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Recently I was involved in a Bible study on End Times. We were going to study the book of Revelation, and the corresponding Old Testament scriptures relating to End Time prophecy. I knew I was in trouble when the "teacher" of the study informed us that we would begin our study of Revelation with the sixth chapter! The guise was that we were short on time, but in reality I think it was because he, and a lot of post-tribbers, think "Revelation" is synonymous with "Tribulation". Our Bible study leader believes and teaches that the church will remain here on earth during the entire seven year tribulation period, so in effect, there was no point in wasting time on the first five chapters of the book. He is so looking forward to living through the tribulation with his wife and children that perhaps he wanted to get to the excitement in chapter six and preview what is to come.

Now, I, on the other hand, am not a Tribulation Saint Wannabe. I don't believe God desires for the church to be here, while He is hurling down His wrath and judgment upon the inhabitants of the earth. If God had planned for us to be here, Jesus wouldn't be in heaven preparing a place for us there. In John 14:2-3, Jesus said He was going to His Father's house (and my Father's house) to prepare a place for us. He said He's coming back to get us so that we could be with Him where He is. Jesus will be coming back in the same way that a Jewish bridegroom returns to get his bride.

If you are not familiar with the Jewish wedding tradition and how it is used to demonstrate Christ's returning for His bride, I suggest you read The Wedding Model by Chuck Missler. For an in-depth look at this subject I recommend you spend some time reading The Marriage of the Bride of Christ by Jason Hommel.

I was deeply perplexed that two or more Bible believing individuals can be "led" by the Holy Spirit in two completely opposite directions while studying the Word and searching for truth. How could that happen? Can we both be wrong? [Yes we were]. Could we both be right? [Yes again].

I had known that there was a major division among believers over the issue of the Rapture of the church, but it never really bothered me until it struck the heart of my Bible study group. So I decided to go back to the beginning of Revelation and start over again.

I immediately set out to answer the question "Does the church go through the tribulation?" What follows is the result of that study - at least, so far.

Who is the Church?

Before I could determine if indeed the church does go through any part of the seven-year tribulation, I had to define what or who the "church" is. So, what comes to your mind when you hear the word "church"? Do you envision your own church? Do you think in terms of denomination - or no denomination at all? Do you think of TV evangelists asking you for a monetary "love gift"? Or maybe you consider the Roman Catholic Church to be the real church.

Do all of these churches believe the same thing? Do they all preach the same message, or for that matter, the same Jesus? Is it even Jesus who stands in the midst of their churches or is it another? Churches everywhere claim to have the right way, the only way or the only truth. Yet we can see the obvious fallacy here, since so many doctrines have become "man-made" and are diametrically opposed to one another.

So, who is the real Church? I hope to find the answer before I'm through.

The Warning

In Revelation 1:3 Jesus said that if we read the words of the prophecy and take it to heart, we would be blessed. So we jump right in with the attitude that just picking it up and reading it will bless us. How many of us fizzle out and never make it to the end of the book? Or if we do, we've given up interpreting the scriptures literally - so much of Revelation is imagery or symbolism after all - and we totally miss this warning in Revelation 22:18-19.

Rev. 22:18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

What does it mean to "add to these things"? It means that you change God's words to conform to your will. Let's say for example, that you are a practicing homosexual and you believe you can still be a Christian. You read Revelation 9:20-22 which says,

Rev. 9:20 The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.

And you immediately add these words to it, "That doesn't include me. God knows that I am homosexual. After all, He made me this way. So it must be all right in my case." You have just "added to these things", and in so doing, you have justified your unrepentant heart.

So here's the promise God makes us: if we add our will, our sins, our plan, etc. to what God has already written, He will give us the plagues of Revelation, i.e.; the tribulation.

Let's look at the second part of the Lord's warning.

Rev. 22:19and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Some translations read, "God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."

How can we "take away from" what God has already written? Let's say that you have just read Revelation 7:3-4.

Rev. 7:3 "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." 4Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.

Now, let's suppose that you are a Jehovah witness and you believe that only those 144,000 people will be saved and make it to heaven. You continue to read chapter seven and you get to verse 9 which says,

Rev. 7:9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

You "take away from the words of the book of this prophecy" by mentally erasing this verse, because you don't agree with it. You have been taught that there will only be 144,000 saved and therefore you refuse to open your eyes to the truth. For you and anyone else who "takes away from" God's word because it doesn't fit your personal beliefs, God has promised that He "shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

It is crucial for us to know before we even dig into the book of Revelation that it is not a book to be received lightly, nor are its words to be taken selectively. We must, I believe, approach this book in fear and trembling, without adding our own "spin" to it or ignoring the parts that we don't agree with.

