End of the Age - Back Slided Laodicean Churches?
For many years, I believed and taught that the seven churches mentioned in the second and third chapters of Revelation were sort of time clock of the church age in progress. I believed that God purposely selected them for a definite and distinct purpose: to give a complete picture of church history from the beginning to end. The last church the Lord Jesus Christ addressed was the church at Laodicea.
The Laodicean church was the “lukewarm” church. Revelation 3:15 says it this way: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot”. This teaching regarding the “church ages” is part of dispensationalism. Dispensationalism is a Christian, Biblical interpretation that believes that God has related to human beings in different ways under different Biblical covenants in a series of “dispensations,” or periods in history. As a system, dispensationalism is expounded in the writings of John Nelson Darby (1800–82) and the Plymouth Brethren movement and propagated through works such as Cyrus Scofield’s Reference Bible.
I believed that the seven churches John writes to in the second and third chapters of Revelation are not just churches that existed in John’s day. Each of these seven churches was also representative of the church “ages”. The last church mentioned, Laodicea is allegedly the “church age” we currently live in.
The Laodicean church was the church that was neither “cold nor hot” (Rev. 3:15). It was the foolish, lukewarm church. Have you ever heard that “we’re living in the Laodicean age” of the Church? But is that true scripturally, and even logically? I don’t think so. There’s not one scripture to justify such a belief. To come to that conclusion, one would have to “infer” it onto the text. To do so seems to be “adding to the words of the book”, something strictly forbidden in the final words of Revelation. Let’s look into some of the reasons why this “church age” interpretation just doesn’t stand.
Seven Churches in Asia
In Revelation 1:4-8 St. John addresses his prophecy to the seven churches in Asia. It is obvious (at least to me) that he has these actual churches in mind. There is no hint or suggestion that we should interpret these verses as anything other than John writing to seven actual churches. John wrote to the seven Churches in Asia in the same manner that Paul, Peter, and others wrote to churches in the New Testament. The seven Churches are enumerated in the order in which a messenger sent from Patmos would reach them. The seven Churches were on a common Roman government postal route. These seven cities, as has been already stated, were situated on a very important circular route.
This route starts from Ephesus, the most educated, wealthy and historically important part of the Province. They were critical points on that circuit, serving as centers of communication with seven districts. While I can’t prove it my guess is that the reason John listed Laodicea last is that it was the last stop on this circular route. A messenger would have started at the port city of Ephesus. Then he would continue onto Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and finally Laodicea. This is the exact order theses cities are listed in Revelation chapters two and three. The map below gives you a general idea of the orientation of the cities. But is there any application that we can apply to our day and age? Of course, there is. We can apply the teachings here just like we do with other things written in the New Testament that are spiritually relevant to us. But the idea that John is writing about ages of past and future Church history is pretty far-fetched and unscriptural. Seven Churches of Revelation Map of western Anatolia showing the island Patmos and the locations of the cities housing the seven churches Seven Ages Doctrine The “seven ages” doctrine assumes that the Book of Revelation covers all of Church history, from beginning to end.
But John never hints that the Book of Revelation even addresses the history of the church. His only claim is that the prophecy covers “things that must shortly come to pass” (Rev. 1:1). John also declares that the time of which it speaks is “near” (Rev. 1:3).
Will the Church End in Defeat and Apostasy?
The “seven ages” doctrine assumes that the Church will end in defeat and apostasy. The Laodicean church is the lukewarm, practically apostate church, about which Christ has nothing good to say (Rev. 3:14-22). Is this really supposed to symbolize the Church of Jesus Christ at the end of the age? What a depressing doctrine if it were true.
Where Do We Stand in Church History?
The “seven ages” belief assumes that we are living in the last age of the Church. But stop and think how do we know where we stand in church history. Do you think the church 1000 years ago had any idea there were 1000 years of history still to go? Study church history and you will conclude that nearly every generation thought theirs was the last. Let’s pretend for the moment that Revelation chapters two and three do represent the chronological history of the church. But how would we correctly apply them to secular history? Wouldn’t our generation have to wait until the “end” has taken place? In other words, we wouldn’t know the “end” is upon us until the “end” is upon us!
It’s a Big World
Is it fair to apply these verses to over two-thirds of the modern Church? Isn’t most of the church today (besides North American and Europe) under heavy persecution? They are not living in affluence like the Laodicean Church. How can these verses be applied to the persecuted underground church in China? Likewise, the church in the Arabia Peninsula is presently under severe persecution. In fact, I believe the church of Smyrna or Philadelphia fits the description of most of the Church around the world today.
