Download church of Ephesus

Revelation Understood
Revelation Chapter Two:
By a servant of
God
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that
holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven
golden candlesticks;
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Since Revelation 1:1 states that the revelation of Jesus Christ was given unto
Him by God, we need to ascertain who initiates these particular letters. It says
that God, gives this revelation to Jesus, therefore the content does not start
with Jesus Christ. Consequently we need to examine the text for the meaning
of God as it is used here. In Genesis 1:26 we find two different states how God
is referred in. First we see that God exists in the singular as Father, Son or
Holy Spirit. Next we see that God also exists in the pleural, as the Godhead.
Remember that the chain of custody goes from God (unknown if referred in the
singular or pleural), to Jesus Christ (a specific singular), who then used His
(Jesus) angels, to convey to His (Jesus) servant John, to His (Jesus) servants,
the church.
Here it is unclear if the One dictating this first message is God in the singular
(Father) or if it refers to God in collective (Godhead), but it does appear that the
message is being scribed by Jesus, about Jesus, to the angels of the church of
Ephesus. It starts by describing the authority of the One whom the message
is about, the One holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the
midst of the seven golden candle sticks. We know from chapter one that both
these adjectives stand for Jesus.
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear
them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are
not, and hast found them liars:
2
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Remember the chain of evidence, God (singular or pleural) dictates to God
(singular) Jesus, the actual understanding of Jesus, who gives such knowledge
to the angel of Ephesus. Here God states that he is conscious of the works
that the church of Ephesus is doing, and that they are in accordance to how
the church should function. He goes on to call these works as labor, or
possibly burdens. Perhaps He (God) refers to them as burdens since, although
they are perfect in performance, but they lack in purpose. God then
acknowledges the church’s patience or ability to tolerate without deviating from
the truth. In fact He describes the mindset of the church as one who will not
put up with false doctrines, nor false ministers. The church weighs every word
and balances every statement and compares it to what they know to be true,
God’s word, and reject those from the church whose teachings are not in line
with God’s word, and exposes them.
And hast borne (carried on), and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast
laboured, and hast not fainted.
3
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
The church of Ephesus has carried on the truth, and has done so without
deviating from it. The church of Ephesus has persevered to maintain the
doctrines of Christianity, and has not lost consciousness of the truth.
4
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Understanding Biblical Truth:
Here God describes Jesus’ disappointment in the church of Ephesus,
something is lacking. Even though the church was perfect in ritual, it failed in
spirit. It lost the first love of wanting to build a perfect relationship with its
Groom. It was perfect carrying on the traditions of the church, but it failed to
be in the traditions of the church. So what is the difference between carrying
on, and carrying in? To carry on is to engage in the act of the rituals, to carry
in is to engage in the act of the rituals for the appropriate reason, to love and
be with Christ. Doing the act alone is to do so out of duty, but where duty is
not accompanied with love of God, the actual reason for the ritual, there is
derived no benefit in doing it, since the purpose of the act is omitted. We must
not only do the acts but we need to do them for the right reasons in order for
the works to be acceptable.
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first
works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of
his place, except thou repent.
5
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Here God describes Jesus’ warning to the spiritual church of Ephesus, to
remember not that she has (time) fallen, but from where (place) she had fallen
from, or failing to grow the relationship with its Husband (Christ), the reason for
the works. It then infers that the act of neglecting to adhere to the first love is a
sin, since He warns the church (bride) to repent. One can see that if a person does
not continue to grow his relationship, the relationship will eventually die. Here
God’s children had forgotten or intentionally failed to appropriately place (position)
God in their lives. Therefore, God was not first in their lives, and they made things
of this world of greater importance than He, but they were still referring to
themselves as His children by associating themselves with His church. Therefore
the church of Ephesus was found guilty of breaking the first, second and third
commandments. Here the church of Ephesus did the works or rituals without
including the first work, submission to God. Therefore it attempted to validate itself
out of the works, and not of God. (Righteousness by works) The church is then
warned that if it did not repent for breaking God’s law and therefore change its
purpose (reason) for doing the works, He (Jesus) would remove its candlestick out
of its place. This is what happened to the Jewish Church, when the oracles of truth
were removed from them and given to the Christian Church. After open rejection of
Jesus (God) at the stoning of Steven, the candlestick of Judaism was removed. It
occurred for the same reason, the Jewish leaders made the works a means of
salvation and rejected the Savior (reason). (Righteousness by works)
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also
hate.
