Are we seeing with the church turning away from the true gospel of Christ the removal of God's candlesticks from the church? What about the 'falling away"?
It would seem that absolutely; the falling away and removal of candlesticks is occurring. This is especially sobering when we see the admonition to the church in Ephesus whose only criticism from Christ Himself is that they had lost their first love ( Rev. 2:4).
Everything else they were doing doctrinally; discernment wise with false teaching etc was on par yet they still faced having their candlestick removed; and that was back before the end of the first century! (actually it says have their "lampstand" removed).
It is helpful here to see how individuals in the Book of Revelation in chapter 2 and 3 are addressed to along WITH an entire congregation. CLEARLY apostasy; i.e. falling away was characterizing the vast majority of the Sardis church; nonetheless certain individuals were said to be worthy and would walk with Him in white garments. There is a potential at least for the Laodiceans; but clearly we should guard our hearts; and walk away from apostacy if we are in a place where leadership concurs with false teaching and there is not support of others to rebuke those in authority.
1 Timothy chapter 4 talks about the falling away in the last days. Even 1 John 4:12 discusses the fact that there are already many antichrists in that first century church. The OVERALL degrading of churches that for decades or centuries held to doctrinal truths certainly shows us how soon His return must be.
God warns us in Rev. 3:11 indicates that we may lose our crown to someone else if not careful. We need to be around those who are sharpening one another as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). Surely; the Lord will lead us to good fellowship; if not for any other reason that we are commanded to assemble together even more so as we see the Lord's soon coming ( Heb. 10:25 loosely translated). The remnant will be found; of course it can take some time. The question now is whether we should; as the famous song says; hold out; walk away or run.
I concur with Richard.
And I would like to add to what he said concerning Ephesus. Paul gave them warning concerning the trouble coming after his departure in Acts 20:29-30.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
God bless.
Everything else they were doing doctrinally; discernment wise with false teaching etc was on par yet they still faced having their candlestick removed; and that was back before the end of the first century! (actually it says have their "lampstand" removed).
It is helpful here to see how individuals in the Book of Revelation in chapter 2 and 3 are addressed to along WITH an entire congregation. CLEARLY apostasy; i.e. falling away was characterizing the vast majority of the Sardis church; nonetheless certain individuals were said to be worthy and would walk with Him in white garments. There is a potential at least for the Laodiceans; but clearly we should guard our hearts; and walk away from apostacy if we are in a place where leadership concurs with false teaching and there is not support of others to rebuke those in authority.
1 Timothy chapter 4 talks about the falling away in the last days. Even 1 John 4:12 discusses the fact that there are already many antichrists in that first century church. The OVERALL degrading of churches that for decades or centuries held to doctrinal truths certainly shows us how soon His return must be.
God warns us in Rev. 3:11 indicates that we may lose our crown to someone else if not careful. We need to be around those who are sharpening one another as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). Surely; the Lord will lead us to good fellowship; if not for any other reason that we are commanded to assemble together even more so as we see the Lord's soon coming ( Heb. 10:25 loosely translated). The remnant will be found; of course it can take some time. The question now is whether we should; as the famous song says; hold out; walk away or run.
Be blessed. Agape.
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