(mobile friendly version-click here) The Messages to the 7 Ecclesias-page 3 APPLICATION 3: AD1847 to the return of Christ The Christadelphians in Biblical Prophecy One vital point should be noted. Because this 3rd application of the messages deals with the period of the re-discovery of the Truth since AD1847, it outlines those events which have occurred within "Christadelphia". It will therefore be of intense interest to all those who would be numbered with the faithful at the coming of Christ. NOTE: to understand & to properly evaluate the principles and their application suggested hereunder, we strongly recommend that you firstly familiarise yourself with applications 1 & 2 - the links are at the bottom of this page. In many ways,these last-day periods are the most remarkable of them all. It is incredible to realise that the messages which Jesus Christ gave to the 7 Ecclesias in the Apocalypse over 1900 years ago are still being worked out before our very eyes today. And it can initially make us feel inadequate for the task ahead. But this has always been the lot of God's people, a "permanent minority" during their pilgrimage. We are encouraged by the words of the Apostle Paul - "If God be for us, who can be against us?". Also, "there is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few"... "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty" to the end "that no flesh should glory in his presence" - Romans 8v31;1st Sam. 14v6;1st Cor. 1v27,29. These last-day epochs are marked by 7 'decision-points', when the attempted introduction of various heresies was resisted by the faithful. Since the Pioneer brothers have fallen asleep in the Lord, the course of "Christadelphia" has been ever downward. This was inevitable, & it has resulted in the Laodicean state now so evident amongst the majority. Those wishing to maintain the Truth in its purity have had no alternative but to maintain a separate identity - link to 'appeal' & 'selection' for more details. On page 2, under 'Philadelphia' and 'Laodicea', we saw that the re-emergence of the Truth, as identified with a distinct body of people, was pre-figured in the elements of these two messages. What follows is an exposition of the subsequent events. Ephesus: AD1866-1868 ch.2v1-7 When the Truth emerged from the darkness of the "churches", the ecclesias "tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and….. found them liars". And also, said Christ - "thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitaines " - sig. 'the conquerors of the people'."Priests" and "ministers" were alike repudiated.But later we will see that many would find the Nicolaitanes to be acceptable - see the message to 'Pergamos'. This division involved basic doctrinal errors, such as "immortal souls", "a fallen angel devil", etc., which heresies totally destroy the Truth. These errors were dealt with by the faithful. Note also the warning - "thou hast left thy first love" and "remember from whence thou hast fallen" i.e. from the "heavenly places in Christ" Ephesians 1v3 - see page 1. It is significant that Christ promises the faithful: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God". This undeniably identifies the setting of these basic errors,under- lining the connection with the serpent's lie, & the lies of the seed of the serpent, as shown above - Genesis 3v4,5; John 8v44. Link to 'devil' & 'promises' for a full discussion of this subject. Those withdrawn from because of error were called 'Dowieites'. Smyrna: AD1873 ch.2v8-11 The 2nd division involved the denial of the truth concerning the Sacrifice of Christ. Without its comprehension and acceptance, there can be no salvation. Christ identifies Himself as "the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive".The connection is un- deniable. He is only alive now because of the condemnation of sin in the flesh, Romans 8v3 cp Hebrews 2v14- link to 'sacrifice'. Any teaching which denies this cannot give salvation. It is tragic that this same heresy, dressed in a different garb, has of recent times almost obliterated the truth of this vital subject amongst the main group of "Christadelphians". Note also "the devil" is shown as the enemy - cp Hebrews 2v14. Those retaining the error became "the synagogue of the satan" (Grk.) "which say they are (spiritual) Jews, and (but) are not". Yes,"the satan"is a personification of all those who falsely claim to represent the Truth - link to 'satan' and 'proverbs' - page 2. Note Romans 2v29 - "But he is a (spiritual) Jew, which is one inwardly..whose praise is not of men, but of God". Those "faithful unto death" would receive "a crown of life". The promoters of this error were called 'Renunciationists'. This was because they renounced the truth which they had believed. Exactly the same thing has happened in our own days - adoption of 'clean flesh' (neo-renunciationism) has brought ruin to many. For fuller details see the messages to 'Philadelphia'&'Laodicea'. Pergamos: AD1885 ch.2v12-17 The 3rd division was brought about through the introduction of the heresy of "partial inspiration" - i.e. that the Bible is not to- tally inspired and unerring. This abominable error was strongly promoted by two ex-"ministers", who, after being unmasked, duly returned to their evil trade. This "doctrine of the Nicolai- tanes"- sig. 