Thyatira
That there should have been an assembly of God’s saints, indwelt by the Holy Ghost, in Thyatira, exhibiting the state of things recorded in the Lord’s address to them, has always been a wonderment to me. But so it was, as given in the Scripture of Truth. Such an early and grievous departure from moral likeness to Christ as the head of His church, could scarcely have been thought possible. It is all the more striking since what is contained in the address is manifestly applicable to the rise and reign of the popes and the history of papal Rome, which held the awful sway of darkness, corruption, and superstition in the church of “the dark ages.”
The Lord’s opening words are significant. “These things saith the Son of God” not the son of Mary. In this day—in the 20th century—multitudes are still praying to “the virgin” to use her influence with “her son,” whereas for twenty centuries the Word of God has been proclaiming that “there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:55For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:5)). The eyes of the Son of God are “like unto a flame of fire.” “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings” (Prov. 5:2121For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. (Proverbs 5:21)). His feet of fine brass signify judgment. The Lord begins by speaking of those within the system who afforded Him any pleasure. “I know thy works, and love and service and faith, and thy patience ...” Many godly saints lived their lives within the pale of the Romish church. They groaned over its evils but had not power or inclination to separate from it.
Forthwith the Lord indicates the pernicious evil of this church—it suffered “that woman Jezebel!” This woman was the daughter of a heathen king, wife of Ahab, king of Israel and mother of a daughter who eventually cut off all the seed royal, save one whom God hid. Jezebel introduced idolatry and defiantly supported it against God and His servants maintaining a college of idolatrous priests at her own table. She slew Naboth for not yielding up the inheritance he had from the Lord. Rome, besides many other iniquitous ways, propagated image worship and disposed of those who objected. She adopted the teaching of Jezebel, and called herself a prophetess. Note that her calling was not of God. She assumed this place on her own account. It brings before us the tiara or triple crown worn by the Pope. It has three circlets, representing—1. Bishop of kings 2. Bishop of the earth 3. Bishop of the church. Now these three things belong absolutely to Christ—not to any man on earth. Let us hear the testimony of Scripture. 1. “Jesus Christ . . . the Prince of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:55And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5)); 2. “All things were created by Him and for Him” (Col. 1:1616For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16)); 3. “He is the head of the body, the church” (Col. 1:1818And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18)).
In her long, dark history Rome has not been without warnings from God. Ample space to repent has been given, and threats of judgment—all to no purpose! The voices of God’s prophets were silenced. When her day of judgment comes “in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth” (Rev. 18:2424And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. (Revelation 18:24)). All who owe allegiance to her are not only dead but killed with death—steeped in moral darkness and superstition—yet responsible to God who will render to each individual according to his works.
“The depths of Satan” are found here! If you read the sordid history of Pope Alexander 6 (the Borgia Pope) you will agree! That many of the Lord’s own dear people suffered in the midst of the evil is evidenced by verse 24. They are distinguished as being “the rest” in Thyatira. No burden from the Lord laid upon them, no censure or reproach, only the exhortation to continue in the things they had learned and hold fast till He should come. The hope of the Lord’s coming is the blessed and only answer to the difficulties of their position. A place in the coming kingdom, in association with Christ, is held out for their encouragement. Meantime, for them the Morning Star has arisen—harbinger of soon coming day.
May we insert here a few thoughts from the teaching of the Bible which do not agree with the dogmas and doctrine of the so-called “Holy Roman Church.”
...The Apostle Paul said “I am the Apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office” (Rom. 11:1313For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: (Romans 11:13)). In that capacity he writes to the “called of Jesus Christ” in the city of Rome, “to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called ... saints” (Rom. 1:77To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7)). There was, therefore a church of God in Rome before the Apostle visited it, and the members of it were already, all of them, “called saints.” Paul appointed no one to succeed him after his departure.
...The Apostle Peter was the apostle to the circumcision, that is the Jews. His first epistle is addressed to Jewish Christians scattered throughout the Roman provinces of Asia Minor. Peter and Mark send them greetings from Babylon, a town in North Africa, belonging to the Roman Empire. There is no evidence that Peter ever saw Rome.
