Seven Glimpses Beyond The Veil – Part 1
Ephesus
After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (Revelation 4:1)
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;(Revelation 2:1)
What is the difference between these two scriptures? In Revelation 4 we have the ministry of heaven in heaven itself, in Revelation 2 we have the ministry of heaven to earth by the divine Spirits of God (which are the angels of God). Remember, the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is the revelation that God gave unto Him, and then He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John. This should transport us from the normal thinking of man to the spiritual thinking of God. In Revelation 2:1, it is the ministry of the Son of man to the seven golden candlesticks (which are the seven churches in the Book of the Revelation of Lord Jesus Christ).
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write . . .
There are two historical aspects presented to us by the Son of God: the seven named churches span the entire time frame of Church history, at the end of Church history a new sphere or time begins. We are concerned in Revelation 2:1 with the beginning of Church history in the first church Ephesus.
The High Priest Walking in the Midst . . .
We should see the Lord Jesus as the Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. He is in His divine position as the great High Priest over the church of God. As He walks through the candlesticks He has preeminence over them. Although they burn with light, His light is brighter, and His light ensures their light until the end of Church history. As Melchisedec, He is the minister of the new covenant in Himself. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. (Psalm 87:5) Although Psalm 87 deals with things yet to come in the millennial kingdom, all things are established by Himself in His highest position, as He is made higher than the heavens in His oath and order of Melchisedec. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (Hebrews 7:26) He is made higher than the heavens, in this figure and under the title of Melchisedec we see our Lord Jesus Christ as both King and Priest. He is the King of Salem, therefore, bringing peace and righteousness together. His divine scepter of righteousness rules the temporal and the unseen. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8) In His ministry as Melchisedec He has sovereignty over His church, and He fulfills His ministry in the sanctuary.
The Right Hand of Sovereignty
He is the divine Minister to the church, and His position of sovereignty is seen in the seven stars in His right hand. The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:20) The right hand is the hand of sovereignty. The kings of the earth hold their scepters in their right hand. We see divine sovereignty and divine rule in the seven stars which are the angels to the seven churches.
The Seven Angels
The reason for the designation of stars is to show the celestial position that these angels hold. These are the ministering spirits sent forth into the world to minister to the heirs of salvation. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. (Hebrews 1:7) Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)
These seven particular angels are given as ministering spirits to the seven churches, and their ministry spans the entire history of the church. We cannot lose sight of the divine control of the Church of the living God. In our day man has declared himself the authority, and has usurped the position of these seven angels. Of course, man is under a delusion that he is the authority for the Church. Christ will not give up His authority or His position over His church. He will maintain His divine preeminence over the church by His individual intercession as Melchisedec. In Hebrews 13:2 we have another witness of these particular angels, not only collectively, but individually the members of God’s church have been ministered to by these angels. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Ministry of Angels in Past History
The ministry of angels is not a new thing in the purpose of God. Let’s look at the varied ministries of the angels of God. In the Old Testament we have many testimonies and examples of their intercession, direction, and even the prophetic word. Some examples can be found in the study of The Kings of Israel and Judah, particularly the study of Jehoshaphat. When king Ahab and king Jehoshaphat were about to go to Ramothgilead to war Ahab gathered his prophets together to inquire about the outcome of venture. The prophets (according to the sure word of God) received ministry from a spirit of God, however, unaware that it was to give them lying hearts. At the same time God ministered to the prophet Micaiah (who was imprisoned for his faithful godly testimony) by allowing him visions and understanding; thus, he received the true word from the Almighty God to convey to Ahab.
Another example of the ministry of angels: Jehoshaphat was instructed by a prophet to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, and the divine spirits of God were used to turn the enemies swords against each other. This is the power of the divine Spirits of God. Each angel is a spirit influence used in the ministry of God to the world, and to the church.
And another example of the ministry of angels: In the days of king Hezekiah one angel destroyed a hundred and eighty thousand Assyrians while they slept.