The Letters to the Churches

Jesus told John to write a book (Revelation) and send it to seven churches.

Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

Jesus instructed John in Rev. 1:19 to write down certain things.

Rev. 1:19 "Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this."

"The things which you have seen", is the description of Jesus that John saw in chapter 1.

Rev. 1:13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

"The things which are", encompasses the present Church Age as represented by the letters to the churches.

"The things which will take place after this", is the remainder of the book of Revelation, beginning in Chapter 4. John is told to write about the things he sees unfolding after the Church Age.

Jesus begins each letter by addressing it to the "angel" of the church. These are the seven stars, or angels, that He holds in His right hand. Angel usually refers to a supernatural messenger. Some commentators interpret "angel" as "pastor". I don't know which interpretation is correct, but it doesn't change the contents of the letter.

Jesus dictated the letters to John and they were sent to all the churches. In other words, every church got the entire book of Revelation just the way we see it today, with all the letters attached. They didn't just get the one letter that was addressed to them.

The seven churches of Asia were actual, local churches of that day; according to and confirmed by archaeological discoveries. They each had specific and valid needs, just as we do today.

Most Bible scholars and commentators will agree that the letters are also prophetic in nature. They describe with remarkable precision, all church history, and fill the interval of time between the 69th and 70th weeks of Daniel 9, which is the Church Age. See my page The Things Which Are for a brief description of the letters and historical background to the churches, or Seven Mysterious Letters for a more thorough study. You can also refer to my Church-at-a-glance chart to get a quick view of the pertinent information regarding each church.

In each of the seven letters Jesus says, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Notice it says "churches" plural. That's because there are elements in all the letters that all the churches would benefit from. That is just as true today as it was when they were written, and perhaps more so. They were written for anyone who has an ear; anyone who is able to hear, no one is excluded.

Jesus is imploring us to read the letters and take heed to all that is written in them. They are like eternal "cheat sheets" that the Lord has given us to study. It's like He's saying, "Look, here are all the things I expect you to know on the final exam. I've given you the answers. Now get them right."

He tells us the things we need to repent of, the things we need to watch for, and what our areas of weakness are. He tells us what we can expect if we don't hear what He's saying and keep His word. He is the Righteous Judge and He deals with each of us justly according to our own deeds and decisions. It is crucial for us to understand and know the significance of the letters and to recognize the times in which we live, especially if we want to receive the blessings Jesus promises to the "overcomers". With that in mind, I urge you to read the letters again with the full knowledge that they apply to us today.

Rebukes and Promises

I will not be listing all the details of every letter, but will only be touching upon some keys points. My hope is that it will whet your appetite enough for you to study the letters on your own.

Ephesus - the Loveless Church

Jesus rebukes them for forgetting their first love. They have replaced their focus on Jesus with many works.

Rev. 2: 4 "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."

If they don't repent, there will be a consequence; He will remove their "lampstand", which is their church. With that threat hanging over their heads, He also tells them what the reward will be if they overcome.

Rev. 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."

Smyrna - The Persecuted Church

Jesus doesn't criticize this church at all. He knows their works, tribulation and poverty - though they are rich.

Rev. 2:10 "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."

Christianity is not permitted in many countries of the world today, as in times past, and people continue to be imprisoned and martyred for their faith in Christ.

Rev. 2:11 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death."

Pergamos - The Compromising Church

Some leaders among them are teaching false doctrines and approving of sexual immorality.

Rev. 2:16 "Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."

His promise to the overcomers is: Rev. 2:17 "To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it."

This church has "taken away" from the truth of God's word. If you are that homosexual Christian I spoke to earlier, this is your church.

Thyatira - The Corrupt Church

Jesus says this church allows a spirit of Jezebel in their midst which teaches false doctrines, allows sexual perversion, and promotes idol worship.

Rev. 2:20 "Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allowthat woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works."

There are only two other mentions of "great tribulation" in scripture: Matt. 24:21 "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened."

Rev. 7:14 And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

Jesus said if they don't repent, He will cast them into great tribulation. To those who remain pure in a church like this, Jesus puts no other requirement on them. And to the overcomers He promises this:

Rev. 2:26 "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations-- I will also give him the morning star."

An example of a church of false doctrines, sexual perversion and idol worship (statues) would be the Catholic Church; i.e.: Praying to Mary, attributing infallibility to the Pope instead of God's word, and placing their faith of salvation in men's traditions and rituals rather than in Jesus. And recently, the reassigning of pedophile priests by the leadership.

Sardis - The Dead Church

Their faith is dead and their works are dying. Jesus tells them to watch, remember and repent.

Rev. 3:3 "Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 4Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy."