6
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Here God tells that us that Jesus has noticed something good about the
church of Ephesus. Even with all the negative sins that have begotten in the
church, the church still despises the false teaching, and Jesus approved of the
church’s rejection of false doctrines. Here it actually names a group who had a
particular set of false doctrines that God rejects, those of the Nicolaitioanes.
The Nicloatioanes most likely brought in the doctrine of once saved always
saved. This doctrine taught that if you were saved you could never lose your
salvation. This idea attempted to make the law of God of none effect or invalid.
Therefore it belittled the sacrifice of Christ. These doctrines later gave rise to
Gnosticism and the concept of the divine spark. We can see by the warning of
Jesus Christ (authority) to the church about breaking the first 3
commandments that He (God) never intended to make His law mute, therefore
any teaching to the contrary leads God’s children to death, and God rejects
such an act.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him
that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the
paradise of God.
7
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Here God explains to us that Jesus gives a reward to those who return to His
flock. He starts by promising to His people (those who are capable of
understanding, those who have an ear which can hear His voice) that if they
return to their first love, building the relationship with Christ and therefore
falling in love with Him, they will be able to enter Heaven and be given access
to fruit of the tree of life (God), which leads to life eternal (reward for the
works).
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first
and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
8
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Again God dictates to Jesus (addressor), the thoughts of Jesus (three are one),
and Jesus transcribes said thoughts and gives them unto the angel of the
church in Smyrna (addressee). This is a different message, to a different
church, delivered by a different angel, to the God’s servant, John. Again we
start with the description of the authority behind the message. Here it
describes God as the “first and the last” (same as Alpha and Omega), and it
goes on to describe the particular of the Godhead that is giving said authority,
Jesus Christ “which was dead, and is alive”.
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the
blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of
Satan.
9
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Again, Jesus starts His message by acknowledging the works of the church in
Smyrna. During His entire message, we find no evidence that Jesus found
fault with this church, neither the works, nor the reason (spirit) for the works.
Jesus then goes on to recognize the church’s existence in tribulation (intense
persecution). It seems that the church’s reward for appropriately serving God,
in spirit and truth (manner and purpose) is persecution, a direct attack from
man and Beast (Satan). Christ then responds to the belief of Smyrna, that they
find themselves spiritually poor. Christ corrects this notion by saying “thou
(church) art rich”. Here Christ is comparing the state of the first church, of
Ephesus, to that of Smyrna. In Ephesus, the church did the tasks without the
required intentions (love of God), in Smyrna, the church did the tasks and they
were very careful to perform said tasks in the appropriate manner, for the love
of God and humility. He (Jesus) then goes on to call those who fail to follow
God’s Law in the appropriate manner (keeping His Law) or for the requisite
purpose (loving God), as blasphemers. A blasphemer is one who elevates
themselves to the position of God, or who belittles God by making Him like
man. In other words, fails to place God in His rightful status as greater than
all, or creating something or someone to stand in the place of God (paganism).
Remember this is the actual breaking of the first and second Commandments
of God. He (Jesus) then compares these false Christians (taking God’s name in
vain), false Jews. Remember, this is breaking the third Commandment of God.
