ArmchairAdventists

  Revelation: Justification by Faith Filthy Garments [By M.L] "Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy." —Revelation 3:4 In Sardis, there were some who had not defiled their garments. They had white robes and were pure. In context, this seems to primarily refer to their works: "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, which are about to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God." —Revelation 3:1-2 They were dead in their works. Their deeds were not found perfect before God. Garments represent how a person appears—how they are seen by others. But more importantly, how does God see them? God grants us the imputed righteousness of Jesus, which is alway...

Revelation: Justification by Faith As a Thief in the Night [By M.L] "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you." (Revelation 3:2–3) The church in Sardis was called to repent and hold fast to what they had received and heard. They had received the Gospel and heard its truth, but they needed to learn to hold onto it and not let it slip away. They were to remain watchful in prayer and fasting so that Jesus would not come upon them like a thief in the night. Some interpret the idea of Jesus coming as a thief in the night as referring to a secret rapture where Jesus comes in a hidden manner. However, this is not the point here. Revelation shows that Jesus comes like a thief in the night specifically for th...

  Revelation: Justification by Faith Strengthen the Weak "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: 'The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.'" (Revelation 3:1–2, ESV) It seems that Jesus is addressing the church as a whole here. The angel represents the church. This church had a reputation for being alive, but in reality, they were dead. Many were on the verge of dying, falling back into sin and unbelief. They were called to be watchful and to strengthen those in danger. Their works were incomplete in God’s eyes. This "death" relates to their works. If they were spiritually alive, it would mean good and sincere works with proper motives. But they were dead, and many were at risk of dying. How can we strengthen those who are ...

  Revelation: Justification by Faith Thyatira as a Lampstand The Christians in Thyatira, who stood closest to God’s throne, had grown in deeds. Because of this, they were able to be a light to the world, and for the most part, they were. Satan had been defeated in the battle at Smyrna. Persecution could not extinguish the church; the fire brought purity, and the persecutors were condemned. In Pergamum, Satan had more success. Through false teachers and prophets, he introduced compromise into the church. But in Thyatira, he went even further in his attempt to destroy the church. The queen, or Jezebel, of the church was tolerated and gained significant influence within it. Like Balaam, she led God’s servants into idolatry. The Jezebel of the Old Testament, along with the power of the state, sought to oppress God’s true people. The Christians in Thyatira tolerated her, and in this way, a shadow fell over the church. Yet, God warned the Christians—and even Jezebel. Although she did not...

Before I started to look into church history, I must admit I had a pretty negative view of church fathers and councils, as being "the fathers of romanism" (some things must be viewed negatively, such as what many of them taught concerning the sabbath or the immortality of the soul), but I discovered that most accretions and corruptions were introduced after the first five hundred years of Christianity, things like purgatory, icon veneration, a high mariology, infant baptism and similar things were introduced in the church and compromised; however I discovered a lot of common ground with a lot of a lot of the early church and I am happy our theologians and historians are engaging with works of the early Christian period.  The Apostle's Creed was originally a summary of the most important christian articles of faith (containing things like Christ's death and ressurection, second coming, and biblical doctrines) and served as a pre-baptismal teaching. As an adventist, onl...

Revelation: Justification by Faith Until I Come [By M.L] Revelation 2:24–25 "But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come." Jezebel had a strong influence in Thyatira, but not all were caught up in the teaching of Satan. What Is This Teaching? It is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which taught that one could pursue idolatry without consequence. Jezebel herself would be judged, but the remnant in Thyatira was given no additional burden other than this: hold fast to what they had until Christ’s return. Jesus promised to return, at which point the distinction between idolatry and serving God alone would become unmistakably clear. Then, they would receive the morning star in their hearts, and its light would shine brightly. In the meantime, they were to hold on to what they had. No additional demands wer...