We are living in challenging times in the history of the church at Jesus founded. Ideas circulating through the church today are significant in ways few realize! The subtle return to mainstream “Christian” doctrines, the fascination with new forms of church government, the desire to dispense with the ministry and move beyond a hierarchy to independence and the preference to debate instead of learn—are sobering benchmarks to take note of!
Some wonder, what is happening among God’s people today? Why is there so much division, strife and conflict of opinion? Is this growing diversity a sign of spiritual maturity? Does real Christianity mean learning how to disagree more agreeably? If so, what happened to the unity Jesus prayed for among His disciples (John 17:11)? What became of the doctrinal harmony stressed by the Apostles (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1–6, 13–16)? Can you believe whatever feels right to you and still be a true Christian? Does attending the church of your choice make you a Philadelphian Christian—or is there more to the story? Why are these issues so prevalent today?
For some, this flowering of diversity indicates progress, while to others it is a sign of spiritual confusion. For many, leveling the pyramid of church government is a liberating move, but to others it is a prescription for chaos! Some are elated over changes sweeping the churches, but many are concerned and confused. Some have given up and quit. But what do all these changes mean? Where will they lead? Do we have any guidelines to help us navigate through these turbulent times?
The answers we need today are found in Bible prophecies recorded nearly 2,000 years ago in a book that few theologians understand. While the churches are being urged to “repent of prediction addiction,” what we need to study and understand are prophecies that describe our present age. The first several chapters of the book of Revelation provide valuable insights into the past, present and future of the Church of God. The letters to the seven churches contain not only an outline of the history of the church, but important lessons to guide us through these troubled times. Those lessons also explain what is happening to the church today. You cannot afford to ignore this vital information.
The Purpose of Revelation
The book of Revelation is often viewed as a strange book full of mysterious symbols that are difficult or impossible to understand. Yet the Bible states just the opposite! The word “revelation” means “to unveil” or “to explain.” In the very first verse we read that God inspired the book of Revelation “to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1). God further states, “Blessed [privileged, to be envied] is he that reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time [of fulfillment] is near” (Revelation 1:3). The prophecies of Revelation—including the letters to the seven churches— were meant to be understood—especially by Christians today! John wrote about events that would lead up to the end of the age. The link—between John’s day and the time of Christ’s return—is the prophetic time period pictured by seven church eras outlined in Revelation (chapters 2 and 3).
The letters to the seven churches have a three-fold purpose. The letters describe actual conditions in each of the churches at the end of the 1st century AD. The initial lessons—commendations and admonitions—were intended for the churches at that time. However, the letters are part of a book of prophecy about the future. The seven churches were geographically arranged in sequence on a mail route in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Scholars also realize that this sequence portrays seven eras of the Church of God from the days of the Apostles to the end of the age. The church conditions described in the letters prophetically describe conditions that would prevail in each successive era—where the same lessons would be applicable. John addressed the book of Revelation “to the seven churches” (1:4), indicating the letters to each church were to be read in all the churches. Thus the third purpose of the letters is to convey universal lessons that describe and deal with universal human tendencies. This article will focus on what these letters reveal about the eras of the church—especially our modern era—and how the lessons apply to us today.
Ephesus: Lost Its First Love
Ephesus was the leading city of Asia Minor—but it was in a state of decline. The Ephesian Church is symbolic of the Apostolic era of the 1st and 2nd centuries’ AD. This church is commended for its works—the preaching, suffering, serving, traveling and writing of the early disciples (Revelation 2:1–3). Even they had to discern between false teachers and true Christian ministers. However, like the fading glory of Ephesus, the church at the end of the 1st century was told “you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4). God warned that unless they repented He would cease to use them for His purpose (Revelation 2:5).
But what does it mean to leave or lose your first love? John’s own writings explain. The Apostle equates love with walking in the truth and keeping the commandments (2 John 6). Concerning the effect of false teachers, he warns, “look to yourselves that we do not lose those things we worked for” including our reward (2 John 7–8). In 3 John he urges the church to serve the brethren and to “become fellow workers for the truth” (vv. 4–8). While Jesus emphasized humility (Matthew 5:5) and love for neighbor (John 15:12), the church at the end of the 1st century had individuals who loved preeminence over others— they loved their position—which the Bible calls evil (3 John 9–11).
The Church of Ephesus—the Apostolic era—had lost its love for God, for the Truth, for doing the Work and for the brethren. In place of these important fundamentals people were listening to deceptive doctrines (probably of Gnostic origin—see Revelation 2:6). For some, holding onto a position was more important than holding onto the Truth. Even today, some are more concerned with holding a position— perhaps serving as an elder or deacon, passing out songbooks or leading a choir—than with doing the Work of God. The lesson of the Ephesian era is clear: Get back on track—do the Work—preach the gospel with zeal—love the Truth— love each other.
In a striking parallel to our modern era, we see that the New Testament church, which began in the 30s, was beginning to fragment in the 90s—when John wrote his epistles and the book of Revelation. The Apostle Paul indicates that this diversity of opinion had been present for some time (1 Corinthians 1:10–13) and was causing people to fall away (2 Timothy 1:15). In just over 60 years the church founded by Jesus Christ was riddled with division and doctrinal strife. This should be a sobering lesson for us today!
