Book of Revelation – Bible Study – Chapter 3

“The Book of Revelation Chapter 3”

 

Introduction: When our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the Apostle John on the Inland of Patmos, the first part of His Revelation was the Seven Letters to the Seven Churches in Asia. In this lesson number three we are going to study the messages of Jesus Christ that He gave to the Apostle John about the seven churches of Asia. Jesus is in the midst of the Churches (Revelation 2:1); and with his eyes like a flame of fire (Revelation 2:18). He judges the churches. Now in this Third Bible Study today, we will discuss some facts and the history about 1) the Church of Sardis, 2) the Church of Philadelphia, 3) and the Church of Laodicea. Then we will also read the scriptures that pertain to each verse of the King James Version of the Holy Bible of our lesson. By doing this we will try to answer each passage with a comment for each verse too. In our Bible Study we should always try to look for “key-words” and “phrases” in each passage of that verse.

I) The Message to the Church of Sardis: the Church as dead, but yet having a believing remnant. (Revelation 3:1-6)

Revelation Chapter 3:1:

1) Read: (Revelation 3:1); Verse one: 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. (KJV)

1) Explanation: (Revelation 3:1); And unto the Angel of the church in Sardis write; Now the Sardis Church is referred to as the “Reformation Church,” which began about A.D. 1500, and continues more or less unto this day and hour. These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God. Now this represents the Holy Spirit in all His fullness and of the Seven Churches; and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Here our Lord Jesus Christ begins with words of censure, “dead spiritually.”

1) Comments: (Revelation 3:1) in verse one; This is the message to Sardis the church known as the “dead church”. But yet they still having a believing remnant left also. Jesus said to this church that He knows their works. And they have a name that they are live, but you are dead. Jesus tells this church to be watchful and also be ready to die and He has not found their works perfect before God.

Here again Jesus warns them to hold fast and repent of their sins because He will come as a thief and they will not know the time or the hour. He is coming. Jesus also tells them that there are a few names that have not defiled their garments; and He promised them that they will walk with Him in white for they are worthy. Jesus promises the ones in white garments that He will not blot out their names from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His Angels. And again Jesus warns in verse thirteen that who ever has an ear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

1) Extra Comments: Here is a little bit of history about this church. The city of Sardis lays about 27 miles south of Thyatira. This city was very wealthy filled with Pride, Prophetically this church the “Reformation Period.” Was from 1520 A. D. to 1750 A.D. Jesus is represented to in this church as the one that hath the seven Spirits of God. (Isaiah 11:1-2); (Revelation 4:5); (Revelation 5:6). Jesus has the Spirit without measure (John 3:34); (Colossians 2:9). Jesus has the seven stars (angels-messengers ­believers)

2) Read: (Revelation 3:2); Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. (KJV)

2) Explanation: (Revelation 3:2); Be watchful and now this Church is exhorted to look into its real condition, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. Now Jesus said that they need to come back to the Cross, or they will lose their way completely; for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Now their works were based on a dead Faith, which always produces bad works.

2) Comments: In verse two, about the Church at Sardis was urged to go back to what they first heard and believed and to get back to the basics of their Faith. Now remember it is important to grow in our knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, to deepen our understanding through a careful study of the Scriptures. But no matter how much we learn, we must never abandon the basic truths. We should remember that no new truth from God will ever contradict these Biblical teachings.

3) Read: (Revelation 3:3); 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. (KJV)

3) Explanation: (Revelation 3:3); Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. Now they must go back to the Cross. 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.

Jesus said that His Judgment will come, but Sardis will not see or hear due to Spiritual deafness and Spiritual blindness that they have.

3) Comments: In verse three, now Jesus said that, I will come upon you as a thief. Here in this verse Jesus Christ has challenge them and this is a universal to all whose love for Jesus Christ has cooled. He has said “Repent, turn around and remember how you received the Gospel by Grace through Faith, or I will come and judge you.” We as born again Christians should always be ready for our Lord Jesus Christ to come because of all the signs that we have read in His Word.

4) Read: (Revelation 3:4); 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. (KJV)

4) Explanation: (Revelation 3:4); Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments. Now the Lord Jesus Christ always has a few and they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy. Now we are made worthy only by our Faith in Jesus Christ and the Cross.