'the conquerors of the people', rejected in the 1860s, see the message to 'Ephesus' - was now opposed by those still faithful, who reconstituted their meeting upon a firm foundation of an inspired Bible. It was not done without opposition, which originated from within this meeting "where thou dwellest", and "where the satan's seat is" (see 'Smyrna' for the significance). But without flinching, Robert Roberts, as a latter-day "Antipas" (= 'against all'), took the leading part in this necessary reaff- irmation of truth. Open fellowship ("the doctrine of Balaam") was utilized by the errorists, their first attempts to curse (as with Balaam) having been prevented.A faithful man also "against all" fought & defeated Balaam's doctrine-cp Micah 6v5,Numbers 25; 31v16. Phinehas "made an atonement for the children of Israel" &"the plague was stayed from the children of Israel"- caused by "the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling- block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication". A "covenant of peace" was given to Phinehas. Even if it means that we must stand alone, let us remain faithful to God's trust - link to 'committees'. A related theme is traced out in 'The Yahweh-Nissi Altar'. Balaam's virulent heresy of fellowship with the world continued on after him with his spiritual "children"-2nd Peter 2v1-3,12-22. After initial struggle,being(spiritually)"slain among(them),where the satan dwelleth", Robert Roberts consolidated the faithful. We notice that Christ identifies Himself as "he which hath the sharp sword with two edges"..i.e. the word of God, John 1v14; Hebrews 4v12,13; Revelation 19v13. The connection with the controversy is undeniable - it is further reinforced by the promise to the faithful of "the hidden manna". Let us also be "faithful martyr(s)" - link to 'apocalypse'. Thyatira: AD1894-1898 ch.2v18-29 The 4th division occurred when a reservation upon the doctrine of resurrectional responsibility was introduced (Britain & USA). Those who denied judgment for many responsible were (and are) known as 'Unamended' - and became the Advocate group. But some, like other errorists, were later absorbed back into the main group of "Christadelphians" at the time of the "reunion" (see below under 'Philadelphia') based on tolerationist ideas. And currently many still 'Unamended' are being fellowshipped. For more details link to 'committees and compromises'. This error has come to be known as 'Andrewism'. Promoters of 'clean flesh' are fond of falsely accusing those who defend the truth concerning the Sacrifice of Christ of holding 'Andrewism'. It hides their purpose of converting the unwary to'clean flesh',& is a tragic example of Isa. 29v21-to "lay a snare" - proverbs p.2 - "and turn aside the just for a thing of nought" - & also read very carefully Amos 5v4-15. Andrewism was a serious error,as it denied the clear declaration of Almighty God to judge those who reject His word. Being a serious challenge to His authority, it cannot be allowed to remain in fellowship. Otherwise we would also share this culpability. There is also another related aspect of Andrewism which cannot be fellowshipped. This concerns a false definition of what its pro- ponents regard as"legal responsibility".This undercuts the scrip- tural teaching that knowledge, & not status, brings responsibility to a future judgment at the coming of Christ. From history we see the "burden" of withdrawal from error as commanded by Christ was perceived and obeyed by the faithful, led as in the previous division by Robert Roberts. For the true significance of this "burden" link to 'seven ecclesias' - Thyatira. It is significant that the number 4 in Scripture represents Divine authority. Link to 'structure' and 'the Lord's day'- 4th Vision where this is discussed. Earlier applications of the 4th message also follow this same pattern-i.e. the rejection of God's authority. Note the judgment of "the Son of God", with "his eyes like unto a flame of fire" and the promise to the faithful - "to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken in pieces". "Jezebel", who taught rebellion against God, is denounced, and her judgment and the judgment of all rebels is proclaimed. The connection with this controversy is undeniable. And with this 4th message, Robert Roberts fell asleep in the Lord (see page 2). This event marked a disastrous decline in doctrine & practice. "I will put upon you none other burden"- the sound legacy of the Pioneer brethren was now established for ecclesias to follow. "..that which ye have already hold fast till I come". The only question remaining was would the ecclesias obey? Sadly Scripture & past events indicate otherwise-link to 'leprous' Sardis: AD1914-1926 ch.3v1-6 The Pioneer brethren had built a firm foundation of truth, but it was not long before World War 1 began a period which became notorious for 2 things: A - compromise with error under a façade of truth - and B - extremity by those who would foist man-made rules upon fellow-believers. These 2 evils have always been very clear markers by which the Divine plumbline can be recognized. Link to 'appeal' and '2nd Timothy 2' for more on the above. Robert Roberts had written an article entitled: 'True Principles and Uncertain Details', which was invaluable in that it set these matters out clearly at the time of the resurrect- ional responsibility division (see 'Thyatira'). Sadly, now his scrip- tural advice was disregarded, except amongst the believers who remained committed to the preservation of the Truth as God had committed it to them - link to 'committees'. The matters wherein compromise was revealed included: *participation in non-combatant branches of the armed forces *toleration of those defending "special constables" *toleration of 'clean flesh' teaching, which nullified the truth of the Sacrifice of Christ - link to 'sacrifice'. On the other hand extremity was amply demonstrated - mainly through the adoption of varying degrees of the indissolubility of marriage. This heresy was confirmed by the Roman Catholic "church" at the 'Council of Trent' 1445-1463, and was operative even in the cases of "fornication" and desertion of a believer by an alien husband or wife. Contrast Matthew 5v32;19v9; 1st Cor- inthians 7v12-16. Link to 'marriage'. All those deviating claimed to be upholding the correct position, and almost all retained the name "Christadelphian". The ver- dict of Christ was clear: "thou hast a name that thou livest, and (but) thou art dead". The admonition was "strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die". And "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast and repent". This was a clear call to the earlier days of sound doctrine and sound practice. It echoed the following: Deuteronomy 32v7;Joshua 1v13;Hebrews 13v7 - "Remember the days of old..Remember the word..Remember them". The constant message is to remember the words of the pioneers of the ecclesia in the wilderness & the ecclesia in Jerusalem.The message of the Lord, consistent with the above, is to remember the words of the pioneer brethren of the Sardian ecclesia - and in the time-appli- cation to the last days, the pioneer brethren John Thomas and Robert Roberts, with the sound scriptural foundation which they laid under the providence of Almighty God in Christ. The fact that the above is a correct understanding is endorsed by the "few names even in Sardis which did not (Revised version) defile their garments".They were "names", i.e. reputations, even as the "name", or reputation of the Sardian ecclesia*. It was the same as in the advice of Paul to the Jerusalem ecclesia, as ren- dered in the R.V. - "Remember them that had the rule over you, which spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith". Yes, the Pioneer works may be on our bookshelves; their "names" are with us. But can we truly say that we are walking in the footsteps of the faithful of old? *-the only difference was that the reputation of the pioneers was well-deserved,whereas that of the Sardian ecclesia certainly was not. And consider this - in the epoch of Smyrna, we looked at those "which say they are (spiritual) Jews, and (but) are not". Now we have the growth of this iniquity to encompass almost the whole Sardian epoch. The "name" which they claimed, as (spirit- ual) Jews,i.e. "Christadelphians",did not belong to them.Instead, Christ tells them "thou art (spiritually) dead".Taking away from or adding to the word of God is fatal to our spiritual well-being - this is the great lesson we must take from the message to Sardis. In the years 1914-1926 and following, those remaining firmly based upon the Pioneer foundation allowed neither compromise nor extremity to destroy