4. Prophetic Insights on Chapters 2-3 

Prophetic Insights on Revelation Chapter 2-3

“Prophetic Lessons from the Seven Churches: The SDA Connection”

Prayer Thought

"Take Heed Unto Thyself."--"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine." Thyself needs the first attention. First give yourself to the Lord for sanctification to His service. A godly example will tell more for the truth than the greatest eloquence unaccompanied by a well-ordered life. Trim the lamp of the soul, and replenish it with the oil of the Spirit. Seek from Christ that grace, that clearness of comprehension, which will enable you to do successful work. Learn from Him what it means to labor for those for whom He gave His life. The most talented worker can do little unless Christ is formed within, the hope and strength of the life (RH Aug. 19, 1902).  {7BC 916.1}

"What do the seven churches in Revelation stand for?"

Answer: The seven churches described in Revelation 2-3 are seven literal churches at the time that John the apostle was writing Revelation. Though they were literal churches in that time, there is also spiritual significance for churches and believers today. 

1.The first purpose is to write to the literal churches and meet their needs at that time. 

2.The second purpose is to reveal seven different types of individuals/churches throughout history and instruct them in God's truth.

3.A possible third purpose is using the seven churches to represent seven different periods in the history of the Church. The problem with this view is that each of the seven churches describes issues that could fit the Church in any time in its history. So although there may be some truth to the seven churches representing seven eras of the Church, too many people go into far too much speculation in order to determine which church fits which era. Instead, our focus should be on what message God is giving to us through the seven churches.

The seven churches are:

(1) Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) - the church that had forsaken its first love (2:4). (which means “desirable”)
     

(2) Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) - the church that would suffer persecution (2:10). (which means “sweet smelling,” like myrrh)
      

(3) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) - the church that needed to repent (2:16). (which means “elevation” or “exalted”)

(4) Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) - the church that had a false prophetess (2:20). (which means “sacrifice of contrition” or “sweet savor of labor”)
 

(5) Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) - the church that had fallen asleep (3:2). (which means “renewal”)
   

(6) Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) - the church that had endured patiently (3:10). (which means “brotherly love”)
      

(7) Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) - the church with the lukewarm faith (3:16). (which means “judgment” or “judging the people”)

The names of the cities are significant in that they convey a spiritual message relevant to the Church as a whole. It is incredible that their names so accurately reflect the history of the Church. It is one of the great evidences for the inspiration of the Word and the omnipotence of God. The letters contain a number of common features that applied to the Church in John's day, but also reflect the Church in prophetic time.

Names in ancient times conveyed a message. One of the names given to the Messiah was Immanuel, conveying the message that God would live among us. In the same way, the names of the seven cities convey a message about the state and nature of the Church from John’s time to the end of time.

Seven Churches in Revelation – Their Ultimate Significance

The seven churches in Revelation are literal churches from the first century AD. However, the seven churches in Revelation also have spiritual significance for churches and believers today. Indeed, the primary purpose for John writing his letters to the seven churches was to deliver Christ’s "report card" for the churches of that time. However, a second purpose for John’s inspired writings was to describe seven types of churches (and individual believers) that would surface time and again throughout history. These short letters to the seven churches of Revelation act as quick and poignant reminders to those who call themselves "followers of Christ." 

"The people of God, symbolized by a holy woman and her children, were represented as greatly in the minority. In the last days only a remnant still existed. Of these John speaks as they 'which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." E. G. White, Signs of the Times, Nov. 1, 1899, and Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 972.

In every period of this earth's history, God has had His men of opportunity, to whom He has said, "Ye are My witnesses." In every age there have been devout men, who gathered up the rays of light as they flashed upon their pathway, and who spoke to the people the words of God. Enoch, Noah, Moses, Daniel, and the long roll of patriarchs and prophets,--these were ministers of righteousness. They were not infallible; they were weak, erring men; but the Lord wrought through them as they gave themselves to His service.  {GW 13.1}

"Take Heed Unto Thyself."--"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine." Thyself needs the first attention. First give yourself to the Lord for sanctification to His service. A godly example will tell more for the truth than the greatest eloquence unaccompanied by a well-ordered life. Trim the lamp of the soul, and replenish it with the oil of the Spirit. Seek from Christ that grace, that clearness of comprehension, which will enable you to do successful work. Learn from Him what it means to labor for those for whom He gave His life. The most talented worker can do little unless Christ is formed within, the hope and strength of the life (RH Aug. 19, 1902).  {7BC 916.1}