The Letter to Pergamum

What has God been saying to you lately?

Have you been considering what words Jesus would write to our church if he wrote a letter to us today?
As we continue our sermon series on the letters Jesus wrote to the 7 churches in Asia Minor, as written in the Book of the Revelation, let us continue to reflect and share with one another what He might be saying to us. Please feel free to send me an email or put helpful feedback, visions and words of knowledge on paper in the Narthex and I'll collect from the box provided there.
 
This Sunday we look at the letter to the Church in Pergamum which begins with saying  ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword'. The sword symbolises Christ’s judicial power to judge all things according to the truth of God’s word, and it warns the apostates within the church of Christ’s impending judgment upon them.

In this letter the sword was also symbolic of something else at the time of John's writing. In those days, Roman governors were granted the “power of the sword” by the emperor in order to put to death those Christians who refused to acknowledge the divinity of Caesar. So in this letter, Jesus Christ uses the same symbol to remind His church of just who it is who wields the real sword of justice and power.

The message is clear:  All of those who persecute Christ’s people with the sword in this life will themselves face the judgment of Jesus Christ in the next. But the warning of judgment is also aimed at those individuals within the church who seduce Christ’s people through false doctrine.  They, too, will face His sword of judgment because Jesus is a jealous bridegroom who will do everything in His power to protect his bride. Thus, we need to look at ourselves and see where/ how/ if we might be leading people away from Christ by our beliefs, rituals, traditions, complacency, lifestyle and influence.  

There is much more in this letter which we will cover on Sunday but for now I'll skip to the end of the letter which says that those who overcome will be given a white stone with a new name.  The white stone not only symbolizes purity, which was a source of comfort to those who had fallen victim to sexual immorality, but the name which appears upon it is known only to the one who receives it. Just like Jesus Christ, the rider of the White Horse of judgment in Revelation 19 has a name known only to himself. The white stone therefore binds the recipient to the Saviour, who will one day come with His sword to execute judgment upon those nations who have persecuted Christ’s people, as well as judging all those who seek to lead Christ’s people away from Him through the seduction of spiritual adultery.

Take comfort that those who possess the white stone need never fear the sword of justice, for they are Christ’s, and He knows those who are His!  He has taken their judgment upon himself in the cross of Calvary.

So, be encouraged that you are His protected, purified and preserved child today. If you aren't sure and confident regarding your salvation, please speak to Amy, me, or another trusted Christian as we would love to talk and pray with you for Christ's assurance.

May the Lord Bless you and keep you safe and protected at all times.

Tanya
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