keep in
mind that He was writing to those in the church who had refused to believe in this woman's "advanced
revelation" and follow her licentious behavior. When Christ told these believers that He would "put
upon [them] none other burden," He was reminding them that they would not receive any other
messages from Him besides that which had been already written by the New Testament prophets and
apostles and that which was currently being written to them in the form of this epistle. The "burden"
does not refer to trials, for the church would certainly experience difficulties as they lived in a corrupt,
pagan culture. Nor does the "burden" refer to yet another woman who would similarly invade the
church with false teaching, for God had not cast the false prophetess upon this church in the first place.
This "burden" refers to additional divine revelation beyond that which they had already possessed and
that which they were receiving from the apostle John. The word burden is used in a similar manner in
Acts 15:22-29. This text reveals that in the early church, certain Judaizers were telling believers they
needed to keep the Law and be circumcised. Yet Paul and others declared that they would "lay upon
[the believers in the churches] no greater burden than these necessary things" (v. 28). While the
believers needed to refrain from being a stumbling block to weaker brethren in the faith (v. 29), the
only requirement for salvation was faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. The Message was
settled once and for all.
Christ instructed the faithful, "But that which ye have already hold fast till I come" (v. 25). He
promised the church that it would not receive any other revelation from God; thus, they would know
that any who professed to have obtained another message from the Lord was actually a false messenger
of Satan. Christ's Message to the church at Thyatira, and His Message to the Church today, is complete.
The doctrine to which the Church is to adhere is enunciated solely in the written Word of God, and the
Revelation of Jesus Christ to the apostle John was the last of the Written Word. Like those believers in
Thyatira, the Church today must hold fast to the Word she has already received until the return of
Christ; and accordingly, she must reject any other message that someone claims to have received from
God.
Sardis
Revelation 3:1-6
Sardis was a city entrenched in worldly, pagan activity like that of the other cities already studied.
Yet the church at Sardis is unique from the four churches previously addressed by Christ in that it was
completely enveloped by the worldliness that surrounded it—the church at Sardis could not even be
distinguished from the world! It is extremely important to study and better understand this church
because so many leaders in the present realm of Christendom are actually exhorting and encouraging
today's churches to live like the world and conform to the lifestyle, attitude and actions of unbelievers.
Fundamentalists today must keep in mind what Christ has to say to a church that is so similar to many
congregations existing in this present day—churches that fit right in with the world.
Notice how Christ introduced Himself to this church: "He that hath the seven Spirits of God" (v. 1).
The "seven Spirits of God" likely denotes the ministry of the Holy Spirit as proclaimed in Revelation
1:4 as well as Isaiah 11:2-3. The Holy Spirit fulfills many duties, one of which is to guide the believer
into the truth of the Word of God so long as the believer is yielded to Him (Isaiah refers to the Spirit of
"wisdom," "understanding," "counsel" and "knowledge"—all denoting the idea of an acquisition of
Truth). The problem in the church at Sardis centered around its lack of yieldedness to the Spirit, both
on the part of the laity and even on the part of the pastor-notice how the introduction adds that Christ is
the One who has not only the seven Spirits of God but also "the seven stars." While Christ held up the
pastor of the church in a place of leadership and authority, this pastor's lack of submission to the will of
God caused the church to plunge into spiritual ruin. Today, Christians sitting in the pews of Bible-
believing churches need to ask themselves whether or not they are yielded to the will of God and
heeding the guiding ministry of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Likewise, the pastors and leaders of these
churches need to ascertain as to whether they themselves are surrendered to the will of God and, thus,
completely submissive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Christ's Commendation: Like His addresses to the previous churches, Christ told the church at
Sardis that He knew their works (v. 1). But this time, these words seem to have been uttered in a
completely different tone. Now, Christ's words usher fear and dread into the hearts of the believers
rather than the typical joy and comfort that comes as a result of knowing that Christ is pleased with a
"job well done. " Christ said nothing commendable concerning the service of these believers in Sardis.
Rather, He stated, "Thou hast a name that thou livest." The church at Sardis appeared to be alive on the
outside, for it was doing all it could to live up to its reputation within the community. But notice that
this church was void of any reputation that was praiseworthy in the eyes of Christ. Therefore, its
"name" (v. 1) and notability must have been rooted in that which was popular with the world rather
than that which was pleasing and acceptable to the Savior.
