Month: January 2013

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? [3] And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. [4] And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. [5] And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. (Revelation 5:2-5)

Before our congregational reading last week in Revelation chapter 4, I remarked that chapters 4 and 5 are two of my favorite chapters in the Bible. The scene in these chapters is heaven where a vast throng of worshippers lift up their praises to the Lord Jesus Christ the one who is worthy of all worship. This heavenly scene is made up of innumerable majestic angels and of redeemed saints from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation (5:9). Jesus Christ is worthy of worship for countless reasons, but we find the specific reason for this particular scene in verse 5 of chapter 5. Jesus is to be worshipped because He is the only one capable of claiming the title deed to the earth and redeeming the entire creation from the curse of sin.

We notice in verse 2 a question posed by a mighty angel, “Who is worthy to open the book?” The book refers to this title deed that is to be claimed by the one who can purge the earth of sin. A search is made in three places to find one suitable—heaven, earth, and beneath the earth. Our King James Version reads, “no man was found worthy”. This is better rendered as “no one” since it includes not only man but all creatures that have been created by God. There is no created being that is able to claim the title deed. This rules out all men and angels both elect and condemned.

Men are unable to redeem because the curse of sin is on us. In the creation, man was given dominion over the earth. However, when Adam sinned he forfeited the right to hold dominion and brought the curse to the entire earth. Because “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” man cannot be a suitable redeemer. Neither are angels suitable to redeem because they are unrelated to man. The earth is the inheritance of man and no angel can receive this inheritance. The heir to the earth must be a kinsman of the Adamic race. Since man has forfeited his rights through sin, the Redeemer must be both related to man and sinless. There is only one that matches this requirement. His name is Jesus which is the name given to the incarnate Son of God that came to earth to redeem the fallen race. He is related to man through human birth and yet does not have the sinful nature because His Father is God.

The scene of rejoicing in heaven is because God has not left the world without a Redeemer. John wept because the search of heaven and earth yielded no positive results. But when the Lamb of God stepped forward, heaven broke forth in peals of glory and praise. This chapter is moving because our Saviour was willing to do everything necessary to bring us salvation. The love of God in providing redemption by the sacrifice of His beloved Son causes wonder in heaven and earth. How can anyone do less than fall at His feet in worship crying, “Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.”

Pastor V. Mark Smith

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, [11] Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:10-11)

In the beginning of the Revelation, John wrote, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein: for the time is at hand” (1:3). Despite the blessing promised, there are many that are afraid to tackle Revelation and thus they miss this wonderful blessing. Two of my favorite chapters in the book are chapters 4 and 5, which are thrilling to the heart of those that desire to worship Christ. The scene in these chapters is heaven where an untold multitude of men and angels bow before the throne reverently chanting, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power…”

One of the most interesting aspects of these chapters is understanding the identity of the elders that are first mentioned in verse 4: “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” We could spend a good deal of time exploring the many different ideas of who these elders are and what they represent. I believe they are representative of the saints of God of all time. Twelve of these elders represent the Old Testament and refer to the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve represent the apostles of the church in the New Testament era. Thus, God’s program for the world prior to the first advent of Christ and after the first advent is represented. This scene in heaven is a sure guarantee that everyone that places their faith in Christ will be in heaven.

Another interesting aspect is the crowns of gold that are worn by these elders. Verse 4 says they sit on “seats” which in the original language is the same as “thrones.” This indicates ruling authority. However, we notice in verse 10 these crowns are cast at the feet of Jesus. This means they recognize His supreme authority and are under His dominion. From this verse, many have mistakenly thought our crowns of reward will be given back. These are not crowns of reward but represent the merits of Christ that are freely given through the imputation of His righteousness. They are much like the white robes that represent the perfections of Christ. Rewards for faithful service to the Lord are not given back. They are ours to keep and will increase our joy in heaven.

