After an introductory chapter and an explanation for the purpose of the book of Revelation, our gracious God provides specific doctrine and instructions that is written directly to future Tribulation saints. The seven letters to the seven churches, “Christ’s epistles” as they have been called, are provided early within the book of Revelation because judgment begins at the house of God (1 Pet 4:17-18). All of Hebrews through Revelation, known as the Hebrew Epistles, is written to Tribulation saints, those believing Jews who will attempt to endure Daniel’s 70th Week.
Most professing Christians do not understand Revelation chapters 2 and 3 because they do not understand that John is writing from a future standpoint (Rev 1:10) and that the word “church” is not exclusive to the Body of Christ (Mt 16:18; Acts 7:38; Heb 12:23). The book of Revelation was sent to future Jewish churches that will live through the events that are described within that book. The key to understanding the book of Revelation is found in recognizing that chapters 2 and 3 are written to seven Jewish assemblies, synagogues, who will believe the Gospel of the Kingdom, not Paul’s Gospel of Grace.
The seven letters to the seven churches reveal the main problems that Tribulation saints will have to overcome, solutions to those problems, and promises to the overcomers. What Christ says to each of these seven churches, He says to all of the Tribulation saints. The instructions contained within these seven letters will assist the Tribulation saints with enduring the awful things that are described within the book of Revelation. The commendations, rebukes, corrections, instructions, and promises that Jesus gives to the seven churches in Asia directly correspond with the material that is found throughout the of the book of Revelation.
The emphasis within this article is that the seven “churches” found within Revelation chapters 2 and 3 are not Body of Christ churches. Those seven churches are Jewish congregations and cannot be Body of Christ churches since Church (capital C) language is nowhere present within the letters and the Church is not part of Prophecy (Rev 1:3). God removes His Church, the Body of Christ, at the Rapture before the seven Jewish assemblies are identified.
High-Level Issues
These seven letters are to Jewish congregations that will face the Tribulation period, Daniel’s 70th Week. There is no doctrine for the Body of Christ contained within these seven letters from Christ. Nothing in any of the seven letters is descriptive of the relationship that we, as the Body of Christ, have with Him who is our Head (Col 1:18). The letters to the seven churches do not correlate with the doctrine that is found within the apostle Paul’s epistles.
At a high-level, the following are the issues that the student of the Bible will encounter if they attempt to make the seven letters of Revelation 2 and 3 applicable to the Church, the Body of Christ:
- Christ is seen in the midst of (amongst) these seven churches (Deut 23:14; Mt 18:18-20; Rev 3:20). Pauline doctrine, in contrast, indicates that Christ is the Head of the Body (Col 1:18, 24; Eph 1:22-23; 5:23). He is one with His Church.
- The language and doctrine in Revelation 2 and 3 is based upon the Old Testament and earthly ministry of Christ.
- God makes a distinction between Jew and Gentile within Rev 2:9 and Rev 3:9.
- Works is mentioned 12 times within these letters (“I know thy works“) and are required to prove faith under the Kingdom program (James 2:24 vs. Rom 3:28; 4:5). Works indicate that these believers are under the Law of Moses as the Law is a works-based performance system from God.
- The word “grace” is only used twice within the book of Revelation and there is no use of the phrase “gospel of grace” found within the book.
- Eating items offered to idols is forbidden within these seven letters (Rev 2:14, 20 vs. Rom 14:14; 1 Cor 8:4).
- Angels minister to the seven churches and few recognize that angels do not minister to the Body of Christ during our current dispensation (Eph 3:2).
- The members of these seven churches must overcome the temptations of the Tribulation in order to be blessed (Mt 24:13-14; Heb 3:6, 14; Rev 2:26 vs. Eph 1:3).
- The warnings found within the seven letters do not apply to the Body of Christ (Rev 2:11; 3:3, 5, 16).
- Five of the seven letters contain judgment and condemnation, but the Body of Christ is not under any judgment or condemnation as Paul states in Romans 8:1.
- The promises have to do with the promised Kingdom on the earth and have nothing to do with the Church’s, Body of Christ, heavenly inheritance (Rev 2:7, 26-27; 3:21).
