In this week’s study, I continue in Chapter 3, finishing up with the Church of Sardis and going into the Church of Philadelphia
We finished our last study with verse 5, talking about that “book of life”. Please don’t read read over this! This phrase is so important. Why? This book of life is a reference to a registry for worthy citizens, but the names of the deceased citizens are erased. This meant exclusion. But there were a few names in Sardis that would not be blotted out of the book of life. It clearly indicates that the names of the unworthy would be blotted out; but a name cannot be blotted out of the book of life, if it had never been recorded in it; so here is positive proof for the possibility of apostasy.
Therefore we can conclude in this verse 5, He that overcometh — That is finally victorious over his spiritual enemies; shall be clothed in white raiment — In the habit of victory, joy, and triumph; and I will not blot his name out of the book of life — Like that of the angel of the church at Sardis. We can compare this to Phillipians 4:3, “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.”; and Daniel 12:1. “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book”. This passage plainly implies, that some names shall be blotted out from the book of life: that is, some who, in consequence of their adoption and regeneration, were entitled to and fitted for eternal life, shall, through falling from grace, lose these blessings, and come again under guilt, condemnation, and wrath. But I will confess his name — Who overcomes to the end, as one of my faithful servants and soldiers; before my Father — In the great day of decisive judgment: and as he was enrolled among my believing, loving, and obedient people, he shall continue for ever in their number.
7 Church of Philadelphia = “brotherly love”
This city was in the interior, southeast of Sardis, and had never attained the eminence of most of the other seats of the Seven Churches. The church itself was poor. Yet this church and that of Smyrna alone escape rebuke from Yahshua Messiah.
Once again, Demetrius, ordained by John, may have been the pastor. The chief opposition to the church was from Jews. Twelve Philadelphian suffered martyrdom at the same time as Polycarp. 18,000 people are now in the modern city in Turkey. Some 100-3000 Christians still remain there with 25 places of worship. Note that only the churches the Messiah did not rebuke remain alive today.
We know that Yahshua Messiah holds the key of David. The Davidic kingdom through Christ is also represented in the Church. The Messiah alone as the son of David and who will finally fulfill all the prophesies about the house of David when He returns, holds the key of David. Yahshua Messiah alone is the one who can admit someone to the Kingdom of Yahweh. What He opens no one can shut and vice versa. Yahshua Messiah will return not only to rule but to judge.
Key of David = That wisdom and knowledge, which no one can take from you and you remain open to more of these blessing. This key also allows you to shut out deception and no one can penetrate your mind.
Join me as we go Chapter by Chapter, Verse by Verse, Unraveling the Words of Yahweh!
Have any questions? Feel free to email me at utwoy@netzero.net
