Faith without religion.
Eternal Presence and Church Symbolism in Revelation
In a recent teaching, we delved into the profound messages found in Revelation 1:19-20, where Jesus instructs John to write about the past, present, and future. This passage highlights a fascinating aspect of Jesus’ self-description, where He reorders the chronology to emphasize His eternal nature: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.” This divine ordering contrasts with the chronological sequence given to John, underscoring a thematic connection between Jesus’ eternal presence and the unfolding of events John is to document.
The teaching also explored the symbolism of the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks, representing the angels and the churches, respectively. Jesus stands amidst these churches, holding their angels, signifying His intimate connection and authority over them. This imagery serves as a reminder of the churches’ role as lights to the world, akin to lampstands.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the phrase “I know thy works,” which Jesus repeats to each of the seven churches. This phrase underscores the importance of works as a reflection of faith. While salvation is by grace through faith, the resulting works are a testament to the believer’s relationship with Christ. The teaching emphasized that true faith naturally produces fruit, aligning with the New Testament’s frequent exhortations toward good works.
As we examined the message to the church at Ephesus, we noted Jesus’ commendation for their perseverance and discernment, yet He reproves them for abandoning their first love. This serves as a call to remember, repent, and return to their initial fervor. The promise to those who overcome is the reward of eating from the tree of life, a powerful incentive to remain steadfast in faith and love.
This exploration of Revelation invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journey, encouraging us to balance the grace we receive with the works we produce, ensuring that our faith is vibrant and active.
