Sign of Times (Part XX -20)

By Moonings

The Message to Each Church

Philadelphia/Brethren Churches

Salutation: Christ is holy and true and holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.
Relevance to this church: Victimization by unholy liars in the church tempts Philadelphia to doubt Christ's moral perfection. Also, the many reverses this church has suffered tempts
it to doubt Christ's sovereignty.

Acknowledgment: He notices their works.
Relevance to this church: Because they have kept His word and have not denied His name, He will set before them an open door. Because this church has sought to obey the Scriptures
and to honor Christ, He will take them alive into heaven.

Exhortation/Prediction: The synagogue of Satan will worship at their feet.
Relevance to this church: When evil church leaders come to judgment, they will be forced to bow down in respect before those they have oppressed.

Commendation: They have kept the word of His patience.
Relevance to this church: This church has patiently waited for Christ's coming, maintaining its watchfulness even when other churches decided that His coming was not imminent.

Assurance: He will keep them from the hour of temptation.
Relevance to this church: As a result of being raptured, Philadelphia will escape the Tribulation.

Warning: They must hold fast what they have, lest any man take their crown.
Relevance to this church: The people of Philadelphia must be wary of attempts to draw them into compromises. By such compromises they would forfeit the special privileges that Christ offers them.

Promise: Overcomers will be pillars in the temple of God, so that they need "go no more out." Upon them will be inscribed the name of God, the name of the New Jerusalem, and Christ's new name.
Relevance to this church: Most of the people in Philadelphia have come there from other churches. They are weary of the sacrifice and maltreatment that, in their quest for vital Christianity, they have suffered by leaving decayed churches. Christ assures them that He will give them a permanent home.