- Where is the Body of Christ instructed to “repent or else” under threat of having our names removed from the book of life?
- Who in the Body of Christ is wretched, poor, miserable, blind and naked?
- Satan is on the earth when the instructions found within these seven letters is to be followed (1 Pet 5:8; Rev 12:7-9 vs. Eph 2:2).
- The term “great tribulation” is found three times within the Bible and does not concern the Body of Christ (Mt 24:21; Rev 2:22; 7:14).
- The “white raiment” mentioned is for Tribulation saints who overcome the Antichrist (Rev 3:4-5, 18; 6:9-11; 7:9, 13-15; 19:7-8).
- There is a heavy emphasis on martyrdom, and it is not optional (Mt 16:24-28; Rev 2:10).
- The Second Coming of Christ is obviously at hand within the seven letters (Rev 2:5, 16, 25; 3:3, 11).
- The apostle John, the author of the book of Revelation, was an apostle to the circumcision (Gal 2:9), not an apostle to the Body of Christ.
To propose that the 7 letters are written to the Body of Christ is to propose that a member of Christ’s Body “of his flesh and of his bones,” one who is crucified, buried, risen with Him, complete and seated in heavenly places in Him, can be seen by Him as wretched, poor, miserable, blind and naked. That is not possible.
Revelation 2 and 3 are not written to the Body of Christ and the fact of the matter is that the entirety of the book of Revelation (while noting that Revelation 20 through 22 pertains to all mankind from every dispensation) is not Church (Body of Christ) doctrine. The book of Revelation is Prophecy and concerns Israel during Daniel’s 70th Week.
Context: Revelation 1
In order to properly understand Revelation chapters 2 and 3, one must understand the context to the book of Revelation. The context is provided within Revelation chapter 1.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Rev 1:1
John declares that the events of the “revelation of Jesus Christ” must “shortly come to pass.” How could John make such a statement if he was aware of the Dispensation of the Grace of God (Eph 3:2), God’s current program to save Gentiles that has been in effect for nearly 2,000 years?
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Rev 1:3
John called the book of Revelation “words of this prophecy.” The prophetic scriptures pertain to Israel, and the mystery writing found in Romans through Philemon pertain to the Body of Christ. Since the book of Revelation is prophecy, its target audience is Israel.
“The time is at hand” within Rev 1:3 refers to Israel during the coming 7-year Tribulation period as only during Daniel’s 70th Week could anyone know that the “time is at hand” (repeated in Rev 22:10). Jesus returns at the end of the 7-year Tribulation period. In contrast, the Pre-Tribulational Rapture of the Church, the Body of Christ, is an imminent event that could happen on any day and at any hour.
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Rev 1:4-6
John addressed the entire book of Revelation to the seven churches in Asia (Rev 1:11) and he did not confine each of the individual letters to each individual church. These are seven churches that will exist in the future Day of the Lord and they will collectively go through the events described within the entirety of the book of Revelation.
Christ loves the Church, the Body of Christ (Eph 5:25), and has washed us from our sins (1 Cor 6:11) in His own blood (Col 1:14), but it is not God’s purpose for the Body of Christ, His heavenly people, to reign as kings and priests on the earth (Col 3:1-4). We, the Body of Christ, will reign with Christ in His heavenly kingdom (2 Tim 4:18), and there is nothing within Paul’s 13 epistles about the Body of Christ being priests.
The priesthood of Israel officially began with Aaron, Moses’ brother of the tribe of Levi. Levi was the tribe of priests. Kings and priests are integral functions within the Jewish national establishment. It is, however, a foreign concept to the Body of Christ.
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev 1:11
The word “churches” used in verse 11 does not indicate that these are churches found within this present age (Eph 3:2). A “church” is simply a called-out assembly and there is more than one church within the Bible. Israel was a church in the wilderness (Acts 7:38). There will be assemblies of saints, believing Jews (the Remnant) that will attempt to survive the Tribulation period.
Why did the Lord specify these seven churches?
A: They are representative churches.
Why are the churches in Asia and not Israel?
A: Many Jews will be scattered outside of the land during the tribulation period (James 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1).