Smyrna: Faithful in Trial
The church at Smyrna offers another powerful and timeless lesson. Smyrna was a prosperous, bustling, beautifully planned port city, but Christians faced considerable persecution there. The Smyrna era appears to cover the 3rd and 4th centuries AD—a period of intense Roman persecution of the church. While the Smyrna era is commended for its works and being rich in faith (Revelation 2:9), it is urged to be “faithful until death” in order to receive a reward (Revelation 2:10). The Church of Smyrna illustrates the critical importance of endurance—of holding on to your beliefs during difficult times. Jesus said, “he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). The Apostle Paul writes that only those who finish the race will be given a prize (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). Elders are admonished they must be found “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught” (Titus 1:9). If your foundation is solid (Matthew 7:24–29), and you take time to “prove” what the truth is (1 Thessalonians 5:21), you will be prepared to endure when the going gets rough.
Historical sources reveal that Christians of the Smyrna era believed in the millennium—the 1,000-year reign of Christ and the saints on earth. They would have nothing to do with the Roman Saturnalia and Brumalia (sources of modern Christmas customs). They tithed and did not believe in an immortal soul. They kept the Sabbath and the Holy Days, and followed the dietary laws of Scripture (see Edward Gibbon’s The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, chapter 15). It is no wonder they were persecuted—they did not follow prevailing social and religious customs. Smyrna is one of only two churches to receive no correction. The lesson of the Smyrna era is simple, but vital and timeless: Remain faithful in trials—endure to the end—do not give up—do not quit! It is a lesson we can never afford to forget!
Pergamos: The Compromising Church
Pergamos was the capital city of Asia Minor with imposing temples to Zeus, Apollo, Athena, Asklepios (the healing cult) and Caesar. The citizens were sophisticated and literate. The church at Pergamos is admonished for permitting false teachers to put “stumbling blocks” in the way of believers (Revelation 2:14). While people may not initially believe false teachings, tolerating the spread of deceptive ideas will eventually lead many to compromise the doctrines of true Apostolic Christianity and to stumble spiritually. The Bible reveals that not only false teachers, but trials, tribulations and persecution (Matthew 13:21) and poor examples (1 Corinthians 8:9) can cause people to stumble. Some will even stumble over the Word of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ (Malachi 2:8; 1 Corinthians 1:23).
The Pergamos era appears to cover the period from about 500 to 1000AD. It was during this time—the Dark Ages when the Roman Church dominated Europe—that Easter, Christmas, Halloween and the philosophical ideas of the trinity and the immortal soul were absorbed into the dominant church from paganism. Intellectual sophistication, human reasoning and the desire to be progressive often leads to abandoning fundamental biblical truth. The lesson of Pergamos is pointed: Do not tolerate false teachings or those who promote them—compromise causes people to stumble; Christians must stand for the Truth. This advice is particularly appropriate for the church today!
Thyatira: The Corrupt Church
Thyatira was an inland city located on a major trade route. It was a commercial center with many trade guilds and was the home of a military garrison. Its patron deity was a warrior goddess. To participate in the local economy would have required membership in trade guilds that sponsored idolatrous annual festivals— thus generating pressure to compromise to fit in. The Thyatira era appears to stretch from about the 11th century to the 16th century including the Reformation and Counterreformation periods when large numbers left the established Roman Church. During this time groups of Christians appeared in central and southern Europe who believed in the Sabbath, some of the Holy Days, tithing, adult baptism and the dietary laws, while rejecting doctrines of the trinity, immortal soul, purgatory, and the popularized concepts of heaven and hell. However, over time and under the pressure of Counterreformation forces, many drifted back into prevailing practices by sitting in Sunday services, observing pagan holidays and serving in armies to avoid persecution. Many suffered and died as a result (see Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th ed., “Waldenses” ).
The lesson of Thyatira is blunt: Do not pretend to go along with false teachings for appearances sake—do not compromise the truth—do not go back into ways you have been called out of, or you will suffer tribulation. Scripture contains very graphic warnings about this (see Deuteronomy 12:29–31; Jeremiah 10:2; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18; 2 Peter 2:18–22). We are specifically told that at the end of the age many professing Christians will be “deluded” into accepting false, but fashionable, religious beliefs because they did not know or were willing to compromise the truth they once knew (2 Thessalonians 2:1–13). Today, with many returning to former beliefs, Paul’s message rings clear, “stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Spiritual compromise leads to spiritual corruption. It happened before—it can happen today if we are not alert!
Sardis: The Dead Church
Only a few comments are made about Sardis, a city once famous for arts, crafts and wealth. Sardis appears to correspond to the church era from about the 16th century to the early 20th century. The main description of the Sardis era is that it was a dead church (Revelation 3:1). Although it had a recognizable name and pieces of the Truth, it never did much with that precious information. During this period, there appeared in England, America and other parts of the world, a number of small churches that kept the Sabbath and other doctrines of Apostolic Christianity (some even using the name Church of God or Church of Christ). However, most were, or remain, tiny insignificant groups that people have never heard of. The Sardis church was also urged to be watchful—but, as we will see, they did not know what to watch for! They lacked a vital key for understanding Bible prophecy.
