Church at Thyatira: Promise, Prophetic, Application
"The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'" (Revelation 2:26-29 - English Standard Version)
Jesus closes this letter with a glorious promise. Each of the seven letters ends with some promise. This promise about ruling over the nations seems to refer to the coming reign of Christ upon this world. The Bible tells us that the saved will reign with Jesus for a thousand years upon this earth. Those who reign with Christ will be given the power He speaks about in these verses.
Some believe that this letter represents the period in history called the Dark Ages from about 500 AD to 1500 AD. As a result of the increasing connection of Christianity with government during this period, many leaders within Christianity were political not religious men. They had little concern for the truth and allowed a great many compromises based on political wisdom not the Word of God. The decisions made by such men have greatly influenced Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant groups.
The main lesson from this letter is to avoid compromise. Throughout Christian history, there have been those who sought to bring together the Christian faith and other religions. These attempts have resulted in an undermining of the Gospel among some Christian groups.
Without the Gospel, Christianity is no better than any other religion. However, with the Gospel, it is far greater because the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Compromise undermines the Bible; it replaces worship in spirit and truth with idolatry; it destroys Scriptural moral standards; it brings God's judgment.
We should support freedom of religion. We should respect the beliefs of others. However, we should not give up the truth of God's Word.
Jesus closes this letter with a glorious promise. Each of the seven letters ends with some promise. This promise about ruling over the nations seems to refer to the coming reign of Christ upon this world. The Bible tells us that the saved will reign with Jesus for a thousand years upon this earth. Those who reign with Christ will be given the power He speaks about in these verses.
Some believe that this letter represents the period in history called the Dark Ages from about 500 AD to 1500 AD. As a result of the increasing connection of Christianity with government during this period, many leaders within Christianity were political not religious men. They had little concern for the truth and allowed a great many compromises based on political wisdom not the Word of God. The decisions made by such men have greatly influenced Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant groups.
The main lesson from this letter is to avoid compromise. Throughout Christian history, there have been those who sought to bring together the Christian faith and other religions. These attempts have resulted in an undermining of the Gospel among some Christian groups.
Without the Gospel, Christianity is no better than any other religion. However, with the Gospel, it is far greater because the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Compromise undermines the Bible; it replaces worship in spirit and truth with idolatry; it destroys Scriptural moral standards; it brings God's judgment.
We should support freedom of religion. We should respect the beliefs of others. However, we should not give up the truth of God's Word.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 1:37 PM
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