And another example of the ministry of angels: In the book of Daniel, we see the witness of angels. They witnessed to Daniel in word, in prophecy, in dreams, in visions, and also gave Daniel the interpretation of the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar. In Daniel 8:15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. Daniel 8:16, And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. It was the angel named Gabriel being used as an intermediary between God and Daniel to interpret the dream. We are also introduced to the angel Michael in the book of Daniel. And in the fire there is a fourth figure (the figure of a man) of course, this is the Lord in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God sent His angels to communicate His mind and His purposes: to interpret dreams, to give prophecy and to interpret prophecy.
And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.(Daniel 10:16)
For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.(Daniel 10:17)
Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, (Daniel 10:18)
And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. (Daniel 10:19)
In the book of Daniel we see not only the ministry of angels, but the direct ministry of the Lord Himself. Throughout this entire book we have more revealed ministry by angels (and through the Lord) than in any other book in the Old Testament. (I am directing this to the end times prophecy and the use of angels as seen in Revelation). This is the only book of the Old Testament where we have both names of the angels Gabriel and Michael mentioned. It is a revelation to us that in our day these are still ministering spirits of God sent forth to minister to the heirs of salvation.
The Vision in Daniel Compared to the Vision in Revelation
Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: (Daniel 10:5) His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. (Daniel 10:6)
This vision of Daniel compares to the vision of John in Revelation1:13-15.
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; (Revelation 1:12) And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.(Revelation 1:13) His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; (Revelation 1:14) And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.(Revelation 1:15)
The similarity of these two visions also corresponds to where these two men received these visions. Daniel was in exile (during the Babylonian captivity), and John was also in exile on the isle of Patmos for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. John had been banished as a prisoner on this remote island. Another similarity: Daniel was called a man ‘greatly beloved.’ John was commended for his great love of the Savior by the words whom Jesus loved. John’s first epistle magnified God’s love in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and let’s not forget his gospel of love in the gospel according to John. These two verses link heaven’s love to man, This is my beloved Son, and ‘for God so love the world. This is the divine link that was joined at Calvary in the sacrifice and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Sevens: Complete Revelation
In the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, God uses these seven angels as His complete number, the number seven, regarding all revelation to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a complete number, and points to the rest of God.
In the letters to the seven angels notice that the direction to the churches originates from the angels to the church. They are the divine witnesses from heaven, and bring the word of God to each church listed in Revelation Chapter 2 and 3.
The word ‘write’ is used 7 times in reference to the word given to each individual angel. Remember, the Lord Jesus is sovereign over His church. Each one of these angels manifest His sovereignty, and His divine government by instructing the seven churches on earth.
The Watchers and Their Role
Can we receive ministry from angels and not be aware of their presence? Hebrews 13:2 proves that angels (being ministering spirits) can speak to the Spirit of Christ within us. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Angels have been credited with discerning, and giving the word of God. (Hebrews 2) Angels have been used in both Old Testament and New Testament in ministering and upholding God’s divine government. Man thinks that he is alone on planet earth only because God has veiled his eyes and therefore, he cannot see the ministering spirits around him. The innumerable company of angels has been watching since Adam, and are still watching and ministering today.
This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. (Daniel 4:17)
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.(1 Peter 1:12)
As these letters to the churches were given, we believe that these seven angels were in the presence of the Lord when these letters were given to John, and written down by John. They heard the actual words as the Lord Himself spoke them. And angels do not suffer from our forgetfulness. They are linked to the divine mind, and what they hear from the voice of God they maintain. O, for such a mind! We will have to settle for the one that God has given us. We should not be afraid to delve into the knowledge of angels; however, we should understand that they also are under divine sovereignty, and under the same leadership that only comes from the throne sitter Himself. Therefore, the celestial looks on day by day, moment by moment to those who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. They are ministers to the heirs of salvation, they see us as the redeemed, and the heirs of this glorious salvation. They see our role as the ambassadors of Christ, and the ambassadors of His glory. We have been placed at the end of the age and (although we only see a speck of history) angels have watched from the beginning. The first mention of this divine host was one of responsibility. They were to guard the way to the tree of life in the garden of God (Eden). This is important for in Ephesus we once again see the paradise of God and the tree of life. These divine witnesses have witnessed every moment up through our present age in the time history of mankind. God has chosen us in His Son Jesus Christ, and consequently, we have the responsibility at the end of the age to not only reveal the truth, but to protect and fulfill the truth.
