Letter to the Seven Churches–Philadelphia

Outline: Seven Churches – Philadelphia
Passage: Revelation 3:7-13
Discussion audio (1 hour 32 minutes)

Powerless and discouraged, under attack, falsely accused… These words appear to describe the state of the church at Philadelphia. In spite of external pressures, this church remains faithful to Jesus and he has no criticism in regards to this church. He exhorts the church to remain faithful and promises that he is working to make things right.

In this letter, once again, true Israel (or in this letter specifically, true Jews) is composed of all who are faithful to God in Jesus. The term “Israel” as found in Revelation is not about race, nationality, or religion. This letter describes Jesus himself closing the door to the former means of access to God: the Hebrew and Jewish religious system based on the sanctuary and the temple. Jesus tells his audience that access to God based on that particular form will never, ever be open again. Instead Jesus describes himself as the new, open door which is the new means of access to God.

I am reminded of Jesus’ discourse with the Samaritan woman in John chapter 4. When the woman asks which religious system is correct, Jesus’ response is neither (John 4:19-24). What this means is that salvation will never come through faithfulness to religious systems. At the time spoken, it would have meant Judaism, the Samaritan system, and also Roman and Greek religions. Today it would include the various eastern religions, Judaism, Islam, paganism, scientific naturalism, and yes, even Christianity. No tradition, forms, rituals, or a system of doctrinal beliefs can save. Just as Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman and to the church at Philadelphia, he is the one who saves and all who choose to be led by His Spirit are saved. Profession and words do not save; only the Spirit saves.¹

The reality of our existence is that frequently we will feel discouraged and powerless. We often feel as if the world is against us. But what this letter to the church at Philadelphia tells us is that feelings and appearance does not always correspond to ultimate reality. The ultimate reality is that Jesus is with us, he loves us and claims us as his own, and he will reveal all that is true in his own time. Our work is to trust in his power and to depend upon his goodness and justice (i.e., righteousness).

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¹In case anyone is wondering, my soteriology falls into the camp of Inclusivists. In other words, I do not believe that a specific confession of the historical Jesus is necessary for salvation. Rather I believe that the Holy Spirit is at work in all people and that the work of Jesus at the cross covers all who choose to be led by the Spirit, whether or not they ever literally confess the name “Jesus.”

Other soteriological views are universalism, which says God will save everyone, regardless of choice, confession, or Spirit; exclusivism, which says a literal confession of Jesus is the means to salvation; and specificism, which says not only a literal confession of Jesus is required, but a specific set of “right beliefs” are also required.