He (Jesus) clearly states that these blasphemers are not of His church, but of
the synagogue (church) of Satan. So, intentional none-adherence to the exact
specifications of God’s law, or purposely and knowingly doing God’s law for the
wrong reason or in the wrong spirit (other than to serve God), makes one a
false Christian, and therefore of the church of Satan.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast
some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten
days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
10
Christ then gives an encouraging prophetic command that His church is not to
fear what it must suffer. Again we see the cause effect relationship of proper
adherence to God’s principals, Satan will attack. Jesus then explains that it is
the actual devil that will cause the torment of God’s children and some even by
imprisonment. The purpose of incarceration is to perform charade trials where
the outcomes are preordained. This is much like the unjustified trials that
Christ underwent by his Sanhedrin accusers, in this instance we see that the
trial, testimony, outcome and manner of Jesus’ punishment were all
predetermined. In fact the Bible explains that Christ’s enemies had on
multiple occasions conspired to put Him to death. As with Christ, His jailed
children are then instructed to be faithful, even unto their preordained
undeserving deaths, and they are each promised a crown of life, also known as
life eternal. Lastly, Christ explains the duration that this church will find itself
in tribulation, 10 prophetic days. (A prophetic day is equivalent to an actual
year. Ezekiel 4:6 …..I have appointed thee each day for a year.)
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that
overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
11
Again Christ commands, this time the command goes out to a specific set of
His children, those who are endowed with functional ears, or those who have
the opportunity to understand by hearing and receiving the knowledge of His
command when listening to the Holy Spirit. One must realize that the ability to
understand must exist in order for the person to make an informed decision of
accepting what God offers or to reject it. There can be no sin where there is no
intention to sin, where malice toward God does not exist. Satan accuses God
of being a tyrant, this freewill and informed consent negates such accusations.
Jesus then goes on to warn that mere knowledge is not enough, knowledge
must be accompanied by action. He expresses the need to do by stating, “he
(individuals in God’s church) that overcometh”. Overcome is an action verb
meaning prevail over, where the action is required so too is a need to do such
action. Jesus then makes a promise, anyone that does as God has
commanded (knowingly adhering to God’s law with the appropriate spirit of
pleasing God, otherwise acceptance of God’s offer thru action) will be granted
life eternal by not having to experience the second death (eternal separation
from God).
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he
which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
12
Again God expresses Christ’s sentiments, Christ scribes them, and passes
them unto His angel who then delivers the message to Christ’s servant John.
Once again, the letter describes or name the addressor and the authority
behind said letter. This time the authority is described as “he that hath a sharp
sword with two edges”. We know that from chapter one this refers to only
Jesus Christ. We also know that the double edge sword is the “Word of God”,
again Jesus.
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou
holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein
Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
13
Here Jesus acknowledges the difficulties confronting the church in Pergamos.
First they reside in city where paganism is rampant. He even describes this
city as “where Satan’s seat is”. He appreciates the church’s works, that even
though great perils exist, such as the peril of martyrdom, they have not denied
the faith of Jesus (doctrines in God’s word). Additionally Christ recognizes the
tremendous pressures the church faces, to reject truth, and become complicit
with the treasonous pagan statutes of those surrounding them.
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the
doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children
of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
14
Jesus then goes on to warn His church that although their actions are good,
their adherence to God’s Law is not. He informs the church that it has allowed
those with foreign (pagan) doctrines to exist among His fold (Exodus 23:22-25).
Much like Naomi allowed paganism in her home and suffered the
consequences, Christ warns the church or Pergamos. He gives a specific
historical example of when one of God’s prophets (Balaam), taught a pagan
adversary (Balac), how to separate God’s children from God. He showed Balac
if he mingled paganism (pagan women) with truth (God’s male children),
eventually God’s children would become accustomed to these false doctrines, and
this would open the door for them to accept them (fornicate with pagan women),
perform them and turn away from God. God describes this as spiritual fornication
as unnatural (not of God) sexual relationships. You see, the only acceptable sexual
relationships to God are those that He ordained at the Garden of Eden, between
man and woman, who are married in Christ, anything else is not of God, and
therefore a sin against God. Genesis 2:24. Spiritual fornication is anything that
alters the perfect harmony between God and children.
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I
hate.
15
An additional wrong that the church of Pergamos allowed was that it permitted
members who taught and believed in the doctrines of the Nicolaitanes. These
doctrines included the “once saved always saved” (cheap grace) philosophy,
which later gave rise to Gnostic teaching that negated the need for a Savior.