4) Comments: (Revelation 3:4); in verse four, now here in this verse Jesus Christ tells them that they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. Now like all churches, there are people in this one church who have not bent their knees to unscriptural traditionalism but truly worship the living Christ. When Jesus Christ Raptures His Church, there will be millions of true believers taken to be with Jesus forever. These will be clothed in the “white garments” in Heaven. (Revelation 3:5)

5) Read: (Revelation 3:5) He that over-cometh, 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. (KJV)

5) Explanation: (Revelation 3:5); He that over-cometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment. Now the Righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ, is gained only by our Faith in Jesus Christ and the Cross. And I (Jesus) will not blot out his name out of the book of life. Now Jesus said that He will not blot out his name, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his Angels. The key to this great “confession” is His Faith in Jesus Christ and his great Sacrifice.

5) Comments: (Revelation 3:5); in verse five, now to be “dressed in white” means to be set apart for God and made pure. Jesus Christ promises future honor and eternal life to those who stand firm in their Faith. The names of all believers are registered in the book of life. This book symbolizes God’s knowledge of who belongs to Him.

Now all such people are guaranteed a listing in the book of life and are introduced to the hosts of Heaven as belonging to Jesus Christ. Read: (Luke 12:8-9)

6) Read: (Revelation 3:6); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)

6) Explanation: (Revelation 3:6); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Now the Spirit is saying that Righteousness cannot be obtained without Faith in a spotless Sacrifice.

6) Comments: (Revelation 3:6); in verse six, Now Jesus Christ said that He is coming quickly and to hold fast to what they have, that no one may take their crown. Jesus gives the churches a warning in chapters two and three of the Book of Revelation. Seven times He states this in the scriptures when He tells this; “who ever has an ear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

II) (The Message to the Church of Philadelphia: This Church is in revival). (Revelation 3:7-13)

7) Read: (Revelation 3:7); 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. (KJV)

7) Explanation: (Revelation 3:7); And to the Angel of the church in Philadelphia write; Now this Church is referred to as the Missionary Church, and had its beginning in about the year of 1800, and continues unto this day and hour. 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. Now this refers to the fact that Jesus Christ is Holy and has total Authority.

7) Comments: (Revelation 3:7); in verse seven, this is the message to Philadelphia the church known as the faithful church. Jesus said I know your works and I have set before you an open door and no one can shut it. Many people believe that the phrase of “the open door” refers to world evangelism and the bible believing missionary churches. Of the seven churches that are described here in this book of revelation; Philadelphia is the most ideal model of the true church. Here in verse ten Jesus promised them and said; because you have kept my command to persevere, He also will keep them from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world. This promise is the most specific guarantee from Jesus Himself that the Christian believers will not go into that seven-year Tribulation period that He is about to unveil in (Revelation chapters 6 through 18).

Here in verse eleven Jesus warns them that He is coming quickly and to hold fast to what they have, that no one may take their crown. And again Jesus warns in verse thirteen that who ever has an ear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

 

7) Extra Comments: Here is a little bit of history about this church. The city of Philadelphia was 25 miles south of Sardis. Its name means “brotherly love,” Prophetically this church represents the church of the “open door”. It was this church that the open door of missions was accomplished from 1750 A.D; to 1900 A.D. Jesus is represented to this church as He that is holy. (Revelation 4:8), (Revelation 6:10), (Psalm 145:17); He that is true (Revelation 3:14), (Revelation 1:5), (Revelation 6:10), (Revelation 15:3), (Revelation 16:7), (Revelation 19:2-11), (Revelation 21:5), the key of David is in (Isaiah 22:22), (Luke 1:32). He that openth, (Revelation 5::3-5), (Job.12:25), (Co1ossians 1:16-17). (Please read these scriptures above)

8) Read: (Revelation 3:8); 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. (KJV)

8) Explanation: (Revelation Chapter 3:8); I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it. Now here this “open door” refers to the way being made for the Gospel or the Good News to be sent to the entirety of the world. Here our Lord Jesus is telling them that; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Now Jesus Christ said that you have “Little strength” and that is not an indication of Spiritual infirmity, but of a few in numbers. However, these few speaking of those who truly know the Lord Jesus Christ have touched the world with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

