He who has an ear, let him hear?

Question

In revelations it says to listen to what is being said to the 7 churches, and they better change or he will blot out their name from the book of life.

but the bible says where there is sin, there is grace, and where there is more sin there is more grace,

so how can he blot out their name from the book of life

are these 7 churches not really of God, and are doing evil, is that what it means

Answer 1

The letter of Revelation was composed to those seven Churches mentioned in the first three chapters, Revelation 1:4. These really are Churches of God. Some of them are involved in sinful practices. For example, Ephesus forgot its first love 2:5 and Pergamum has false doctrine in it. You make a good point in how Grace is large enough to cover our sins. The more we have sinned in the past the more grace was needed, Romans 5:19-21. But that is not a license to continue to sin, note Romans 6:1-2. The reason is that if your name is in the book of life it can be blotted out, look at Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10: 26-33, 2 Peter 2:20-22, and Galatians 5:4. It is possible that once you have been saved to lose it by continuing in sin.

Answer 2

John was well aware of the seven main continents of the earth, and gave the term “churches” as those who gather and belong to a group of people of the same belief and faith. By using the terms of his day relative to Asia and some of its cities, John hid (with divine purpose) the knowledge he had of the other continents outside of the known world in his time.

The symbolism of “seven” represents the seven main continents of the entire earth, and throughout Revelation continually symbolizes all the people of the earth.

The New Testament editors knew little to nothing of any continents other than the region they occupied or legends of more distant places; therefore, they transcribed John’s allegory and presented it as a revelation relevant to the Christian churches known by them at that time, having no idea that the revelation was meant for the latter days when world geography would include seven main continents. The intent of John’s message is for everyone upon all the continents and isles, and all peoples of the earth in the latter days.

...John uses the phrase, “He that hath an ear, let him hear,” throughout his Revelation. This is a reference to any who understands the truth (rejecting the opinions and doctrines of men) as whispered in authority by the Spirit or explained by a true prophet of God. This phrase is used symbolically, and follows the way the Jews performed services on the Sabbath day.

...John uses this same relation to exemplify those who understand his prophecies, (which no human in the latter days does, except those who have received the proper explanation from a true prophet of God), following in symbolism the custom established by the Jews. Because Christ was a true prophet of God, he circumvented the Jewish custom and taught his disciples, “what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops” (Matthew 10:27).

If you want to completely understand everything John wrote to the "seven churches," (all of the earth), you can read the book that explains it all in easy terms. It is free at the site below. The "7 churches" are covered in depth from pages 78-109.

It is THE only book on the face of the earth that explains ALL of Revelation.

Answer 3

No, it means that sin we repent from is blotted out (I John 1:6-9, 2:1). Sin we do not repent of blots us out, so to speak

Answer 4

Have you read through all of Revelations? Having done so, w hy on earth would you attempt to apply logic and reason to any of the silly nonsense in that book?

Answer 5

John predicted the return of Jesus before his death.

He then died.

So relying on his Prophetic gift is a crap shoot.

The seven churches he was referring to were real churches at the time. It becomes clear that John thought that they would continue on until the return of Christ and had some pretty strong opinions about each. Once again John died thinking Jesus was just around the corner, he thought the seven listed churches would sill be around when Jesus came back, because he thought is would be in a couple of years at the most.

Answer 6

Only 2 were found wanting by God.

Answer 7

I believe so........

All believers are in the book of life from the foundations of the earth to begin with. God knew about our atonement long before we ever said yes to Christ

Answer 8

Why do you even try to understand Revelations,

It was written by some wack-job in a cave who was having hallucinations.

Answer 9

out of the seven churches God only found two that were acceptable...........Samaria and Philadelphia......these two were teaching and practicing the word of God

Answer 10

God can do what ever he wants.
Yes they are doing evil.