Quote:
Originally Posted by Forrest
" Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea" (Revelation 1:11).
The Interpretation of this Passage
- Since they are identified as "churches", are the members of these churches "called out believers"?
- Are these "seven literal historical churches" with unique messages that are relevant and applicable to individual churches today?
- Or, is this a prophecy which specifically addresses and applies exclusively to the thousand year Millennium?
- Or, all three?
(There seems to be so many relevant and needful applications for us, today.)  |
I didn't read all the other posts, I am merely responding to the original question.
Historical application - these are 7 literal local churches in Asia.
Spiritual/Devotional application - relevant and applicable to individual churches today.
I would also add that these could be laid out as 7 periods of the church age, starting with Ephesus, ending with Laodicea.
Doctrinal - I don't believe this fits the millenium as well as the Tribulation. I believe the doctrinal content of the passage points to tribulation setting. So these could be 7 literal local churches in asia during the tribulation, and/or 7 different types of churches during the tribulation.
In Christ,