8) Comments: (Revelation 3:8); in verse eight, now here in this verse Jesus Christ tells us that, I know your works and I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it. Now both the local church and the Church Age, it represents are characterized by “the open door.” Many believe this refers to world evangelism that characterizes the Bible believing, missionary-minded churches. Now of all the seven Churches described, the Philadelphia Church is the most ideal model of the true church. Jesus tells this church that they have a little strength. This indicates that the churches do not depend on themselves but, in humility, they depend on the Holy Spirit. Now to enjoy His blessing, they know they must teach Holy living and Evangelism. Just like their predecessors in the early Church era and they have proclaimed the second coming of Jesus Christ. (Read about the Second coming of Jesus Christ in his glory in (Matthew 24:16-30).

9) Read: (Revelation 3:9); 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. (KJV)

9) Explanation: (Revelation Chapter 3:9); Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie. Now those that lie and proclaim the fact; that God doesn’t recognize the Spiritual claims of a national Israel). Behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Now this refers to the coming Kingdom Age, when Jesus Christ will rule personally over the entirety of the Earth, with Israel restored. Now then the people of Israel will then bow at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Gentiles accepted.

9) Comments: (Revelation 3:9); in verse nine, now the “Judaizers” or the legalists have plagued the church in every age. Evidently they also hampered the Church of Philadelphia. Those who would add legalism or works to the free gift of Salvation destroy “the gift of God,” which is “not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

10) Read: (Revelation 3:10); 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. (KJV)

10) Explanation: (Revelation 3:10); Now because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon the entire world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Now here is the promise of God, that the Church will be Rapture out before the Great Tribulation.

10) Comments: (Revelation 3:10); in verse ten, now here in this verse Jesus Christ tells us that He will also keep you from the hour of trial or temptation. This is the most specific guarantee from our Lord Jesus Himself that Christian believers will not go into that seven-year Tribulation Period that He (Jesus) is about to unveil in (Revelation 6 through 18). Now this scripture of (Revelation 3:10); should be studied in the light of (Romans 5:9) and (I Thessalonians 1:10) and (I Thessalonians 5:9). After giving this assurance that believers would be kept out of the hour of trial, it is no accident that the very next chapter begins with a picture of the Rapture. When the Apostle John is seen here being taken up to Heaven just before the Tribulation begins.

11) Read: (Revelation 3:11); Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man, take thy crown. (KJV)

11) Explanation: (Revelation 3:11); Behold, I come quickly: Now here again Jesus Christ refers to the Rapture and tells those to hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Now the Devil will use religious men to try to move us away from our Faith in Jesus Christ and the Cross.

11) Comments: (Revelation 3:11); Here in verse eleven, Jesus said I am coming. Now our Lord Jesus Christ wants all believers to live every day as if this is the day Christ will come. There will be absolutely no warning when Jesus Christ comes for His Church. Now Jesus tells all believers to “hold fast” to the Faith in both belief and practice. Now it is very important that Christians not only start well but also finish well, as the Apostle Paul who said, “I have kept the Faith.” (II Timothy 4:7). Now sin has crept into many believers lives, and because of this sin they will not “receive a full reward” at the Judgment Seat of Jesus Christ. (II John 1:8)

12) Read: (Revelation Chapter 3:12); Him that over-cometh 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. (KJV)

12) Explanation: (Revelation 3:12); Here Jesus said to them that over-cometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God. Now the “over-comer” is the one who trusts explicitly in Jesus Christ and what Jesus did for us at the Cross. And he shall go no more out refers to a constant position in the presence of God); 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. Once again (Jesus) said I will write upon him my new name. Now at the Cross, our Lord Jesus Christ identified with our sin by suffering its penalty. Now here our Lord Jesus Christ identifies with our most excellent Blessing, as He is the Source of all.

