Letters to Seven Churches of Revelation Contain Info for Last-Days Christians

Jesus instructed the apostle John to write letters to seven churches in Asia Minor that may also have been written with the eschaton in mind. Consider the following scriptures from Revelation:

“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations... ” (Rev. 2:26)

“…Therefore if you will not watch, I will come to you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” (Rev. 3:3)

“Because you have kept my command to persevere, I will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Rev. 3:10)

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” (Rev. 22:12) “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches…” (Rev. 22:16)

While there is no question these seven letters were directed to seven real churches existing in John’s day, it is also evident from the above scriptures that what is contained in them is important teaching from Jesus Himself specifically for last-days Christians as well. We are those last-days Christians. Therefore, it behooves us to study and meditate on both Jesus’s criticisms and praises of these seven churches. They likely represent a microcosm of Christianity today. Allow me to sum up in my own words Jesus’s praises and criticisms contained in the letters to the seven churches.

Praises; Good works, Much fruitful labor, Patience, Intolerance of evil, Testing of those who say they are apostles, not growing weary of doing good, Enduring tribulation, Enduring poverty, Enduring persecution, Holding fast to the name of Jesus, Faithful even unto martyrdom, Showing love, Latest works better than the first.

Criticisms; Abandoning your first love, Idolatry, Sexual immorality, Toleration of false teaching, Seduction by false prophets, Adultery.

I think you can readily see all of the above present in world wide Christianity today. Read and study the seven letters. The consequences of not taking seriously Jesus’s criticisms are severe and eternal. The rewards, however, according to John are awesome. ” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates and into the city.” (Rev. 22:14)

Maranatha, Jim