Judgment. That’s what makes the book of Revelation so terrifying. I am horrified to think I may land on the wrong side of God’s judgment. To make matters worse, Revelation is the end. Time has run out and there are no more second chances. Today, however, there is time. This is true also for the seven churches in Ephesus we read about in the book of Revelation 2 and 3.
The purpose of Revelation is not to strike fear into our hearts. Jesus didn’t work that way. Jesus was all about joy. Remember John 15:11? Jesus tells us that he came so that we may have joy and have it “to the full.” So, how does his conversation with the seven churches of Ephesus relate to joy? It’s all about victory. Let’s take a closer look.
For each of the seven churches, Jesus notes three things; the condition of their heart, the consequences of their actions, and the benefit of their repentance.
Look at each of these:
| Church | Heart Condition | Remedy | To the one who conquers… |
| Ephesus | Hard work and patient endurance, but not like when you first believed | Turn back to me and do the works you did at first | I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise |
| Smyrna | You suffer and live in poverty but you are rich | Don’t be afraid | Will not be harmed by the second death |
| Pergamum | You are loyal, but tolerate… | Repent | I will give some manna that has been hidden away in heaven – and a white stone |
| Thyatira | Love faith service and patient endurance | Repent – hold tightly to what you have until I come | I will give authority over all the nations |
| Sardis | Reputation for being alive but are dead | You have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead – Wake Up! | Will be clothed in white, I will never erase their name from the book of life, but I will announce that they are mine |
| Philadelphia | Obedient | I will open a door for you that no one can close | Will become pillars in the temple of God and never have to leave it |
| Laodecia | Lukewarm | I will spit you out of my mouth | Will sit with me on the throne |
The chart details Jesus’ judgment of each church. He effectively calls them out for how they fall short of his perfection. But, remember, this is not about judgment, it is about victory. Jesus wants us to conquer our weaknesses. He is encouraging us to have faith so that we can be victorious. So that we can win!