the Christadelphian name.This allowed them to prepare for an even greater disaster soon to follow: "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee". (Concerning the need to "watch", link to 'apocalypse' fact 4). That time occurred, in the aftermath of World War 2, after one symbolic "hour" (thirty years) - showing the suddenness of this event. Link to 'the Lord's day' - 6th Vision for an explanation of the telescopic symbology involved in such prophecies. Philadelphia: AD1947-1958 ch.3v7-13 During this period of time the disaster foreshadowed above took place. It saw the re-entry of errors previously withdrawn from, under the euphemistic description of "reunion". Toleration of false doctrine, begun in 1917, was cemented by the end of 1922. In 1947, a conference (Detroit, USA) heard a shocking "official" defence of toleration, which resulted in the admission of those holding error by a conference (Jersey City, USA) 20 Sept. 1952. Then by the end of that year, a report in 'The Christadelphian' gave "official" recognition to "reunion" with errorists. After one "hour"* (thirty years, 2 periods) the judgments prophesied came upon them. It has been all downhill since that disaster. The "hedge" of fellowship having been broken down, every type of error has found a home in this compromised community. One notable error, 'clean flesh', which has plagued the Christadel- phian assemblies since its inception,has won its final victory. The most devilish form of this error, which has mesmerised and over- come resistance, is exposed in 'sacrifice' & 'committees'. * "the hour of temptation" - cp Matt. 24v44,50 "in such an hour as ye think not...an hour that he is not aware of" - re the symbol- ogy of one "hour" link to 'feasts' & 'the Lord's day' - 6th Vision. Note - the Lord promises the faithful that He will "keep (them) from this hour". These events bring into focus the prophecy of the Lord,which is contained in Matthew 24, and upon which we also have more to say below & in 'proverbs'- see page 2. Sound teaching on both doctrine & fellowship has been gradually replaced with what is simply a re-hash of the harlot's teaching under a different label. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many (lit. Grk. 'the majority') shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" - Matt. 24v12,13. A "fretting leprosy" has corrupted what was once the Master's spiritual "house" - link to 'leprous'. For proof of this declension link to 'committees' & 'words'. And the "meat in due season" has recently been replaced with the "smit(ing) of fellowservants" and "eat(ing) and drink(ing) with the drunken" - i.e. those "made drunk with the wine of her (the harlot's) fornication". The sad fulfilment is easily seen from the pages of ecclesial history, & the prophecy is applicable both individually & collectively-cp Matt. 24v42-51 & Luke 12v35-48. Concerning the "harlot" of Rome & her spiritual progeny see Revelation 17v1-5-she is always looking to add to their number. We noted under 'Sardis' that extreme views were also being pro- mulgated. These views became entrenched even further in the period of time we are now considering. As we have set out in our 'appeal' letter,the twin evils of laxity and extremity are now app- arent for all to see. They allow us to be guided to the plumbline, which is the Truth in its purity, but with no added doctrines or commandments of men. Both declensions from the Faith must be resisted by those called to be members of Christ's ecclesia. Jesus Christ links the warnings of Matthew 24v42-51 with the 3 parables of Matthew 25 when He says in v.1 "then"-at that time. They demonstrate sequentially "faith which worketh by love" - Galatians 5v6. But more specifically, in the context of apostacy, we must ask the questions, in connection with the 3 parables: 1. The wise & foolish virgins - do we have the Truth in its purity? 2. The faithful & unfaithful servants - do we openly promote it? 3. The providers & the non-providers-do we minister to those who show their need of it ("the least of these my brethren")? See also No.3 below for a dire warning. In'proverbs'-p.3 we consider related aspects of these obligations. Here are some personal questions which we must ask ourselves in the light of John 2v23-25 ; 17v3 applied to these 3 parables: 1. Does the Lord know and recognize us as "wise",and thus able to enter "with him to the marriage", or will He say unto us when "the door (is) shut" - "Verily I say unto you, I know you not". 