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; … And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Rev 1:12, 16
The seven candlesticks represent the seven churches (Rev 1:20). Candlesticks are not lights but rather hold light (Mt 5:14-16). Gold speaks of royalty (royal priesthood, 1 Pet 2:9). There were candlesticks in the temple (2 Chron 4:7). Christ is seen the midst of the candlesticks (Mt 18:20) and that indicates that they are not members of His Body (Rev 3:16). The apostle Paul never refers to the Body of Christ as a candlestick. Candlesticks bear the light of the Law. We in the Body of Christ exhibit grace.
In Matthew 15:5, Jesus calls Israel a candlestick and the light of the world. During the Tribulation period, Israel will once again be the light of the world to all that desire the truth. The word “candlestick” is used 41 times in the Bible, always in the context of Israel.
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Rev 1:20
The angels cannot be pastors, as is commonly taught, otherwise the stars would be a symbol of a symbol. They are literal angels (Heb 1:13-14).
A careful analysis of Revelation chapter 1 reveals that the context of the book is believing Jews and the nation Israel during Daniel’s 70th Week. The Body of Christ is not found within the book of Revelation.
What Few Notice
A chief characteristic of the Church, the Body of Christ, is that there is neither Jew nor Gentile within it:
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:28
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Col 3:11
A careful look at Revelation 2:9 and 3:9, usually approached with a cursory reading, reveals a contrast that requires a touch of logic:
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Rev 2:9
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Rev 3:9
Do you notice what is at issue within Revelation 2:9 and 3:9? This is but one of many examples that tell you that the book of Revelation is not written to you.
Understand that the Middle Wall of Partition (Eph 2:13-17) will be erected once again after the Rapture of the Church, the Body of Christ, and there will once again be a distinction between Jew and Gentile after the Rapture. The seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are seven Jewish assemblies. That is what Rev 2:9 and Rev 3:9 are indicating.
The issue is that during the Tribulation period there will be individuals within these congregations “which say they are Jews, and are not.” Why would that matter to Christians if these are Body of Christ churches? It wouldn’t. There is no distinction of Jew or Gentile when one becomes a member of the Body of Christ. The “middle wall of partition” (Eph 2:14) is down during the Dispensation of the Grace of God, but during Daniel’s 70th Week, the Middle Wall of Partition will be back up. There will be no Body of Christ on earth during the Tribulation period, and there will be a Little Flock (Lk 12:32) of believing Israel (Jews), the Remnant, that does care about the Jew/Gentile distinction.
Logically speaking, Revelation 2:9 and 3:9 tell us that these seven churches are not Body of Christ churches.
The Overcomer
The people in these seven churches are Tribulation saints. They are instructed to be “overcomers”. Each of the seven letters contains a promise and blessing to the overcomer. To overcome is synonymous with “endure to the end” (Mt 24:13).
These verses:
Mk 13:13
Mt 10:22
Heb 6:15
Heb 3:6
Rev 12:11
Are not compatible with these verses:
Eph 4:30
2 Cor 1:22
Eph 1:13
Rom 5:11
Rom 5:9
Col 2:10
The overcomer concept is foreign to Paul’s epistles as every member of the Body of Christ is “in Christ” and has overcome the world (1 Cor 6:11; Gal 1:4).
The overcomer concept is found in the four Gospels, 2 Peter, and 1 John. The Hebrew Epistles promote the concept of the overcomer. The overcomer is an entirely Jewish concept based on the Law of Moses, where performance is paramount. During the Tribulation period, the overcomer will be required to resist the temptation of taking the Mark of the Beast, holding fast to the commandments and instructions provided by the Lord. Members of the Body of Christ will never be coerced or tempted to take the Mark of the Beast. The Rapture of the Church is the solution to that problem. Therefore, the overcomer concept concerns assemblies of Jews enduring the Tribulation, not the Church, the Body of Christ.
Throughout Revelation 2 and 3, overcomers are promised:
- The tree of life (Rev 2:7)
- Not to be hurt by the second death (Rev 2:11)
- Authority over nations (Rev 2:26)
- A new name (Rev 3:12)
- A place in Christ’s throne (Rev 3:21)
These are all conditional promises to a remnant of Israel who will endure through the Tribulation period (Rev 12:17; Mt 24:13). This is not language about free justification by grace through faith as taught in Paul’s epistles (Rom 3:24; Eph 2:8-9).
