Should I help match my friend with a girl friendl?

Is matchmaking helpful, wise, and Scriptural?

No. Cultural means of bringing a man and woman together differ widely. Our Western ways wouldn’t countenance a father’s sending his servant to find a wife for his son, as Abraham did for Isaac. As different as that scenario was, the common denominator is in the servant’s words, "I being in the way, the Lord led me" (Genesis 24: 27)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 24: 27). The most important factor in bringing believers together is God’s leading. Matchmaking is God’s work. He is much wiser and more able in this work than we. Better than parents and closest friends, He knows what matching personality will most effectively contribute to His plans for each one.

Well-intentioned matchmakers may injure one or both of the "matched" individuals. The more God-honoring approach is to pray faithfully for both the man and woman involved.

D. Oliver
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Is it just believers in the free world who seem to be spared from the persecution?

Is it just believers in the free world who seem to be spared from the persecution?

Apart from the availability of international news, believers in the "free world" would likely assume that persecution for Christ is an ancient concept. Mass murders, economic oppression, social isolation, and immoral harassment consistently face many believers. The persecution is systematic, violent, and persistent. Our Christian brothers and sisters in some countries know by experience that "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 14:22). Some who come from foreign shores to the "free world" hear and receive the gospel message. As a result, they face strong opposition from their family. Sometimes, returning to their native country involves the threat of death. "Remember... them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body" (Heb 13:3)." TARGET="_blank">Heb 13:3).

The Scriptures also remind us, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2Ti 3:12)." TARGET="_blank">2Ti 3:12). In subtle ways, believers living in the "free world" face coercion to conform to ungodly thinking and practices. Their beliefs draw scorn, belittlement, dismissal, and isolation in the classroom and workplace. When they make every attempt to be considerate, reasonable, consistent, and faithful, their testimony, although blessed by God, may often meet the stone wall of condescending sneers. Our God still places highest value on faithfulness (1Co 4:2)." TARGET="_blank">1Co 4:2).

D. Oliver
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Are the bread and the cup symbols or types?

Are the bread and the cup symbols or types?

Types point to Christ and to His coming kingdom. He fulfils the types. We no longer have the "shadows," but the "very image," the substance which those types foreshadowed.

When the Lord said, "This is my body" (Luke 22:19)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 22:19), He did not indicate that the bread became His body, so that believers were eating His literal flesh. Nor was He intimating that the bread was a type. He did not say, "My body, which will be given." The bread did not point to a body in the future; the body of the Lord was present in that upper room. In addition, God communicated specific details about types, as He did, for example, in the meal offering (Leviticus 2)." TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 2). Luke uses the generic word for bread when He recounts the Lords instituting the Lords Supper. The Lord suggests nothing about its ingredients. He described neither the bread nor the contents of the cup as typical. They are merely symbols, or emblems that remind us of the physical body and blood of the Lord. As we partake of these, we express our fellowship, the communion of the blood and body of Christ (I Corinthians 10:16)," TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 10:16), and we declare the Lords death (I Corinthians 11:26)." TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 11:26).

D. Oliver
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Are believers today "priests after the order of Melchisedec"?

Are believers today "priests after the order of Melchisedec"?

We are kings and priests, and we will reign with Christ in His kingdom (Revelation 1:6; 5:10)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:6; 5:10). Like the Lord’s, our priesthood is eternal (Revelation 22:3);" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 22:3); however, unlike His, our priesthood is derived. The Lord Jesus, then, is uniquely designated as "a priest after the order of Melchisedec." We have no record of Melchisedec’s offering sacrifices. No one shared in his priesthood, either to function with him or to assist him. Solely, Melchisedec stood between the invisible and the visible world to meet the need of Abram, the man of faith.

In assembly gatherings (Hebrews 13:15)," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:15), we offer the sacrifice of praise. Our offerings are spiritual (1 Peter 2:5)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:5). We are holy priests, offering sacrifices to God, and royal priests, making known God’s praises (verses 5, 9). These are not two different kinds of priesthood, one after the pattern of Aaron and the other after the order of Melchisedec. It is one priesthood which takes its character from our Priest. He offered Himself once for all; we offer our praise continually. He blesses His people, bringing God into view; we bless others by showing forth God’s praises. We derive the character, dignity, and value of our priesthood from our Great High Priest, but the Scriptures reserve the title, "a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec" for the Lord Jesus alone.

