The Revelation of Jesus Christ ·
48
During the time represented by the Ephesian church, Christians were living a separated life. There was no such thing as union of church and state; but when we come to the period represented by the church at Pergamos, we find that the very nation which had tried to wipe them out had entered into a union with them. Bishops became rulers; the princes of state became the princes of the church; and there was an unholy union between the professing church and the pagans. God had said, "Come out from among them." And He said to the church at Pergamos, "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of n1y mouth." May God give us all grace to separate ourselves from anything that antagonizes His-will! "To him that over cometh" His promise is sure: "To him ... will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it" ( 2: 17). THE MESSAGE TO THYATIRA-THE CHURCH IN THE DARK AGES, FILLED WITH CORRUPTION 2:18-29 The union of the church and the world led to "the period of the Romish corruption." Secular history rightly calls it •'the Dark Ages," the time when the papacy developed to the fullest extent thus far, a time of spiritual wickedness and gross darkness. No wonder the Lord addressed Himself to the church at Thyatira as "the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet ... like fine brass." Fire purifies, and brass in the Word of God speaks of judg ment. The corruption which had set in with the fourth century increased "till 'the depths of Satan' were reached" (2: 24). To the Roman Catholic Church. which holds that the ear of our Lord, as the Son of Mary, may be reached through her prayers, He called Himself "the Son of God." He is not occupied now with the whirling planets; He is not occupied with His great universe; His ear is bent low to hear our cry. 'Ne do not need anyone to get His attention, not even His
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