Surely as we read this portion of scripture today, you must think about your own relationship to Christ. Have you submitted to His authority? Do you love Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind? If a painting could be made of this scene in heaven, would you be in the picture? Those that will not bow their knee to Him on earth will never have opportunity to bow to Him in heaven. A relationship with Jesus Christ requires trust in and reliance upon Him as Saviour and Lord. God’s wonderful promise is that all who receive Christ now will be accepted by Him and will live forever in this beautiful place He has prepared for them. Trust Him today and learn why He is worthy to receive, glory, honor, and power.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

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 3:20)

Today in our scripture reading we end the third chapter of Revelation and the messages Christ gave to the seven churches of Asia. The last church on the list is the church of the Laodiceans which was a church in the worst condition of the seven. Some deny this was a true church but was rather a group of people much like many groups today that name Christ but do not have a true gospel or any semblance to New Testament Christianity. I believe this was still a church of Christ but it was barely hanging on by a thread and was in imminent danger of losing its status as true church.

This was a church that was mired in complacency. Some commentators have noted the method of address to this church as Christ calls it the church of Laodicea rather than the church in Laodicea. This means the church had taken on the characteristics of the surrounding culture and had become a church of the world rather than in the world. “Of the world” is a phrase often used by Jesus and the apostles to describe people that have lifestyles and practices of ungodliness. It characterizes the lost. However, true Christians have been called out of the world as Jesus says in John 15:19: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John wrote in his first epistle: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16). Although we must live in the world our lives should not be of the world.

Perhaps the most telling remark concerning the character of this church is the statement Jesus made in verse 20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Clearly, He was on the outside of this church. They carried on business as usual without the head and founder of the church. They carried on without His power and authority. They were self-sufficient and never called on Him for strength to do His work. Scripture teaches the only way we can work for Christ is by God’s power (2 Cor. 3:5). They were a self-sufficient church as evidenced by verse 17 in which they claimed to be “rich, increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” No wonder Jesus said, “I am on the outside. Hear my voice and let me in.”

This is the danger we face when we try to forge ahead with our own plans and do not stop to pray and ask God where He would have us go. As a church, we must be sure that we are not Christ-less. He must be on the inside of our church in the person of the Holy Spirit directing every move we make. As the hymn writer said in the old hymn Take Time to Be Holy: “Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul; each thought and each motive beneath His control; Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love, thou soon shall be fitted for service above.”

Jesus Christ is eager to be a part of our lives now and to prepare us for eternal service in heaven. We desire to be a part of this church as the author of Hebrews says: “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect…” (Hebrews 12:22-23). If Christ is outside of our church, we will be left outside of His church.

Pastor V. Mark Smith

“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)

Our congregational reading today takes us to the third chapter of Revelation. There are three churches mentioned in this chapter. The first church is the church at Sardis which had a very peculiar reputation. They were known as the church that lived and yet was actually dead. The third church mentioned is the church at Laodicea. They were a wishy-washy stand for nothing and fall for anything church that disgusted our Lord. Sandwiched between these two is the church at Philadelphia, a church that received high praise for their faithful works, their steadfastness to obey God’s word, and their refusal to deny Christ in times of persecution.

The Philadelphian church is a good model for our church. I like the promise Jesus gave them in verse 10, “Because thou has kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation…” This is great encouragement because we know that when we are faithful to trust the Lord completely, He will keep Satan from discouraging us in the work. The words of Christ to this church fit well with the message I will bring this week and next concerning the faith Jesus built in the disciples by walking on water and calming a raging storm.

Jesus purposely put the disciples in a boat on the Sea of Galilee during a storm to teach them a lesson about faith and bring them to the place of recognition that He is truly God. In the end of the story, the disciples for the first time worshipped Him as God saying, “Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matt.14:33). This is a very good way for us to look at the many trials we face both as a church and in our individual lives. Each difficulty gives us greater opportunity to see how the Lord can take care of us and give us peace in the midst of our storms.

The church at Philadelphia was promised they would not be overtaken by increasing tribulation. They stood the test at first and because they did they grew stronger in their faith. In their time, martyrdom was always a looming possibility, but the thought of losing all including their lives did not stop the faithful witness of this church. God’s promise was to bring them into the New Jerusalem, the city that God is preparing for the bride of Christ which is the church.

We would do well to remember this. We are to live for the eternal; no matter how difficult things become here, we will not fail to reach the heavenly city. God will never leave us or forsake us. The storm does not rattle Jesus and neither should it discourage us. Hold out! Keep the faith! As the song writer said, “I know the Master of the wind. I know the maker of the rain. He can calm the storm, make the sun shine again. I know the Master of the wind.”

Pastor V. Mark Smith