Season 3 Podcast 71 Letters of John to the Seven Churches Pt XI Laodicea

Letters of John to the Seven Churches Pt XI LaodiceaThis is the Seventh, or final, letter of John the Revelator to the Seven churches in Asia.  Since seven is considered to be a complete number, to understand the seven letters, we must read them as one letter. The letters are actually included in one long epic poem by John who was in prison on the Isle of Patmos. The entire purpose of the letters is to teach us about Christ. The Book of Revelation begins with the appearance of Christ:4 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:14-18)The Book of Revelation also ends with the appearance of Christ11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Revelation 19:11-16)In the first appearance, Christ comes in peace. His head is bare. He is “clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.” He appears as the newly resurrected Lord. He is called “Prince of the Kings of the earth.” In his final appearance, Christ is riding a white horse. He comes to “judge and to make war. On his head are seven crown, representing power. He is “clothed with a vesture dipped in blood”. He is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” The righteous, dressed in white linen, are called to the marriage supper of the lamb.7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:6-9)