Summary
Think about this, if we believe we are in a “Laodicean” church period, then we must accept the status quo as normal. There’s an old saying, “You have to play the hand you are dealt.” This means we must accept our present circumstances and wait for the end. Doesn’t this mind set result in depressing spiritual experience? They justify carnality by making it an option, rather than merely a possibility for the Christian. Instead of putting on our work boots the prevailing attitude is sometimes “let’s pack our bags” because the “end” is near. After all, if God foreordained that today’s Church would be lukewarm and backslidden like Laodicea why fight against carnality? Instead of “Thus saith the Lord,” the pulpit is more concerned with “What will the congregation tolerate?”
The “seven ages” doctrine just doesn’t make sense. And though we may not say that the seven churches represent seven periods in Church history, there is an important point to be observed here. The fact that seven churches are mentioned in a book packed with numerical symbols should not be overlooked. Seven is the number in Scripture that represents completeness or fullness. In Revelation, it might represent the fact that the Revelation is intended for the whole Church in every age. The messages to the seven churches of Asia are to be applied to all, just as Paul’s letters to the Romans and the Philippians have worldwide significance.
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Whistler Blowers, Insiders
We have been, all along and are now in the Lacodian age; very apostate and quite fallen away for the most part. The Seven spiritual stages of God’s people have been there from the beginning.
On “denominations”. There are no divisions or denominations in Heaven, so why here on earth??!!
Denominations divide Christ, (so to speak).
A house divided cannot stand Matthew 12:25 Mark 3: 25
Put it all together and a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8
The time has been, is here now; the falling away (from God). There are so many different denominations, just here in the U.S., all teaching their own version of the Pure Word of God. Regarding the different denominations and doctrines: God is not confused. He certainly does not want nor need thousands of varying doctrines of His Word. God the Father, and Lord Jesus Christ are and have always been of One Mind and One Accord. God never had nor will ever need, or have to count on thousands of man-made doctrines in order for God to know Who He is.
When Lord Jesus Christ spoke “BE OF ONE MIND AND ACCORD”, through Job and Paul, what did He mean? It is no more complicated than simply just what He said; be of one mind, His Mind and one accord, His Accord.
Not many different denominations, and “churches” all teaching many different doctrines. How apostate and absurd!
Philippians 2:2-5 Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
A BIG, BIG PART OF THE FALLING AWAY FROM GOD= $ the bottom line $
A few truths: The true Holy prophets (servants) and Lord Jesus Christ’s true disciples (servants) never made a penny off of God’s Holy Things. Paul, an apostle, chosen from Above, chosen by Christ Himself, worked at another type of job to earn his money. He made tents for his living as he went about teaching the Truth about Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He used his own money to give to the poor. Paul never collected a salary, retirement, pension plan etc. nor did he ever take money to build “bigger buildings” as today’s so-called church does. He did not steal from Lord Jesus Christ nor from HIS people. Very serious if anyone does these things against Heaven.
Most of today’s churches run them exactly as a corporation. They solicite the rich and many others as their “flock” for their bottom line. They run it top/down; a chain of command hierarchy; some lovingly but in many cases militantly. It does not matter if someone makes a small or large amount of $$$.
Hierarchy c.1343, from O.Fr. ierarchie, from M.L. hierarchia “ranked division of angels” (in the system of Dionysius the Areopagite), from Gk. hierarchia “rule of a high priest,” from hierarches “high priest, leader of sacred rites,” from ta hiera “the sacred rites” (neut. pl. of hieros “sacred”) + archein “to lead, rule.” Sense of “ranked organization of persons or things” first recorded 1619, initially of clergy, probably infl. by higher.
Hierarchy=power structure, ranking, class, executive, order, as in pecking order, chain of command, class structure, corporate ladder, dominance, echelons, due order, placing, position, social hierarchy, social ladder, social stratification, social pyramid, social structure, food chain, grouping, line of dominance.
This is how Christ, Lord Jesus sees IT. Unothorized people taking disciples away from him by deceived and many times arrogant “leaders” in the unholy denominations. Of course, there are many of Christ’s ones in “churches”; they’ve yet to come out of these unholy places.
Christ, The Holy One—IS NEVER-WAS NEVER meant to be a career path or a profession!
Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that you do not partake of her sins, and that you do not receive of her plagues.
You’ll see the same ones in the pews week after week. Many are being “sermonized” on the prosperity message, and other equally false doctrines.
