John recorded a letter to the church at Philadelphia given to him directly by Jesus.
Jesus specifically designed each letter with seven elements:
- Name of the Church
- Title of Christ Chosen
- Commendation (good news)
- Concern (bad news)
- Exhortation
- Promise to the Overcomer
- Close: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘
Everybody wants to claim the church of Philadelphia to be reflective of their own.
The Beloved Disciple recorded what Jesus spoke in Revelation chapter 3:
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia (friendly fellowship) write, ‘These things says He who is Holy, He Who is True, “He Who has the key of David, He Who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens“:
The Word Holy should imply reverence and is linked to judgment and justice. When the creatures proclaim “Holy, Holy, Holy”, the speak of His birth, His death, and His priestly office where He makes intercession for us (Heb 7:25). We are to be Holy and True as loyal and competent ambassadors representing Jesus Christ to the world. Jesus’ character is Holy and True, He can be fully trusted!
The key of David is found in Isaiah 22:20-25 and refers to a messianic prophecy about Jesus being killed and removed.
8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My Word, and have not denied My Name.
9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie-indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have Loved you.
10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11 Behold, I am coming quickly (suddenly)! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
Jesus spoke of seven commendations and had no criticisms. Jesus will keep the overcomers from “the hour of the trial” which shall come upon the whole world. This is referring to the harpazo for His Bride will be spared from such a trial.
This time is to test the earth dwellers, not His Bride. Those who pass the test will be welcomed to Heaven at the end of the seven-year period. This includes Israel who initially rejected the Messiah. FATHER did not rescind HIS irrevocable Covenant with Israel. As usual, they had to suffer before they would accept HIS Plan. You and I are pilgrims passing through, not earth-dwellers.
When Jesus says “the whole world”, He means it. This suggests that the test will be catastrophic in nature.
12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the Temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the Name of My God and the Name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God. And I will write on him My New Name.
Once again, Jesus closes this epistle with:
13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘
The seven-year period will not be pleasant for the Gentile believers. They will suffer and many will die during this time as the antichrist will overcome those saints. There will be a subset of Jewish believers (144,000) that will be protected.
For this particular church, Jesus had no concerns.