The worldly society of Sardis apparently looked at this church and was enthralled with what it saw.
It appeared to the unsaved that this church could meet their perceived needs and give them the counsel
and direction they felt they needed—it was the "trendy," "alive" and "happening " place to be. But in
reality, this church had nothing worthy of commendation in the eyes of its omniscient Inspector. Their
outward works consisted only of that which the world found admirable. The church at Sardis
apparently had a reputable name in the world, a reputation that likely brought them fame, fortune and
recognition fro the worldly masses of people around them. Yet Christ knew the reality of their situation
and observed that they were dead to spiritual things. These believers were more concerned about their
reputation before the world than their reputation before their Savior. How similar this first-century
church is to so many churches within professing Christendom today. A pragmatic, man-centered
philosophy of ministry prevails in a growing number of Evangelical and even Fundamentalist churches.
Rather than being concerned about honoring the Savior and remaining true to His Word, these churches
attempt to appeal to the unsaved and find favor with the world rather than with God.
If one were determined to find at least one commendable statement about this church, it could be
noted that at least some within the congregation had refused to live and act like the world (v. 4). Notice
how this differs from the churches previously studied—in those churches, any who compromised or
held to false doctrine found themselves in the minority within the church. But in Sardis, the believers
who did "not [defile] their garments" comprised the minority of the congregation. The fact that Christ
said only "a few" in Sardis were not defiled reveals that the outward actions of this congregation were
sorely displeasing in the sight of God.
Christ's Complaint: Christ bluntly proclaimed, "Thou art dead." The believers at Sardis were
inwardly dead. They possessed no living, intimate relationship with Christ despite the fact that they
were His children. Outwardly, the world looked at this church and saw "success" and "prestige." Yet
any who attended this church and hoped to find the "meat of the Word" being taught or lived out in the
lives of its members would find no such thing.
It is interesting to note in studying the church at Sardis that man's view of a "dead" church seems to
be at complete odds with Christ's view of a "dead" church. Today, men and women believe a church to
be "alive" if it features entertaining messages, moving music, lively drama and motivational speeches
that both Christians and non-Christians alike can find enjoyable or helpful. They believe a church to be
"dead" if they do not leave a service feeling amused, entertained or emotionally charged. Yet Christ
defines a "dead" church as one that is comfortable with the world, applauded by the world and steeped
in the ways of the world. In the Lord's eyes, an "alive" church, on the other hand, is one that faithfully
preaches the whole Word of God and glorifies the Savior through Christ-honoring music and untainted
fellowships. This dichotomy between man's definition and God's definition is yet another instance in
which it is evident that God's thoughts are not man's thoughts, neither are His ways man's ways (Isa.
55:8-9).
Not only did Christ tell those in the church at Sardis that they were dead, but He also added, "I have
not found thy works perfect before God" (v. 2). This church was not only inwardly dead, but outwardly
dead as well. In the eyes of Christ, one cannot be out of fellowship with Him and simultaneously please
Him through any outward works. The unsaved world looked at the superficial deeds of this church and
saw life. God looked at the outward works of this church and saw utter emptiness. The word perfect in
verse two means "to be complete or fulfilled." While these believers were most likely "going through
the motions" on a regular basis (meeting each Sunday, praying, etc.), they were busier doing what they
felt they needed to do rather than what God had actually commanded them to do. Their works were not
perfect before God for two reasons: First, because they were inwardly shipwrecked in the faith, and
second, because they outwardly fulfilled that which was popular in the sight of the world rather than in
the sight of God.
Christ's Counsel: First, Christ counseled this church to "be watchful, and strengthen the things
which remain, that are ready to die" (v. 2). What "remained" in this church? Those works that were not
perfect before God: their weekly meetings, their prayers, their offerings, etc. in God's eyes, these acts
were accomplished in vain; but since this church's works did still exist, the Lord exhorted it to support
its outward actions through inward change so as to make this church at Sardis alive once again. Even
the semblance of true Christianity that still existed would entirely disappear unless this church changed
her ways. This is likewise true for Christians today on a personal level. Many leave good
Fundamentalist churches to seek "greener pastures" in a New Evangelical or Charismatic congregation.
