Exhibit 1
The Evidence of a Prophetic Book
No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God
spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
II Peter 1:20-21
Although opponents of church eras contend that there is no biblical evidence to support such a doctrine, this is simply not the case. In truth, there is an abundance of evidence in the scriptures proving that the seven churches located in Asia are actually symbolic and represent seven distinct periods in the history of God’s people. Perhaps the most prominent evidence in defense of this truth lies in the nature of the book of Revelation itself—IT IS ENTIRELY PROPHETIC. It even refers to itself as a “prophecy” (Rev. 1:3). Additionally, John explains that he was writing it from the context of the “the Lord’s Day” (verse10), a period that takes place at the end of the age. Furthermore, the book states that it was given to reveal things that pertained to the future.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John (Revelation 1:1).
Although this verse indicates that it is about things that must “shortly come to pass,” it contains far more. This remarkable book describes a spectacular chain of events that will continue down through the ages and culminate with the return of Jesus Christ and His saints (Jude 14-15). It even describes a time when the physical universe will be no more, and in its place will be an incorruptible Kingdom where God’s family will reside (Rev. 21). Therefore, the words “shortly come to pass” are better rendered “begin shortly.”
It is also interesting to note that John’s vision was directed to God’s servants (Rev. 1:1), including those who would live at the time of the end. This is made clear in verse seven of this same chapter. Continuing to speak to these servants, the angel says that Christ will come “with clouds; and every eye shall see Him.” Clearly that moment has not yet taken place. Therefore, the purpose of this vision was to reveal pivotal events during the history of the church right up to the spectacular return of the Messiah and beyond.
Seven Churches
There are some who argue that because Christ specifically identifies these seven churches as existing in Asia, it is presumptuous to conclude that their purpose could be anything other than to address issues pertaining to them. After all, it was to specific cities that these letters were to be sent. Notice the instructions given to John.
I am alpha and omega, the first and the last: and, what thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches WHICH ARE IN ASIA; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11)
Here, Jesus is telling John to write what he sees in the entire vision, and send it to these specific congregations. But who honestly believes that the book of Revelation only pertains to seven later first century churches?
Furthermore, if these letters had no application to future events, why include them in a book of prophecy? Why not simply direct John to write them outside the book, like all the other New Testament epistles? The answer is because these seven letters are vastly different from all others written by God’s servants. In truth, they are a part of a great prophetic story about God’s plan and His people. These seven messages are an intrinsic part of the entire vision John saw. Their warnings and admonitions directly correspond to prophesied events that would begin in John’s time and continue to play out down through the ages! For this reason, the angel states:
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. (Revelation 1:19)
At this point it is important to understand that these introductory verses were written before the letters to the seven churches were even presented. In truth, these words set the stage for the reader to understand a critical part of future events—events that will have a profound impact on both the world and God’s people. The message from God the Father, delivered through Jesus Christ by an angel, and sent to these seven churches, is a chronicle of successive world events that would begin in the first century and continue over vast periods of time, culminating in the end of this present age. They describe successive stages of an apostate church described as a great whore riding atop an enormous empire called the beast. They explain the rise of a great merchandising power—a modern day Babylon. They document the pivotal steps in man’s history leading up to the unleashing of God’s wrath just prior to the return of the Messiah. They reveal the establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth, and even describe a new heaven and a new earth and an incorruptible city that will be the eternal home of Jesus Christ and His bride.
Therefore, while these letters may have an application for the churches existing in the first century, they carry enormous meaning for God’s people who would witness their later fulfillment. In truth, the entire book of Revelation is a panoramic view of history in advance, and these seven letters are set within it as an indelible part of its framework and purpose. As such, there can be little doubt that God intended them to be read by every generation, because these letters tell their story.