The lesson of Sardis is sobering: Do not let the Truth die—hold onto the Truth you have been given— bear fruit with this precious truth, or be blotted out of the Book of Life! Unfortunately, in spite of these strong warnings, Bible prophecies indicate at the end of the age believers will “turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:4). Isaiah speaks of a time before Christ returns when “truth is fallen in the street” (Isaiah 59:14). The costs will be high if we let the Truth die— especially if we fail to learn from the lessons of history!
Philadelphia: Small but Faithful
In contrast to the other churches on the mail route, Philadelphia was not a wealthy, sophisticated or influential city. Located on an easily defended hill beside a major highway, it functioned as an outpost for spreading Greek and Roman culture, and later Christianity, to the surrounding region. The city was destroyed several times by earth-quakes, but each time was rebuilt. It still exists today. The name means “brotherly love.” The Philadelphian era appears to have begun in the 1930s—about the time radio became popular and just before the age of television. In the last 60 years, the Church of God has used mass media to reach millions of people—proclaiming the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God and warning the world to watch for the signs of the end of this age and the return of Jesus Christ. This was the mission Jesus gave to His church (Matthew 4:23; 10:6–7). That message was to be prominent at the end of the age (Matthew 24:14). Understanding the identity of modern Israelite nations—a key to understanding Bible prophecy—was restored to the Church of God during the modern Philadelphian era.
God promised to provide the Philadelphian era with an open door—a door that no man could shut—for preaching the gospel. This small church is commended for its persistence in fulfilling its mission and for holding onto, and not compromising, the precious Truth of God (Revelation 3:7–8). For faithfully doing a Work and holding onto the Truth—not just attending a church of their choice— Philadelphian Christians are promised protection from the coming Tribulation (Revelation 3:10). The lesson of Philadelphia is simple: Remain faithful to Truth—do the work of preaching the gospel—love the brethren—let no one take your crown. We cannot afford to drop the ball at this critical moment of history! Our salvation and our reward are at stake if we do!
Laodicea: Lukewarm and Laid-back
Laodicea is an interesting and instructive case—a study in contrasts. From history we learn it was a proud and prosperous city, yet it played only a minor role in the spread of Greek culture. Its imposing fortifications gave the appearance of strength and promoted a feeling of security, yet its valley location and exposed water supply made the city quite vulnerable. Laodicea was a banking center with a strong sense of independence. This independent attitude is reflected in the Greek name Laodicea which means “the people decide” or “the people judge” (see Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). The Laodicean era describes the condition of the Church of God just before the return of Jesus Christ. It is not a pretty picture. Perhaps that is why some want to deny the idea that these seven churches represent seven historical eras—it makes uncomfortable reading!
The charge against the Laodiceans is their lukewarm attitude (Revelation 3:16). Their wealth and prosperity fosters an attitude of worldliness. They are lukewarm about the Truth, obedience to the commandments and their mission to do a Work. This is as disgusting to God as the “water” in Laodicea was nauseating. They are also very independent and have “need of nothing” (Revelation 3:17). Some Laodiceans feel no need for ministers, government, structure or doctrinal unity— these are considered dispensable! Laodicea had a medical school noted for its eye-salve, yet the Bible describes the people as being blind to their own spiritual condition. Their intellectual sophistication prevented them from seeing their own lack of spiritual discernment. Laodicea produced fine black wool clothing, yet the Bible says they were naked and needed white garments (Revelation 3:17–18). In a sense naked Laodiceans lack vital pieces of spiritual armor—commitment to truth, fear of the commandments, faith, love, perseverance—and may be failing to exercise the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 6:10–19). These are necessary to stand firm in times of trial and to preach the gospel with boldness. Their message, though containing the truth, is bland and insipid—like the waters of Laodicia.
The picture of Laodicea is of a sophisticated, self-sufficient church that trusts in its own wealth, numbers and wisdom. It has the appearance of strength, stability and unity yet is internally divided. These independent-minded people may unknowingly reject the leadership of Jesus Christ as they do their own thing! The democratic (people deciding) aspects of the Laodicean era can relate to decisions about doctrine, organization, governance, mission and methods. This lukewarm attitude is prophesied to become dominant in the church at the end of the age. The lesson of Laodicea is urgent: Wake up before it is too late—ask God to open your eyes to see your own spiritual condition—repent of complacency, compromise, materialism, stubborn independence—respond to the leadership of Jesus Christ—do not lose your reward!
The letters to the seven churches—and the seven church eras they represent—contain important lessons! Those lessons were meant for the churches in the 1st century and for Christians down through the ages. But they are critical for Christians today—individuals living at the end of the age—in the Laodicean era! If we read and heed those lessons we will gain a reward from Jesus Christ. If we discount or fail to learn those vital lessons, that reward may go up in smoke! John advised all seven churches in Revelation, “he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Do we understand how these lessons apply to each of us?