Usually, however, the "problem" lies not with the church they left but with their inward attitudes and
spiritual condition. Often, such individuals eventually end up forsaking anything even pertaining to
orthodox Christianity. Remember, this continually happened to the Israelites of old who coveted the
gods and religions of the nations around them and eventually fell prey to the snares of Satan. The flesh
will never lead the believer to a closer relationship with his God. Believers must keep their eyes set
upon the Word and will of the Savior, for only then can they experience true joy and satisfaction.
Christ then exhorted the church to "remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold
fast, and repent" (v. 3). First, they were to "remember" God's instructions to them. These believers
already knew what was right. They had previously received and heard God's Word just as they were
presently receiving His Word from Christ Himself through the pen of the apostle John. Second, they
were to "hold fast" that which they had received and heard. They were to personally heed and apply the
Word of God to their own lives.
Finally, they were to "repent," that is, change their thinking about Christ and His Revelation to them.
As with the churches at Ephesus (2:5) and Pergamos (2:16), Christ vowed to destroy the testimony of
the local church at Sardis unless it changed its ways (v. 3). Christ was serious about error and
worldliness and did not want His church to be identified with such wickedness.
Fundamentalists today can easily point fingers at other churches that clearly fit the description of the
church a Sardis, churches that appear to thrive and gain the applause of the world but are actually void
of true spiritual life. But God desires for Fundamentalist churches that profess to be true to Him to
examine themselves and determine whether or not they are falling short or beginning to follow path of
pragmatism and spiritual " deadness. " He wants believers to look within themselves to see if they a
perhaps "alive" in the eyes of others, but in reality, are actually dead. If true spirituality is found to be
lacking, the believer must heed God's call to the church in the twenty-first century to remember, to hold
fast and to repent. Blessings await the yielded, sanctified saint (v. 4).
Philadelphia
Revelation 3:7-13
 Philadelphia was a city much like its surrounding cities in that it was plagued by paganism,
heathenism, wickedness and evil men who persecuted the true believers. But how did the believers in
the local church at Philadelphia respond to their surroundings? It is evident from the Biblical text that
they took advantage of every opportunity they had to serve God and be faithful to His Word despite
their circumstances. As Christ stood in the midst of the church at Philadelphia and inspected their
outward works as well as their inward motives, He had nothing negative to say to this church. The
church at Smyrna was the only other church to which Christ never uttered a complaint. Compared to
the church at Sardis, the congregation at Philadelphia was small and seemed insignificant, but
remember that Christ said the large, "successful" church at Sardis was dead in His sight while this
small, unpopular church at Philadelphia was spiritually thriving.
Despite the similarities between Philadelphia and Smyrna, the believers in Philadelphia were not
dying for the cause of Christ, as were those in Smyrna. They were suffering persecution, but not
physical persecution to the point of death. So while the church at Smyrna needed to be reminded that
Christ was God who was dead and is now alive, the believers at Philadelphia needed to hear that Christ
was in complete control of all that was occurring around them. Notice how Christ introduced Himself
to this church at Philadelphia (v. 7). First, He described Himself as "He that is holy. " This reveals His
character. Christ is completely free from any sin or impurity, and because He is holy in His very nature,
it is impossible for Him to be anything but holy. Only One who is holy can call the believer to a life of
holiness (1 Pet. 1: 15). Second, Christ introduced Himself as "He that is true." This reveals Christ's
conduct, His actions. Christ is the Author of all truth (for He is Truth), and all His works are
accomplished in righteousness and justice. The believers in the church at Philadelphia needed to
remember this fact. Third, Christ identified Himself as "He that hath the key of David, He that openeth,
and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth." This denotes Christ's kingship, His
sovereignty and His authority over not only the Millennial Kingdom yet future but also over all the
earth and over all the churches. It was Christ Himself who both opened doors of service for the
believers in Philadelphia and also closed doors of opportunity at times. He wanted to remind these
saints at Philadelphia of His holiness, truth and sovereignty.
In verse eight, Christ told the church that He had specifically set before them an open door of
opportunity and service. This "open door" must have been similar to that which the apostle Paul had
desired when He entreated the Lord for an open "door of utterance" to proclaim the Word of God (see
Col. 4:3 and 2 Cor. 2:12). While the specific "open door" that Christ set before the church at
Philadelphia cannot be deduced from the text, it is obvious that these believers recognized the fact that
the door was opened and they subsequently did all in their strength to take advantage of their God-
given opportunity.