Therefore this system negates Christ role in our lives and salvation. Where
there is no need for Christ, there is no salvation, therefore this doctrine leads
those who believe in it to death. Christ then goes on to express that not only
are these teachings false, but He hates (rejects) these doctrines (not the people
who adhere to them). This idea that one does not need Christ, is consistent
with the current ecumenical movements, Jews, Muslims, Pagans and Atheist
all come into agreement that Christ is not the savior, perhaps just a savior (one
of many), that they can save themselves, or that salvation is not needed.
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the
sword of my mouth.
16
Christ is showing that allowing false doctrines into His church will not only
change the perfect cannon of Christ but it is an actual sin. For this reason He
warns the church to repent for their sin. What is this sin? Well to change or
allow another to change God’s law is an act of overt treason against God’s
authority or word, and Commandments one and two. Additionally said
changes alter the perfect word of God, and therefore render it imperfect. This
imperfect word will then cause false perceptions against God and lead people
away from God, much like when we break the third commandment and identify
ourselves as being of Christ’s but acting like fools. This intentional leading
away from God causes the deceived to be lost or leads them to death. This
unnatural causing of the death of another is called in law murder, breaking the
sixth commandment. Therefore the one who makes changes in God’s law, and
the one who allows these changes to occur are both guilty of murdering the one
which is lead to deception. The first by the actual act of murder, the second by
conspiring with him. Exodus 20. Jesus then promises that those who do not
repent from their treason against God, He will fight against them with the
sword of His mouth, God’s word or truth.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him
that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white
stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that
receiveth it.
17
Jesus again gives a particular command, to a particular set of people, those of
His children who are able and capable, those who have ears, and are capable of
hearing. In other words, God expects, first that only His children will comply
with His orders, second that only those that are able to comply must comply.
We have always heard the saying God will not give you more than you can
handle (please read Deuteronomy 12:11&21, compare and see God’s mercy).
This is most correct. If God were to give you more than you can handle he
would become the actual tempter, and the one who would draw you to sin, this
is the false accusation of Satan against God in Job1:9-12, stating that God
bribed Job for loyalty. Thank God, that he is just, fair and true, and this
statement proves that He is (God’s consistent Character). After said command
to hear, we find His promise to those who do, he calls those who comply with
God’s command “him that overcometh”. So the person who stands for God,
and does not allow false doctrines to enter into God’s church, or allow God’s
doctrines to be altered or removed from God’s church, these are those that
overcome or succeed in dealing with the problem. (Luke 9:26) Any alteration
of God’s word fits into the definition of Paganism. Little knowledge (precepts
taken away), no knowledge (precepts rejected completely) and belief in
everything (precepts added). The end results of any change in God’s word is to
reject God and His authority, therefore to create one’s own god, by placing
oneself as god (creator). Again we see how this breaks the first and second
commandment of God, and that identifying oneself as God’s while not adhering
to God’s will is the breaking of the third commandment. Failure in either, but
especially in all, tells Christ that He is not your sovereign, this is the precept of
the Anti-Christ as John and Paul explained (1 John 4:3).
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the
Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine
brass;
18
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Once again, God speaks (addresser) and Christ scribes (authenticator or
witness), and then sends His message (letter) via His angel (deliverer), to His
servant John (His messenger), unto the church in Thyatira (addressee). Again
God gives the authority of the One sending the letter, “the Son of God, who
hath eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass”. If we return
to the previous chapter, we find that these are descriptions of Christ.
I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy
works; and the last to be more than the first.
19
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Again, Christ starts His message by acknowledging the church’s works, and He
finds them to be good. He finds that His children are consistent in their
compassion, in their pursuit of a relationship with God, and their humility by
adhering to the principle of Agape, where the need of others are considered
before the needs of self, self-less love.
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that
woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my
servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
20
Even though God’s church is excellent in works, it fails in reason. Just as with
the church of Ephesus, the reason for the works are found wanting, or missing.
