Soon!

Here is a link to last week’s study in Revelation, “Soon”.

Revelation 3:7-13 (Scripture from the World English Bible, WEB)

Compare the two verses below.

The first verse is from God speaking through the prophet, Isaiah, about Jesus.

The one in bold print is from Jesus’ own voice, speaking of Himself.

I will lay the key of David’s house on his shoulder. He will open, and no one will shut. He will shut, and no one will open. Isaiah 22:22 (WEB)

Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: Thus says the Holy One, the true one, the one who has the key of David, who opens, and no one will close, and who closes, and no one opens, Revelation 3:7 (WEB)

Do these verses sound familiar to you? They are frequently taken out of context.

The misinterpretation of scripture highlights a serious issue in the Church.

Often, this verse is used to encourage others facing disappointment or adversity.

But these verses were inspired by the Spirit of God for a specific reason.

That brings us to the Church at Philadelphia.

The Church at Philadelphia was filled with faithful followers of Christ Jesus. They were surrounded by apostates and pagans.

The faithful followers recognized their weaknesses. They knew Who would sustain them amidst persecution and false doctrine.

They may have been weak and persecuted but they did not waver, relying on God’s strength and sharing Christ-like and brotherly love.

Look back at Revelation 3:7 above

Jesus shared His message with this Church through John, the beloved disciple.

Jesus was asserting His authority and power in the key verse above.

Also, Jesus reminds us that He is true and faithful to His Church. No one can restrain His will.

“I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn’t deny my name.” Revelation 3:8 (WEB)

Jesus tells the Church that their faithfulness is why the door is open to blessings for sharing the Gospel. He was reminding them that only He could close that door.

Philadelphia received spiritual blessings greater than material ones.

“Behold, I make some of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie—behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.”

Revelation 3:9 (WEB)

This verse does not imply that the Philadelphians will be worshipped by evil people.

Jesus tells believers that if they remain faithful, persecutors will witness God’s love for the persecuted and faithful Church at the final judgment.

“Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:10 (WEB)

This passage reminds us that at the rapture of the Church, we will be safe from 7 years of horrific tribulation.

The Holy Spirit will no longer restrain wickedness, and spiritual darkness will be rampant.

While some Gentiles and many Jews will be saved, the suffering for those who confess Christ will be certain.

“I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.” Revelation 3:11 (WEB)

This is a reference to the crowns that faithful believers will receive. You can learn more about the five heavenly crowns from these passages:

• Imperishable crown 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
• Crown of Rejoicing  1Thessalonians 2:19
• Crown of Righteousness 2Tim 4:8
• Crown of Glory 1 Peter 5:4
• Crown of life Revelation 2:10

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name.”

Trustworthy sources agree that an inscription will be placed upon believers. The inscription will be God’s name, Jesus’ name, and our dwelling, the New Jerusalem.

Additionally, Jesus will give each Christian a new name, known only to Him and the recipient.

I am overwhelmed by this personal gift of love from our Savior who has given us everything.

 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

I hope you know Jesus in a personal way. If you do, share your story in your world!

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.