Common Christian Themes

 Find common themes between the letters to the seven churches in chapters 2-3 and the rest of the book of Revelation.

The common themes are Jesus Christ the person; the Judge, the Redeemer, and victorious King and instructions for the Christians. There are four parts to the instructions for Christians. A) “Prophecy. Most of the book predicts events future to John’s day, especially those of the end of time.” (Jensen 1981, p. 497). B) “Historical perspective.” History according to how God designs it and the outcome the way He sees fit. In the end, God wins! C) “Doctrinal instruction. If Revelation were the only book of the Bible, we would still have much light in the vital areas of truth, such as man, sin, angels, Satan, judgment, salvation,

and K. 1995, p.26). 1. He is the One who holds seven stars in His right hand. Seven stars represent seven angels. 2.He is the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands. The seven lampstands represent the seven churches being discussed in Revelation. 3. He knows your deeds, toil, perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men. b) Commendation and Reproof to the church. Repent! “do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place- unless you repent.” (Rev. 2:5b). Jesus emphasizes repentance twice here and in comparison, with the other six churches He never threatens to take their lampstands, if that would not put the fear of God in a person I don’t know what would. It is like a parent speaking in a very stern voice. c) “Promise to the overcomers” (Arthur D. and K. 1995, p.26). The overcomers of this church will be allowed to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God. Just remember the “first love” is a command, not a request, that was the initial set up in the Old Testament in Deut. 30:15-20. Here is a summary of these verses A) Love your Lord your God>walk in His ways, keep His commandments, live and multiply. Promise= He will bless you. B) If you don’t obey>You shall surely die. C) Blessing and life or the cursed death. Loving=Obedience. First

and K. 1995, p.26). His eyes are like a flame of fire and His feet are like a burnished bronze. b) Commendation. He knows the deeds, love, faith, service, perseverance, “and your deeds of late are greater than at first.” (Rev. 2:19b NASB). c) Reproof. You tolerate Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, who leads My bond-servants astray. They commit acts of immorality and eat things that have been sacrificed to idols. Repent!> Jezebel does not want to repent of her immorality. d) Warnings and instructions. I will throw her down on a bed of sickness and those who commit adultery into tribulation>Unless you Repent! I will kill her children with pestilence and the churches will know I am He! I will give to each of you according to your deeds. (paraphrased from Rev 2:22-23). But, those who do not follow these teachings>Do not know the things of Satan>I place no burden on you. e) “Promise to the overcomers” (Arthur D. and K. 1995, p.26). “he who keep My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; and I will give him the morning star.” (Rev. 2:27-28