As if the Most High God is interested in seeing that people are made rich in fithly lucre: (1Tim 3:3, 1Tim 3:8, Titus 1:7, Titus1:11 and 1 5:2) that rusts and cankers. (James 5:1-3)
When or if they do become prosperous in money and if they don’t learn otherwise, they’ve received their reward; a temporary earthly reward instead of an Eternal Heavenly reward. They are then told if they don’t “tithe” that they are “robbing God”. Jude 1:11 WOE to them! For they follow the evil example of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they will do anything for money. And like Korah, they will perish because of their rebellion.
On listening to our carnal minds instead of doing this!
WAIT ON THE LORD
Job 35:14, Psa 25:5, Psa 25:21, Psalm 27:14, Psa 37:7, Psa 37:9, Psa 39:7, Psalm 37:34, Psa 59:9, Psa 62:5, Psa 69:3, Psa 69:6, Psa 104:27, Psa 106:13, Psa 123:2, Psa 130:5, Psa 145:15, Proverbs 20:22, Isa 8:17, Isa 30:18, Isa 40:31, Isa 42:4, Isa 49:23, Isa 51:5, Isa 60:9, Jer 14:22, Lam 3:25, Lam 3:25-26, Hosea 12:6, Mic 7:7, Hab 2:3, Zep 3:8, Luke 12:36, Acts 1:4, Rom 8:25, Gal 5:5, Phl 3:20, 1Th 1:10, Hbr 9:28
Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have Mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him.
Acts 13:1-4 Now in the ecclesia that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
Notice here that the ecclesia waited on the Lord for their instructions and not on humans; the creation. This is so key to understanding that only by putting our entire being in God’s Hands will we be able to hear Him when He calls us to use us as He wishes.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 is how we train ourselves to hear HIM.
2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONG HOLDS (spiritual wickedness in high places); CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST.
On being “taught” through humans in “bible college”, seminaries etc., etc. :
Why did Paul SERVE the Most High God obediently, truthfully and joyfully to his death? Because Paul was chosen from Above, from Heaven and did not call himself.
Galatians 1:11-2 & 15-16 But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the Revelation of Jesus Christ. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His Grace, to Reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.
Paul did not go to a man-made/trained ‘seminary’. As most of mankind, in our own “wisdom”, we rely on ourselves and disobey God in pretty much everything. God just doesn’t show up whether it’s a seminary or “church” no matter how much you believe that He does! Why not? Because Lord Jesus Christ knows that He is really not welcome in most of today’s “Christians” hearts…..so, why would He show up? You may get so very angry at these statements, but if we don’t obey HIM, why or how could He or would He show up?
He Is, however, Waiting for us to turn back to Him with all of our beings so that He can Redeem us.
‘A seminary or theological college is a specialized and often live-in higher education institution for the purpose of instructing students (seminarians) in **philosophy, theology, spirituality**and the religious life, usually in order to prepare them to become members of the clergy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminary (for a brief history on seminaries)
** The Wisdom must come from Above,** not from a seminary. By sending yourself to a seminary you’ve entered a profession; you’ve called yourself. If you are not a humble servant, on your face before God and working to earn your own money, as one of our best examples of servants, Paul, an apostle or sent one did, then you are in a profession. If you have “titles”, a pension and retirement plan from your “ministry” (tithes), then you are in a profession and therefore are a false teacher and a hireling who does not care about God. You are perverting the Holy One’s Example by making merchadise of HIM and His flock.
The only ones worthy of “gifts” are the true ones who by God’s Terms lay down their lives for Christ. Do so, on your own dime for at least 3 yrs. and then and only then will you be able to you call yourself a humble, faithful and worthy servant of God.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and Knock: if any man hear My Voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
ON taking “titles” reserved for the Holy One ONLY; Christ the King of Kings–Matthew 23:7-15:
Paul also did not “title” himself “Pastor Paul” nor did he consider what he did as “Pastor Paul’s Ministry” or some other “form of godliness” name for a church or ministry as all of today’s “religious” people do. More on titles further on. What he did do was to lead others to Christ and to Christ only by gently guiding them. Paul NEVER led nor kept them to himself.
Lord Jesus Christ is God after all. He is The Word, The Truth and The Only Way. He is The only Teacher and Master that Lives, Breathes and NEVER leads astray. My only Teacher and Savior, woke me up in mid-July of 2005 although I didn’t seek this. But, I’ve always wanted the WHOLE truth above all.
