Bible Question:
What is the biblical foundation for the idea of the 7 churches being also "ages"? John Reformed |
Bible Answer: John There seems to be some correlation between the seven churches and seven periods of time in the church history. This view is Historicist view and can be described as an alternate to the Preterist, Spiritualistic and Futuristic views. These are some brief excerpt from course notes of mine, which discuss the subject. Church of Ephesus It was a church in the middle of wanton materialism, paganism and heathenism. Church from 30 AD - 100 AD Church of Smyrna Smyrna is the martyr church, the church that suffered martyrdom for Christ. Smyrna means "Myrrh" which carries the meaning of suffering. Similar to the church during the period 100 AD to 314 AD From the death of John to the edict of toleration by Constantine which ended the persecution of Christians. Church of Pergamos Pergamos means tower. Representative of the church from 300 AD to 590 AD Paganism unlimited. World move into the church without conversion, church committed fornication or Balaamism. The Church of Thyatira Representative of the church from 590 AD to 1500 AD this period was known as the dark ages. Rise of Papal church with Icons that people bowed down to idol Worship. Inquisition and Crusades can be seen as forms of Jezebelistic persecution. The Church of Sardis The church between 1500 and 1789. The reformation church where Martin Luther nailed his Ninety five theses to the door of the church. Church given over to formalism and ritual. A form of Godliness but without power. Reformation was a political struggle more than a religious struggle. Church of Philadelphia The revived church 1789 - 1900 AD. Revivals of Whitefield, John Wesley, Charles Finney and D. L. Moody. Evangelistic and missionary minded. Church that turned back to the word of God. Church of Laodicea Modern church rich and self sufficient. Neither hot nor cold going through the motions but not really fighting the good fight. EdB |