D. Oliver
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Is it possible to be lost once you have been saved from sin?

THE “FALLING AWAY” DOCTRINE

Is it possible for one who has been truly converted and has eternal life to be eternally lost?

Surely the terms “eternal life” and “eternal perdition” are incompatible and mutually exclusive. A life that can be lost cannot be eternal. The Lord says of His sheep: “I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:28)," TARGET="_blank">John 10:28), and again, “He that heareth my word and believeth on Him that sent me hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation (lit, judgment) but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24)." TARGET="_blank">John 5:24). Christ is the life of His people (“Christ, who is our life”—Colossians 3:4)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 3:4) and each true believer is “baptized in one Spirit into one body,” and is a temple of the Holy Spirit and a child in the family of God. Not one such then could be lost, for if so, the Church would be blemished; the temple marred; and the family broken for all eternity. The Word says, “He that hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6)." TARGET="_blank">Phil 1:6). It behoves us then to be sure that this good work has truly begun in us, for as there were false brethren crept in unawares in the primitive churches, so there may be spurious Christians to-day even in the most scriptural assemblies, men who can pass muster with their fellow-men, but who are only counterfeit professors, and who will one day be exposed as such—”Every tree that my Heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted out.” We should not then take ourselves too easily for granted. Perhaps a few doubts about ourselves now and again are not a bad sign, though we should never, never doubt Christ. I question whether false professors often doubt themselves. How then does God begin His work in a soul? By convicting of sin by His Spirit and then revealing Christ crucified as the all-sufficient Saviour. He continues, however, to shew us increasingly the evil within, till we find that we must look away to Christ for everything, and be content to have Him for our All in All. But if we want to convince others that we are indeed true believers, something more is needed than a profession of faith. We read of some who became antichrists, who had no doubt professed faith, been baptised and broken bread: “They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us they would no doubt have continued with us, but they went out that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us” (1 John 2:19)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 2:19). Not even great gifts, successful preaching and mighty works prove reality. Judas Iscariot had all these, and so also have the wonder-workers of Matthew 7: 2, 23," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 7: 2, 23, of whom the Lord utters one of His most solemn warnings: “Many will say unto me in that day, have we not prophesied in Thy name, and in Thy name cast out demons, etc.?” Yet He will say to them “I never knew you.” They were never possessors of eternal life through faith in Him. Gift is of great profit, where there is grace, but gift without grace is nought. There is a number of tests in the Epistles of John, which we may apply to ourselves, if we would be assured that we have truly been born of God, of which I will here quote two or three: “Every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him” (1 John 2:29)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 2:29). If a man is crooked in his ways, unrighteous in his acts and untruthful in his words, he may well tremble for himself. Then here is another test: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin” (i John . ). This does not mean that a true child of God never sins, for in chapter i. we have God’s gracious provision for the failures of His people, but it means he does not continue in it, like a swine in his wallowing. Alas! with what warning voice to us all do the sad exposures of years of immorality and dishonest dealing of which we sometimes hear, even among professed believers, speak. It is not for us to say glibly of such that we know them to be children of God, because they have long passed as such. The hidden life which has come to light, seems to give the lie to any such theories. One more such test will we quote:
“Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world” (1 John 5:4)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 5:4). The overcomer is not one who is never overcome, but who, like Joshua, overcomes at last (Exodus 17:11)." TARGET="_blank">Exodus 17:11). The final overcomers are not some extraordinary kind of Christians; they are true Christians who prove themselves to be such by continuing to the end. For other tests we may see chap. 3. 1 and 14; 5:1; 2 John 1:9." TARGET="_blank">2 John 1:9. Enough has been said to remind us of the solemn words: “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall”; “Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation!” Thank God for the words of our Lord Jesus, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out”; which not only mean that He will not reject, but that He will not eject the one who comes to Him.

William Hoste

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How should a Christian dress for Church?

Does the Bible address the speech and dress of those speaking in the assembly?

