There are messages left for us by Jesus (Revelation 1:1), written by John in the final book of the Bible to let us know what was, what is, and what will soon be (Revelation 1:18). He never does anything without revealing his plan to his servants (Amos 3:10). It is a revelation of dark things which are occurring now in our world, darker things to come, and a finale of Light and Hope.
The book of Revelation was written specifically for the servants of God. Each church needed a particular message as to their spiritual state and encouragement as to how to successfully get back on track. God's church is comprised of many individuals and the Lord is speaking to each one when He states not once, but seven times , “He that hath an ear let him hear...” ! His message to each church has a message for us, telling us what our works and faithfulness should look like and encouragement for those things we are doing right.
Jesus talks about the Church's battle with Satan whose active and ominous influence is aimed at drawing Church members back into the idolatrous and sinful society from which they had escaped (Revelation 2:12-13), with the result of them straying into the depths of Satan (vs 24). Are you keeping God's ways or Satan's ways? Do you realize that Satan, being the greatest deceiver, does not ask us to not worship our Creator, but instead he convinces us that it is so much more fun and exciting, with sparkles and grandeur, to worship our Creator as Satan's followers worship Satan - and on the days they worship their god? But to do so is clearly the appearance of evil, as it is how the pagans worship Satan (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and is sin; expressed by God as an abomination – disgusting to Him (Deuteronomy 12:30-32). He calls us to be righteous and gives us all the means to know what that is and how to live that we need. To not do so is to not love God as He deserves to be loved.
Early on in the life of God's Church, Paul warned of this dangerous development. The facts are that it had happened in ancient Israel, was happening in Paul's time, and is happening now. He didn't say there might be false teachers among you, but that there will be. They will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord Jesus Christ's death for the purpose of redeeming us. Then, when we are drawn away and follow these teachings - believing them to be true simply because they are so appealing - we are drawn away to our destruction (2 Peter 2).
So, what are we to do? Immerse ourselves in the Bible, study and prove what is good and acceptable, what is the perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). Examine ourselves whether or not we are truly in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5)(Colossians 1:23), Prove all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and hold fast to that which you know, by God's decree, to be good. The result is not succumbing to the darkness that is coming upon the world because of denying God in preference of Satan. But instead, to have the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and your spirit, soul, and body to be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Comments