Revelation Chapter 3, Part 2 "The Faithful Church"

[Pastor Dave Honey]

The Faithful Church
Rev 3:7
"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,
'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens"
The Church of Philadelphia represents a period of time beginning A.D. 1750 and lasts until the rapture. There is that word again! What is meant by "rapture?" You may say; "that word does not appear in the Bible at all, so what in the world are you talking about?" Even though the word itself does not appear in scripture, the concept definitely does. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, we see the words or phrase "caught up," which when translated, the Greek word harpazo literally means "to be taken up by force." The New Testament was translated into Latin, the word harpazo became raptus, thus the English word rapture.
The concept of rapture can be illustrated as ambassadors being called home prior to an act of war. In Genesis 19, Lot and his family are persuaded to leave Sodom before God pours out His wrath on that doomed city. In fact, he is told that nothing can happen until he is safely gone! I can remember when U.S. President John F. Kennedy called for the American ambassadors to Vietnam to come home prior to U.S. President Johnson (just after Kennedy's assassination) escalated a conflict which would ultimately last two decades! The point being, we as believers are called ambassadors of Jesus Christ, and He will call us, His church, His bride home just before a seven year conflict with anti-christ will ravage the world! Scripture teaches that believers are not appointed to wrath, 1 Thessalonians 5:9. I believe also that believers are not called to go through tribulation. In Revelation 4:1 we read that John is called up into heaven. He indicates that he was immediately in the spirit. By virtue of how this event fits perfectly between the seven letters referencing the church age, and the church in heaven, that this is absolutely a reference to the rapture of the church! It should be no surprise that this event occurs just as the Book of Revelation leaves the church age and enters into a period of tribulation. Also, it should be noted that during this time of tribulation, the church is no longer seen on earth! Where then is the church? Well, as we read through this incredible book, we find that the church is in heaven, and will remain there until the second coming of Christ! We will study this thought in more detail when we reach chapter four. So, stay with us, cause it is going to get crazy!!
Philadelphia is a very fitting name for this church! The name means "brotherly love." The Church of Philadelphia is the only other church, besides the Church of Smyrna, which Jesus has no words of condemnation.
Jesus, once again introduces himself in glorious, descriptive language. Hebrews 7:26 states that Jesus is a fitting High Priest "who is holy", and in John 14:6, Jesus refers to Himself as "Truth!" Whereas before in chapter 1:18, Jesus holds the keys to Hades and death, here He holds the key to salvation and new life! Not only does He have the key, but in His perfect sovereign authority, He controls the entrance to the Kingdom. the door is opened or shut by His command and His command alone!
Rev 3:8
"I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
"You have a little strength" is not by any means a condemnation. It is in fact a blessing from the Lord that He tells it just as it is! In other words, we are not bullet proof Christians, especially in the last days. We will always need to rely on Jesus for our strength.
Phil 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
That the church has kept His word, and not denied His name, is another great word from the Lord! This last days church continues to follow His word and acknowledges that Jesus is indeed God!
Rev 3:9
Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
In today's church, specifically the Church of Philadelphia, there are those so-called Christians who would still persecute the Jew. Many today are already against, or are in favor of not supporting Israel. God is not pleased with those who reject Israel! they are a "synagogue of Satan!"
Gen 12:2-3
2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
In the end, God will richly bless everyone who blesses Israel, but woo to those who have turned their back on her. I can understand this..."Don't mess with my bride!"
Rev 3:10
Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Here again I am drawn to the doctrine of the rapture of the church, particularly the doctrine of pre-tribulation rapture. See my notes on verse 7.
Rev 3:11
Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
In this case, coming quickly is not a threat of judgement, but rather a promise of hope! A hope that we will be delivered from the hour of trial! Jesus admonishes us to hold on. Remember the song...."Hold on! I'm coming!"
1 Thess 2:19-20
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
God has blessed us with an incredible stewardship! It is more then money or other earthly things, it is His most precious gem....people! Hold on, don't give up on my people! I'll be there soon! Wow!!
Rev 3:12
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out 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 I will write on him My new name.
All believers, overcomers, will have a place of eternal safety and security in heaven and in the presence of God! The temple in heaven is God. Of all the temples that have been, or will be, this one is the greatest! His name written on us will speak of His character in us. The name of the city of God is the New Jerusalem, the capital city of heaven where we will have eternal citizenship! The new name of Christ could not be comprehended today. However, when we see Jesus face to face, He will write His new name on us, and we will eternally know it!
Rev 3:13
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
In a quite place, listen carefully to the word of the Lord. Listen to Him more than you talk to Him, and He will be heard by you, when you listen with a spiritual ear!

 

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