What do the 7 Letters to 7 Churches represent?
The first 3 chapters in Revelation are letters to 7 churches. Often the number 7 in the Bible represents completeness. In Revelation the 7 churches are real historical churches with applications to every Christian church on earth. Christ’s letters to each one reveal the good and bad things they are doing. The churches were in danger of compromising the true teaching of God’s Word. In these letters, Jesus tells us He walks among His congregations. He holds open heaven’s door for us and remains faithful for our sake forever.
Jesus warns all Christian churches on the consequences of their sins if they don’t repent, but those, who through faith, hold onto Jesus’ promises will be rewarded with eternal life. Jesus warns churches not to compromise their teachings. Listening to false prophets, idolatry, sexual immorality, and being lukewarm to the pure word of God will put them on Satan’s wide road to hell. These warnings are for all believers for all time emphasizing that it is possible for one to lose one’s faith by letting sin take control of them. Jesus says there are many sins that cause one to fall away, but those who remain faithful will reap the joys of heaven He won for all.
God tells us that his church on earth will be persecuted continuously and that it is going to be very difficult to persevere. But, those who hold on to God’s pure word will receive rewards in heaven greater than anything the world could give them. What joy for Christians to know that Jesus is continuously watching over them promising them the rich rewards of heaven!
-Also see: Deut. 4:2; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5; John 8:31; John 14:23-24; Heb 4:12-13; 1 Peter 2:8; Rev 1:1-3