...“Who can forgive sins, but God alone” (Luke 5:2121And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? (Luke 5:21)). “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)). “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)). “By grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-98For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8‑9)).
...In view of leaving this world Paul wrote “having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better” (Phil. 1:2323For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (Philippians 1:23)). No purgatory here!
...John, “the beloved disciple” breaks forth triumphantly in these words “to Him who loves us, and has washed us from our sins in His blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father to Him be the glory and the might to the ages of ages. Amen.” (Rev. 1:5-65And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5‑6) JND). The function of the Christian priest is to offer praise, not a new sacrifice for sin, which is impossible.
...The Church does not interpret the Bible. Jesus said “when He the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:1313Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. (John 16:13)). Again we read “but ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” Further “the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you” (1 John 2:2727But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27)). And truly “the entrance of Thy words giveth light” (Psa. 119:130130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130)).
The Church does not teach but is taught! “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:3737If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 14:37)).
Baptism does not impart life. It is a sign of identification with death—the death of Christ—“know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?” (Rom. 6:33Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3)).
Sardis
The church in Sardis in its day provided a complete picture of that phase of the church which developed after the Reformation had come and gone. It is Protestantism. In Thyatira we left “the ship of Peter” boasting still in its solidarity while the Protestant sections have broken up into innumerable fragments. Sardis, however, it is important to note, is not the Reformation itself, which was a most blessed work of God, and loosed men’s shackles from the enslavement of Rome. But what we have set before us in the Lord’s brief address to Sardis is the result of the Reformation in the hands of men.
Grievous was the state of things in Europe after the departure of Luther. Rome would not yield her power without a struggle. Wars and persecutions followed. The massacre of the Huguenots on St. Bartholomew’s eve tells the story of these times. Protestant state churches were founded in various European countries, which leaned upon the civil power for protection from Rome. These state churches had no connection with each other, so that the truth of the church as the one body of Christ was completely lost. Every Christian, regardless of race or country, is a member of His body, the church, and all Christians are members one of another. The Pope had claimed to be the head of that one body, the church, rather than Christ. Now Henry 8 of England challenged this and installed himself as the head of the church—a title the kings of England retain to this day. Significantly, the Church of England imprisoned John Bunyan and took the sword to the Covenanters in Scotland. This pattern of oppression characterized the state churches. “I know thy works” says Jesus. Unsatisfactory works they were! “Thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead.” What a verdict! To be dead is solemn indeed—to be twice dead is worse! “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you” (John 6:5353Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. (John 6:53)).
As always, there were real saints in the midst of this lifeless profession. The Lord exhorts them to set about fortifying their position lest it be completely lost. “I have not found thy works complete before My God.” A poor return had been made for the mighty intervention of God in His grace in the work of the Reformation. They are warned to go back to this, but if not the Lord would come on them as a thief. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2-32For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:2‑3) we read “the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” A dead Protestantism will finally perish in the judgments which will overtake the world at the end of the age. How precious to the eye of the Lord those “few names which have not defiled their garments.” Note this particularly, that to belong to this connection, bearing outwardly the profession of the Name of Christ, but having no living link by faith with the Son of God, was to be walking in defiled garments—no robe of righteousness or garments of salvation for such. How cheering the word to the faithful—“they shall walk with Me in white for they are worthy.” Men may have blotted their names from the church register, but they could not be blotted out of the book of life. What a moment of recompense for the “light affliction which is but for a moment” to have one’s name confessed before “My Father and before His angels.”
Philadelphia
Looking back at the 17th and 18th centuries, we see Europe in the grip of infidelity—man’s reason enthroned against God’s revelation, and coupled with this the grossest immorality in circles high and low. The “few names” in Sardis kept the light of the gospel burning—God never leaves Himself without witness. Their record is on high. Without doubt in Philadelphia emphasis is laid on the coming of the Lord, generally alluded to among Christians as “the rapture.” This “blessed hope” had been all but lost until God by His Spirit commenced a new work at the beginning of the 19th century, whose special features answer to the Lord’s address to Philadelphia, which means “brotherly love.” Commencing humbly in Ireland, this revival broke out almost simultaneously in England, Europe, America, and distant parts of the world. To me it has always seemed that the Lord, His coming so near, desired to have a little satisfaction in His people’s appreciation of Himself alone. He has, as in Smyrna, no word of censure for Philadelphia. Let us look at details.