Since Christ deals with all men through His divine government He interact with the government of man to accomplish His will. The angel Michael (called one of the chief princes, and also called the archangel,) struggled in conflict with the prince of Persia in the book of Daniel. Anyone who has studied the history of man can see the divine hand of God twisting, prodding, stopping, allowing, and judging the footprints of mankind right up and into our current day; Yes, God moves in mysterious ways.
Sovereignty of God: His Universe, His World, His Church
It is the Almighty God who rules over the government of His church. He is the One who directs all things, and not man. He is the One who has the power to rule, to guide, and to select the principles and the ambassadors of His great love. Church rule is based on faithfulness, Ephesus had left her first love. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Revelation 2:4) There can never be a second love, and when one leaves the first love, there is no returning ever to the brightness of first love. The candlestick of Ephesus was so dim that the Lord threatened to remove it if they would not repent.
We see the complete sovereignty of the Lord Jesus over His church by His introduction of Himself in Revelation 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;. The first thing that He speaks of is His sovereignty, and His governmental rule over His church. The fullness of it can be seen in the seven stars in his right hand. The earthly fulfillment of this is the vision of the Son of man walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. He has not only taken the place of preeminence, but He has revealed Himself as the fulfillment of the seven golden candlesticks. He relates His sovereignty and authority over the church by seven complete letters judging and admonishing them to be obedient to His divine rule. This has been entirely taken out of the reasoning of man in these letters. Obedience and faithfulness should be key principles in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s church should not be locking, barring, barricading the doors of their man made cathedrals to the Person of Christ.
Judgment in the Sanctuary: Then — Judgment in the Church: Now
Remember Jehu and the temple of Baal. What better way to teach the principles that God hates sin, that He is a jealous God, and that there should be a strict distinction between the children of God and the children of Satan (specially in His sanctuary). Read these lessons about Jehu and the temple of Baal in 2 Kings, Chapter 10.
And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much. (2 Kings 10:18)
Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. (2 Kings 10:19)
And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. (2 Kings 10:20)
And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another. (2 Kings 10:21)
And he said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments. (2 Kings 10:22)
And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only. (2 Kings 10:23)
And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him. (2 Kings 10:24)
And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. (2 Kings 10:25)
God Judges
May I remind you of two little visited verses which many teachers, preachers, and ministers and so called prophets stay away from, Hebrews 12:28 and 29 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.
This consuming fire is directed to the church: those who have made false professions are in a graver situation than those who have never professed Christ; for they have trampled under foot the blood of Christ, and done despite to the Spirit of God. They have wasted time, money, and talent in this delusion; for all the works of men will be burned in the fires of God. Only that which has the seal of the Spirit of God upon it will endure for all eternity. The people of God are the most unusual people on planet earth, and when you find a true Christian you will surely know that they are unusual for they do not run in the same path nor in the same race as the world. They do not swim in the polluted streams of religion. They have one allegiance and one only, and that is to their sovereign the Lord Jesus Christ. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: (Hebrews 11:39) God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:39)
As any unbeliever or false professor begins to read Hebrews Chapter 11, they usually view the first verses as mildly acceptable, however, as they progress into this Chapter they are faced with the comparison of their own faith, and how placid their faith really is. As they approach the end of this Chapter their faith begins to crumble at the thought of being rejected by man, and they are horrified with the realization of what others before them had to endure, to suffer and to die for; while they have done nothing to defend their profession of faith, or to be obedient to the Master of all, the Lord Jesus Christ. They find themselves exposed and without the reality of faith for they are yet in darkness.
