5. Sardis is prince of joy, the dead church (Revelation 3:1-2, 3-4, 5-6). Jesus is He that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars. A few that have not defiled their garments, walk with Jesus. Those who remember what they received, hold fast and repent are clothed in white raiment, have their names written in the book of life and Jesus confesses their name before the Father and His angels.
6. Philadelphia is brotherly love, the faithful church (Revelation 3:7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13). Jesus is He that is holy, true and has the key to the door. Despite little strength, they have kept God's World and have not denied the name of Jesus. If they hold fast, they are given an open door and are kept from the hour of trial to test the world. Those faithful will be pillars in God's temple and written the name of God, the new Jerusalem and Jesus' new name.
7. Laodicea is lay people, the lukewarm church (Revelation 3:14-16, 17, 18-19, 20-22). Jesus is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. Hear His voice, open the door so He comes in and eats with them. Those who repent and are zealous will sit with Jesus and God the Father in heaven.
Seven Periods of the Church Age
The seven churches of
Revelation are prophetic and describe seven sequential periods of the Church Age that begins at
Pentecost (6th of
Sivan). On the 1st of
Elul Moses returns for a second forty days to replace the broken tablets. The Jews have forty days of repentance called
Teshuvah to prepare for the high holy days. The shofar is sounded during the thirty days of
Elul. God judges the world from Trumpets to Atonement (1st-10th of
Tishri). See
Fall Feasts.
This know, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (
2 Timothy 3:1-2, 5).