2. Do we know the Lord & work faithfully, or are we "afraid" to do so, thinking of Him as "an hard man", demanding too much? 3. Do we know and support the Lord's true "brethren", who will be saved, or have we neglected, forsaken & even opposed them? The Lord issued a dire warning concerningNo.3 in Matt.18v1-10. In these last two messages of Philadelphia and Laodicea, we find doors which are open, & doors which are shut. We deal with the principles involved in 'foundation'. The door of opportunity was shut for those who closed their eyes to the compromise. However to the faithful Christ says: "behold,I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it". The faithful were few - "for thou hast a little strength". Those tolerating the errors in this ungodly "reunion" became "the synagogue of the satan"*(Grk.),"which say they are (spiritual) Jews, and (but) are not, but do lie". *We remember that this description occurs also in the message to Smyrna. These are the only two ecclesias of which no fault is recorded, & both withdrew from "the synagogue of the satan". Yes,"the satan"is a personification of all those who falsely claim to represent the Truth - link to 'satan' and 'proverbs' - page 2. Note Romans 2v29 - "But he is a (spiritual) Jew, which is one inwardly..whose praise is not of men, but of God". The few showing faith remained separate or withdrew. They cherished the promise of Christ that in the Kingdom Age He would "make..him that overcometh..a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out". There was need for faith-a quotation from Isa. 22v22 confirms it. Christ is "he that hath the key of David" in v7. The practice was for one bearing a large key to precede the king. The key "upon" the "shoulder" represented the authority of "government", both then and pointing forward to the future rule of Christ, Isaiah 22 v20-22, cp ch.9v6,7. Hezekiah was tested at that time, & showed faith, so that the Assyrian advance was halted outside Jerusalem, and the enemy destroyed-cp Isaiah 36 & 37.As a sign of his faith, Hezekiah also replaced Shebna (sig. 'lead captive') with Eliakim (sig. 'El (God) will set up') - cp Isaiah 22v15-22 with ch.36v3. This clearly demonstrated that he did not rely upon the arm of the flesh, but instead committed his righteous cause to God. Hezekiah also held the greatest Passover ever in Judah accord- ing to the principle of faith. Individuals responded to his call from the corrupted northern kingdom. Consider 2nd Chronicles 30. The application to our own responsibilities in similar circum- stances of prevailing apostacy is clear. Hezekiah "opened the doors of the house of Yahweh" which had been "shut"- see 2nd Chronicles 29v3;28v24. The faithful few in Philadelphia had this "open door" set before them - not so with Laodicea(below). Philadelphia is the 6th ecclesia - in common with previous time- applications of 6 we see the great struggle between the spirit & the flesh : truth and error : set forth.Link further to 'structure'. The conflict and the battle with self must be won. It is in situations of smallness of numbers and strength that this struggle provides the greatest test of our faith. The next message to Laodicea shows us the door of opportunity has been shut. Total indoctrination involving toleration has by now taken control over a hapless"Christadelphian" community, except for those maintaining the Truth in its purity.This involves not adding to or detracting from God's holy word-see 'appeal'. The little-understood parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25v1-13 we shall expound, if it is the Lord's will, in the context of Proverbs & see 'Laodicea'. Note "the door was shut". An infamous 'addendum' has been crafted, allowing toleration of the error of 'clean flesh'. This is exposed in 'committees'. The 'addendum' formed part of what is still termed in Australia the 'Unity Book' - but it was deception, and the only unity to be revealed was the toleration of errorists within the ecclesias. Similar deception on the American continent has brought further loose fellowship by many joining together with various previously withdrawn from (see 'Thyatira'). Refer again to 'committees'. Compromise is thus world-wide, and has carried forward into the epoch of Laodicea below. It is convenient to summarise this here. The appeal of Christ, as we shall see, is now only to individuals. Laodicea: AD1958 to Christ's return ch.3v14-22 This is the last of the seventh epochs, just prior to the coming of Christ.We have suggested elsewhere, in'the time of the end', that the date of "Armageddon" may be AD2027. The return of Christ must be before Armageddon, for He must first judge those who will have become responsible to judgment by a knowledge of the Truth. He must then organize the accepted saints preparatory to His conquest of the world. Link to 'the Lord's