So we have seen and heard that Jesus reveals Himself to the church in Philadelphia as the One who is in control of everything, and that He is Holy and He is True. Described as the One Who is holding the “Key of David,” being faithful to provide all we need in order to do what He calls us to do. He is enthroned as, and recognized as, the head of the (His) church (Colossians 1:16-18). This was a church that was walking in obedience to God, they were keeping His Word, and they were not denying His Name. In other words, their walk with the Lord was commendable. Because of this the Lord has placed before them an open door.
Jesus promises them that their faithfulness to Christ’s command to persevere, guarantees them deliverance from the terrible time of tribulation that is to come upon the whole earth. Notice, that the church in Philadelphia is commended, not only for keeping God’s word, and not denying His name, but for their perseverance. This word “perseverance” – (Gr. – hipomone (hoop-om-on-ay) means, to be “cheerful (hopeful), with endurance, waiting, etc. This is seen in our…….
- Assurance – (2 Timothy 1:12)
- Salvation – (Matthew 10:22)
- Rewards – (Galatians 6:9)
Notice, Jesus gives a promise that the believer will be protected from the day of the Lord’s wrath that will come upon the unbeliever one day. Thank the Lord that we as believers in Jesus Christ, are not children that have been appointed to wrath. Why? Because the Lord is going to pour out His wrath on those who have denied His name (Matthew 7:21-23) (Matthew 25:4, 46) (2 Thessalonians 1:3-10) (Hebrews 10:27) (2 Peter 3:7). But, He is going to remove His church before He pours out His wrath upon this world, (Romans 5:9) (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). This reminds us of the wonderful security all the redeemed have in Jesus.We have been given everlasting life (John 6:47). We have been saved to the uttermost – (Hebrews 7:25). We cannot lose anything we have been given in Jesus – (John 10:28) (John 6:37-40). We are as secure as we can be, that is a reason for rejoicing.
However, Jesus is coming and His people need to be ready to meet Him. That means we are to live for Christ as if our time is short, we are suppose to live that He might come at any minute. We must not allow ourselves to become like the world around us. We are to live for Jesus, love Jesus, and look for Jesus’ return, guarding everything He has given us so that we can be confident of a reward when He comes.
We will face our Lord some day at the Judgment Seat of Christ. That day can be a day of reward, or it can be a day of loss which depends on how we live now (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) (2 Corinthians 5:10) (Romans 14:12).