Some have believed that the letters to the seven churches (Rev. chps. 2-3) represent different stages of the Church in history and that we are presently living in the last or "Laodicean" stage.  While I have been able to see some of the connections that may be made, I believe something is lost when overmuch attention or weight is given to this interpretation alone.

     Consider:  If the church of Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7) represents the first stage of the Church, how would those first things that were to be "hereafter" (1:19 with 4:1) have had any real substance of concern for them (according to the common pre-trib view), seeing that those things would have really only pertained more to the so-called last or Laodicean stage?  Similar could be asked concerning the church in Smyrna or the church in Pergamos or any of the other churches---except for the church of the Laodiceans.  Similarly, how would the first things that were to be "hereafter" really have any substance of concern for any Christians of the Church Age other than those, once again, of the so-called Laodicean stage?  To be sure, Christians have often basked in the realization of knowing how the story ends.  But, what of our realization of how the story begins?

     In my thinking, what is said in the opening three verses of The Revelation goes hand in hand with what John was shown that was to be "hereafter" from the perspective of his day and holds a lot of meaning for every generation of the Church.  From another angle, I submit that the copy of The Revelation that made its way to the church at Ephesus was altogether as relevant and timely for them as the other copies were for their respective congregations.  When it is understood that the first four seals were opened in the first generation of these churches, and that the horsemen of these seals have been riding ever since, it becomes Divinely remarkable that The Revelation is Divinely relevant for every generation of the Church---EQUALLY!  And, it will continue to be so until the last day of the Church Age.  Whatever may be believed about the letters to the seven churches holding multiple meanings, we dare not continue to miss this one.

     Finally, all congregations should consider themselves in light of what is revealed in the letters to the seven churches and Jesus' instructions to each.  A congregation would do well to consider itself and then which of these churches in Asia it is most like.  Also, in each letter there is a message to the individual who overcomes, so whether one is a part of a local congregation that is what it should be, any individual can overcome and be victorious in Jesus Christ!  "He that hath an ear, let him hear..."

​

(origin is OUTLINE OF THE REVELATION)

​