CHRIST’S FINAL WORD TO THE LATTER-DAY CHURCH

In Revelation 2–3 we find the letters of the risen Christ to seven churches of Asia. It is evident that these particular seven were selected because of the very meaning of the names of the cities in which they were; because they had in them the conditions which would embrace the experience of all churches and because, taken in their order, the existing conditions in each prefigured church history from Pentecost to the Rapture.

That something more than appears on the surface was intended, is shown by the use of the word “mystery” in referring to these churches (Rev. 1:20). There is something here that only the hearing ear can get, for we are seven times exhorted to hear what the Spirit says to these churches.

One may easily trace the various stages of church history as they have literally fulfilled these conditions in these seven churches of Revelation. It is clear enough that we are led from the warmth of the primitive church until we come to a time of coldness, spiritual deadness and apostasy at the end of the age. Can there be any doubt that we are living in that stage of the church pictured in the letter to Laodicea?

DEMOCRACY IN THE CHURCH

The word “Laodicea” means “people rule.” It suggests the democratic idea—popular opinion ruling—every man for himself and seeking to dictate and control. Religion was never more fashionable than today, but for the most part, it is an easy religion of pretty sentiments, hollow profession, little spiritual life, a mere “form of godliness.” It is a day of soft-soapers in the pulpit, for people want ear-ticklers rather than dogmatic Christianity of the Bible. It is a day of costly church structures, popular ministers, high-paid talent, great social service programs.

The Laodicean church thought itself rich and in need of nothing. The Lord said they were wretched, poor, miserable, blind and naked. Because they were neither cold nor hot, they made Him sick and were warned that they would be spewed out. According to heaven's estimate, they could not be worse off, yet they were absolutely insensible to the fact, making themselves believe there was nothing the matter with them. Christ Himself was outside of it, trying to attract the attention of the individual here and there who might let Him in, that He might sup with him. That is the condition in Christendom today, except for a comparatively small number who give Him place and come under the blessings of His glorious promises.

CHRIST'S FINAL COUNSEL

The counsel of Christ to those of the Laodicean period is of utmost importance in the present hour (Rev. 3:18). We are first counselled to buy of Him gold tried in the fire that we may be rich. It will cost a man something for every bit of God's truth and of spiritual experience he gets in these last days. It is not a matter of money. (Isa. 55:1). Those who are unwilling to sacrifice of time, to put forth an effort, to give up worldly pleasures — and otherwise to pay the price, will be without these imperishable riches. Note also that these things are to be purchased of none other than Christ Himself. Those who go to the cults and isms and the philosophies and sciences of the world, will be disappointed. Everything needed for these days will be found wrapped up in Christ. (Col. 2:9).

What is this “gold tried in the fire?” (cf. Jas. 1:7). We believe it means an inner life enriched by the presence of Christ through faith—a heart that loves, trusts and obeys Him, however trying the days may be. It is only this that can make one rich in these last days. It is only this wealth that we can take when we are called to drop everything and rise to meet the coming Lord. Are we in possession of this gold? Are we willing to pay the price?

We are also exhorted to put on white raiment that the shame of our nakedness might not appear. The gold belongs to the inner life, but this to the outer life. It is the dress of our souls as we come in contact with the world. It is the righteousness of Christ imputed and imparted by the Spirit. Wearing these garments, men will not be able to point the finger of scorn and say, “Look at that fellow! He belongs to the church, but watch his life!” Those who are to be taken at His appearing, will be those whose genuineness is proven by an outward life radiant with likeness to Christ.

THE CLIMAX OF ALL

The climax of Christ's final counsel is in the words: “Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see.” The Laodicean church needed an eye-opener. Christians of the last days need to see Christ as He is and themselves as they are. What the ancient eye-salves were to human eyes, the illuminating grace of the Holy Spirit is to the spiritual sight of the believer. Upon first application the eyes smarted, and when once the Holy Spirit reveals Christ to the soul and convicts of sin, it may not be a pleasant process. Not until we see ourselves in all our poverty and wretchedness will we be ready to receive the heavenly riches and raiment.

Churches today are cluttered with people whose lives are full of cob-webs, litter and rubbish. Many Christian leaders have not stopped in many a year to have a much needed house-cleaning. The heart is a grand impostor.

Dr. Panton calls attention to the divorce between the teaching of consecration and the heralding of Christ's coming. He says it is a dangerous development of the moment. Advent truth is becoming little more than an unreal, speculative, academic forecast of events and dates. The Judge standing before the doors, does not seem to be, in many quarters, the dynamic truth that shook the early church to its foundations.

The beginning of all true preparation for His coming, is to see that me have in our lives the three things which our waiting Lord has counselled us to procure of Him.