Revelation and the Apocalyptic Tradition, Jesus' Letters to the seven Churches, visions and signs from heaven - Essay Example

?Murukund Maharishi The Book of Revelation 4th May Revelation and the Apocalyptic Tradition: Jesus' Letters to the seven Churches, visions and signs from heaven The Book of Revelation is important for biblical scholars as it provides a happy hunting ground for proof of texts in Christian extreme evangelical and fundamentalist group and appeared as polemical text for political use (Court, 7). The Revelation expresses hope for imminent transformation of world and assures those faithful towards the Lord of the completion of God’s prearranged plan (Harris, Ch.20). Bible says the ‘Jesus sent seven letters from heaven’ through John to seven churches on earth. John wrote the letters as said by Jesus to us (Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia, Revelation 2 & 3). All seven letters follow the same pattern and refer to actual historical circumstances in those churches in the first century that first praises the church, then criticizes for their work, giving them warning and finally encouraging to continue their good work (Harris, Ch.20).The Revelation was a special vision given by Jesus to John which interprets the history which had happen and reveals the prophecy that will happen (Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia, Revelation 2 & 3). Jesus, while instructing John to write the letters, appeared to John showing signs like double edged sword, seven stars, keys, seven lamps. Harris (20) interprets the symbols as referring to the events in first century; future predictions which will take place or occur at a particular place and time. The seven lamps symbolize seven churches, where the letters were to be sent. The seven churches were Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The seven letters explain the significance to doing good and benefits of overcoming the bad. Referring to the first letter written to Ephesus, Jesus writes to the angel ‘announcer’ of the church ‘people’ of Ephesus expressing his happiness over their hard work and patience for not giving up their faith but criticizes the same church for not showing eager love as in the past. But the same does not prevail now and threatens to steal the lamp from the church if eager love does not exist and promises fruit from tree of life for overcoming the obstacle (The Letter to the Church at Ephesus). Second letter written to Smyrna reveals true love of God to the church. Jesus writes that ‘He is the first and He is the last’ and praises the church of Smyrna for their faith in Christ despite horrible torture carried out by the Roman and Israelis for not following their God. Jesus criticizes those persecuting the people of church and assures that the people who will face the atrocities and win, will be crown of life. This refers to a place in heaven with real riches. The letter also refers to the second death which will not die which means ‘the lake of fire’ i.e. our soul which will never die (Revelation 2: Jesus’ Letters to Seven Churches). The letter to Pergamum explains the true faith of Christianity. As usual letter starts praising the people for their faith in God but criticizes them for following two religions, eat food sacrificed to idols, comprise with religious duties. Jesus warns them to accurate the doctrine of Christianity and threatens to come to church with double edged swords which are His ‘words’. While encouraging, Jesus ensures to give them MANNA, special bread from heaven and a name of white stone (Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia, Revelation 2 & 3). In its letter to Thyatira, Jesus appears in eyes with fire and shining bronze feet praising the church for its increasing greatness of deeds, faith, service to people, love while warning them not to follow Jezebel, the lady who is spreading sex sins and destroying churches. The letter reveals that Jesus has patience and power look through the hearts of people to inspect their soul and encourages the church to follow true religion and the one who overcome will receive God (Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia, Revelation 2 & 3). The letter to Sardis is a total warning to the church for its inability to follow the true religion of God. Though the followers are increasing, Jesus expresses unhappiness of God as the members are not mentally loyal to God. Jesus warns them that he may come as thief and steal that which is valuable to them (Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia, Revelation 2 & 3). The second church apart from Smyrna which has no bad qualities is Philadelphia, which is doing good deeds, not leaving the faith in spite of persecution from devils church. The letter states that one who follows true Christianity will be protected by God and will live forever becoming pillars in God’s Temple (Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia, Revelation 2 & 3). The last letter to Laodicea reveals that the church had no good qualities. The letter reveals the person who is satisfied with himself and does not want anything else is not the kind of person, God loves. Jesus asks them to buy gold from him meaning to get the spiritual treasure and change their minds and soul and start spreading love for God (Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia, Revelation 2 & 3). The Book of Revelation speaks about the Gods love for people, and his plans to protect his people. Revelation presents human history from God’s perspective, lays emphasis on cosmic events and completion of God’s purpose and reveals the clash between good and evil (Harris, 20). Works Cited Court, John M. ‘The book of Revelation and the Johannine Apocalyptic tradition’ Continuum International Publishing Group, England:2000. Print Harris, Stephen L ‘The New Testament: A Students Introduction’ Ed 6, McGraw Hill, United States: 2006. Web ‘Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia: Revelation 2 & 3’ Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf, Accessed 5th May 2011, http://www.christdeaf.org. Web ‘Revelation: Segment 2 – Jesus and His Church’ Accessed 6th May, 2011 http://raebear.net. Web ‘Revelation 2: Jesus Letters to Seven Churches’ Enduring Word, Accessed 6th May 2011 http://www.enduringword.com. Web ‘The Letter to the Church at Ephesus (Rev 2:1)’ Revelation, Accessed 6th May 2011, http://www.apocalipsis.org/. Web Read More