He addresses Philadelphia Himself as “the holy and the true”—moral features which should also characterize His people at all times. “Follow ... holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:1414Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Hebrews 12:14)).
He has here the key of David. He has power to open and to close and “none can stay His hand or say unto Him, What doest Thou?” (Dan. 4:3535And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? (Daniel 4:35)). And so it has pleased the Lord to set before His people, not an open door but an OPENED door. He has Himself opened it, so we may serve Him without fear of man. Indeed no man can shut this door, for the saints have “a little strength.” Nearly 2000 years since Pentecostal times, and here are found of the Lord’s people some having “a little strength.” Nowhere else in all the addresses to the churches is such a condition to be found. Praise the Lord for this. “It is God that girdeth me with strength” (Psa. 18:3232It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. (Psalm 18:32)). Our strength then lies in doing those things that are pleasing in His sight, namely keeping His word and not denying His Name. How much is involved in these simple words, which mean that we have gone out to the Lord Himself, avoiding the lifeless systems of men, and “what do we?” First, we engage not in the world’s pursuits, politics, or religion. We “continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts: 2:42). We love His appearing and cry “come, Lord Jesus.” Until He comes we are “holding forth the word of life” (Phil. 2:1616Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. (Philippians 2:16)). “He that winneth souls is wise” (Prov. 11:3030The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)). No stately religious edifices have we, or gorgeously robed ecclesiastics and so forth, but gathered to remember the Lord, the leading of the Holy Ghost our power for worship or service. Of old time God gave His people His mind about this—“An altar of earth thou shalt make unto Me ... and if thou wilt make Me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone, for if thou lift up thy tool upon it thou hast polluted it. Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto Mine altar” (Ex. 20:24-2624An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. 25And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. 26Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. (Exodus 20:24‑26)).
Our apparent “nothingness” is quite repugnant to the religious grandees of the day, and like Goliath when he looked upon David “he disdained him” (1 Sam. 17:4242And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. (1 Samuel 17:42)). All this is well known to the Lord and explains His word—“behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee” (Rev. 3:99Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. (Revelation 3:9)). Now the Jew is known world-wide as having a connection with God. The pretentious religious systems around take this place, but the Lord calls them liars, and a synagogue of Satan. I know not how or when they will be brought to worship before the feet of His presently despised ones but He has said it, and assuredly it will come to pass.
Meantime, we are let into a great secret—an hour of temptation is about to break on the whole world to try the earth dwellers, but because we stood in His mind and kept the word of His patience, He will keep us out of it. “Ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zeph. 2:33Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger. (Zephaniah 2:3)). Now we come to what is of supreme importance in the address—“behold I come quickly—hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” The coming of the Lord is imminent—that is what we are to hold fast. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:33And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:3)). We are in danger of giving up “that blessed hope” (Titus 2:11-1411For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:11‑14)) —else there would be no need of warning. To give up the place of testimony to the Lord’s present mind in the church would mean the loss of one’s crown. It is intensely individual—indeed in these last days of departure from the truth, confusion and brokenness, the individual must lay hold for himself of what characterizes the Philadelphian state of the church. You ask me where Philadelphia is to be found today? I reply, “It is to be found only in those whose walk, ways, and hope conform to what the Lord here sets forth as that which is pleasing to Himself.”
There is no more encouraging word in the Bible than that contained in Revelation 3:1212Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. (Revelation 3:12). Where before all had been reproach and religious contempt, all is now completely reversed. The overcomer will be a pillar in the temple of My God, says Jesus, and shall go no more out at all. We know what a pillar is, namely a support, and this in the temple of “MY” God. Note the various repetitions of “MY” fully owned now by the Lord of glory, and, warfare over, no more going out. Inscribed on the overcomer too, the names of His God, the city of His God, and, what is of supreme delight, His own new Name. One can scarcely conceive the blessing contained in all this—it is almost beyond us, but so it will be. We are reminded of that precious word of our Savior on His way to the cross to die for our sins, and to lay down His life for the sheep—“Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me, for Thou lovest Me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:2424Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)).