Throughout my entire life I never thought of nor believed in Lord Jesus Christ. I never contemplated that He is God who came to earth as a flesh and blood Man. HE, Lord Jesus Christ, taught me of the great falling away from Himself that has been happening since the early ekklesia (a called out people). It is now ongoing at an extremely accelerated pace.
Christ’s anger was toward the scribes and Pharisees, (the religious) THEN AND TODAY, who took/take titles to themselves, took money, took Heaven from their unsupecting followers and heaped excess burdens on them. HIS anger towards the “leaders” in the religious setting back then is the same anger He has towards today’s “scribes and Pharisees”; those commandeering today’s “churches”, “temples” etc. However, again, He is Warning all of us:
Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
His same Prophecy which was accomplished in 70 A.D. will again be Fulfilled. Part of the destruction He will accomplish will be the destruction of today’s false church and all “denominations”.
To today’s “titled ones” and to those who think the “hierarchal or clergy system” is the way to go; it is not! “Titled ones” are drawing away disciples from Christ Himself–to themselves. Most don’t realize how seriously deadly this is.
**Acts 20:30** Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Even some of you will distort the truth in order to draw a following.
**That** IS ANOTHER GREAT PART OF THE FALLING AWAY FROM GOD.
Ezekiel 28:17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (speaking about the fall of Satan but mankind is following Satan’s example most definitely.)
I had a minister tell me that his “pastor” is to be completely obeyed and all loyalty goes to him. I asked him what about loyalty to Lord Jesus Christ first before anyone or anything? He had no answer what-so-ever except for what he told me.
I was stunned. They do not know how to worship God in Truth and in Spirit as we are supposed to do in our New Covenant with The Almighty God.
2Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. (more on further on.)
This = most of today’s church. COMPLETE PAGANISM. Constantine began this bilge. Mankind for the love of money and prestige continues it today in great pomp and fashion. Many definitely don’t see it like this. In God’s Eyes, this is exactly how He sees it.
Another term or definiton of the vast majority of today’s churches: Oligarchy: 1570s, from M.Fr. oligarchie (14c.), from Gk. oligarkhia “government by the few,” from oligoi “few, small, little” (of unknown origin) + arkhein “to rule” =autocracy, oppression, domination, cruelty, authoritarianism, despotism, totalitarianism, coercion absolutism severity, monocracy, fascism, totality, unreasonableness, terrorism, imperiousness, high-handedness, reign of terror, peremptoriness
If you looked up all the synonyms for tyranny you’d find all the terms above.
Again, A reminder to the “pastors”, “priests” who are called father this or that “, “reverends”, rabbis”, “elders” ,”deacons”, “imams” “bishops”, “pope” etc.
Matthew 17:5 While He was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a Voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; HEAR HIM!”HE MUST INCREASE; but i must decrease. JOHN 3:30
Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
This is vast portion of those who call themselves Christ’s.
ALL DENOMINATIONS. How? Why? (Of course, there are some people who are truly devoted to God who will come out of these places)
With it’s spiritual harlotry and worldly ways linking up with world governements and married to money, business, power, physical anti-christ political governments of this world which definitely include the U.S and Israeli governments. This involves politics and all that goes with politics; (greed, violence, wars**which create orphans, famine, widows, filth and misery; pedophile rings.
1Today’s worldly “church”, condones and financially supports attacking people in other countries. Why? They’ve been deluded into believing these other people are their “enemies”. And they fear losing their temporary possesions and comfort on this earth.
By listening to and acting on the lies of the politicians that many, many vote for, the result is our turning away from, listening to and obeying Lord Jesus Christ and what He Teaches us. This is not too difficult to understand if you know which Spirit you are listening to. If you don’t know this, pray to the Holy Spirit with all of your being, repent and ask for forgiveness. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
Read or re-read: 1Samuel Ch. 8
John 5:39-40 You search the Scriptures, for you believe they give you eternal life. And the Scriptures point to Me! Yet you won’t come to Me so that I can give you this Life eternal.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to Me as Lord,’ but they still won’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey My Father in Heaven. On judgment day many will tell Me, Lord, Lord, we prophesied in Your Name and cast out demons in Your Name and performed many miracles in Your Name .’ But I will reply, I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized.
Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another; work towards unity; live in harmony with each other. Avoid thinking you are better than others or too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people, thinking yourself wiser than the rest. Instead embrace common people and ordinary tasks And don’t think you know it all!
GOD IS SEEKING THOSE WHO WILL WORSHIP HIM IN TRUTH AND IN SPIRIT. John 4:20-27