Before we get into that question, we will have a look at the Church of Philadelphia!
For our study we are using the Study Guide “Digging Deep into the Revelation of Jesus Christ” which is available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Christianbook.com.
The Church of Philadelphia
The message in chapter 3:7-13 is to the church of Philadelphia which means “Brotherly Love” as they have faithfully kept God’s Word and have been righteous and faithful in all the counsel of God.
William MacDonald (New Believer’s Bible Commentary) says: “By having been true believers they will be raptured, and they will be kept out of the seven-year Tribulation Period.”
This is the church which goes by the principles and prescriptions of the New Testament.
This is the church we desire to emulate.
We, like the church at Philadelphia, want to be ever pleasing to our God (Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:10a; 1 Thessalonians 4:1b; Hebrews 13:21) and see every soul in His flock receive blessings referred to in the Book of Revelation (1:3; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14).
There are two more blessings in Revelation, but these refer to the saints who will come to believe during the Tribulation Period (Revelation 14:13b; 16:15b), and it is our prayer that all in our midst will be raptured, either from the grave or while still alive and will not have to go through the Tribulation Period.
Sincere confession of Jesus Christ involves commitment to Him as Lord and the One and Only Savior. The indwelling Holy Spirit guides each believer to walk worthy of the calling and to be pleasing to Him
Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Colossians 1:10a “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him,”
We need to stay focused and listen to and apply God’s Word to be pleasing to Him
1 Thessalonians 4:1b “you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;”
Hebrews 13:21 “complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
We also need to remember the price He paid for our souls. And we stay motivated by the hope we have of His soon coming appearing to take us up alive forever
Revelation 14:13b “‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”
Revelation 16:15b “Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
The Church of Philadelphia is a church after God’s heart!
In Summary:
In chapter 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation John writes what Jesus tells him to write to the Seven Churches.
Jesus details what He likes and what He has against some of those churches. Church meaning the PEOPLE!
Jesus calls upon the church of
Ephesus,
Pergamos,
Thyatira,
Sardis, and
Laodicea to REPENT!
Jesus points out what He has against them.
Ephesus – the loveless church since they LEFT their First Love. They didn’t lose it, they LEFT their first love –Jesus—. Jesus points this out to them so they can REPENT and return to Him!
Pergamos – the compromising church being over tolerant and therefore allowing practices into the church that are contrary to God’s doctrine. Jesus calls them out to REPENT and return to sound doctrine!
Thyatira – the morally corrupt church because they are allowing women to have authority over men [1 Corinthians 14:34-35; 2 Timothy 2:11-14; 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 2:1-5] and are also committing sexual immorality which God despises. Jesus calls them to REPENT!
Sardis – the spiritually dead church. Jesus says that they seem alive to the outside but are dead on the inside! We can be certain that Jesus knows the heart of every believer and non-believer as well as the professed believer! Jesus calls upon them to REPENT!
Laodicea – the lukewarm or complacent church which is neither hot nor cold! They thought they were rich because they had need of nothing. Jesus counsels them about what rich really means and tells them also to REPENT!
Studying all Seven Churches we notice that Jesus only tells 5 out of the 7 churches to REPENT!
Two churches are true to the Lord!
Smyrna – the persecuted church who will be tested in tribulation. Jesus promises those who overcome the crown of life! And
Philadelphia – the faithful church who will also receive the crown of life! Jesus confirms that they have kept His word and not denied His name!
May we also stay true to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Which church do you belong to?
For a more in-depth study on these seven churches and the Book of Revelation check out the Bible Study Guide “DIGGING DEEP INTO THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST”.
TO THE GLORY OF GOD!
Note: Scripture quoted was taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
