Churches

The Seven Churches

The Seven churches that Jesus spoke to in the book of Revelation are literal churches. There were 7 different original churches from which all other denominations derived. They were:

1. Ephesus--Apostolic Church (AD 30-100)
2. Smyrna--Persecuted Church (AD 100-313)
3. Pergamos--State Church       (AD 313-590)
4. Thyatira--Papal Church        (AD 590-1517)
5. Sardis--Reformed Church     (AD 1517-1790)
6. Philadelphia--Missionary Church (AD 1790-1900)
7. Laodicea--Apostate Church       (AD 1900-?)

It is believed and accepted that each church was a different church age, and that each letter to the church was directed at that particular era in time.

The first letter is directed at the church in Ephesus, which was begun by the Apostle Paul at the end of his second missionary journey. It was one of the finest and largest churches of the New Testament times. The church was located in a wicked city given over to the worship of the goddess Artemis. But this church exhibited spiritual vitality through visitation and trying to win souls for Christ. The condemnation that Jesus puts on them and warns them about is that they have "left their first love." In other words, they have lost the day-to-day fellowship with the Lord. They are taking God for granted. We should always strive to put God first in our lives, and never take Him for granted.

The second letter is to the church in Smyrna. This period of church history is probably the greatest time of persecution the Church of Christ has ever known. Satan unleashed his fury on this church age, and the more he persecuted the church, the closer the church got to God. Not one word of condemnation was hurled at this church age by Jesus. He just gives the church a word of advice by telling them, "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."

The third letter is to the church in Pergamos. This church age introduced pagan practices. If you are doing anything other than worshipping the One True God, and His Son, it is not right. This church age introduced prayers to the dead, worship of saints and angels, started directing prayer at Mary and worshipping Mary, just to name a few things among many practices they began. Jesus advises them to repent!

The fourth letter is to the church in Thyatira. This church age produced what is known in history as the Dark Ages. Dark indicates the merging paganism with Christianity. Their pagan worshipping increased in deeds. More doctrines were added, and more rituals performed. The Lord uses the name Jezebel as a point of comparison for those who brought paganism and it's devilish teachings into the church. Yet, the Lord says, "she is unwilling to repent." The Lord's counsel to the church was apparently directed at the faithful individuals who rejected the false doctrines by saying, "Only hold on to what you have until I come."

The fifth letter is to the church in Sardis. Sardis means "escaping ones" which accurately describes this church age. From the Church of Rome, the Protestants broke off, and Lutherans as well. Jesus recognizes their efforts of escaping the pagan rituals, even as a risk to their own lives, but He tells them that "they are dead." The Reformation leaders began well, but did not proceed to complete the works of reforming the church, and stopped short of scriptural standards. Jesus warns that if they have not heeded his warning, they are going to be taken unaware at His return.

The sixth letter is to the church in Philadelphia. The name Philadelphia means "brotherly love." They were marked by vitality of life and God worked in a thrilling manner that produced revivals world-wide. These revivals produced what is known as the modern missionary movement. Jesus had no words of condemnation for this church, but lots of promises.

The seventh and final letter was to the church in Laodicea. It arises from the three church ages preceeding it. Jesus warns that this church age (ours) is luke-warm. We are not "hot" with the Holy Spirit, but seemingly indifferent. Jesus warns us to repent and change. He says, "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." We need to heed this warning.