If you think avoiding suffering, and rejection on this earth is a badge of true faith, you are mistaken. Demonstrating and living true faith unmasks the enemy, and sets in motion wrath against a holy and righteous God. In the letter to Ephesus no matter how vile the profession, or how insincere, and without the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit, everyone considers themselves to be overcomers. This is the delusion that has taken hold of this age. The so called Christian religion has betrayed its very foundation, and in the end will stand before the Master of all, and be judged for its wickedness.
Babylon is a symbol as well as a place. In its symbol, it is a organization of all evil, and as a place the world will see the judgment of this great whore: all will witness her destruction. This is a misconception: the worldling likes to say, I have chosen Christ; the true Christian states, Christ has chosen them. (Matthew 22:14; Luke 23:35; John 15:16) There is no doubt in their hearts who is their Lord and Savior. They do not have to worry that some fly by night religion, or preacher can take that salvation away from them. They have the Spirit of Christ within them. The Spirit of God directs their path, and not the whims and wishes of man. The center of all world religion today is MONEY! Take away the money, and doors would close; paid religionists (Balaamites) would have to find work in the world (if they were capable of working for a living).
The ONE only and Only ONE
We (Christians) are so unusual that our citizenship is not in the world, but in heaven. We have a divine nature and that is Christ in me, and I am in Christ. We have a divine city the heavenly Jerusalem and the citadel of the King, the Man Jesus Christ, who we reverence as God, and the Lord of glory. We would never use the general term that the world uses when we are talking about our God. The word ‘God’ is a vague message that the world uses to deceive and to spread the notion that the word encompasses all the gods of professing religions. There is One God, Jesus Christ, and all will bow to one name, the name of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament Scriptures Moses and the prophets pronounced that there is only one God, and He is the Creator of all things. In the New Testament, the writers, through the Spirit of God, emphasizes that God is One. We have the proof in the gospel of John, Chapter 1, that the Man Christ Jesus is that one God.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Colossians 2:8) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Colossians 2:10)
God has given us a divine nature, and God Himself has called us a peculiar people.(1 Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9) Although the people of God are scattered all over the world, we are united together as one by the Holy Spirit of God. Sometimes it is hard to understand these things, but we should act on the truth of the word of God. Although you might not see your brothers and sisters in Christ all over this world, you should pray in your hearts for them not for the generality of religion, but for those children in the divine kingdom who are under the blood of Christ.
The Priest of . . .
As Christ is walking through the candlesticks, He is walking through our lives. He is the great High Priest. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;(Revelation 2:1) He comes into our life as Melchisedec with both bread and wine. He presents Himself to us as our Savior, our Priest, and our King. There is no man on earth who can intercede for us. There is no man on earth who can cut the crimson thread that binds us to our great Intercessor, (the Man Christ Jesus).
His priesthood is an everlasting priesthood. It is a priesthood of intercession, a priesthood of mediation, a priesthood of worship, and a priesthood of divine judgment. The Man Jesus Christ sits upon His throne, He is no longer the man on earth, He is the glorious Man in heaven; and this is where we must meet Him. This is where we must long for. Our high Priest was tempted in all parts, like we are tempted; yet, He remained apart from sin. Our great high Priest endured the vileness of man which came to its conclusion on His cross at Calvary. The one who did no sin, the one who remained apart from sin, the one who had no sin in Him, and the One who knew no sin (when the vile prince of this world came to overthrow righteousness, when Satan attacked the Lord Jesus on the cross) he found nothing to respond to his evil and wickedness. Satan fell back into the dust when the Master of all defeated sin, defeated death, and broke the works of the devil.
