THE CHURCH OF OUR TIME: Seven Churches of Revelation In Perspective

THE CHURCH OF OUR TIME: SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION IN PERSPECTIVE

By

Unongu, Moses Atogo

Introduction:

“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit… As it was in the beginning, it is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen”.

“When the missionaries came to Africa, they had the Bible and we had the land. They said ‘Let us pray’. We closed our eyes. When we opened them, we had the Bible and they had the land.”

The above quote by Bishop Desmond Tutu, South African Man-Of-God and Nobel Peace Prize winner sums up the numerous struggle and resistance posed by Africans during the spread of Christianity by Missionaries. It also gives an insight on the feelings of traditionalists in Africa then, and even now.

Christianity mainly concerns the Christian religion and Church, from the ministry of Jesus up to contemporary times and denominations. Christianity differs most significantly from the other Abrahamic religions in the claim that Jesus Christ is God the Son. The vast majority of Christians believe in a triune God consisting of three unified and distinct persons: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Throughout its history, the religion has weathered schisms and theological disputes that have resulted in many distinct churches. The largest branches of Christianity are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Protestant Churches.

Christianity began spreading initially from Jerusalem, and then throughout the Near East, ultimately becoming the state religion of Armenia in 301 , of Ethiopia in 325, of Georgia in 337, and then the State church of the Roman Empire in 380. Becoming common to all of Europe in the Middle Ages, it expanded throughout the world during the Age of Exploration. Christianity has thus become the world's largest religion.

Christianity is not just a religion. It is actually more than that. It is a relationship with God. Christianity is trusting in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for us all (1 Cor. 15:1-4), not on what we can do for ourselves (Eph. 2:8-9). Christianity is not about ornate buildings, flamboyant preachers, or traditional rituals. Christianity is about truly accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  

The church has always had the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the time and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. Thus, in language intelligible to each generation, she can respond to the perennial questions which men ask about this present life and the life to come, and about the relationship of the one to the other. We must, therefore, recognize and understand the world in which we live, its explanations, its longings, and its often dramatic characteristics.

The Book of Revelation

The Revelation to John was written at a time when Christians were being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. The writer’s main concern is to give his readers hope and encouragement, and to urge them to remain faithful during times of suffering and persecution. For the most part of the book consist of several series of revelations and visions presented in symbolic language that would have been understood by Christians of that day, but would have remained a mystery to all others. Foremost among the vision of John is the vision and message to the seven churches of Asia. In Revelation, on the Island of Patmos, Greece, Jesus Christ instructs his servant John to “write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches…” (Rev. 1:11). Churches in this context refer to the community of Christians living in each city, and not merely the buildings in which they gather for worship.

The Seven (7) Churches of Revelation

Also known as the ‘seven churches of the Apocalypse’, the churches are seven major communities of early Christianity as mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation and written by Ignatius of Antioch. The seven churches are located in Western Asia Minor, present day Turkey, accessible by way of the Aegean Sea and the ancient trade routes between the west and the east. During the first few centuries after Jesus Christ, these Roman controlled were also important in early Christianity. Although the actual churches ceased to thrive in the centuries of Muslim control after the Romans (Treaty of Lausanne), the archeological remains of all seven locations currently exist in present day Turkey.

The churches are:-

1.    Ephesus: The desirable church that left its first love

2.   Smyrna: The persecuted church that suffered poverty and martyrdom

3.   Pergamum: The worldly church that mixed doctrines and needed to repent

4.   Thyatira: The false church that followed a seductive prophetess

5.   Sardis: The dead church that fell asleep

6.   Philadelphia: The church of brotherly love that endures patiently

7.   Laodicea: The Lukewarm church with a faith that is neither hot nor cold

What do the Seven Churches stand for?

The seven churches described in Revelation 2-3 are seven literal churches at the time that John the Apostle was writing Revelation. Though they were literal churches in that time, there is also spiritual significance for churches and believers today. The first purpose is to write to the literal churches and meet their needs at that time (Literal Understanding). The second purpose is to reveal seven different types of churches throughout history and instruct then in God’s truth (Universal Understanding).

A possible third purpose is using the seven churches to represent seven different periods in the history of the church (Prophetic Understanding). The problem with this view is that each of the seven churches describes issues that could fit the church in anytime in its history. However, our focus should be on what message God is giving to us through the seven churches. It is pertinent to state here that, there were more than seven churches in Asia Minor in John’s day; and therefore, the seven is representative of something. Seven, of course, as a number in the Bible means completeness, so, it can easily be deduced that John, by inspiration of our Lord Jesus Christ through the spirit, is giving us a complete picture and overview of the church of Jesus Christ, and conditions that will prevail with it throughout this age.

