We are promised to receive a blessing for reading this Book; but that is for hearing it; and heeding it ( Rev. 1:3). There are things specifically for the churches and calling out in some cases just a few individuals who are "worthy" ( Rev. 3:4). The same principle applies to the Laodicean church for anyone who hears Him knocking at the door ( Rev. 3:20).
This book goes to the fate of the whole world; beyond what could be called this current "dispensation". It seems apparent to most scholars that after Revelation 4; there isn't any more mention of the church on earth until Revelation 20 with those in glorified bodies. To me; since we ALL are saved by grace I wouldn't dogmatically state that the age of grace ( Matt. 16:18) will be totally ended; only the function of the Holy Spirit once the restrainer is removed (the believing remnant church) at the rapture ( 2 Thess. 2:6). What we see change is the preservation of the church as an institution ( Matt. 16:18) and the normal experience in the Tribulation of martyrdom ( Daniel 7:21). What remains as a common thread is being WORTHY and having garments of white as our spiritual clothing ( Ephesians 5:27; Rev. 19:18). In order to achieve this status now; we need to be living unspotted from the world and to a large extent patiently waiting until the coming of the Lord; after the Rapture martyrdom will be the norm. Instead of arguing whether those who are left behind are lukewarm believers or all new converts; it is better to understand the concept that all those He has chosen will eventually come to the faith. The main harvest of countless souls attests to the fact that SOME repent when judgments come; while others of course harden their hearts beyond hope. As Jesus stated it is blessed for those who have NOT seen the Son of Man ( John 20:29). It is clear by the sixth seal who God and Christ are; but by then there is only a clear choice to worship God or Satan.
We are promised to receive a blessing for reading this Book; but that is for hearing it; and heeding it ( Rev. 1:3). There are things specifically for the churches and calling out in some cases just a few individuals who are "worthy" ( Rev. 3:4). The same principle applies to the Laodicean church for anyone who hears Him knocking at the door ( Rev. 3:20).
This book goes to the fate of the whole world; beyond what could be called this current "dispensation". It seems apparent to most scholars that after Revelation 4; there isn't any more mention of the church on earth until Revelation 20 with those in glorified bodies. To me; since we ALL are saved by grace I wouldn't dogmatically state that the age of grace ( Matt. 16:18) will be totally ended; only the function of the Holy Spirit once the restrainer is removed (the believing remnant church) at the rapture ( 2 Thess. 2:6). What we see change is the preservation of the church as an institution ( Matt. 16:18) and the normal experience in the Tribulation of martyrdom ( Daniel 7:21). What remains as a common thread is being WORTHY and having garments of white as our spiritual clothing ( Ephesians 5:27; Rev. 19:18). In order to achieve this status now; we need to be living unspotted from the world and to a large extent patiently waiting until the coming of the Lord; after the Rapture martyrdom will be the norm. Instead of arguing whether those who are left behind are lukewarm believers or all new converts; it is better to understand the concept that all those He has chosen will eventually come to the faith. The main harvest of countless souls attests to the fact that SOME repent when judgments come; while others of course harden their hearts beyond hope. As Jesus stated it is blessed for those who have NOT seen the Son of Man ( John 20:29). It is clear by the sixth seal who God and Christ are; but by then there is only a clear choice to worship God or Satan.
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