Christ's Commendation: Christ told those in this church, "Thou hast a little strength" (v. 8). From
the context, it is clear that this statement denotes the physical insignificance of these believers in the
eyes of men but their spiritual power and strength in the eyes of God. The church at Philadelphia was
small and insignificant—a remnant within the city—yet they possessed the necessary strength to
accomplish the will of Christ in that city. This should serve as a warning to Fundamentalist churches
today that seek to place a greater emphasis on numbers and programs than on the clear, consistent
proclamation of the whole counsel of God. Conversely, it should serve as an encouragement to those
faithful churches that are not large, impressive or influential in the eyes of men but are striving to be
faithful and pure in the ministry to which they are called. God does not call the church to rely on the
power of numbers or seek to gain political influence or devise social programs. On the contrary, the
Lord is more concerned that the church honor and obey Him in spirit and in truth as it proclaims the
Gospel, teaches the Word and contends for the Faith once delivered to the saints.
Christ commended these believers for their fidelity to His Word. Not only did they possess a little
strength, but, He stated, they "have kept My Word." This denotes this church's adherence to sound
doctrine and subsequent obedience to it. They persistently and consistently obeyed the clear teaching of
God's Word and refused to tolerate error. To "keep" God's Word involves offensive action (obedience)
as well as defensive reaction and caution (separation) from anything that contradicts God's Word.
Christ then commended the believers at Philadelphia for not denying His name. This denotes the
believers' inward attitudes—their true love and motivation for service. Not only did they refuse to
renounce their faith when it would have been easy for them to do so in order to avoid strife and
persecution, but they also labored for Christ for the right reasons. They did not leave their first love, but
rather, they held fast to His name through both good times and bad. To "not deny [His] name" involves
faithfulness to Christ—an attitude of the heart.
Finally, Christ commended these believers for keeping the "word of [His] patience" (v. 10). Not only
did those at Philadelphia adhere to the "faith once delivered" in its entirety, but specifically, they held
fast to Christ's command to be patient unto His coming. They kept Christ's mandate to persevere and
wait for His return—a command that is continually set before the church throughout the New
Testament. Today, believers are likewise exhorted to stand firm on the truths of the Word of God as
they wait for His coming (Jas. 5:8; 1 Jn. 2:28). The child of God is to "occupy, " or "do business," until
the return of Christ (Lk. 19:13).
Christ's Promises: To these faithful, righteous saints, Christ promised vindication (v. 9). This verse
could possibly refer to an actual historical event to which the Church today is not privy, but most likely
it pertains to the time when the unsaved will finally know of Christ's love for His Church and
experience His judgment at the Great White Throne. Then, all will acknowledge that Jesus is the
Messiah and will know of His love for those who have believed in Him. For the church at Philadelphia,
Christ outlined the future exaltation of believers and humiliation of unbelievers.
Christ's second promise to the believers at Philadelphia was that He would deliver His saints out of
the coming Tribulation (v. 10). This promise is not merely referring to general testing and persecution,
for the saints at Philadelphia (and those in many other cities throughout the history of the Church)
certainly did experience and continue to experience persecution. Concerning this deliverance, one must
notice that Christ promised to "keep [the believers] from" a particular span of time: "the hour of
temptation (testing)." One must also understand that this period of time consists of a great testing that
will come upon the whole world in order to "try them" that dwell upon the earth. Finally, one must
recognize that the believers are delivered "from" (εκ, meaning "from" or "out of" in the Greek) this
span of time, not merely protected through it. It is evident through careful study of this passage that
Christ is referring to the coming seven-year Tribulation. The church at Philadelphia possessed the
Scriptures and was aware of that which Jesus and the apostles taught concerning the cataclysmic future
events. But Christ told them they did not need to worry about enduring this horrible period of time.
These believers in Philadelphia, as well as all believers who have died up to this point in the twenty-
first century, have been delivered from the Tribulation by virtue of their physical death. But even today,
believers can have the assurance that they will not experience this seven-year period in which God will
pour out His wrath on an unbelieving world. Those saints who are alive at Christ's coming (the rapture)
will be caught up and delivered from this time of testing that will come upon the whole earth (1 Thess.
4:16-18).
Christ also promised a crown, or a reward, to those faithful believers who held fast to His Word (v.