This is explained by the fact that the members of the church allowed (suffereth)
those foreign doctrines (adding or taking away – altering God’s word) to become
a part of the Church’s cannon. We now see not only the acceptance of foreign
doctrines within the church, but an actual incorporation of them as a part of
the worship of God, both are treasonous, but the latter gives a false
(misleading) authority and an incorrect presumption (seduce) that these
teachings are of God. Therefore the church leaders, usurp (steal) the authority
of God, by altering the worship of God, as commanded of God. The church
leaders, of their arrogance intentionally teach foreign doctrines that lead God’s
children to death (commit fornication), by accepting false doctrines (eat things
sacrificed unto idols). Consequently the church leaders become guilty of
murder, just as the Sanhedrin was responsible for the murder of Christ.
21
And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Here is given evidence of the mercy of Christ, He gave those who intentionally
and ignorantly accepted the destruction of God’s word, an opportunity for
repentance and forgiveness before the consequence of their treason was
realized. God sadly realizes that His church would not repent, and therefore no
longer remain His. This is why God speaks of a remnant.
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into
great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
22
Jesus then states for the witnesses to behold, to observe something
remarkable. He states that He will allow the union (commit adultery) between
those that accept these foreign doctrines, either thru expressed acceptance or
thru silence, and the pagan doctrines. Therefore God’s “Universal Church” was
to itself become pagan and separated from He that they were supposed to
worship. He then warns the church, that those who reject repentance for their
sin, will experience great tribulation (The Dark Ages).
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he
which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you
according to your works.
23
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Here Christ shows the cause effect consequences to those who accept false
teachings, it will eventually affect those they teach them to, who will suffer a
similar judgment. This text is identical in meaning to that which God gave in
His second commandment (Exodus 20:5-6). Jesus’ statement goes on to say
that the witnesses of God, will realize and therefore testify, that Jesus is the
One who judges based on reason for the acts (searcheth the heart), and not
upon the acts themselves. Therefore, if one is not aware that what they do is a
sin, it cannot be a sin. But, remember that the first church failed to build its
relationship with God (growing in knowledge and understanding of Him or
learning to love Him), and this was included as a sin (supra). So it is
reasonable to believe that failure to learn of God, is an intentional attempt to
limit one’s liability to God, therefore placing oneself as a god buy usurping His
authority. God rejects this, because He defines His children as those who love
Him (know) and Keep His commandments (Revelation 14:12 & Exodus 20:6).
Therefore His children reject the idea of limiting their liability, rather they wish
to be held to the highest standards that they can be. Under the Common Law,
a person is guilty only if he is found having the requisite evil mind “mens rea”
with the requisite evil act “actus reus”. So one is not guilty by the act alone,
which is known as “strict liability”, and in such is lost the concept of mercy
or the character of God.
But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this
doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put
upon you none other burden.
24
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Now Jesus makes a statement in a particular manner, to a particular people in
the church, His remnant. He states to His faithful, they who do not prescribe
to the false pagan teachings, a promise, that His children not be given any
additional duties or burdens.
25
But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
As explained above Christ promised to those who keep His word, that no new
duty nor new consequence would be suffered by His faithful. They are merely
responsible for adhering to their first love (that which they already have) and
build their faith with God and in God, which is a direct result of keeping God’s
commandments.
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give
power over the nations:
26
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Jesus then makes a promise to His remnant (he that keepeth my works to the
end), He will give them power to rule over the nations, this is because God will
adopt His faithful and they will become kings and queens, thus fulfilling the
promise given at the Covenant (Exodus 19:5-6). God’s children then become a
nation of priests, those who can go directly to God thru God Jesus, a special
treasure (kings and queens) and a holy nation (special people- kings and
queens). So God’s promise is therefore fulfilled to His people, and only His
people as defined by Him (sole authority of the Universe).
And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be
broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
27
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
Jesus then promises that He Himself shall rule consistently forever. He uses
the simile rod of iron to depict that He shall not bend, neither to the right nor
to the left, exactly what He expressed to His children thru Moses in
Deuteronomy 28:14. He then describes the results to those who refuse to be
God’s remnant, either thru rejection or intentional ignorance. They will be
broken into tiny pieces, or destroyed.
28
And I will give him the morning star.