day' and 'feasts'. Therefore our preparation for the coming of the Lord is of the greatest urgency. Let us consider this message in that light. Remember also that death could overtake us at any time, & the time of opportunity, as in Israel's history, will be gone forever. The time-application to this last epoch is brought forcibly to our notice by Christ's self-identification as "the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God". See what this involves - link to 'apocalypse' re "testimony" and "witness". He condemns this faithless "lukewarm" end-product. He states "I would thou wert cold or hot" - v15…i.e. refreshing- "cold", Proverbs 25v13,25..zealous-"hot",a related Greek word is translated"zealous"in v19-"be zealous therefore,and repent". Being neither of the above, but insipid, Laodicea is only fit for one possible action - the Lord will reject them as vomit - v16. Israel was rejected in the same way - cp Lev. 18v25,28 & 20v22. It is noteworthy that in the litany of faults recorded against Lao- dicea we see "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked". It is surely significant that such terms have a connection with the Sacrifice of Christ, and His resurrection & immortality: See Romans 6v24, 1st Corinthians 15v19, Revelation 16v15. The heresy of 'clean flesh' which denies this essential doctrine is fatal to those who adopt or tolerate it - link to 'sacrifice'. And a very tragic aspect of this declension from the One Faith is that they do not understand what they have done, & that the consequences, both personally and ecclesially, are disastrous - this is made clear by the Lord's comments "thou knowest not", and because they are insipid "I will spue thee out of my mouth". Concerning their ignorance, cp 'proverbs' - p.2 'the simple ones' esp.Prov.7v22,23-"he knoweth not that it is for his life"- & Matt. 24v44-"in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh". As noted above,in these very last days of "Laodicea",the "door" of opportunity is shut. It is a stark contrast to "Philadelphia", which enjoyed "an open door". These two facts inextricably link these epochs with the parable of the"wise" and "foolish" virgins of Matthew 25v1-13. In this parable we read "they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut". It would be wrong to believe this refers only to the acceptance granted at Christ's return,for "afterward came also the other vir- gins, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us".This does not fit with the Judgment Seat of Christ, where both the accepted & the rejected will appear together to be judged, and then separation occurs. Link to 'judge'-page 1. Primarily we see the days of "Laodicea" when in the parable "the foolish" are told to "go..and buy for yourselves". And to the same class in "Laodicea" Christ says: "I counsel thee to buy of me gold..white raiment..eyesalve". This gracious invitation will not be renewed at the judgment. There is a connection with Psalm 119, which contrasts those who love God's word and endeavour to obey it with those who despise it. "At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts...Thou through thy command- ments hast made me wiser than mine enemies..thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path...the wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts...depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God" - Psalm 119v62,63,98,105,110,115(& whole psalm)-cp Matt.25v6-8. Consider also Proverbs 31v15,18 (& whole chapter) - "She riseth also while it is yet night...her candle goeth not out by night". "at midnight...all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps… five were wise,and five were foolish..the foolish said unto the wise Give us of your oil;for our lamps are gone(mg. going)out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves". As stated previously, there is only one way to obtain light, as also expressed in Psalm 119v130 - "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple" - cp Psa. 19v7, 8: "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes". Only"the bridegroom" is able to "sell" to those who "buy" in the way appointed, "without money and without price" - cp Isaiah 55v1; Revelation 3v18. Re "wise", "simple" & "foolish" link to 'Proverbs and Parables in the New Testament' There is still time, but it is fast running out. When the Lord has returned, there will no longer be this golden opportunity. "He that is unjust,let him be unjust still:and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still". Let us not lose this last opportunity.The door has been"shut" now by wicked men,but with faith any can "open the door", and Christ "will come in to him,and