The apostle Paul teaches:
- We are justified freely by God’s grace (Rom 3:24)
- We are complete in Christ (Col 2:10)
- We are seated with Christ in heavenly places now (Eph 2:6)
- There is no performance required to earn our position, it is by faith alone (1 Cor 15:1-4; 1 Thes 4:14)
Salvation in the Tribulation period requires endurance, for one to be an overcomer. That means not taking the Mark of the Beast, an unforgivable sin (Rev 14:9-12). The member of the Body of Christ does not strive to become an “overcomer” to enter Israel’s Kingdom. The member of the Body of Christ is already more than a conqueror through Him (Rom 8:37).
Exegesis
The following section of this article will comment upon the most specific verses within Revelation 2 and 3 that indicate that the seven letters are not written to Body of Christ churches:
Chapter / Verse
Text (Verse)
Comments
Rev 2:1
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
The seven stars are seven angels (Rev 1:20) that minister to the seven churches (Heb 1:13-14). There are many examples in the Bible of angels ministering to Israel, but the apostle Paul did not teach the Body of Christ to expect the ministry of angels.
Each of the seven letters addresses the angel of that church. Most pastors and teachers today will tell you that “angel” means messenger, so the “angel” is the church’s pastor. That is a false teaching.
The seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches that are to be a light to the world (Mt 5:14-16). That Christ is said to be walking in the midst of these churches lines up with the language God uses in His relationship with Israel (Lev 26:12; Deut 23:14; Ex 25:31; 35:14; Prov 6:23; Mt 5:14-16) and the Kingdom church (Mt 18:15-20).
Rev 2:2
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
All seven letters begin with the declaration from Christ, “I know thy works” (Isa 66:18). Works are required under the Gospel of the Kingdom in order to prove faith (Mt 7:21; James 2:24) and is not applicable to a member of the Body of Christ.
The word labour is “endurance”.
The “patience” mentioned in this verse is cross-referenced with Rev 14:12 –
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.“
Commandment keeping is a work and is instruction for the believing remnant attempting to survive Daniel’s 70th Week.
Rev 2:3
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
The word borne means “you have endurance”.
Rev 2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
“and do the first works” – Under the Gospel of the Kingdom, repentance was the first work. Jesus told the Jews that they would not see Him until they repented, saying, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Mt 23:37-39). Repentance is the key to Israel’s national blessing.
Rev 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
The need to overcome is emphasized within these seven letters. The apostle Paul never exhorted the Body of Christ to overcome in order to obtain blessings. By grace we are already “more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Rom 8:37) and “blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3).
Since Christ is the resurrection and the life, those who believe on Him (that He is the Christ, the Son of God; Jn 11:27) will be raised if they die before He returns to set up His Kingdom on the earth. Those who are alive when He returns will go into the Kingdom without dying and will enjoy everlasting life by partaking of the tree of life.
That the Body of Christ does not need the tree of life (Phil 3:20) proves that these are future Tribulation churches.
In Paul’s epistle to the church at Ephesus, God speaks to those who are on the highest ground of spiritual blessings by grace. Here, there is no blessing at all, except to the overcomers.
Rev 2:8-9
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
The Lord recognized their affliction and poverty, the result of not taking the Mark of the Beast which allows them to buy or sell (Rev 13:16-17). While poor, they are also rich for they are rich in Christ (see Mt 16:25; Mk 8:35; Lk 9:24; 17:33).
Why are they in poverty?
A: because they rejected the Mark of the Beast.
“but thou art rich” is to be cross-referenced with James 2:5.
They rejected the Mark of the Beast and they are going to enjoy the Kingdom as a result.
This is an indicator that Revelation 2 and 3 are addressing Jewish congregations. When has anyone professed to be a Jew in order to join a Christian church? Being Jewish means one in the bloodline of Jacob. This is not written to the Body of Christ.
The “synagogue of Satan” refers to unbelieving and apostate Israel. In the Body of Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile and no synagogue for us to be concerned about. The Body of Christ does not care about the nefarious activities that take place in a synagogue. Believing Jews in the Tribulation period will care.