Comprehending Biblical Truth:
God then says, to His remnant, that He will bless them with the “Morning Star”, we
know that this another name for Jesus our Savior, and therefore salvation.
29
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Again, Jesus calls all who are willing and able (he that hath an ear), to do that
which God commands (hear what the Spirit says to the churches).
Let us now review what we have learned. First there are distinct messages
(seven different), by distinct messengers (seven different angels to John).
I wish to share with you that seven is the prophetic number of perfection and
God. Each church is examined and evaluated (weighed and measured) by
Jesus Christ, the Head of all His seven churches. Jesus then gives the results
of His examination by showing how and what he found (measured). He always
starts His presentation by showing what the church is doing correctly, the
things that it does not have to work on, followed by the things which it is doing
incorrectly, the things that it must change in order to remain as God’s church.
Not all the churches are found wanting, or needing of change. Lastly Jesus
gives a warning and promise to the individual churches. A warning to either
change if they are found wanting, or not to change if they are abiding in the
will of God. This warning is followed by a promise, either that they will not
remain as God’s church (and the consequences of separation from God) if they
fail to correct that which was shown lacking, or the benefit of making the
requisite changes to return to God’s will (Authority), to remain God’s children.
The church of Ephesus, was found (weighed and measured) to be excellent in
its works (weighed) for God, but failed in the purpose (measured) for those
works. The church was found to be excellent in discernment and
understanding of truth (therefore was aware of its’ errors- which establishes
intent), but failed (or did not care to know) to discern and understand the
reason for truth. It failed to perform the works in the proper spirit, to love and
serve God. They instead did the works to love and serve self. To love and serve
God is to be in the spirit of Agape, a love granted from God, which is a selfless
love, one that denies self. To be in any other spirit, other than Agape, is be in
the spirit of Hedonism, or love of self, a selfish love. The spirit of Hedonism
causes one to place themselves even before God Himself, therefore this act,
along with the spirit of hedonism renders the actor into sin by intentional
breaking God’s first Commandment (have nothing before God). The spirit of
hedonism also cause the actor to create for themselves something that comes
before God, known as an idol. Placing either themselves or anything else
before God is to create one’s own god. This act of creating a god, along with
spirit of hedonism places one into sin by breaking God’s second commandment
(not to make something before God). Lastly, when the members of God’s
church know (spirit) they exist outside of God’s will, and still willingly call (act)
themselves Christians, they are guilty of sin by breaking God’s third
commandment (taking God’s name in vain). This church existed from the time
of Christ’s ascension, till the time of Nero, approximately 30 AD till 64 AD.
The church of Smyrna was also weighed and measured by Jesus Christ. It was
found perfect in works and reason. Jesus found this church to be sound and
not lacking in anything. Jesus then warns the church, that strict adherence to
His word along with the appropriate reason, stirs up a spirit of evil against any
who would dare follow God, as He commands. The earthly reward, as well as
the sign that the church is doing that which is right in the site of the Lord, will
be that both man and Satan will rise against her. This is because it becomes
the enemy of the world and Satan by placing a mirror to their guilty faces, as to
how God’s children must act. The heavenly reward for strict adherence (indeed
in act and reason) is a crown in heaven (God makes us Kings and Queens), and
not tasting the second death, but rather eternal life. This prophesy is for the
church as it existed during the time that it was aggressively persecuted, as in
the days of Nero, approximately 64-74, AD.
Next, the church of Pergamos was examined and evaluated. Christ understood
the great pressure for these Christians to remain faithful to Him, for they
resided in what is called the “seat of Satan”. Pergamos was known as the seat
of Satan since it was a successful pagan stronghold. Within this city was
worshiped the three largest pagan religions, the Emperor of Rome (ancestry
worship or reincarnation), Artemis the pagan feminine existence of Satan
(Diana or moon Worship - Universal Church), and Zeus (Sun worship or
Mithraism – Universal Church and apostate Christianity) known as the pagan
masculine existence of Satan. Satan can be worshiped as either masculine or
feminine, whereas God is described only in the masculine. Additionally it held
the acropolis where any pagan god could be worshiped, or any other form of
Satan. This church was found wanting because it allowed those (individuals)
with Satanic pagan doctrines to remain within the church. These doctrines
would then lead many in the church to apostasy. Christ gives reference to the
Doctrines of the Nicolations. These doctrines later became known as what we
call today the New Age Movement. (Please refer to lecture on New Age
Movement) This time was roughly from 100 AD to 400 AD.