The Absolute: The Infinite God
In the gospel of John Chapter 3, the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus about His omnipresence, He proclaimed that the Son of man is both in heaven and on the earth at the same time. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. (John 3:13) This verse absolutely stuns the humanist, and yes, you have humanists in the religious masses. They will not accept the deity of Christ, they continually play on his manhood, and attempt to nullify His deity. God was manifested in the flesh by the man Jesus Christ.
(And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16) this is the truth of the matter, that Christ has always been the possessor of deity, He was always God even before the foundation of the earth. He didn’t come to earth to make God man, He came to earth to bring man to God. The humanist loves to think (as Adam) that they can make man God, but the only Man that IS God is the God-Man Jesus Christ. He has all power in both heaven and earth. He is absolute in His position as God. The Son of Man is now in heaven; this does not decrease His omnipresence, for He has a presence with the saints in glory, and He has a divine presence with the saints on earth. As they sing of His glory in heaven above, we echo His praises with our voice below. Although our hearts are in heaven, we stammer as we cry out the glories of our God. One day our stammering tongues with be loosed when we (in heaven) will proclaim the glories of our God in a complete Church united to Christ in the glories above. We are born of God through the incorruptible seed by His Spirit, yet, we have no molecular or structural body, our new man is hidden from the eyes of the world. Our body of death carries us through this life, but the unseen body that we will bear is the image of our glorious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though we are one member of many, we are all different stars to the Lord. He sees us in our perfection through His perfection. We travel in an earthen vessel which one day will be broken to release the new creature into the presence of the Lord. We have infirmities and faults because of the load that the earthen vessel puts upon us. The Lord has compassion on our infirmities and our faults. His ear is always open to our insufficiencies to the remorse of our waywardness. And at some of the lowest spots in our journey He is able to raise our spirit to its highest point. When our eyes are fixed on the Man in heaven we can only repeat as the Greeks said, Sir, we would see Jesus. (John 12:20, 21) We are under His veil of divine grace. Not only are we saved by grace, but He pours in grace every day. We are to seek those things which are above, and yet, our eyes are dim to the celestial and to the city above.
The Seven Candlesticks: His Light Reveals ALL
God has given us a note book of words, it is guide to our lives, the word of God is the compass that directs us to the Man Jesus Christ. The word of God continually magnifies and glorifies the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have the first fruits of our salvation, and the initial part of our inheritance in the Spirit of God. In Revelation Chapter 1, the seven churches are introduced before we see the seven golden candlesticks: in this we see a path, the seven churches on earth can only maintain their power by the seven candlesticks which are above. The seven candlesticks above are the eternal light of the church because the power of life and light walks among them. These candlesticks will never flicker, will never go out for they are maintained by the divine power of Jesus Christ. When Christ speaks of removing the candlesticks He is speaking of cutting off divine light to that church. The church on earth is not the author of light, and the light that the church has must come from above. It must come from their divine Head through their candlestick and then to earth as He presents His light in the midst of the congregation. As we read the word of God it is divine light from above that magnifies the majesty and the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we sing praises unto God it is the divine light of the Holy Spirit of God who fills our hearts with the very presence of God’s light in Jesus Christ. As the Lord Jesus walks through the candlesticks He is in the position to reveal His light. The Spirit of God takes the light of Christ and reveals it to His own. He also uses His light to reveal what He opposes, what He dislikes, and what He judges. He presents all these things to His saints that they might remove and judge those things. He wants them to see through His divine eyes, He wants them to examine what is good and evil by the fires of God. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; (Revelation 1:14) We are to judge ourselves based on God’s truth. We are to discern between good and evil. And we are to judge what is in opposition to the divine nature that is within us. The Man Christ Jesus, the righteousness of God walks through the candlesticks and judges them. He judges the wicked, and He judges the things that He hates. Yes, I said hates. God is not man, and He is not going to allow man to dictate to Him what He likes, and what He hates! It is up to man to conform to the mind and image of God, and it is not God who is to conform to the mind and image of man. Once you understand this principle you can judge the things around you by the divine nature and the righteousness of God. Don’t be afraid to judge evil! Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. (John 7:24) And don’t be intimidated by the prince of this evil world. Remember, you are not of the world. If you have the thoughts of heaven you will see the tremendous evil around you here on earth. To expose evil and darkness on earth there is only one light, and there is only one life giver. The seven golden candlesticks are there to reveal ALL by their light. When the Lord Jesus was in the world, He was in the world as the true light of God. He was here to expose darkness and to throw down evil. This was His earthly ministry before the sacrifice of Himself.
