Understanding Prophecy:

Symbol – Meaning

  1. Stars – churches (Revelation 1:20)

  2. Candlestick – churches (Revelation 1:20)

  3. Candlestick remove – the church will no longer be used by God as His vessel, the church will no longer be God’s church

Revelation 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; - Christ is spoken of as walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in constant communication with His people. He knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety, their devotion. Although He is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He is represented as walking up and down in the midst of His churches on the earth. With untiring wakefulness and unremitting vigilance, He watches to see whether the light of any of His sentinels is burning dim or going out… His continued care and sustaining grace are the source of life and light. {AA 586.1}

holdeth the seven stars - Christ is represented as holding the seven stars in His right hand. This assures us that no church faithful to its trust need fear coming to nought, for not a star that has the protection of Omnipotence can be plucked out of the hand of Christ. {AA 586.2}

These words are spoken to the teachers in the church--those entrusted by God with weighty responsibilities. The sweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound up with God's ministers, who are to reveal the love of Christ… So with His ministers. They are but instruments in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through His power. Through them His light is to shine forth. The Saviour is to be their efficiency. If they will look to Him as He looked to the Father they will be enabled to do His work. As they make God their dependence, He will give them His brightness to reflect to the world. {AA 586.3}

The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian Era. The number 7 indicates completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the church at different periods in the history of the world. {AA 585.3}

The 7 Churches of Revelation Ephesus

  • Revelation 2:1-7

  • 31-100AD

  • The church in her first state after Christ ascended to heaven were His disciples were her first members

  • the entire Christian church in the apostolic age, {AA 578.2}


Character:

Positive

Negative

Patience, good works and hard labour for the Lord. Rev 2:2 – very zealous in the Lord

Cannot bear them which are evil. Rev 2:22

They hate false teachers… “that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” – Nicolaitans taught idolatry, lawlessness, etc

They try people to find out whether they are true apostles or not. Rev 2:22

Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

“because thou hast left thy first love.” – as time went by their faith grew cold and they forgot their first love which was their love for the truth that they have heard from Jesus.

Admonition:
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

“first works” – their good works, zeal and how they labour for the Lord

  1. Smyrna

While some in the church of Ephesus continued their apostasy, some also have heeded the counsel to repent and return to “the first works.” These people who heeded the counsel are the remnant of the church of Ephesus and now they are in the second church named Smyrna.

  • Revelation 2:8-11And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

  • 100-313 AD

  • Tribulation 10 days - (This refers to the ten years of persecution in the reign of Diocletian, from A. D. 303-313; which was ended by the Edict of Milan, issued by the two emperors, Constantine and Licinius, March, A. D. 313.11) Alonso T. Jones, Ecclesiastical Empires, p 5-6

  • This church suffered a lot of persecution during the time of Constantine

  • “which was dead, and is alive” – means the martyrs who died will receive eternal life in the resurrection morning

  • “but thou art rich;” – means “rich in faith” and “heirs of the kingdom”

  • “which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan” – means some were hypocritically pretending to be Jews in this Christian sense, when they possessed nothing of the requisite character. Such were of the synagogue of Satan.

  • The True Jews ((Rom.2:28,29): "For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew [in the true Christian sense] which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God." Again he says (chapter 9:6,7): "For they are not all Israel which are of Israel; neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children." In Gal.3:28,29, Paul further tells us that in Christ there are no such outward distinctions as Jew or Greek; but if we are Christ's, then are we Abraham's seed (in the true sense), and heirs according to the promise.)

  • “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” - The Smyrnians might be put to death here; but the future life, which was to be given them, man could not take away, and God would not; hence they were to fear not those who could kill the body, - to "fear none of the things which they should suffer;" for their eternal existence was sure. Uriah Smith, Daniel and Revelation, p 379-383


  1. Pergamos

  • Revelation 2:12-17 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan's seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

  • 313-538 AD – during the time of the rise of papacy

  • Positive trait: “and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith,”

  • “Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you” - This word "Antipas" is not a person's name, but is a term characteristic of the times. It is composed of two words, anti, and pappas. "anti" signifies against, and "pappas" signifies papa, which is our English, and also the universal, word for "papa." And this word "papa" is but the repetition of the simple word "pa," and is the original of the word "pope." Alonso T. Jones, Ecclesiastical Empires, p 6-7

  • “Where Satan's Seat Is.” – where the papacy gained power, in Rome.

  • Rebuke: “because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Baalim, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” - The doctrines complained of in the church of Pergamos were of course similar in their tendency, leading to spiritual idolatry, and an unlawful connection between the church and the world. Out of this spirit was finally produced the union of the civil and ecclesiastical powers, which culminated in the formation of the papacy. - Uriah Smith, Daniel and Revelation, p 383-387

  • To the overcomer: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” – will receive the hidden manna, the stone where our name will be written, and we will receive a new name like Jacob did. Genesis 32:28

  1. Thyatira

  • Revelation 2:18-29 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet [are] like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last [to be] more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have [already] hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

  • 537-1517 AD

  • Positive traits: charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works;

  • This is the start of dark ages (538 – papal persecution started), the 1260 years of papal persecution but the persecution improved the spiritual condition of the believers. “Hence they receive for their works, charity, service, faith, and patience, the commendation of Him whose eyes are as a flame of fire. And works are then again mentioned, as if worthy of double commendation. And the last were more than the first. There had been an improvement in their condition, a growth of grace, an increase in all these elements of Christianity. This church is the only one that is commended for an improvement in spiritual things.” Uriah Smith, Daniel and Revelation, p 387-391

  • Jezebel – papal abomination – "Jezebel is a figurative name, alluding to Ahab's wife, who slew the prophets of the Lord, led her husband into idolatry, and fed the prophets of Baal at her own table. A more striking figure could not have been used do denote the papal abominations. (See 1 Kings, chapters 18, 19, and 21). It is very evident from history, as well as from this verse, that the church of Christ did suffer some of the papal monks to preach and teach among them. (See the 'History of the Waldenses.')"