Rev 2:10
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
This verse interprets James 1:12. James is referring to a specific type of temptation that the 12 tribes of Israel (James 1:1) will face during Daniel’s 70th Week.
This is not some broad general statement about the temptations of life. This is in relation to the Mark of the Beast (Rev 3:10).
The crown of life is an earned reward (position of authority) for martyrs that come out of the Tribulation period. The crown of life is a specific issue of those who have been beheaded because they refused the Mark of the Beast during Daniel’s 70th Week. These people will earn a reigning position on the earth with Christ during the Millennial Kingdom.
Take note that the devil is going to be on the earth after the mid-point of the Tribulation period. He will be cast out of heaven and will be roaming on the earth. His seat will be in Pergamos, close by (Rev 2:13).
Rev 2:11
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
The Body of Christ does not need this promise because we are sealed with the Spirit (Eph 4:30) and we can never be in danger of the second death.
Rev 2:14
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Eating things offered unto idols is absolutely forbidden under the Law, but not under grace (Rom 14:14; 1 Cor 8:4). The “doctrine of Balaam” is eating idol sacrifices. Paul stated that members of the Church can eat foods sacrificed to idols (1 Cor 8:4-13) unless it causes a weaker Christian to sin.
Rev 2:17
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
The “hidden manna” recalls God’s supernatural provision of manna in the desert for the Jews after they escaped slavery in Egypt through Moses. For the Tribulation generation, God will provide food supernaturally for those who do not take the Mark of the Beast, since without that mark no one can buy or sell (Rev 13:16-17). God will have a secret store of provisions for those who flee to the mountains after the “Abomination of Desolation” (Mt 24:15-21). This promise recalls the prophet’s words in Isaiah 65:13.
The promise of hidden manna and a white stone with a new name is based on the priesthood (Ex 19:6; 1 Pet 2:9; Rev 1:6; 5:10) and prophecy and has nothing to do with the Body of Christ.
It was prophesied that God’s faithful people would receive a new name (Isa 62:1-5; 65:11-18; Rev 3:12; 19:12).
Rev 2:18
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
Jesus is described within this verse with eyes like a “flame of fire” and feet of “fine brass.” This description portends judgment. When Jesus returns at the end of the Tribulation period, He comes to judge and make war (Rev 19:11).
For the Body of Christ, any judgment due us was paid by Jesus on the cross. We are the recipients of grace, not judgment (1 Thes 1:10; 5:9). Grace and judgment are mutually exclusive. Grace cancels judgment. Not so for Israel during Daniel’s 70th Week.
Rev 2:20
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Eating things offered unto idols is absolutely forbidden under the Law, but not under grace (Rom 14:14; 1 Cor 8:4).
Rev 2:26-27
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
The overcomers will be those who endure faithfully to the end (Mt 24:13; Heb 3:6, 14; 6:11; 1 Pet 1:13; 4:7). They will inherit the Kingdom with Christ and reign with Him (Rev 20:4) over the nations (Ps 2:1-3; Rev 12:5; 19:15). Christ will appoint them to reign with Him in the Kingdom that the Father has appointed Him (Lk 22:28-30).
The focus here is upon Tribulation saints keeping the commandment and works. They are to keep the works of the Lord “unto the end” of Daniel’s 70th Week (Mt 24:13). Tribulation saints must endure until the Second Coming of Christ. They must maintain their faith in Jesus the Messiah and keep the commandments of the Law. Taking the Mark of the Beast will mean eternal destruction.
Rev 2:28
And I will give him the morning star.
Jesus Christ is the “morning star” (Rev 22:16). The prophecy in Numbers 24:17 connects this promise with Israel and the day of the Lord’s judgment. He will rise in their hearts to give a sure hope of His coming (2 Pet 1:19).
Rev 3:3
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
The Tribulation saints must hold fast to the truth they had and repent of their faithless works. If they fail to watch for Christ’s coming, He will come like a thief to them (unexpectedly), and they will be judged by Him (Mt 24:36-51; Rev 16:15). This stands in contrast with what Paul wrote to the Body of Christ. The whole Body of Christ will be gathered together when the Lord comes for us, whether we are watching or not (1 Thes 5:5-11).