The interpretation that any of these conditions could be existent at any time in the church’s history, fits in very well with the parables of Matthew chapter 13, where we have the seven mystery parables of the kingdom. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave the seven parables describing the conditions of the kingdom of God during the church age – that is, the particular age in which we live. There is a rather strange correspondence between the seven churches of revelation and these seven parables. The church of Ephesus shows great similarities to the parable of the sower; the church of Smyrna to the parable of the wheat and tares; the church at Pergamum shows similarities to the parable of the mustard seed; the church of Thyatira similarities to the parable of the leaven; the church at Sardis the parable of the treasure hidden; the church at Philadelphia the parable of the pearl; and the church at Laodicea the parable of the dragnet. As a matter of fact, each of the parables speaks of some aspect of all of the churches during all of this church age.   

The church of our time as viewed through the perspective of Revelation

It is the duty of the church at the present time to strive towards a clearer and deeper awareness of itself and its mission in the world, and of the treasury of truth of which it is heir and custodian. The church is expected to reflect on its own nature, thereby upholding the divine plan which it is the church’s task to implement. But is the church of our time, 21^st Century, following in the good steps of the church of the old as exemplified by the early Christians and further amplified by the missionaries and martyrs of the middle ages? I am afraid not. Things have gone so wrong in the church today such that, when I pick up the Bible and open to the book of Revelation, I feel this instant guilt that is reticent of a people going astray; off guard; off limits.  The church is now, practically, living on its past glory; a shadow of an old self.  

At this point, I shall take the churches one after the other for us to properly understand the message therein.

1.    Ephesus:  The desirable church that left its first love (Rev 2:1-7). Ephesus was the influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea, now known for its huge metropolis of ancient streets, arches and ruins. Ephesus was the centre of the worship of artemis, the goddess, and the people worship this goddess with great devotion. Paul the Apostle invested three years in establishing a church there. Other famous characters were also involved in the church at Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquilla, Apollos, Timothy was sent by Paul to Ephesus, Onesiphorus and Tychicus, and of course, John the Apostle.

The Ephesians were like the pit bulls of doctrinal dogma; in the midst of their fight with false apostles, and in the midst of their right, correct doctrine, they lost their love for Christ, for one another, and for mankind as it was in the beginning of their faith. This is common with Christians today. We attach much importance to trivialities, more than we do to Christ. Materialism and overemphasis on doctrinal beliefs have taken over the love we once had for Christ. Jesus Christ is now seen to be relegated to the background. The picture of the church today is pathetic. The church has been taken up with the place and practice, to the detriment of the first love that we had in the beginning for person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and for each other, and for the lost world. All has disappeared.  What generation of Christian are you? Is it so easy to slip away from the love of Christ as it was without realizing it? Grace be with all those that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

2.   Smyrna: The persecuted church that suffered poverty and martyrdom (Rev 2:8-11). Smyrna was located north of Ephesus in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbours, commerce, and market places. The primary ruins of Smyrna are located in the modern Turkish City of Izmir. It was an idyllic city. It was known as “the crown of Iona, the ornament of Asia”. Yet, behind the physical façade of beauty lurked an evil, the satanic opposition of Christ in the whole of Asia. Smyrna was idyllic with a satanic undertone. Christians in Smyrna were persecuted for their faith. They were martyred, butchered, burned for Jesus Christ. Now, how is the suffering and tribulation relevant? The Lord Jesus Christ taught right through His whole ministry that all churches would face impending tribulation and persecution for their faith during the whole of the church age. But despite all these sufferings, Christ admonished us to ‘be of good cheer, for He has conquered the world’. Those times are also here. Times prophesized, when the believers of Christ would be separated from mere professors of Christianity because of the trials and persecutions that would come upon them, thus, corresponding with the parable of the sower.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, thus said the Lord; “Fear not, those things which you shall suffer; behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days; be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life”. (Rev 2:10). It means something to be a Christian. You have to stand up to be counted. As a Christian, you could be living in one of the wealthiest cities on earth, like the people of Smyrna, and yet you could be destitute. Do you value material things over spiritual? Do you see suffering as a hindrance rather than an enriching experience in the Christian life? I put it to you brethren that Christianity is not all about the health and wealth gospel that you hear today! Rather, it is the biblical teachings regarding suffering.

