THROUGH JOHN, a message sent in particular to the seven Asiatic churches. Rev. 1:4 Strange that there are certain in Asia who consider the WORD of God and its ensuing communication to be of Western origins. We are going to approach these seven churches with a dual interpretation. Then and now.
FIRSTLY, they must be treated as communities which existed in that day. The situations and or problems that are expressed were certainly true of each local church as they were exposed, good or bad. With the Lord, nothing is hidden. Where correction was needed it was addressed. Where there was commendation to be given, it was gladly given.
SECONDLY, there is nothing manifest concerning these churches that does not exist in the church of today. The chararistics found here are seen in the body of believers even now. Every member of the body of Christ on self inspection will find one or several of these conditions manifested in their spiritual life. We are not yet a perfect church. There are corrections that need to be made in each of our lives as we walk with the Lord. Please use each message to each church as a looking glass in which we behold our selves as we actually are and take action toward improvement.
THE SALUTATION OF GRACE AND PEACE is one that is used several times in the New Testament by the Apostle Paul. It was no doubt a common greeting for that day and followed the common greeting of the Jews, Shalom or peace. There are those who will know fear as they read and study the book, this should not be. The book will speak very factually of the judgments that are coming on the earth in these last days but that is not the total message of the Revelation. Remember there is a promised blessing to those who read it. The blessings of the Lord are manifold as we go through its pages. We will get a look at heaven and the order found there. The deliverance of the Bride and the people of God is shown. The millennial reign of Christ and the New Heavens and New Earth, the New Order are likewise displayed. Many wonderful and beautiful events are revealed. As we approach the study, let us be glad and rejoice. A knowledge of the plan of the Lord will enlighten our minds as to His purposes in these last days. The Lord will deal justly with the inhabitants of this world. There is not a judgment act that will take place until the world has proven that it is has filled the cup of iniquity. Remember that the Lord has said we would only see the reward of the wicked. We will not know these judgments, for judgment begins in the house of the Lord. This is the opportunity afforded us to come before the Lord in repentance, in order that we might settle once and for all the sin question, thereby obtaining the grace and peace of the Lord.