Rev 3:5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Garments in the Bible represent works. Their works can be defiled by the flesh (Jude 1:8; 1:20-23). Zechariah saw the high priest of Israel clothed with filthy garments and Satan standing by to resist him (Zech 3). Those that keep their garments clean will be worthy to wear a white robe and walk with Christ in His Kingdom (Isa 61:10; Rev 6:9-11; 7:9, 13-15; 19:7-8). This stands in contrast with the Body of Christ being clothed in the righteousness of Christ upon salvation (Phil 3:9).
We know that the Book of Life is about eternal life because there will be people alive on the earth who worship the beast and therefore do not have their names in the Book of Life (Rev 13:8). Of course, it is impossible for a member of the Body of Christ to have their name blotted out of the Book of Life since we are sealed with the Spirit (Eph 4:30), but in the Tribulation those who do not overcome and end up worshipping the beast will have their name blotted out (Dan 12:1; Mt 10:32-33).
Rev 3:7
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
The terminology and phraseology (the key of David, the synagogue, false Jews, the hour of temptation, the temple, the new Jerusalem) used within this letter is rooted in the prophetic Kingdom program of Israel and not in the Church Epistles written by the apostle Paul for the Body of Christ.
The “key of David” is found in one other passage (Isa 22:15-25) where Shebna is a type of the Antichrist and Eliakim is a type of Christ. Christ will sit upon the throne of His father David (Lk 1:31-33).
Rev 3:8
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
When Christ gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 16:18-19), He gave him apostolic authority to act in His stead while He was away. He opened the door to the Kingdom for repentant Jews (Acts 2) and Gentiles (Acts 10). He also closed the door to the Kingdom in Acts 15.
Rev 3:9
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
This is the second mention of those who say they are Jews but are not (Rev 2:9). These false Jews are wolves in sheep’s clothing and tares among the wheat that Satan will use to infiltrate the church in an effort to turn them away from Christ and betray those who do not worship the beast.
Rev 3:12
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
The overcomers are promised a special position (pillar, Gal 2:9) in the temple. They had “little strength,” but they will be a strong and secure pillar in God’s temple (Psalm 23:6; Rev 7:13-15). The Body of Christ is not going to be a pillar in the temple. In this age, we are the temple of God (1 Cor 3:16).
Rev 3:15-16
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
If this letter was written to a Body of Christ church then that would mean that Christ is on the outside of it. This verse also indicates that any lukewarm church is in danger of being spued out of His mouth.
The church at Corinth, though a carnal church full of problems, was still the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 3:16). As members of the Body of Christ, we cannot be spued out His mouth (Rom 8:39).
Rev 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Christ is standing at the door as the Judge (James 5:8-9). The language of this verse matches what Jesus taught in His earthly ministry to Israel (Lk 12:29-48) and not what Paul taught to the Body of Christ. The promise to “sup” with them will be fulfilled in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Lk 22:29-30; Rev 19:9).
Conclusion
To say that the Church, the Body of Christ, is found anywhere within the book of Revelation indicates a form of Replacement Theology by those who hold to that false teaching (tradition). The seven churches within Revelation 2 and 3 are clearly under the Law, not under grace. Every one of these churches is evaluated for their works and told to “repent, or else”. This is not at all descriptive of the relationship that we have with Christ as members of His Body.
We are presently living in a parenthetical dispensation in which prophecy concerning Israel has been interrupted and put on hold, which explains why it has been over 1900 years since John wrote the book of Revelation and it is still yet to be fulfilled. The “revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal 1:11-12) given to the apostle Paul explains why John’s revelation has not come to pass as of yet.
The book of Revelation, and within it the seven letters to the seven churches, is written for the Kingdom church, believing Israel, the little flock (Lk 12:32), the remnant that will have to endure Daniel’s 70th Week. Instead of looking at it as doctrine for the Church, the Body of Christ, we should look at it for what it is … gracious instructions by our Lord that will assist the believing remnant with enduring seven of the most absolutely brutal years that the earth will ever witness.
Thank you, Lord, for eyes to see.