My dear brethren the devil has not changed, this world has not changed, Jesus Christ has not changed, but unfortunately the church has changed. However, there is a commitment the Lord gave to the church in Rev. 2:11; “He that have ear, let him hear what the spirit said unto the churches; he that overcomes shall not be hunt of the second death”. 

Suffering child of God, just like Smyrna, you need to see these characteristics of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Great, the Pinnacle, and the Epitome of all human suffering and yet, He is divine. He is the first and the last, who was dead and buried and on the third day, He rose again from the dead. Fix your eyes on Him, which is what Christians need to do. For just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay. 

3.   Pergamos: The worldly church that mixed doctrines and needed to repent (Rev 2:12-17). Pergamum is located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in western Turkey. The name Pergamos is derived from two Greek words, ‘Pergos’ which means tower or elevation, and ‘Gamos’ which means married. The words together means “married to the tower”. In other words, this church was married to the world. This was the beginning of the long road into a great religious apostasy that still exists today. There were basically three kinds of doctrines in the church of Pergamos; I shall explain them briefly.

i.             The Doctrine of True Holiness: These believers held fast to the name of Christ and did not deny it even in the face of persecution. They held unto the name of the Lord and would not deny the faith in God but other things crept in to destroy them in another way. Many Christians today will not deny Jesus Christ but could compromise in other areas.

ii.           The Doctrine of Balaam: God was very displeased about this doctrine and those that practice it. These people were consumed only by their desire to build up their own worldly wealth and fame and no interest in saving souls. Balaam made them to worship the world and led them into destruction. Some of the ministers and so-called Men-of-God though spirit filled, sought to be recognized by the world and minister the church as a secular organization, thereby leading their flock astray. The doctrine of Balaam had five distinct qualities

a.   Fornication or Prostitution

b.   Seduction

c.   Idolatry

d.   Intimidation

e.   Insatiable quest for worldly gains

Many Priests and Ministers of the present and the past indulged in sexual impurity, homosexuality, bigamy, keeping of concubines, prostitution, and committed other abominable things under the guise and cloak of religion. We must know that, when we begin to compromise sound doctrines, we begin to open the door to evil. Many people today use the Word of God to justify their evil by quoting only the part they want and leaving off the rest. When a man places himself between the world and Jesus Christ, it is a dangerous position to be in. The door of deception is wide open when we look to a man instead of Jesus Christ.

iii.          The Doctrine of Nicolaitans: The church at Ephesus rejected the doctrine of Nicolaitans but Pergamos embraced it. They were a class of professing Christians who sought to introduce into the church a false freedom, thus abusing Apostle Paul’s doctrine of grace. A proselyte named Nicolas founded the Nicolaitans. After taking the decision to become a Christian, he worked so diligently in the Christian church and became a Deacon. At this point, he felt he needed to be at the centre of things in the church and thus, he created the group and brought in Babylonian teachings in the doctrine of his church; these teachings include idol worship, sexual rituals, and many other unchristian acts. There are many Christians today who, while believing in Jesus Christ, fall into the contraptions of the state such as the law, and as a result end up being liquidated by the law.

Most of our churches today are literally business ventures where people are busy pursuing the things of the world. I dare to say here that, there is nothing wrong for an individual to try and make an honest living and even become rich in the process. But when the sole purpose of your life becomes that of accumulation, then you are deemed to have fallen into idolatry and your faith in Christ is sure to fizzle out.   

God can read the intents of our hearts and understands our frame. As Christians, we may be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ in trying times but we may also partake in evil. God instructs us in HIS word to turn from our ways or face HIS wrath.

4.   Thyatira: The false church that followed a seductive prophetess (Rev 2:18-29). Thyatira is located in Western Asia Minor about 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The ancient city was known for its textile and dying trade, and is now known as the Turkish City of Akhisar. The word Thyatira literally means “a continual sacrifice”. Here was a busy thriving church with love and much service for Jesus Christ. Their faith seems to have been strong. Their latter works exceeded their former works. We see churches today that do very well in catering for the needy. Christ commends these types of works. However, we can get overly busy in these acts of charity and other good deeds that we fail to teach sound doctrine and simple Gospel of salvation to those who are sinners and require salvation.

The church at Thyatira had faith which caused them to have good works but yet it was not enough to save them. Idolatry and fornication was polluting their testimony. This was a local church in Asia but could represent the church of our time which has the same spiritual state. These types of churches existed throughout church history and still exist today.

