The Future Of The Bride Is Breathtaking; Do Not Lose Your Crown
The full picture of the Laodicean church is now visible and embraces almost all the Christian church world.
The faith of Jesus Christ has been reduced to a mere shadow of its Biblical counterpart. It is neither cold nor hot; it is rich and increased with goods and has need of nothing, but cannot tell its sheer poverty and emptiness. The church world has lost its way. It will be spewed into the Great Tribulation at any moment.
There is still a remnant of the true church that refuses to compromise the Biblical message. To them there is only one basis for truth and lifestyle. The infallible Word of God is their pope and they will follow no other. The Holy Bible has always been a “paper pope” to the true believer. (This term was given to the faithful in derision and persecution and I embrace it gladly.) Jesus is at the Father’s Hand, ready to come for His Bride and those who go with Him will not be represented as a mixed multitude. They will be ready because He is Lord and His written Word is King in their life.
The Philadelphian Church
First, let’s look at the Philadelphian Church. This church is represented as existing before the Laodicean Church, but continuing simultaneously. The Philadelphian Church has always had a counterpart since Pentecost, but was predominate during most of the late eighteenth century, the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. It was a church of evangelism, separation and Lordship living. Men and women, like Charles Finney, D.L. Moody, Hudson Taylor and many others, called the church world to a Biblical standard. Millions heard the gospel and many walked in holiness before God. The Philadelphian Church is presently near extinction.
Look at the text. “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (Revelation 3:7-13)
This church as always has been undefeated by the world until the world itself moves inside. The Lord has plainly said that He alone opened and closed the door for the Philadelphian Church. I believe that this church is representative of the Rapture ready Bride. There are several things evident in this church.
• It is the remnant church that will witness the Rapture of the chosen to the presence of Jesus Christ. “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth… Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (Revelation 3:10;11)
• This church will continue in its remnant form until the conclusion of the church period. It cannot be stopped from completing its task. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8)
• It is a church living on the edge of time. (Revelation 3:8 above.)
• Rank heresy will exist simultaneously with the Holy and prepared Bride and the true Church until she is caught away with the Lord. Then the lukewarm crowd will bow to confess her failure and honor the church of Jesus Christ which she persecuted. “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” (Revelation 3:9)
• The true church (Philadelphian Church) will be raptured before the Great Tribulation, while the Laodicean Church will go into the tribulation and will be required to die as martyrs. The Laodicean Church will make up the bulk of the Tribulation saints in Revelation 7:9-17.
• There is no place in the New Testament for a worldly rich church. The difference between the true church and the Laodicean church is seen in the early Acts church ( “Silver and gold have I none” [Acts 3:6] ) and our present mega/social church mentality.
Will Every Saved Person Receive a Crown?
The answer is no. The Holy Scripture clearly presents one class of Christians who will receive a crown from the Lord Jesus Christ. If you will read Revelation chapters 4 and 7 you will see two distinct groups of individuals. The first group (chapter 4) is the Bride of Christ. They will receive a crown which they will cast in worship at His feet. Notice these verses: “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold…The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:4, 10-11)
Now, look at Revelation chapter seven, “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands… And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9, 14-15)
They receive no crown, but they do have palms in their hands with which they worship and praise the Lord. These are tribulation saints who missed the Rapture, but proceeded to wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb. It is clear that this crowd will be much larger than the Bride in chapter 4. In fact the first saints that were called Elders after their rapture were numbered, but the Tribulation Saints are called a multitude after they are caught up out of great sorrow.
Many churches are now preaching that the Church will go through either all or part of the Tribulation. While their method and message is presented contrary to Scripture, it may be good that they are preparing their people. These churches are so worldly and unbiblical that they certainly have no chance of being part of the Bride and missing the Tribulation. There will be a multitude of such church people that will repent as soon as the Rapture has occurred and will then die for their faith.
