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Himself here as Lord of the Universe with the Seven Stars held in His hands. Only a few are found worthy of having not defiled their garments and thus will walk with Christ in white. This church is rebuked for having a name (Protestant) that purports to being "alive" but in Christ's eyes is really "dead".

          Martin Luther shook the world, when he nailed his 95 Theses on the "Wittenberg Door", indicting the Catholic Church for "the selling of indulgences", "Papal infallibility," "idolatry", etc. But, contrary to what their name implied, the Protestant Reformers actually kept much of the Catholic Babylonian Spirit. Even though some Apostolic truths were recovered, the reformers ended up only changing vestments (so to speak); they kept the clergy/laity error and still held a propensity for ritualized worship and institutionalization. Thus, even though they did indeed leave the Mother Church behind physically, the daughter followed in her mother's footsteps. This is why her works are not perceived as being "perfect" by Christ. Her focus on the outward accouterments of Christianity, (buildings, liturgy, etc.) will render her unprepared at Christ's return.

          Overcomers will be clothed in white and Christ will acknowledge them before His Father, promising that their names will not be blotted out from "the book of life."

          Christ represents Himself here as He who is Holy and true", and who holds "the key of David", representing the sovereignty of God. This church receives approval for both their works and patience. This church represents the Missionary Church of the 18th and 19th century; when men embarked on journeys throughout the world, bringing the Gospel to all nations. Christ commends their efforts and promises to give them an open door, (implying that they would be Raptured). He also promises to keep them from the hour of trial which will come upon all the world -- speaking of the Tribulation. In addition, He promises to make all false believers, (the synagogue of Satan) worship at their feet and will make overcomers "pillars in the temple of my God."

          This church and Smyrna receive only approval from the Lord and our goal should be to emulate their spirit. But we should always keep in mind that many went, but they weren't sent.  So let us be assured of our Master's bidding before we embark.

          Christ represents Himself here as the faithful and true witness; (contrasted with the Laodiceans false witness). This church represents the major group of Christians alive today and receives only rebuke and exhortation from the Lord. Some scholars believe this group includes many in the "Pentecostal," "Charismatic" movements, which do have the "riches" of God, in the form of spiritual gifts, but who also display the abuse and carnality that often accompanies such powers, when they are not tempered with God's love. (See 1 Cor. 13). This is the institutionalized, materialistic, committee run, building oriented, bland and inoffensive, social club church of today. Intoxicated with earthly concerns, she is so worldly minded she's no heavenly good; smug and puffed up,