A Perfect Priesthood: a Perfect Priest
The crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ was the greatest failure of mankind. It was the peak of man’s hatred for God. God had given an earthly priesthood beginning with Aaron, and even in Aaron’s life there was failure in that position. Throughout the history of Israel and the history of the priesthood there was the failure of man. So now in our day, in the Church age, Christ has taken up the priesthood Himself after the oath of Melchisedec. He has replaced a failing priesthood with a priesthood of divine righteousness. He has presented Himself to us in the bread and the wine: symbolically, truth and righteousness. The vision of the Son of man is very important in the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. God Almighty wants us to understand that we have a Man in heaven for us; and we meet with that Man who knows our infirmities, who knows our faults, and was tempted in all parts like we are. He can identify with our path on earth, and after our battle or battles against the ungodly of this world He comes to us as the King of righteousness and the King of peace. This is a place of fellowship with the Son of man. In one thought He comes to join Himself to us, in the extension of that thought we go to join ourselves with Him. The moving of the Spirit of God within us is the uniting force we have from God to join our beings to the heavens above. The Bible teaches us that Christ is the anchor of our souls, He is the Captain of our salvation, and He is the Mediator between God and man, and He bears the title Son of man.
The Seven Candlesticks Through The Ages
In the first portion of the 1st century of church history the entire history of the church was given to John in these seven letters. These seven letters were to be ministered and enforced by the seven angels of God. The angels were not named after the churches, they were designated to the churches. Each one of these seven angels had a specific ministry to uphold His ministry in the age and time period that he was assigned. He was the angel TO that particular church, and for that particular time. Those who are called of God to serve Him in the church age are also chosen by God to the service of God on earth; although frail they are to minister the light of Christ to a world of death and darkness. As the angels had a divine responsibility, the servants of God also bears a responsibility of equal burden. The angels were given to the church, they were not concerned about world opinion, or the opinion of men, or religious opinions, they were given a unbending message, and they fulfilled, and are still fulfilling the messages that were given to the church. The authority of these letters lies with the throne sitter Himself. He is the authority, the angels and the servants of God are responsible to that authority. The seven golden candlesticks represent the seven individual churches. They also represent seven periods of church history.
The Candlestick: Beaten and Twisted, Pure
And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same: (Exodus 37:17)
And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof: (Exodus 37:18)
Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick. (Exodus 37:19)
And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers: (Exodus 37:20)
And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it. (Exodus 37:21)
Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold. (Exodus 37:22)
The lamp stand in the tabernacle was made of one piece of gold, it was not poured, but beaten and twisted into shape. It was made with six branches and one main stem. There were seven bowls, each bowl held a wick. Each bowl was filled with the purest oil.
Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, (Exodus 30:23)
And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: (Exodus 30:24)
And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil. (Exodus 30:25)
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (Hebrews 1:9)
The candlestick reflected the sufferings of Christ in the beaten work. The seven lights reflected the fullness of Christ’s work, the seven knobs, and the seven flowers represented the almond rod which was placed in the ark of the covenant. Yes, Aaron’s rod that budded, speaking of resurrection glory. Then we have the seven wicks, these seven wicks would endure the fires upon them as the judgment of God was upon the Lord Jesus Christ. The seven bowls represents His outstretched arms to the world in His wonderful forgiving love. The oil is a symbol of the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, however, it is not man who gives light to the lamp stand, it is Christ Himself who gives light and character to the lamp stand. Without Christ walking in the midst there would be no light. There would be no brightness of His coming, there would be no eternal forgiveness, and man would wander in darkness without light. The seventh light stood higher and in the middle (the center) of the other lights. In the divine sense when Christ is walking through the seven candlesticks His light is brighter than theirs and only His light is reflected off the gold of His righteousness.
There are seven candlesticks and on each candlesticks there are seven lights, (7 X 7=49) He, the Lord Jesus, is walking in their midst, He is the 50th light, and that brings us to the year of jubilee. There were seven particular Sabbaths given to Israel, each one of these Sabbaths were a special day. In the conclusion of them: the following year brought in the year of jubilee. It is specifically said that on the first day after the last Sabbath the year of jubilee will begin. The Lord Jesus was raised up from the dead on the first day of the new year of jubilee. In the year of jubilee, the man who was in bondage was set free, and the man who had lost his inheritance his inheritance was restored, not just given back but restored; it was a new beginning, and the inheritance was sealed anew from that day.
In a spiritual sense we, as the children of God, are made joint heirs with Jesus Christ, our bonds of slavery have been broken, and we are brought in to a divine inheritance in the Person of Jesus Christ who is the heir of all things. (Hebrews 1) All the debt that was owed is settled by His righteousness, and the old creation is taken out of the way. A new creation is created, and confirmed, in the power of His resurrection. Everyone who has been born of the Spirit of God felt that first impression that the Spirit of God puts on the heart. It is said that the first image one receives in a new surrounding is the one that sticks in the mind of man; so much more, that moment of new birth, for the soul who comes to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who have felt the first whimper and the first cry of new life in Christ will always remember that moment. It is impossible to forget the outreached hand of a Savior who has brought you into the year of jubilee.
The Law of Faith
We should look on these angels as personal servants of God, not to overthrow us, but to help us in the path of righteousness. Ephesus, the first church, was meant to feel the stare of the eyes of fire. She was also comforted by the overcomer. The angel examined the church by God’s own righteousness, he also examined Ephesus in the divine law of faith. Turn to Hebrews Chapter 12, the last verse 29 reads . . . For our God is a consuming fire. Notice this, it is not the God, or God of, but the sure word of God puts a personal word to each and every Christian by our God. Our God is a consuming fire, yes, there are consuming fires in grace. Can I prove that? The Spirit of God referred to many works, some of wood, some of hay, some of stubble, the works that are done in the flesh for one’s own glory, and not the glory of the Son of God will be burned up by the consuming fires of God’s grace. I realize this is a hard thought to digest, but nevertheless, do your homework and examine the law of faith, and know in your heart that you (as a Christian) will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and give an account of all that was done in the flesh.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (Romans 3:27)
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14) What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. (Romans 6:15)
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Romans 14:10)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Remember in Revelation Chapter 1, we have those searching eyes of fire. In the book of Hebrews Chapter 4 verse 13 we are reminded of the searching eye of God, that all things are open and naked to His view. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. If these verses bring conviction, if your spirit and soul are troubled (may I remind you that) you have a place that you can go: go to the mercy seat, the throne of grace. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) Who leads us to the throne of grace? It is the convicting power of the Spirit of God who draws us to the throne of grace. The high Priest before us has compassion upon us, His arms are wide open to receive us, and in this position at the throne of grace He has compassion on all our sorrows, He has love unbounded for our brokenness and failure. This is the character of the One you come before.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (Hebrews 4:14) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.(Hebrews 4:15) Amen.
© Copyright 2017, Michael Haigh
Article may be used, but not for gain. Freely ye have received, freely give.
All Scripture references are from the Authorized King James Bible. (KJV)