The Hope of a Crown
This unique class (Rapture Ready) of saints is the honored of the Lord from every generation of professing believers. If the Bible promises “rewards” and it does, then the greatest reward of all is to be a part of His Bride. For this Bride, He is preparing a city called New Jerusalem. This city is even called the Bride because it is her eternal dwelling place. In Revelation 21:2 John said, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband…” This city is the unique creation of our Lord Jesus Christ for His faithful martyrs and uncompromising servants. Every saint in this beloved company has earned the right by their Godly and uncompromising life.
But notice that all the saved, in fact most of the saved, do not dwell in the city, but rather walk in the glory and light it reflects. “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.” (Revelation 21:22-26)
The greater number of believers are going to be saved “as by fire” but shall receive no inheritance in this city and will have no crowns to wear for eternity. Paul warned believers of this fact. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (I Corinthians 3: 11-15)
The crown, which His Bride is going to wear, is reserved for those who are faithful unto death. To even suggest that this crown is for every believer, fire-baptized and lukewarm, dedicated and slothful, obedient and disobedient, on the same basis defies every truth in Scripture. The fact that some will be saved by fire is clearly established, but to put them in the same class as faithful who sacrifice all their life for their Lord is contrary to truth (and reason). God is no respecter of persons. “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” (I Peter 1:17)
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself promised this crown unto the “faithful unto death.” “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
Some of His greatest servants have turned away in their old age and lost their crown. I just read of Solomon who allowed his heathen wives to turn his heart until he built temples and high places to their idol gods. Apparently, he died in a backslidden state and lost his crown and even his soul (unless he repented). When Jesus said: “faithful unto death,” He meant “faithful unto death.”
The Apostle Paul was a faithful man who determined to receive a crown at the end of his race. He wrote to Timothy, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (II Timothy 4:5-8)
This apostle clearly connects his faithfulness with his assurance of a crown. Notice he said, “Henceforth” (because of), “there is laid up for me a crown.” He mentions, “which the righteous judge shall give me.” It is imperative that the hollow preaching you have heard be weighed clearly with what the Bible states. You will be judged and rewarded by the Word of God, not those fluffy sermons, based on somebody’s opinion.
Apostle Paul clearly identifies those who are going in the Rapture. To the Hebrew Christians he said, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:28) If you are not looking for Him, do not expect to be surprised when He comes. It will all be over before you realized you have missed the grandest event of the present age. Words do not describe how you will feel when you know He has come and you missed your crown. Then, your only hope will be to prepare with your family and be responsible to face a world without God, the mark of the beast, and, most likely, death as a martyr.
The Crown of the Bride
This crown is a diadem. It represents the power to rule or a place of imperial dignity. It is clearly a position of honor and glory at the right hand of Jesus Christ for eternity. It suggests a unique relationship with the Son of God, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. The world will be ours to rule in righteousness, while New Jerusalem will be our capital city. There are three promises concerning this crown. It will be a crown of righteousness, a crown of life and a crown of glory.
Crown of Righteousness
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (II Timothy 4:8) This will be an undefilable righteousness. It cannot be reduced or attacked. We will be forever crowned with His righteousness and holiness.
Crown of Life
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12) His eternal life will be our possession. It will be life in its fullness without one moment of depression, gloom, or emptiness. We will live with Him in His sovereign fullness.
Crown of Glory
“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (I Peter 5:4) This aspect of our future crown is indescribable. The glory that exists in the Heaven of our Father or in the Holy of Holies of His presence will encompass us in its fullness. We will share the likeness of His glory and be honored by His angelic host as we rule with Him for eternity. The world will know we are the Bride.
Hold Fast To Your Crown
Jesus said, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (Revelation 3: 11) You can lose your crown. After many years of faithful Christian living and service to Him, you can lose your crown. He would not have suggested the same as an idle threat. He does not use fear tactics. The Lord Jesus Christ wants you to inherit a crown of glory and to be chosen in His eternal Bride-ship.
To the Galatian church, Paul wrote, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” (Galatians5: 7-9) Why do men go back after running the race with joyfulness? Paul said it was the enemy, not the Lord Himself. You have an enemy of your soul that is determined to persuade you to the contrary of His perfect will. Make no place for him and do not bind to the criticism of the crowd.
