The Church at Philadelphia: Overall Theme: Hold on & Seek Refuge
It is possible for a person, a people group, a church, to even now be believing or abiding in Christ. All that we have learned about the Design Point, the Substitution Principle, and how the source matters, the source is everything, can practically be lived out.
Jesus assures them that because His very nature is holy, Yahweh Mekoddishkem (Yahweh who sanctifies, makes holy, or sets apart) has set them apart for Himself. Thus, even though they suffer intense persecution, they can hold on to the one who is true (the one who will not lie nor deceive them). They can endure all things knowing that Yahweh is in control and that He is circumcising them from all attachments to this world, so they will never be identified as those who are now dwelling on earth.
Jesus confirms that He is the only way a person can have access to the Father. He opens the door, and He shuts the door. Yet, He has opened and will keep open the door for them to come before the Father any time they want. As He said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one chooses to now come to the Father but through me.” With little strength drawing on His provision, they have kept His word of perseverance and not denied His name. They have lived what they say they believe and bet their lives on who He says He is and who He says we are to Him.