will sup with him, and he with me" i.e. fellowship will be restored. For more details on this vital theme link to'foundation'-page 1.Remember also the gracious words of the Lord in Matthew 7v7,8 - "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you:for every one that asketh receiveth;and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened". With the final victory of "clean flesh", its promoters have stepped up the false charge of 'Andrewism'to hide their own hideous error - see 'Thyatira'. And the purveyors of open association (i.e. "the doctrine of Balaam" - see 'Pergamos') are in a frenzy, with many false reservations against sound fellowship. One ploy is to label obedient believers as 'a man-made organization'. In both things we see the full subtilty of the serpent mind. Such subterfuges were evident in the days of John, who needed to denounce them. In "the last days" of Israel's existence prior to AD70, the Apostle John fought against heresy("deceivers..who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh") and the toleration of heresy ("he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds") - 2nd John. Is it any wonder then, that we must also combat these same two disasters in "the last days" of Gentile times just prior to the return of Christ? Because of the iron-clad compromise which has allowed error to appear respectable, the appeal of Christ is only to individuals: "If any man hear my voice..". We must show faith & courage. As in the days of old, we must have "understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" - 1st Chronicles 12v32. And like them, we must do it - "faith without works is dead" - James 2v26. The promoters of this web-site are ready and willing to assist any who desire further information and assistance.Remember also that the Lord says - "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten". Heb.12 v1-13 tells us "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scour- geth every son whom he receiveth". Note also that the word for "love" in Christ's appeal to Laodicean believers is from the Greek 'phileo', signifying a personal affection. It is significant that the epoch of "Philadelphia" enjoyed an "open door". This was the time of the Pioneer brethren - see page 2. We suggest that we are being told there must be a return to the principles for which they stood. That is the purpose of this web-site and our 'appeal' letter. We see a similarity with the words of Malachi, who prophesied of a final work of Elijah to Israel "before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD" to "turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers"- Mal.4v5,6. And cp ch.3v16,where the prophet records the association together of those "that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name". And in v17 & 18 there is set out the future vindication of those who are faithful in this our day of opportunity. There is more on this glorious theme in 'proverbs'. There is an 8th ecclesia referred to in Revelation 2 and 3. It is the Christ-body, which will be composed of individuals who hearken to the words that recur throughout these chapters: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the ecclesias". We must "read..hear..and keep those things which are written therein" in order to be "blessed" by the Lord - ch.1v3. Whereas the number 7 speaks of completion, the number 8 speaks of perfection - link to 'structure' & 'grace' - page 2. May we attain to this perfection by our dedication to the Truth, & our maintenance of sound doctrine and fellowship. The epochs of time dealt with in the messages to Sardis, Phila- delphia, & Laodicea, will be the subject of prophetic import in 'Proverbs and Parables in the New Testament', now gradually being uploaded to this site. We are pressing on with this work. WE EXPECT CRITICISM FOR THIS 3RD APPLICATION OF THE MESSAGES TO THE 7 ECCLESIAS. HOWEVER THIS CAN MAKE NO DIFFERENCE TO OUR RESOLVE TO SO EXPOUND IT. AND LET EACH VIEWER TEST THE ABOVE BY THE WORD OF GOD. ALSO LET US REMEMBER THE WORDS OF THE LORD: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil"…"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God" - John 3v19,21. It is time for the light of truth to dispel the darkness which has descended upon the Household of Faith in these terrible last days of Gentile times. OUR APPEAL IS DIRECTED TO THOSE WHO LOVE THE TRUTH THESE ARE VITAL MATTERS WHICH MUST BE UNDERSTOOD CONSTRUCTIVE CORRESPONDENCE IS WELCOMED TO webmaster@pioneerchristadelphians.org return to p.1 return to p.2 return to studies return to home page-index go to fellowship go to departure go to seven ecclesias go to statement go to proverbs |