Two principles guide us: those who speak are speaking for God (1 Peter 4: 11);" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 4: 11); men like Elijah and John the Baptist, who spoke for God, dressed accordingly. Their clothing (2 Kings 1:8;" TARGET="_blank">2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 3:4) was not luxurious (Matthew 11:8)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 11:8) but rough (Zechariah 13:4)," TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 13:4), not reflecting the current trends but the character of their message. They were neither fashion plates or non-conformists. John preached repentance; his locale, locust diet, and leather girdle underlined this.

Clerical garb enhances position; flamboyant style flaunts personality; luxurious clothing exalts wealth; informal dress disparages reverence. Each of these in its own way dishonors Christ.

Nowadays, stiff formality may be distasteful to some and off-handedness or slang may appeal to others. However, such informality in our language and in our appearance conforms to the current spirit that belittles authority; it is therefore unsuitable for ministry and gospel preaching. Both the messenger and his message must underscore God's presence and the weight of speaking for God.

D. Oliver
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Sunday School Activities

You can either make your own Sunday school activities with the programs below or select one of the following Sunday school activities:

Activities for Sunday School Teachers

1. Lesson Activities.

You will find a lesson plan, activity, printable artwork, games and illustrations for 254 stories in the Bible.

Lesson plans - A list of important points that you should review for most of the stories in the Bible. You should have an important message to get accross before you plan one of your Sunday school activities that is supposed to support the teaching portion of the lesson.
Printable activities - This is the list of Sunday school activities that can reinforce your lesson. From 3D models of the tabernacle, to printable coloring books to games that you can print, these Sunday school activities will save your hours of work, especially if you are not the creative type of teacher.

2. Sunday School Worksheets.

Be careful not to over-use puzzles. They lose their effectiveness if you do them every week. With these programs you can turn a Bible vese a Sunday School activity in a 3 mouse clicks. If you want to save even more time, select one of the 325 worksheets that has already been created for you.

3. Online Study Bible

Bible search, commentary, dictionary and other tools to help you prepare a lesson for your next class. Although the Study Bible doesn't count as one of the Sunday school activities, it is important that a Sunday school teacher does more preparation in understanding the scripture than in creating a craft, puzzle or some other interesting Sunday school activity. The teacher needs to know what God's intentions were by reading the scripture rather than trying to apply a certain pre-conceived idea.

4. Newsletter for Sunday School Teachers - The Encourager

The Encourager is a weekly newsletter for Sunday school teachers. The newsletter is the best way to keep up to date with what new Sunday school activities have been created on the site. Each week, a new printable Sunday school activity will arrive at your mailbox - free!

Subscribe to the Encourager

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Will there be regrets in Heaven for believers?

Will Christians who waste their lives feel regret in Heaven for all eternity? Yes.

The key passages on the rewards of the believer at the Judgement Seat of Christ is found in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:11-15 and in the parables of reward mentioned in Luke 19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19 and Matthew 25." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:11-15 teaches security for a believer as well as losses that occur when a believer's work is evaluated by God as worthless…

(11) For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- (13) each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. (14) If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. (15) If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Observations about the Judgment Seat of Christ:

The foundation is Christ. A believer doesn't worry about building his salvation or collecting enough good works in order to enter heaven.
The works are judged, not the person. The believer is not going to pass through fire or suffer torments of hell to purify him. In the day of reckoning God will look at motives and actions that one has done on the earth and those actions will be put through the fire, not the person himself.
The person whose works are shown to be worthless will be saved even though it will be like escaping from a fire with nothing but the bare necessities.

"He will suffer loss" is the key phrase that answers the question about regrets in heaven. Believers will lose out on something great. But what is the loss? Matthew 25" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25 and Luke 19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19 tell us what is at stake.

Luke 19:11-27" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19:11-27 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. (12) He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. (13) Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.' (14) But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.' (15) When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. (16) The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.' (17) And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' (18) And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made five minas.' (19) And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.' (20) Then another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; (21) for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' (22) He said to him, 'I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? (23) Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?' (24) And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.' (25) And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!' (26) 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (27) But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.'"