He tells them that there are only a few among them that are still worthy to walk with Him dressed in white. I think we can conclude that if there are only a few who remain worthy, then many more are not. To those who overcome He says this:

Rev. 3:5 "He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels."

I think we can safely conclude that those who don't overcome will have their names blotted out. These are churches who have allowed the gospel message to get so watered down that they no longer preach salvation. They have become a "feel good" society club.

Philadelphia - The Faithful Church

This church receives no rebuke from the Lord. For this church, He has set before them an open door and no one can shut it - because they have kept His word and not denied His name. But He has a special task for those who say they are Jews but are not. (Do you think the church has replaced Israel?) Think again.

Rev. 3:9 "Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you."

He also tells this church that He will keep them from the hour of trial.

Rev. 3:10 "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."

The "hour of trial" is a term used for the tribulation. And since Jesus doesn't make this promise to all the churches, we cannot assume that it would hold true for other churches. The Christians who persevere will be kept from the trial (the tribulation) that will come upon the whole earth.

And another promise to the overcomers: Rev. 3:12 "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name."

This church has not compromised on the truth of God's word, nor have they permitted false doctrines to be spewed in their midst. This is the remnant of true believers who are anxiously awaiting the Lord's return.

Laodicea - The Lukewarm Church

This church is so self sufficient that they believe they have everything they need. They may have become rich by earthly standards but they have not stored up treasures in heaven. Jesus says that they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked! This lukewarm church so disgusts the Lord that He wants to vomit them out of His mouth! He pleads with them to be zealous, open their eyes, and repent. He tells them that He is standing there knocking, if they will only hear His voice and open the door to Him. And even though He had absolutely nothing to commend them about, this is what He says to them after His rebuke.

Rev. 3:21 "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."

Notice that Jesus does not make this promise to any other church! He must realize that it's a huge task to overcome "lukewarm-ness", especially in these times we live in where it is acceptable to do whatever feels good and people have their own versions of what the truth is. Jesus wants us to purify our hearts so that we may be worthy to stand before Him.

The Final Warning

So, back to my original question: who is the real church? They are the ones who will be taken at the rapture prior to tribulation. They are the ones whom the Lord has promised to rescue. I can't tell you what church you belong to; only you can determine where your heart is with God. Do you know Him personally? Will you, like John, see the door standing open in heaven? [Rev. 4:1] Not all of us will be welcome to enter in.

Matt. 7:21"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"

We can look at Matthew 25 as an encouragement to those who are filled with the Holy Spirit and are preparing themselves for the coming of the Bridegroom. These are the ones who have taken God's word and put it in their hearts - they have not added anything to it, nor have they taken anything away. These are the overcomers - the Bride of Christ.

Matt. 25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

Conclusion

Based upon Jesus' own words, not all of the churches will be rescued from the time of God's wrath. The ones who refuse to follow the Lord's words of admonition and repent will suffer the consequences of their choices. Those who remain faithful to the Lord and do not profane His name, will be given their just reward, as promised in the letters. These are the overcomers and the true Bride of Christ. However, it is not for us to decide who is a true Christian in God's eyes. We don't see the heart of man. We cannot look at another person and judge whether or not his heart is pure, or whether he is worthy to stand before the Lord. Are You Saved? Luke 21:36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

One thing I have learned is that there will probably be overcomers in all the churches, just as there will probably be unbelievers in every church. I suspect that there will be many churches around the world after the rapture whose pews will be nearly full. I suspect that many of the occupants of those churches will not understand why they have been left on the earth with all the ungodly folks. I think a lot of people will be surprised to find out who's been taken and who's been left behind. These unfortunate ones who have forced the Lord's hand and now face His wrath will claim that they are just as "Christian" as those who have escaped.

For the overcomers who are on fire for the Lord and who are excitedly anticipating His return, His coming to meet them in the air and escorting them to heaven will be a most amazing and awesome time. But I think that there will be some "genuine" Christians who are not looking for the Lord's coming only because they never believed in the rapture, or maybe they never even heard of it. I think the Lord will snatch them up like a thief just because they haven't prepared for such an event. And some embarrassed Christians will be a part of the great "catching away" but they may be "caught" in the middle of something they would rather not have been "caught" doing at all.

I strongly encourage you to do this study on your own and find out what the Lord requires of you. Do you need to turn from your sinful ways and go in the opposite direction? Do you need to ask for the Lord's forgiveness for your spiritual fornication? Do you need to repent of immorality? Do you need to find another church where you will be taught the truth of God's word? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to overcome before it's too late? Are you lukewarm? Don't just wait to see how it will all "pan out in the end." Let the Holy Spirit into your life so that He can show you the condition of your heart. He will lead you into all truth.

May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones. 1 Thess. 3:13

Rev. 21:7 "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."