The Revelation of Jesus Christ: An Open Letter to the Church From a Modern Perspective of the Book of Revelation by Lynn Hiles

Author:Lynn Hiles [Hiles, Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: General, Religion, Christianity, Christian Church, Bible, Biblical Studies, New Testament, Biblical Criticism & Interpretation
ISBN: 9780768424355
Google: 4TpnD0HL6K0C
Amazon: 0768424356
Publisher: Destiny Image Publishers
Published: 2007-05-31T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Pergamos

Revelation 2:12-17 says:

AND to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where satans seat is: and thou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

As we turn our attention to this third church at Pergamos, let’s look at what the name Pergamos means. Translated from the Greek, it means “mixed marriage” or “much marriage.” This understanding reveals that this church is one of mixture and duality. They are somewhere between “Law” and “Grace.” They are experiencing a change of thinking about who it is they are married to, Adam or Christ. As with the other churches we’ve already addressed, the Lord significantly reveals Himself in a manner that will bring about the change required in them. Each new dimension of revelation enables them to change. The enablement to change comes from their enlightenment of Him, His nature, and His person. He identifies Himself to the church at Pergamos as the One who has the sharp sword with two edges proceeding from His mouth. Revelation 1:16 says, “And He had in His right hand seven stars: and out of His mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.”

Let’s look at another Scripture that perfectly relates to this passage. It gives us a clear understanding of the sharp sword. Hebrews 4:12 says:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

It is apparent from these two passages that the sword that proceeds out of the mouth of God is not a literal one. It is the act of proclaiming the Word of God that is sharp and powerful.

I want us to specifically see what the Word of God is targeting. If you continue reading in Hebrews 4, you will find that the author is addressing a people who haven’t been able to enter into the rest of God.

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