12) Comments: (Revelation 3:12); in verse twelve, now the New Jerusalem is the future dwelling place of the people of God. (Revelation 21:2) We will have a new citizenship in God’s future Kingdom. God tells us that everything will be new, pure, and secure. Now He who overcomes, Jesus has eternal promised to all that are mentioned here and are offered to those who have Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Read: (I John 5:1-5)

13) Read: (Revelation 3:13); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)

13) Explanation: (Revelation Chapter 3:13); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Now here in this verse the Spirit is saying we must be ready for the Rapture,

which can only be done by Faith constantly exhibited in our Lord Jesus Christ and His Finished Work on the Cross.

13) Comments: (Revelation 3:13); in verse thirteen, Here again in this verse Jesus gives the churches a warning in chapters two and three of the Book of Revelation. Seven times He states this in the scriptures when He tells this; “who ever has an ear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” These are warnings from God. Now let us all read some of these warnings in (Matthew 24:4-44).

III) The Message to the Church of Laodicea: The Church in its final state of Apostasy). (Read): (Revelation 3:14-22)

14) Read: (Revelation 3:14); 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; (KJV)

14) Explanation: (Revelation 3:14); And unto the Angel of the church of the Laodiceans write. Now the Laodicea Church is the “Apostate Church,” Now we do not know when it began, but we do know it has begun; it is the last Church addressed by our Lord Jesus Christ, so that means the Rapture will take place very shortly. These things saith the Amen and the faithful and true witness, are by contrast to His Church, which is not Faithful and true. Now in the beginning; of the creation of God; in His Holy Word. We as born again believers Jesus Christ know that He is the Creator of all things.

14) Comments: (Revelation Chapter 3:14); in verse fourteen, This is the message to Laodiceans, the church that is known as the lukewarm church. Jesus said to this church that He knew their works and they are neither cold nor hot. Jesus said because you are lukewarm I will vomit you out of my mouth. This lukewarm church claims to be a Christian church, but preaches another gospel that is based on their good works.

14) Extra Comments: (Revelation 3:14); The Apostle Paul said to preach any other salvation plan but the true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is misleading to all mankind and is wrong. Jesus tells them again; that He stands at the door and knocks; and if anyone hears His voice and opens the door, He will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me. Here Jesus promises to them, that whosoever overcomes I will grant to them to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Again Jesus said that He, who has an ear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

14) Extra Comments: (Revelation 3:14); The city of Laodicea was forty miles east of Ephesus. The name Laodicea means civil rights or the rights of the people. Prophetically this church represents the final apostasy of the church before Jesus comes back for his bride. This is a period of Luke-warmers from 1900 A. D. until the rapture. Jesus is represented to this church as the Amen. (Read the scriptures below) (II Corinthians 1:20), (Psalm 41:13), the Faithful witness (John 3:30-31), (John 8:14-18), (John l8:37); the Beginning of the Creation of God (John 1:1-3), (Ephesians 3:9), (Colossians 1:15­-17), (Hebrews 1:1-2).

15) Read: (Revelation 3:15); I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (KJV)

15) Explanation: (Revelation 3:15); I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: Now Christ is characterizes that which is prevalent at this present time. I would thou wert cold or hot. Now being half measures just won’t do.

15) Comments: (Revelation 3:15); in verse fifteen, now lukewarm water makes a disgusting drink. The Church in Laodicea had become lukewarm and distasteful and repugnant. The believers didn’t take a stand for anything; indifference had led them to idleness. Now by neglecting to do anything for our Lord Jesus Christ, the church had become hardened and self-satisfied, and it was destroying itself. There is nothing more disgusting than a half-hearted, in name only Christian who is self-sufficient. Don’t settle for following God halfway. Let Jesus Christ fire up your Faith and get you into action for God Almighty.

16) Read: (Revelation 3:16); So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. (KJV)

16) Explanation: (Revelation Chapter 3:16); So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot. Now if a person is lukewarm towards something, it means he hasn’t rejected it, but at the same time he has by no means accepted it. Now in the Mind of God, a tepid response is equal to a negative response. I will spew thee out of my mouth. Now Jesus says that there is no prospect, of Repentance here, on the part of this Church, or Restoration. Now the fact is that there is a Divine rejection. (KJV)

16) Comments: (Revelation 3:16); in verse sixteen, the church is likened to lukewarm water, or as being virtually worthless. Now Jesus says that He will “spew them out,” or eject them from His Company.