  1. Sardis

  • Revelation 3:1-6 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

  • 1517-1798 AD

  • “that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” Means that sardis starts to get nominal – “The nominal churches have the name of the churches of Jesus Christ, and have the credit of doing much for the world. But they are dead - dead to the pure principles of the gospel, and to good works, as laid down by Christ and the apostles.” Review and Herald, vol 8, October 16, 1856, #24, p 189

  • The message of the Lord’s coming was given to them and the cry to come out from apostate churches. (I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.)

  • “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” – Some believed the message of the coming of the Lord and the call to come out from the apostate churches

  • The rise of Martin Luther the leader of the Reformation movement. On 1517 he questioned the indulgences and corruption of the Catholic Church

  • 1798 – Papal persecution ended (1260 yrs from 538-1798)

  1. Philadelphia

  • Revelation 3:7-13 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

  • 1798-1844 AD

  • Brotherly love (the character of those who receive the advent message of 1844)

  • “I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; “(from holy place to Most Holy Place, investigative judgment on 1844)

  • Oct 10, 1844 ended the 2300-year prophecy of Daniel 8:14

  • hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” – another character of Philadelphia.

  • The Key of David. - A key is a symbol of power. The Son of God is the rightful heir to David's throne; and he is about to take to himself his great power, and to reign; hence he is represented as having the key of David. The throne of David, or of Christ, on which he is to reign, is included in the capital of his kingdom, the New Jerusalem, now above, but which is to be located on this earth, where he is to reign forever and ever. Rev.21:1-5; Luke1:32,33. Uriah Smith, Daniel and Revelation, p 395-399

  1. Laodicea

  • Revelation 3:14-22 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

  • 1844-1888 AD

  • Those that left Philadelphia formed the church of Laodicea

  • Is the worst church. No praises, only rebuke

  • Is this the true church? God forbid! Why, methinks the very angels in heaven would shudder to see them appear there in their present state. Will they grow any better? If the past is a criterion by which to judge, we answer, never, no, never. Then you that hope for salvation, flee quickly, flee, I say, for your lives! You have not one moment to spare. Utter destruction awaits every soul that is found in this Laodicean state.... Review and Herald, vol 1, November, 1850, #1 “The Laodicean Church”, p 8

  • "I know thy word, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot so then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Verses 16,17. This state neither cold nor hot, represents their unsettled state...and thus they have been continually sinking into a lukewarm state, neither one thing nor yet another. In this state it is impossible for them to be saved; for Jesus says that he will spue them out of his mouth, or destroy them. - Review and Herald, vol 1, November, 1850, #1 “The Laodicean Church”, p 8

  • "I counsel of thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, [present truth, that has stood the trial of six years opposition, and now is shining brighter and brighter,] that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, [righteousness, or righteous acts of the saints,] and eye-salve that thou mayest see." [See the present truth.] Verse 18. Jesus counsels no one to buy of him earthly riches, &c., no; it is the present truth that the Laodiceans must have to be saved. " - Review and Herald, vol 1, November, 1850, #1 “The Laodicean Church”, p 8

  • "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous, therefore, and repent." Verse 19. Jesus still loves some that are in the Laodicean church, and calls on them to repent. If they were deceived by false teachers, they must leave them as soon as possible, and be "zealous" and "repent;" for every one that is found in that state when Jesus leaves the Sanctuary, and ceases to plead for the honest ones among them, will be destroyed. They must get back into the open door in the Philadelphia church that no man can shut, where they came from; for that is the only true church, or place of safety. -Review and Herald, vol 1, November, 1850, #1 “The Laodicean Church”, p 8

  • We are commanded to leave Laodicea and it’s spirit for this church is a spewed out church. We are to go back to the Philadelphian condition.

  • Those that separate from Laodicea and all fallen churches constitute the true remnant of Revelation 12:17.

Notice: Revelation 12:17 mentions 3 churches:

“And the dragon was wroth with the (1) woman, and went to make war with the (3)remnant of (2)her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. “

1. Woman – The Philadelphian church or the protestant churches after the papal persecution. This is the woman that fled to the wilderness for 1260 years. (Revelation 12:6) – The dragon was wroth with this woman, the protestant church during the papal persecution or dark ages.

2. (her seed) Seed of the woman – Advent movement or the SDA church. They are the seed of the woman(protestant churches). This is the church that came after the fall of the Protestant church on 1844) Note: Ellen white was once a protestant and was converted into the faith of Adventism.

Remnant of her seed (remnant of the seed of the woman) – Those that come out of Laodicea and laodiceanism, who TRULY keep the commandment of God and the faith of Jesus. This is what the dragon is making war with, not the woman, and not the seed of the woman but to the REMNANT of her seed. The dragon wont make war with the woman anymore since the protestant churches embraced Sunday worship, etc. The SDA church or the seed of the woman has also become the friend of the dragon since she is following after the practices and principles of the world churches, therefore the dragon wont make war with her. BUT the dragon is warring against the REMNANT of her seed since they are the ones who truly keep the commandment and the faith of Jesus.

THE REMNANT

  • Revelation 12:17

  • Revelation 14:12

  • Romans 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

Summary: Philadelphia(Protestantism) -> Laodicea(Adventism) -> Remnant of her seed (remnant movement)