Jesus then goes on to weigh and measure the church in Thyatira. This church
has many similar attributes of its predecessor, the church in Pergamos. It was
very good at the procedural practices of Christianity, but it did them for the
wrong reasons or intentions. The cause for these reasons were later explained
by Christ, it was because the church not only allowed those with pagan and
satanic doctrines to remain in the church but she actually incorporated many
of them into the Church cannons (laws). There was a progressive merger
between Christianity and Paganism (Satanism), and therefore a willing adding
and subtraction from God’s word. As we have previously seen, this (adding or
subtracting from God’s word) renders the actors and acceptors (conspirators) of
such to reside in sin against God. We have seen that this leads to the breaking
of the first three commandment as they pertain to the manner of worshiping
God. Later, this church would intentionally reject and break the fourth of
God’s commandments, the Sabbath, or the time for God’s worship. Therefore
complete (manner and time) rejection of how God commands His people to
worship Him, and therefore a complete and utter rejection of Christ, the law
giver. This is known as anti-Christ. This time frame is approximately from
300 AD to 538 AD. During this time, the Emperor Constantine makes
Christianity the state religion. There then develops the catalysts that
eventually becomes the mixture of the church-state, or religious-political
system.
So why does this church-state system, as regarded in Revelation, become
improper? First it was a mixture of the holy (God’s word) with the unholy
(paganism), therefore an amalgamation of truth and lies. God’s word is not and
never will accept the notions of Eastern Philosophy and Gnosticism (see New
Age Lecture). This merger into false doctrines leads people away from God,
since God’s law directs people to Him. Second, the Holy Scriptures state that
God’s children cannot compromise (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 28:14 and
Revelations 22:19), and politics is itself the “art” of compromise. Therefore
blending to these two polar opposite ideals leads to a destruction the first.
Lastly, God never intended any man, except the man-God, Jesus, to hold both
offices, leader (king or state) and priest (church). That place was reserved for
Christ and Christ alone. Any attempt to do so was a complete rejection or
treason against God. We find evidence for this in how God set up the Levitical
system. A man, Aaron or the Levites, would administer to God and the people
as a priest. The children of Israel were to be God’s children, and God was to be
their God (Jeremiah 32:38). Moses and the judges were supposed to be the
people’s leaders (state). So Christ intentionally causes a separation of powers
between men. The priests would serve God and man (church), the judges
would rule for God (state) as God dictated, and God would oversee the process.
We then find the rejection of this system in 1 Samuel 8:7. Here Israel
commands of God (witch craft) to have a visible king over them (God was the
invisible King), or a vicar of God, almost an idol. Even though Israel rejects
God as their king, he still insists on the separation of powers between church
and state. The priests were to oversee the religious rituals, and the king was
supposed to rule over the civil matters. Both civil and religious leaders were
still supposed to be subservient to the laws of God, only now there existed a
vicar in the place of God. We find the consequences of failing to adhere to this
system in, 1 Samuel 13:8-14. Here King Saul (state), is waiting for the
Prophet (church) Samuel to perform the pre-battle sacrifice and presentation to
God. Saul waits several days, but Samuel is delayed. As the battle draws
near, King Saul decides to perform the functions of priest, and makes the
sacrifice. As a direct result of this treason, God separates Himself from King
Saul and finds another, and David is later anointed. So Saul placed himself as
both king and priest (mixes church and state), this usurped the authority and
place of Christ to oversee the process, we call this blasphemy.
Therefore, to mix church and state under one entity, is to attempt to change
God’s laws. To willfully reject the word of God, or a law of God (change or
reject), is to intentionally commit treason against Him, and therefore rendering
oneself to suicide, a self-imposed death.