The hot waters of nearby Hierapolis were known for their medicinal qualities, where as Colossae was known for its cold, pure water. But Laodicea was forced to receive water by aqueduct from other areas. Now by the time it arrived at Laodicea it was lukewarm and provoked nausea. The works of the Laodicea church were as worthless as the city’s lukewarm water. Now the description does not refer to a backslidden condition, but rather to their lack of genuine Faith.

17) Read: (Revelation 3:17); 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: (KJV)

17) Explanation: (Revelation 3:17); Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing. Now they equated the increase in material goods with Spiritual Blessings, which they were not; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Now the tragedy lies in the fact that while this Church gloated over material wealth. Now she was unconscious of her Spiritual poverty; and this again indicative of the modern Church.

17) Comments: (Revelation 3:17); in verse seventeen, Now some believers falsely assume that numerous material possessions are a sign of God’s Spiritual blessing. Now Laodicea was a wealthy city and the church was also wealthy. But what the Laodiceans could see and buy had become more valuable to them than what is unseen and eternal. No amount of wealth, luxury, and ease can make people feel confident, satisfied, and complacent. But no matter how much you possess or how much money you make, you have nothing if you don’t have a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. How does your current level of wealth affect your Spiritual desire? Now instead of centering your life primarily on comfort and luxury, find your true riches in Jesus Christ.

18) Read: (Revelation 3:18); 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 eye-salve, that thou mayest see. (KJV)

18) Explanation: (Revelation 3:18); I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich. Now what they needed to “buy” could not be purchased with money, but only with the Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which the price has already been paid. But the modern Church is not interested, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear. Now this refers to Righteousness which is exclusively of Jesus Christ, and is gained only by Faith in Jesus Christ and the Cross. This tells us that the Laodicean Church is extremely self-righteous.

And not having the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, they are “naked” to be Judgment of God and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see. Now some of the modern Church are also Spiritual blind.

18) Comments: (Revelation 3:18); in verse eighteen, now Laodicea was known for its great wealth, but Jesus Christ told the Laodiceans to buy their gold from him which are the real Spiritual Treasures. The city was proud of its cloth and dyeing industries, but Jesus Christ told them to purchase white clothes from him which is His righteousness. Now the Laodicea prided itself on its precious eye salve that healed many eye problems. But Jesus Christ told them to get medicine from him to heal their eyes so they could see the truth. (John 9:39) Now Jesus Christ was showing the Laodiceans that true value was not in material possessions, but in a right relationship with God. Remember that their possessions and achievements were valueless compared with the everlasting future of Jesus Christ’s Kingdom.

19) Read: (Revelation 3:19); As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (KJV)

19) Explanation: (Revelation 3:19); As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Now this implies a remnant of people that maybe zealous therefore, and repent. Now the modern Church desperately needs to repent for its rebellion against God’s Divine Order which means Jesus Christ and the Cross and for following the cunningly devised fables. (II Peter 1:16)

19) Comments: (Revelation 3:19); in verse nineteen, Now God would discipline this lukewarm church unless it turned from its indifference toward him. Now God’s purpose in discipline is not to punish, but to bring people back to Him. Are you lukewarm in your devotion to God? Now God may discipline you to help you out of your uncaring attitude, but he uses only loving discipline. Now you can avoid God’s discipline by drawing near to him again through confession, service, worship, and by studying his Word. Just as the spark of love, can be rekindled in a marriage, so the Holy Spirit can reignite our zeal for God when we allow him to work in our hearts.

IV) (The place and attitude of Jesus Christ at the end of the Church Age). (Revelation 3:20-22)

20) Read: (Revelation 3:20); 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. (KJV)

20) Explanation: (Revelation Chapter 3:20); Jesus said behold, I stand at the door, and knock, now this presents Jesus Christ outside the Church if any man hear my voice. Now so much religious racket is going on that it is difficult to “Hear His Voice,” and open the door. Now remember that Jesus Christ is the True Door, which means the Church has erected another door. Here Jesus said I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Now having been rejected by the Church, our Lord Jesus Christ now appeals to individuals, and Jesus is still doing that even presently today.