Observations about the parable:

The servants are waiting in faith that their master will return. The kingdom is coming and the master of the house will be calling his servants to account for how they acted while he was away.
Each servant was given the same amount of money – one talent. A talent is a measurement of weight, 125 pounds to be exact. It was a sizable amount of wealth that he entrusted to each servant. The equal amount of wealth is similar to the things we all have equally – one life, one reputation, one family, one set of friends etc.
Each servant brought different results. The most diligent earned 10 times the original amount.
Each servant received further authority in the Kingdom of God directly proportional to the results of their work. In the age of the Millennium, Christ will reign over the earth and his saints will reign with him (Revelation 20:4)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:4). 1 Corinthians 6:3" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:3 states simply "we will judge angels". Clearly, we will share the job of ruling with Christ Himself.

In other scripture references regarding rewards, the symbol of authority, the crown, is the reward of a believer. The believer who is faithful here will be given more and greater work to do for Christ in the future. James 1:12" TARGET="_blank">James 1:12 says that those who endure trials will receive "the crown of life". 2 Timothy 4:8" TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 4:8 says that Paul is expecting a "crown of righteousness" 1 Peter 5:4" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:4 says that shepherds who faithfully guided the flock will receive an "unfading crown of glory". Revelation 2:10" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 2:10 says that faithful martyrs will receive a "crown of life". Rewards are not mere medals that decorate uniforms; the reward is a position of responsibility, to be trusted by God to carry out his will.

5) The loss of promotion for the final servant left him completely empty in the coming kingdom. We lose what we don't use. "From the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." (v.26) Comparing the phrase in 1 Corinthians 3:15" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:15 "He shall suffer loss" with this parable shows that the loss is further work to be done for the Lord. The cup of cold water will not be forgotten. Neither will the lazy Christian who wasted his life.

Matthew 25" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25 contains a similar parable to Luke 19," TARGET="_blank">Luke 19, but with a few notable differences.

Matthew 25:14-30" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:14-30 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. (15) To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. (16) He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. (17) So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. (18) But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. (19) Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (20) And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' (21) His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' (22) And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' (23) His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' (24) He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, (25) so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' (26) But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? (27) Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. (28) So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. (29) For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (30) And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Differences in the two parables:

The servants in this parable receive different initial amounts. This shows that some of us have natural advantages such as more money, better parents, special skills or abilities etc. In regards to punishment of the wicked, Christ said "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. " (Luke 12:48)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 12:48)
The servants who were pleasing to their master doubled their money. Each fulfilled his responsibility to what was expected although the actual quantities were different.
The final servant is much different in this parable. His actions proved that he was a "slothful servant", unworthy of even being in the kingdom. He was cast into outer darkness, words used to describe the fire and abandonment of Hell (see also Matthew 22:13;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:13; Matthew 3:42, 50;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 3:42, 50; Matthew 24:51)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:51) The lazy servant did not lose his salvation, but rather, through lack of good works he showed that he never was a true believer.

One might ask, "Can a person be called a believer who doesn't do anything for God?" The true believer will always show fruit in his life, even if it is a small amount. "He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." (Matthew 13:23)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 13:23).

Other verses

Other places in scripture give us more understanding on the loss of rewards for the believer:

1) Believers can receive both bad and good for their rewards.

2 Corinthians 5:10" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2) Wages are given to the believer for his labor. Heaven is not the reward for the faiththul, but the faithful will be rewarded in Heaven.

1 Corinthians 3:8" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 3:8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.

3) God is a fair judge. He will not miss any single work done for him.

Hebrews 6:10" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

4) Rewards, even though given for service, are not really deserved in the sense that a paycheck or wages are deserved. Good works of a Christian are the expected results of someone redeemed by God.

Luke 17:9" TARGET="_blank">Luke 17:9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? (10) So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

5) Rewards are given for things done with a good motive, without thinking of the reward itself.

Luke 6:35" TARGET="_blank">Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

6) Some have suggested that tears mentioned in Revelation 21" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21 refer to the end of a time of sadness after the Judgment Seat of Christ. However, the verse refers not to sad events in heaven that cause tears, but the results of sin on earth that caused sadness. Death, mourning, crying and pain are all earthly emotions that will cease when God creates a New Heaven and a New Earth (Revelation 21:1-5)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21:1-5).

