May 13: THE SEVEN LETTERS IN RETROSPECT (part 2)

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19 (KJV)

The prophetic nature of the book of Revelation as a whole can be seen in Jesus’s seven letters. They were spoken, penned, and delivered to reach not only the hearts of the first-century Christians, but as a descriptive layout of church history in advance. Today, as we rapidly move toward the end of both church history and world history, it is extremely advantageous to see the developments of the church under the heavy hand of worldly and demonic influences. It’s a “no-brainer” to look out into the world and see the devastation that Satan has caused (of course, he leads people to blame God for this), but it takes more thought and study to peer into the church among ourselves and recognize the enemy’s “inside job”.

The excellent Ephesian church was a bulwark for truth amid the swirling, heady culture of idol worship, magnificent temples, and international trade. But the subtle ways of the enemy inside the church effectively dimmed the light of love within their hearts. This ‘formula’ is correct church procedures minus the love of Christ. Such a scenario may appear somewhat impressive but failure to remember…from where you have fallen results in remov[al] of the lampstand from its place (2:4,5).

Those individuals who took the admonition in the letter to Ephesus seriously a) succeeded in reclaiming their fervent love for the Savior, and b) were empowered to live pure lives of loving obedience to His word in its fullness. This direction of the church certainly gained the enemy’s riveted attention. Smyrna’s faithful Christians were ridiculed and ostracized by both pagans and unfaithful Jews, leaving them financially destitute. Jesus said, “but you are rich” (v.9) referring to their heavenly wealth. Their character brightly reflected His own, and as bloody persecution came down upon them, many witnesses—even among the perpetrators of atrocities—were drawn to Christ. Under these conditions, the church was growing and was free from nominal Christians!

Moving through time, Satan switched tracks and launched a new strategy: compromise within the church. Compare 2:2,6 to 2:14,15. Unbiblical doctrines that had not been allowed into the Ephesus church began to be tolerated in the church at Pergamos. On the prophetic timeline, this coincides with Constantine’s Edict of Milan and the aftermath. While there were individuals who stood fast upon truth and were singled out for martyrdom, widespread persecution was outlawed. Jesus praised and encouraged those in Pergamos who held onto their pure faith (v.13). But the less committed Christians of Pergamos allowed compromise, and the dye was cast, so to speak, for what came next: a veritable flood of unconverted pagans into the church. Constantine’s edict had made Christianity “fashionable”. This trend of compromise was far more deadly to the cause of Christ than bloody persecution.

Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. Proverbs 4:13, Psalm 1:6