The Pattern is Established for the Book.
Like the Book of Daniel, the opening chapters of Revelation set the pattern for the rest of the book. Daniel 2 outlined the history of the world from his day until the end of time and the coming of Jesus. Revelation 2 & 3 set a pattern that is relevant to first century Christians, but is also relevant through the centuries until the end of time and the coming of Jesus. The seven churches represent 7 eras of Christianity.
The problems presented in these letters are the problems that face every Christian in every age.
These problems have been more marked in some periods than others and are therefore prophetic. This shows the wonderful symmetry of the word of God, that these messages can be specific and yet relevant to all ages. We noted the increase in apostasy as we went through the ages, but also the increase in promises. There is also increasing stress on Christ coming to Judgment.
Ephesus was warned by Jesus about losing its fervour. Smyrna then became the era of martyrdom and lasted up until the time of Constantine in 313AD. This began the era of Union with the world. Pergamum was the centre of pagan cults. The story of Balaam was used from the OT, where we had Christianity and paganism joining hands. In Thyatira, from about 538 until the reformation, we have the era of deepening darkness and permeating heresies. Here the story of Jezebel, the sun worshipper, and Elijah was alluded to. This will be expanded in Rev 17. The Reformation brought the glory of the gospel back into full light.
Sardis, the church following the Reformation lapsed into formalism but was followed by Philadelphia in the 1700s, which was the missionary church – the open door. Laodicea, which means “Judgement of the people,” is the last church. A church of lukewarm self-sufficiency and empty profession. The Laodiceans will see the coming of Jesus in the clouds and many other things leading up to that event that Revelation will go on to expand.
The most encouraging thing – Jesus our High priest walks in amongst the churches ministering in love to their various needs.
Revelation is overlaid with many things, including the major stories of the OT and the Jewish Sanctuary service. I did a ZOOM meeting on “The Sanctuary in Revelation.” Here is a brief written summary. Revelation takes us on a journey through the sanctuary. Its imagery appears throughout the book of Revelation. The Hebrew Sanctuary Service is full of snapshots of the Calvary drama & the entire plan of salvation.
Most of the major sections of the book contain a sanctuary scene. The first introductory scene shows Christ, clothed as High Priest, walking among the seven lampstands (Rev. 1:12-20). This is followed by letters to the Seven Churches.
The second shows the heavenly throne room; with throne, lamps, a sea, a slain Lamb, blood, and golden bowls of incense (Rev. 4, 5). This is followed by the Seven Seals. The third scene refers to the continual service of intercession in the context of the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary (Rev. 8:2-6), followed by the Seven Trumpets.
The fourth and central scene gives us a glimpse of the ark of the covenant in the second apartment (Rev. 11:19), followed by seven cosmic conflict scenes (12:1-15:4). The fifth scene brings the entire tabernacle in heaven into view (Rev. 15:5-8), culminating in the seven last plagues.
The sixth scene is unique in that it does not contain any explicit references to the sanctuary, perhaps to illustrate that Christ’s work there is finished (Rev. 19:1-10). However, it is followed by 7 Scenes in the windup of the Cosmic Conflict (19:11-20:15)
The final scene is all about the glorious Holy City on earth, which is portrayed as the tabernacle “coming down out of heaven” (Rev. 21:1-8, NASB) Following this is a seven part description of the New Jerusalem (21:9-22:5).
Those verses show a progression in salvation: from Christ on earth, to His heavenly ministry and finally to the new earth tabernacle. The ZOOM meeting made this more explicit. I coiuld run this again if there is sufficient interest.
We are about to get an astounding picture of Jesus and His role in the Universe. Revelation Chapters 4 & 5 are amazing. In preparation, please read through them in one sitting.
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God bless you 🙏