Generations of believers in the G_D of Israel, both Jew and Gentile, have anxiously awaited the coming of the Biblical Messiah. For the vast majority of Jews in the world they still await a Messiah who has yet to come. For the vast majority of Gentiles whom shall be recognized as “Christians,” it is the second coming of Messiah, Yeshua of Nazareth that is anticipated. For all believers in the G_D of Israel there is certainly one belief common to all: Messiah will be on Earth in the future.
Regarding the return of Messiah the greatest debate amongst believers is “When will he return?” The purpose of this work however is not to declare the specific “when” regarding the coming of Messiah; this information is simply known to only G_D himself. So what then is the primary purpose of this work?
The last of all Scriptural Writings gifted to people is “The Apocalypse,” or “Revelation to John,” otherwise commonly referred to as the “Book of Revelation.” Most readers will recognize this as the last book of the Christian New Testament Writings or the “B’rit Chadasha” (Renewed Covenant) as it is known in Hebrew. Because this writing is meant for believers who live after the first coming of Yeshua, it is easy to understand why this inspired writing has enthralled believers throughout the ages. After all, believers anticipate with great hope the prophesied second coming of Messiah; it is the destiny of all mankind!
Unarguably much debate regarding portions of this Revelation, or even the entirety of this writing, has raged throughout the ages relative to meaning and interpretation. The broad utilization of symbolic and literal components within this writing causes much confusion and leads to significant variances in interpretation. Despite these complexities many individuals have genuinely attempted to understand and interpret this blessed Revelation. The author however is convinced that previous works regarding the messages to the Seven Churches of Asia have not fully developed the cultural, historical, theological and scriptural context needed to enable proper interpretation of this enigmatic writing.
The vast amount of interpretive discourse relevant to the Revelation, glosses over the seven messages to the churches and for the most part the entire first three chapters. Perhaps these messages to the seven churches do not seem exciting, or perhaps these messages are not relevant in these modern days? These messages however are pertinent to the Body of Messiah throughout the ages, as well as today, and the revelations contained within the first three chapters of this writing are indeed worthy of detailed review.
The purpose of the work then is to relay findings and insights regarding G_D’s holy word in the hope that people of faith in the awesome G_D of Israel can join together at the table of reason. At the table of reason we come together for truth, clarification, strength and to reaffirm our common faith and join akin so we do not stay apart. Most importantly however we come together to know G_D better so we can bring glory unto him.
So one may ask, “Reason about what?” When the end times will begin? When will the rapture take place? Who is the anti-Christ? Unfortunately for many who seem to have such an appetite for these inevitable cataclysmic events, this discourse will not deal with these sensational topics in tremendous detail. This work will be limited to the first three chapters of this blessed Revelation. But do not for one moment think this discourse will be unexciting or lack provocation. Within these three chapters of this writing is revealed a prophetic expose of the historical path to be followed by modern civilization from the time this Revelation was given until the time Messiah returns. Furthermore our Creator has provided for us a lasting doctrinal guide which we can use to live by and cleave to him.
The analysis and findings indicate the messages to the Churches represent not just exhortations pertinent to people of their time but prophetic messages pertinent to the entire Body of Messiah throughout its entire history. Subsequently each individual message to the Church corresponds to a specific time frame throughout the last two millennia. Each message further depicts the relative spiritual health of the Church within a particular era or identifies easily enough with defined historical events or movements so we can readily ascertain a defined time period for each of the seven Church messages. The Revelation then not only contains historical details of the “end days” but historical details regarding all the days from Messiah’s first coming to his second coming.
Of all the gifts provided within this blessed Revelation it seems however the greatest of all have been overlooked. These are the gifts of truth regarding faith and salvation which G_D, through Yeshua the Messiah, provided within this Revelation. These truths represent the key to unlocking the bindings of doctrinal differences which have kept believers apart for far too long. Doctrinal differences also most certainly have resulted in jeopardizing many people who call emptily upon the name of Messiah. From the Gospel of Luke Yeshua declares,
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built a house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6:46–49)
The day of the Lord is fast approaching. Can it not be felt as the Earth heaves in anticipation of his glorious coming while the nations are in an uproar? It is imperative we understand what our Lord meant when he told us to do as he says and build our faith on a firm foundation! Unfortunately most people are dull and not paying attention in spite of their belief to the contrary.
From the Gospel of Matthew: Who has ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said to him, Why speak unto them in parables? Yeshua answered them, Because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but who so ever has not, from him shall be taken away even that he has. Therefore I speak to them in parables: because they seeing, still see not; and hearing they still hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this peoples’ heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (Matthew 13:9–15)
Consider Revelations then to be parable-like. The masses will see and hear but not understand. Most people think they understand G_D’s plan but do not. Messiah’s condemnation of the waxed gross heart is valid today far more than in other days. So come and let us reason together in his Word and in his Holy Spirit!
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1. It is necessary to qualify the term “Church of Messiah” for its use is prominent throughout this work. In general this term should be used to recognize any congregation or individual who believes in the G_D of Israel and accepts Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah as the divine Word of G_D who descended from Heaven to Earth for the propitiation of human sins through his blood atoning self-sacrifice. Consequently the Body of Messiah includes believers of most Christian faiths as well as Messianic Jews.
From a purely historical perspective however this term will be used mainly to describe the Apostolic Roman Catholic Church and close relatives; this grouping represents roughly 65% of all Christians in modern times and certainly a more significant percentage at various stages throughout history—most notably prior to the reformation efforts of the sixteenth century.(3) More importantly it is the Roman Catholic Church which is, though contentious to many, most recognizable historically as the seat of apostolic authority handed down from the early Church. This is noted despite issues regarding orthodoxy and Papal primacy which continue to fuel the separation from the Eastern Catholic Orthodoxy and other Christian communities.
Please note as well that simply utilizing the term "Church of Messiah" in no way shape or form should imply that the author believes that any so called entity represents a replacement, either spiritual or physical, to Israel.
2. Regarding historical time periods and dating, the terminology utilized within this work will be that of “The Common Era” (Ce), sometimes referred to as the “Current Era.” It is the period of measured time beginning with the year 1, the traditional but debated birth date of Yeshua of Nazareth, to the present. The notations Ce and BCe (Before the Common Era) are alternative notations for “ad” (Anno Domini, Latin for “in the year of the Lord”) and “BC” (Before Christ), respectively.
3. As for Messiah’s NAME … although Jesus is how Messiah is commonly referred to by greater Christianity and history itself, Messiah’s Hebrew/Aramaic Name “Yeshua” meaning G_D’s Salvation will be utilized herein as a matter of respect as well as historical and theological accuracy. Messiah’s NAME is holy and should be very carefully handled.
4. The Revelation of Yeshua to John is considered of course to be "a revelation" ... however it is clear by any standards that Messiah delivered to humanity many, many different revelations within this sacred writing. As such the author at times will refer to the Revelation in both singular and plural forms and does so to maintain grammatical uniformity and context.
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