Some among the Christians in Thyatira were being influenced by a symbolic woman who compromised and taught others to do so. The scriptures referred to her as Jezebel. The doctrines of Jezebel twisted and misused the scripture. It was a bad doctrine laced with covetousness, witchcraft, idolatry, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, false teaching and practice, among others. There are still followers of Jezebel today. Followers of Jezebel have the characteristics of pride, arrogance, self worship, seduction, envy, greed, wickedness, and selfishness.

It is pertinent to state here that there are scholars who see the letters to the seven churches as having prophetic significance in revealing the unfolding of church history in seven sections of time. Among those who hold this view would be some who see the church at Thyatira as a church that corresponds to the Roman Catholic Church. I consider this a grave and dangerous error. The letters to the churches in Revelation are not written to institutions. They are not written to denominations or human organizations. They are written to the individual believers in Christ who, together, make up the Ecclesia of Jesus Christ. The letter to the church at Thyatira may refer to the time of the Roman Catholic Church religious system, but it not referred to that religious system. It is written to the Christians during that time.

More so, this Thyatiran scenario is paralleled in many churches today that accept the easy going sexuality and lack of standards that is so wide spread in our society. For instance, some churches approve of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle. Many others do not discipline their members when they fall into sexual immorality. Others allow pornography to go unchallenged in their midst. Abortion is now like a going-concern in some churches. We should all know that the Lord holds the church responsible for this. The most subtle challenge to faith does not usually originate in the church per se, but in the daily places where we earn the money we need to live. I am referring to the various demands of our trade, professions, and all other deployments of life. What is often required of us is not our soul but our skills; not our worship but our hardwork; not our wisdom but our cunningness; not our bravery but our tact; not our sense of fair judgement but our sense of manipulation.

Our faithful God will make a way for those who stay faithful – be it Catholics or non-Catholics. The true and the faithful in Christ Jesus are the ones that will escape this tribulation and go into rapture. True believers that stay faithful until the coming of Jesus Christ shall be given a light that shines eternally. No more darkness, no more sin, no more death, no more suffering. All shall be love, joy and peace. May the Good Lord have mercy on us all. Amen.

5.   Sardis: The dead church that fell asleep (Rev 3:1-6). Sardis is located on the banks of Pactolus River in Western Asia Minor, 60 miles inland from Ephesus and Smyrna. Popular ruins include the decadent temples and bath house complexes. Sardis is the modern day Turkish City of Sart. The inhabitants of Sardis worshipped many pagan gods including artemis and kore, and the goddess Cybele and Demeter. It was a natural, seemingly invulnerable citadel of great wealth. These people were respected among the Gentiles for their commercial prowess. What sets this city off from Thyatira and the others is that there is no indication of persecution there. The early Christians living at Sardis had it good with no significant problems with the Jews, Guilds, or government. They became wealthy and comfortable, and this resulted in their being complacent; taking things for granted. The biggest danger to a person’s faith and the health of a church is complacency, which results in the lack of growth. I reiterate that, wealth is not a bad thing to have, however, it is the pride that we allow to take control of us with the thinking that we do not need God but can stand on our own that annoys God.

Lots of our new generation churches today are shrouded in public controversy and falsehood. A church could glitter in structure, amiable in management and super in professing faith, but without depth and meaning. I refer to such churches as deceptive churches. Their sparkling display covers the worms that they are made of, and gives false hope to those who are in need and who want to be sincere in their faith.

A church must be real. When we practice Christianity, it must come from the heart. Anything less is fake and it dishonours and displeases our Lord.

6.   Philadelphia: The church of brotherly love that endures patiently (Rev 3:7-13). Philadelphia is located on the Cogamis River in Western Asia Minor, about 80 miles east of Smyrna. The town was known for its variety of temples and worship places. The church in Philadelphia was being encouraged by the Lord Jesus to reflect the true character of Christ in their day and generation, which was marking them as faithful. The letter to the church of Philadelphia was full of the Lord’s praises for the Christians there. In most of the letters there is a corrective command, because they have been criticized. The Lord tells them how they must go on the right way. But in Philadelphia, there is no criticism; neither is there any corrective command, and this is remarkable to say the least. Imagine being a church, or for that matter being a Christian that Christ could not criticize, being a Christian that Christ did not have to give further command to.