20) Comments: (Revelation 3:20); in verse twenty, Now some have been encouraged by this verse to receive the resurrected Jesus Christ as Savior, it is not actually a presentation of the Gospel. Since the church of Laodicea is the recipient of this message, it seems to be a call for Christians who are cold and indifferent to Spiritual things to repent and “open the door” of their hearts to the resurrected Christ. This is a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ’s invitation to His Bride to come to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

21) Read: (Revelation 3:21); To him that over-cometh 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. (KJV)

21) Explanation: (Revelation Chapter 3:21); Our Lord Jesus Christ said to him that over-cometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne. Now the over-comer will gain the prize of the Throne. This can only be done by one ever making the Cross the Object of His Faith even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Now this presents Jesus Christ as our Substitute, going before us, and doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

21) Comments: (Revelation 3:21); in verse twenty-one, now to him that over-comes, Jesus has promised us to sit down with Jesus in His throne which refers to reigning with Christ in His Kingdom. Now the verses of scripture in (Matthew 19:28); and (Revelation 20:4); and (Revelation 22:1); and verse twenty-two contains the last reference to the church before chapter twenty-two. This implying that the “Rapture” will occur before the events of chapters four through nineteen and this tells us that the church will not be present on earth during the Great Tribulation period.

22) Read: (Revelation 3:22); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)

22) Explanation: (Revelation Chapter 3:22); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Now in plain language, the Holy Spirit is saying, “Come back to Jesus Christ and the Cross” before it’s too late.

22) Comments: (Revelation 3:22); in verse twenty-two, Now at the end of each letter to the Churches, the believers were urged to listen and take to heart what was written to them.

Although a different message was addressed to each church, all the messages contain warnings and principles for everyone. Now these letters speaks most directly to your church. Now which has the greatest bearing on your own Spiritual condition at this time and how will you respond?

A) The main reason or purpose of teaching this Book of Revelation in this simple lay-out form is to tell the Gospel and warn all people of their destination of their souls. And hopefully help all people hear the Good News of Jesus whether they are saved or lost. By studding God’s Holy Word we can have a better picture of Heaven and Hell. Also it is my prayer and hope that everyone can understand a little more about their new home in Heaven and of what God’s future plan that He has in store for them for all eternity.

B) Now some people just shake their heads and are scared to what the future holds for them. They say that they can not read this book and understand anything that the Scriptures are saying to them. So I have tried to outline each of the verses with the help of the Holy Spirit so that anyone; whether you are a believer in Jesus Christ (Saved) or an unbeliever (lost) and don’t know who our Savior Jesus Christ is. It is my prayer and hope that when you try to read and study the Book of Revelation that everyone will always keep an open-mind. Now remember that God loves you and this Book of Revelation is about your future and where everyone will spend the rest of their life.

C) Now as a Christian I am concerned about your soul and where you will spend all eternity at. So just remember that we all have two choices in this life and the first one is that you should realize that you are a sinner and on your way to a place called Hell because of your unbelieved in Jesus and His finish Works on the Cross. The second choice is that then you call upon the name of Jesus Christ and ask Him to come into your life and save you: then you are on your way to a place called Heaven because of what Jesus done for all mankind on the Cross. He paid the price by shedding His Precious Blood and dying there so that all mankind could go free.

D) Now all you have to do is just sincerely pray a simple prayer like this one here. “Please God, I confess to you my sins and need Jesus in my life right now. I will turn away from my sins and place my Faith in your Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.”

E) Then you should share your Faith in Jesus Christ with other Christian friends or a pastor. Now by becoming a Christian, this is your first step on that long life’s road of a Spiritual growth and your service to sharing God. The second step is to follow Jesus Christ in a believer’s baptism by immersion in water and joining a local church that teaches the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

F) Now this concludes our Bible Study on the chapter three of the Book of Revelation. Next week we will continue our lesson studies in the chapters four of the Book of Revelation. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach this last book of the Bible.

Note: I pray that this Bible Study lesson about the Churches in chapter three will help your studies and under standing of Gods’ word in the Bible. Please feel free to pass them on to other people if they have helped you.

Your, Brother in Christ

Frank Rose