11). He exhorted the saints at Philadelphia to watch for His coming and to "hold that fast which thou
hast" so they would not lose the reward they had laid up for themselves in heaven. Many of the other
churches were to "watch out" because Christ would come upon them suddenly to remove their
candlestick as a result of their infidelity to Him. But this "watching" on the part of the church at
Philadelphia consisted of a hopeful expectation rather than a fearful, dreaded anticipation.
Today, faithful Christians are assured of the same promises as those given to the Christ-honoring
believers in Philadelphia—they will be vindicated one day, they will be delivered out of the seven-year
Tribulation and they will receive a crown or reward for their faithfulness to the Savior. The church at
Philadelphia was persistent and faithful in serving Christ, in watching for His coming and in taking
every opportunity He gave them to minister to others. This church was small and insignificant, yet the
power of God rested upon it. Persistent obedience (action) and faithfulness (attitude) are the keys to a
truly successful church. Fundamentalists today must sincerely examine themselves and seek to emulate
the obedience and faithfulness of those in the church at Philadelphia. In doing so, they will glorify
Christ in every aspect of their ministry, meet His approval and enjoy a blessed relationship with their
Lord.
Laodicea
Revelation 3:14-22
Christ's letter to the church at Laodicea contains a message deeply relevant to today's
Fundamentalist, Bible-believing churches. Oftentimes, this church is unjustly vilified as an apostate
church and is categorized as that which is outside the bounds of true Christianity. But such was not the
case, for the text reveals that this church at Laodicea consisted of true believers who were walking afar
off from a right relationship with their Savior. The believers in this church were self-deceived
concerning their spiritual well-being and apathetic about their need to be "lights" and "witnesses" to
those around them. Believers today have much to learn from the church at Laodicea and must not write
it off as that which they are not or that which they could never become. No, Christians today must
listen to what Christ said to this church and search their own hearts and lives just as He Himself is
inspecting and searching the hearts and lives of all His children at this very moment.
Like many of the surrounding communities, Laodicea was a city full of wealth and paganism. It is
interesting to note that the church in Laodicea is mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament Scriptures.
Four times in his letter to the church at Colossae (a city located only 11 miles from Laodicea) the
apostle Paul referred to the congregation in Laodicea (2:1-3; 4:12-16). Paul was deeply concerned
about the heart condition of these believers and told the Colossian saints to make sure that his epistle to
them would be read to the church in Laodicea as well. Evidently, by the time John penned Christ's
words to this church, it had already been established for many years, for when Paul had written his
Colossian epistle several years earlier, the spiritual needs of the congregation in Laodicea were already
obvious to him. Quite possibly, the church in Laodicea had been a sister church to the one in Colossae.
Notice Christ's introduction to this church (v. 14). First, He introduced Himself as "the Amen." This
word, in the New Testament context, means something that is established, positive and sure. It is also
translated "verily" or "truly" in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the "Amen." He is Surety and Truth,
the ultimate Authority, the Certainty, the Amen. He is "the Truth" (Jn. 14:6) expressed in a Person.
Second, He introduced Himself as "the faithful and true Witness." Jesus Christ is the all-faithful One
and the true communication of God the Father to mankind. Nothing He says to the church is an
inaccurate or untrue representation of the facts. Nothing He says can be challenged or debated because
He is "the faithful and true Witness." Finally, He introduced Himself as "the beginning of the creation
of God." The word beginning ( α ρ χ η ) means He is the cause or originator of creation. Colossians
1:15-18 relates this same fact. This statement not only reveals the glory due Christ, but it also continues
to underlie the authority by which His letter to the church in Laodicea is written.
Christ's Complaint: The Savior wrote, "Thou art neither cold nor hot" (vv. 15-16). Such a
statement denoted the general spiritual condition of the church at Laodicea. Apparently, the terms
"cold," "hot" and "lukewarm" describe three different spiritual states in which God classifies believers.
To be cold is to be frozen, lifeless or void of any activity. To be hot is to be active, zealous and full of
life and vitality. To be lukewarm is to be tepid, to have the name "Christian " but to actually be
indifferent and apathetic to sound doctrine and faithful witness. To the church at Laodicea, Christ said
He preferred that they would be either cold or hot rather than lukewarm. The fact that Christ would
even admit that He preferred the church to be cold rather than lukewarm reveals both His extreme
displeasure with lukewarmness and the spiritual peril of those who are found to be "lukewarm."