Again, Paul wrote to the Hebrews, saying, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” (Hebrews 12: 15-17)
This warning is especially powerful. He charged us with “diligence, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you…” I doubt there has ever been a Christian believer who was not faced with the challenge to become bitter. The world is not fair. Satan does not use principles or values in his efforts for destruction. We are constantly faced with struggles that we do not understand. Friends forsake us and become sharp enemies. Bitterness can cost you your crown and even your soul.
In this text is the reminder of Esau, who sold his birthright (natural right) for one morsel of meat. Even after repentance, he was denied the inheritance though he sought it with carefulness and tears. Does that not suggest that a person who sells out their birthright may return in repentance and still lose their crown? They certainly would be saved after true repentance, but the loss of a crown is a matter for great concern.
The Holy Scripture plainly states that the gifts and calling of the Lord is without repentance. You cannot reject God’s will for your life by repenting of your disobedience. The Spirit said, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11: 29)
It is heartbreaking to think of the thousands of souls that will spend eternity without a reward because they built their life in a sloppy fashion! While there is only one foundation on which one can build, the responsibility for that life is the individual’s task. Hear how the Holy Spirit spoke this truth. “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” (I Corinthians 3:10-13)
The church is full of professing Christians who have no inkling of the accountability to which they shall answer. It will be shattering when at “The Judgment Seat” they lose all reward.
Of course, the ultimate sorrow is the millions who believe they can be saved by any kind of professing life or religious conduct. There will be a multitude that will be consigned to eternal hell because they did not experience the “born again” encounter with Jesus Christ. Certainly, that is an even greater loss.
Conclusion
Do not lose your crown! It is already late so there is no time to waste. The calling of God is without repentance. Whatever He gives you to do, do it with all your might. Do not use the excuse that there is nothing you can do. The Bible is full of Christian responsibility. From visiting the poor, the fatherless, the imprisoned, to giving a drink of water to the servants of God; there is an endless list of Biblical duties for the children of the Lord. My unsaved father taught me a little poem that has inspired my life (He was born again before he died).
“If a job is once begun
Never leave it until it’s done,
Be the labourer, great or small,
Do it well or not at all.”
Thanks, Dad!
SuperCounters
bren
I enjoy reading your post. When will the ones that will not be receiving a crown be judged? I thought at the beama seat our works will be judged but if they don,t go in the rapture l’m not sure when.
Lydia
Thank you, Pastor Chambers:
I needed this one today!
I live in an apt complex and I DO do the Lord’s will for my life….but I am soo persecuted that I cry myself to sleep in pray every night… I am 83 and harm or hurt no one….. I am come against every which way….. Even though I know my Bible I still ‘think’ I must fo something to displease my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ or such terrible things would not be happening to me. I DO live righteous before the Lord but no one can see that but Him…
I cannot go to church anymore because there is NO churches to go to here….
I long for just one GOOD Jesus church service…..
I do ASK Jesus what I am doing that would cause such hate and anger to come to my quiet door..?…, People are soo evil it is even difficult for me to conceive….
You are soo correct… the once church has turned into a football game-like place with cheerleaders and marching bands of people…. viving to be IN there…. pastors are saying IT is OK to sin because that is WHY Jesus went to the Cross. and that we are all sinners….
I left the world a long time ago almost when I was still youngest….
Now today I see such corruptions every which way.
I SEE many things that others have no clues about…. I have loved Jesus for many long years…….I may be a bit bitter ‘or maybe I wouldn’t cry soo much…. I long for the rapture but I am afraid it is still soooo faar away…. and I am a healthy old lady that takes no meds..but I am put down for the healthy way I eat….
I eat most all the foods God gave to Moses that we should eat.. I eat whole foods since 1971 after reading my Bible…….. I deny myself any kinds of fast foods.. MANY critizie me for that…BUT, The Bible does tell us ” to be wise in all things.”…… eating is part of that “be wise in ALL things.”
Thank you for your good news today.. I NEEDED this clean water today..
God Bless,
Lydia
Plumber Bolton
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