The Lord did give counsel to Philadelphia though. "I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie - I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and learn that I have loved you." "Hold fast what you have, so that no one may take your crown”.    

Unwavering faith cannot be shaken easily - The church at Philadelphia was commended for their faithfulness in that they held on to the Lord and never denied their beliefs. A faithful employee will always receive favor. A faithful leader will always have followers no matter what. Faith that is unshakeable is crucial for everyday living. This church seems to be in a good place, speaking the Word in truth boldly even in the face of death.  The Lord mentions an "open door" which no man can shut.  I see this as the Lord telling this Church that they could ask what they needed in prayer and it would be granted, meaning that the open door was to him in prayer.

This church has little strength, but this is a commendation and not a condemnation.  In today’s world, we look at numbers as the source of power.  Larger churches have a bigger budget, can offer more programs, reach more people and bring more people into the kingdom of God.  However, this is not a large church with many members.  It is a small church that God has commended.

Not that all large churches are bad, but when one has size, they have power.  When they have power, they have a tendency to forget God.  Which church is more likely to continually seek God in prayer, the church of 1000 members with a million-dollar-plus budget or the church of 50 members that can’t afford to pay the pastor.  A large church will have a tendency to say that their fundraising techniques raised the money they needed while a small church knows that it is through no ability of their own that they even remain a church.  This was the Philadelphian church.

Because of their faithfulness Jesus would make the enemies of the church fall down at their feet and acknowledge that Jesus loved the church.  This is a powerful testimony that the church has.  We should all strive to live such exemplary lives that no matter how much someone dislikes you, in their heart of hearts, they still know and understand that God loves you.  Even if they do not want to admit it, they will recognize that you are a Christian and you do what you do because you love God.  That is what a light the Philadelphian church is to even its enemies.

7.   Laodicea: The lukewarm church with a faith that is neither hot nor cold (Rev 3:14-22). Laodicea is located in the Lycus River Valley of Western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the west and east. Laodicea was known as a primary hub for the Roman aqueduct system.

Jesus calls the church lukewarm and warns that he is about to spit them out of his mouth.  This is a reference to the quality of drinking water in the area that the church would have been able to identify with.  The church of Laodicea is the large church that is described with the church of Philadelphia.  They are wealthy.  They have no trouble meeting their budget every month.  They say to themselves, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.”  What they need is Jesus.

Jesus calls this church wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.  This description fits many of the churches of today.  Churches are often looked at as a business and the bottom line comes down to money.  Other times, numbers – conversions, baptisms, new members, youth group attendance – is emphasized as the bottom line.  There are churches that have an incredible track record of producing converts; however the church never grows spiritually.  If the maturity level of the church is at the same place it was five years ago, people are obviously not growing and chances are the converts are not even sticking around.

The church of Laodicea is planting seeds.  They are seeing plants.  However, they are not taking care of their plants.  They ignore the plants that have a shallow root system and let them wither and die.  Likewise, they see weeds surrounding other plants, but they don’t pull the weeds.  They allow the cares of the world to choke out young Christians. The church of Laodicea counts how many plants they have spring up and determines that they are doing a good job.  God, however, looks for fruit and sees that the church has failed to produce much fruit.  He is ready to rebuke the church.

Like the other bad churches, there is a call for repentance.  Jesus declares that he stands at the doors and knocks and will come in if anyone answers the door.  Jesus is standing outside of the church and knocking on the door.  This is not a good thing for the church to have happen.  Jesus should not be outside of the church.  However, this is exactly what has happened in the Laodicean church.  They have decided that they are self-sufficient and do not need God.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I myself overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne."

Food For Thought

Each of the churches in the book of Revelation is important because they in essence show the church what can happen to her.  Each of the churches mentioned were major churches in major cities in the ancient world. God starts off by stating that it is He who is dictating this letter to the church not John. If there were no other reason to take heed of the letters, then that would be enough. God then announces the accomplishments or reproaches of the various churches, and also a warning (for most).  Basically the warnings implicit in the letters are: put God first, be faithful despite tribulations, flee idolatry, do not practice fornication, do not practice hypocrisy, beware of false brethren, do not be a lukewarm Christian.

The seven churches of Revelation depict every church and every person of the church age.  Every church loosely falls into one of the seven categories, likewise every person.  Now the task we must carry out is to determine what these churches are, and what we are as Christians.   As a Christian, if you are going to be good, you must match either the church of Smyrna or the church of Philadelphia.

  

“O my Jesus, forgive us of our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy”.