Laodicea
We now come to the most solemn address of the seven. In the first church addressed, Ephesus, we see their first love for Christ was lost, and as a consequence the lampstand was removed. In Laodicea we see what bears the profession of Christ’s holy Name in the world, so nauseous to Him that He disowns it completely. Laodicea is the spirit of “modern” or “liberal” theology based on the so called “higher criticism,” which rose to prominence before the 20th century dawned in the universities of Germany. In this we see not only the denial of all the fundamental doctrines of Scripture and the inspiration of Scripture itself, but the substituting for them of a “social gospel” aimed at man’s body, not his soul, and the development of the world in a material sense. It is not hard to see how the elements of apostasy have found their roots in such a system, and how they will feed the apostasy itself after the real church is raptured and the man of sin appears. However it is important to note that the apostasy is not in question here since the addresses to the seven churches concern the ground of professing the Name of Christ, whether that profession be true or false. Let us, then, examine the address more in detail.
To a faithless church the Lord presents Himself as “the faithful and true witness.” To this all true Christians will say ‘Amen.’ Christ also is here “the beginning of the creation of God.” We do well to inquire what this means since we know that “by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are on earth” (Col. 1:1616For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16)). I believe it refers to the saints, for “if any man be in Christ, there is a new creation.” Lifeless professors of Christ can have no part in this. “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Rom. 8:99But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9)).
As always, the Lord knew their works. They were neither hot nor cold. How well this fits the picture of late 20th century ‘theology.’ So called ministers of the gospel evading every issue of truth, aptly described by dear John Bunyan in “The Pilgrim’s Progress” as “Mr. Anything.” This condition is obnoxious to the Lord of Truth. It has made Him sick, and He repudiates it entirely. The Lord further had to complain of their boasting that they were rich and increased with goods and had need of nothing. Their strength was to be found in the church balance sheet, but alas, they were not rich toward God. They needed nothing, certainly nothing of Christ, who points up their forlorn condition—wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. Is it realized this means without Christ? Without salvation? Unsaved? The end of this Christ-rejecting, gospel refusing state is the lake of fire! Their names are not found written in the book of life (see Rev. 20:11-1511And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11‑15)). The Lord Jesus will be the Judge of the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom—the living nations at the beginning of His kingdom, the dead at the end of it. As judgment is His strange work, we can well understand His gracious appeal “I counsel thee to buy of Me, gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich ... ” Unspeakably sad that the Savior of the lost is here seen knocking at the heart’s door seeking admission. Undoubtedly some will answer. Such will hold sweet communion with the Lord now, and in the coming day of glory will sit with Him on His throne. The time is short. Those who do not open the door of their hearts to a pleading Savior will find the door of heaven shut against them when the day of the gospel of the grace of God is over. When will this be, you ask? It will be when the saints comprising the real church, which is His body, are caught up to meet Him in the air, to be forever with the Lord. When this great event takes place that which had no link of everlasting life with Him, regardless of profession of His name, will be spewed out of His mouth. As the coming of the Lord draws nigh, we see that the gospel net has not brought the whole world into the church. Rather we find it true that “narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:1414Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:14)).
In conclusion one can only exclaim—what place the church was given as a witness for God and His Christ in the earth for 2000 years! Its corruption and faithlessness we have seen. All who have contributed to that will be “judged every man according to His works.” But in spite of the work of evil men and Satan, Christ has been patiently building His church, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. It is His peculiar treasure for eternity. “One pearl of great price.” To make it His own “He went and sold all that He had and bought it” (Matt. 13:4646Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Matthew 13:46)).
“O God! with great delight
Thy wondrous thought we see,
Upon His throne, in glory bright,
The bride of Christ shall be.”