Because this church at Laodicea was lukewarm, Christ said He was ready to extinguish any flame that
remained of the candlestick of Laodicea (just as He had promised to do with the other churches that did
not heed His counsel). In fact, their lukewarmness was so distasteful to the Lord, so utterly intolerable,
that He was ready to vomit the church from His mouth. Obviously, this church in its tepid state did
more to harm to the cause of Christ than to advance His cause.
The believers in Laodicea believed themselves to be prosperous (v. 17); they assessed their spiritual
state as "rich, and increased with goods. " But this church was self-deceived. The believers thought
they needed nothing from Christ because they possessed all the world could offer them. They relied
upon their own efforts, programs and strategies in order to satisfy their own perceived needs. This self-
sufficiency was nothing but lukewarmness in God's sight. Without doubt, one of the most dangerous
delusions that any Fundamental church can have today is to think itself to "have need of nothing." For
that matter, any self-delusion on the part of a local church concerning any matter is dishonoring to God
and spiritually detrimental to those within the fellowship.
Christ declared this church to be lukewarm, but the church, in turn, replied that it was rich and in
need of nothing. Christ then pronounced it wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked (v. 17), denoting
its true spiritual condition as judged by the omniscient Christ (notice the word order in vv. 15-17: "thou
art ... thou sayest ... thou art"). These believers were "wretched"—they were oppressed with a great
burden (cf. Rom. 7:24) but did not even realize it; "miserable"—they were pitiable and full of misery;
"poor"—they were spiritually destitute to the point of beggary; "blind"—they were void of spiritual
discernment; and "naked"—they did not possess any spiritual glory, light or outward fruit characteristic
of true Christianity. Notice the contrast between the church at Laodicea and the church at Smyrna: The
Laodicean church was physically rich but spiritually impoverished while the church at Smyrna was
physically destitute yet spiritually wealthy.
Christ's Counsel: Christ's instruction to this church was fourfold. First, they were to "buy of [Him]
gold ... white raiment ... eye-salve" (v. 18)—Christ exhorted them to rely solely upon Him for their
sufficiency. They needed "gold" because they were wretched, miserable and poor (v. 17). The gold
represents true spiritual riches and satisfaction that can only be obtained through refining fire rather
than ease and comfort alone. These believers needed to be different from the world, and such action
would result in the scorn and persecution of the world but true spiritual blessing from Christ. They
needed "white raiment" because they were naked and needed to clothe themselves not only in the
righteousness of Christ which clothes every believer, but also in the righteousness of the saints which
results from producing spiritual fruit and abiding in Christ. They needed "eye salve" because they were
blind and could not see things as Christ saw them. These believers were destitute of wisdom and
discernment and needed to realize that only conformity to the Word and will of God would cause their
eyes to be opened. Second, Christ counseled them to be zealous (v. 19), that is, to be hot rather than
lukewarm. After relying upon God for true spiritual riches and 20/20 vision, this church needed to
return to her first love and zealously serve Him alone. Third, Christ admonished this church to repent,
that is, to change its mind concerning itself and its relationship with the Lord. Finally, Christ entreated
those in the church at Laodicea to "open the door" (v. 20), a statement that reveals Christ's patience and
longsuffering with those who had forsaken Him. He desires to fellowship with His children, but He
forces such fellowship upon no one. He stood at the door, hoping that even one man, woman or child in
the church at Laodicea would hear His voice and open the door and fellowship with Him.
Christ loved the church at Laodicea despite its apathy and self-delusion, and that is why He rebuked
these believers so severely (v. 19). Yet He hated their spiritual condition. Notice once again Paul's
statement concerning the church at Laodicea in Colossians 2:1-3. He wanted them to realize that true
riches are only found in Christ and that the moment any church thinks itself rich and in need of nothing,
it immediately becomes "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. " Yet hope is not
lost. Christ is standing, knocking on the door and waiting for His children to return to fellowship with
Him. He is the Judge and Inspector, standing in the midst of the churches. He knows the status of every
church today, and although man may deceive himself, he can never deceive the Lord.
Believers must study and heed Christ's words to these seven early churches, for these congregations
mirror thousands of local assemblies that exist today. Every church must determine where it stands in
the eyes of the great Inspector and judge who knows the hearts. Such careful introspection can only be
accomplished by measuring oneself against the very words of God found in the Holy Scriptures. Those
who fall short must, even now, "remember, repent, and return."
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