Conclusion

Believers are saved by grace, through faith, not of works. But from the moment of salvation to the end of life, God is watching for spiritual growth and service done with a good motive until the day he calls us home. He will then test the works of every believer by fire. That which remains will result in greater service in the Kingdom. Those who waste their lives here will suffer the loss of being what God designed us for. The person that God is molding me into will become the person I will be for all eternity.

Shad David Sluiter
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Should the bread be unleavened and the wine unfermented?

Should the bread be unleavened and the wine unfermented?

The Lord taught (John 4:19-24)" TARGET="_blank">John 4:19-24) that true worship is spiritual. Tangible types were for a past age (see Hebrews 9:9; 10:1)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 9:9; 10:1). Thus, although they have spiritual significance, we should not attach typical significance to the loaf and the cup. The loaf both reminds us of our Lord's body given for us at the cross (1 Corinthians 11:24)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:24) and also represents the unity of the assembly in which each believer partakes of that one loaf (1 Corinthians 10:17)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:17). The cup reminds us of the blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:25)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:25) and represents the basis of our fellowship with God (I Corinthians 10:16, 21)." TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 10:16, 21).

The bread used at the institution of the Lord's Supper was unleavened bread, but Acts 2:46," TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:46, 20:11 and (indisputably) 27:35 link breaking bread with the general eating of food. Therefore, we use common bread. The New Testament words for unleavened bread (azumos) and common bread (artos) are different. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke use azumos in their passages giving the institution of the Lord's Supper they use anos when referring to the bread of which the Lord said, "This is My body."

Since the grape harvest was in the Fall (the seventh month) and the Passover at which the Lord's Supper was instituted was in the Spring (the first month) and since there would have been no refrigeration to inhibit the process of fermentation, it is likely that the wine at the last Passover was fermented. In addition, the Lord made water wine (John 4:46)." TARGET="_blank">John 4:46). Timothy was told to drink wine (I Timothy 5:23)." TARGET="_blank">I Timothy 5:23). The word in both those cases is the same word used for wine that causes drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:18).

We cannot insist that the loaf be unleavened bread or the cup unfermented wine.

D. Oliver

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Is the "prophetic view" of Revelation two and three an interpretation or an application?

Is the "prophetic view" of Revelation two and three an interpretation or an application?

The conditions described in the seven letters John distributed were actual literal conditions existing in seven specific churches. This is primary in interpreting these letters. On that basis, the letters teach assembly truths either by statement or principles. Unless we have divine authority for doing differently, we look for only one interpretation of a passage. When a New Testament writer cites an Old Testament passage, he invariably treats that passage consistent with its accepted interpretation.

These letters to the seven churches, however, come with divine authority for a second interpretation. First, the command to write the book came from the First and the Last (1:17). That title comes from the Lord’s statements in Isaiah (41:4; 44:6; 48:12) in which He asserts He is the First, who determined His counsels before any creation existed. Only He can communicate His counsels (44:6, 7). He is the Last, who will have the "last word," completing the counsels He has communicated. When He commands John (Revelation 1:19)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:19) to record what he has seen (chapter 1), what is (chapters 2 and 3), and what "shall be hereafter" (chapters 4-22), all three sections communicate His counsels which He will complete. "What is," therefore, communicates truth about the future.

Second, "these things" in the expression "the things that are about to come after these things" (1:19, YLT) refers back to its nearest antecedent, "the things that are." When John records "after these things" (4:1 YLT), he indicates that "the things that are" continue right up until the events of chapter 4 which correspond to the Rapture.

Third, the Lord refers to "the mystery of the seven stars" (1:20). A mystery is truth that can only be known by divine revelation (Ephesians 3:3, 5)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 3:3, 5). Grammatically, the mystery is related to what went before it (v. 20). What follows, namely the identification of the stars as angels and the lampstands as churches, is hardly the full unfolding of the mystery.

This leads to the conclusion that a second and equally valid interpretation of the seven letters is the "prophetic view."

D. Oliver
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Will there be regrets in Heaven for believers?