The House of St. Mary –
Christians were always wondered about the residence of St. Mary. Ancient travelers say she lived, died and buried in Ephesus. The “Ecuminical Church” Council of 431 A.D. determined that she came to that place with John Both lived and died in Ephesus only.
A German nun by name Catherina Emmerich happened to get vision and confirmed by the tradition. The site was also found exactly. Regarding her life, the nun never left her cell. In her old age, she was considered to be holy. It is really uncommon to call anyone ‘Holy’ when one was alive.
In 1818 the nun again received the visions of virgin Mary which were sketched by C.Brantino. Catherina Emmerich gave a statement about the house of virgin Mary. When Christians faced increasing persecution, Virgin May along with John fled from Jerusalem and came to Ephesus.
In 1891 Eugen Paulen the director of a college and a superior to Lazarests decided to investigate the vision of the nun. He appointed a committee also with a priest and some monks. After a good number of investigations, they found the house on “Bielbeldoge”. As Soon as the news about the house was announced, they spread all over the world and the archbishop “Temori” allowed to commemorate the services to be held in the house of Mary.
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Pope John XXIII declared the house site of St. Mary for pilgrimage in 1961 and hundreds of Christians visited the place including Muslims who believed on virgin Mary as the mother of prophet Jesus Christ. During the period of Byzantine rule, the house was converted into “Crucifomi Basilica” from which the relics were found.
The structure was restored according to the plan of legend. A red line was marked on the walls and the deginal shape was given. The statue was installed later. There was a compound wall with three gates. In the garden there are a good number of vessels with water and that water has the power of healing.
ABOUT ST. JOHN Quest for the Living God
John was one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. When he came to Jesus for the first time, he looked at his face and prophesied that John would see visions in his old age and write the last book of the Bible called “The Revelation”. John means “the grace of God’. The Roman government was in power in his time. On some reason, once he was caught and put in the prison in “Patmos”. Prior to that incident, he was put in the pan of hot oil but God saved him and he was freed. After the crucifixion all the disciples were scattered into different places because of the persecution by the Romans and John with Virgin Mary went to Ephesus.
At the time of crucifixion and death, Christ asked John to take care of his mother. So, both fled to Ephesus because of the constant persecution in Jerusalem. In that city John became a leader to the church also. In his old age as Christ prophesied, he wrote the book of Revelation. If we read it carefully, we can find that John used number seven about 36 times. So, some scholars proposed another title for the book called “The Book of Number Seven”. He lived for about 100 years and died in Ephesus only. In his book of Revelation, he gave a wonderful description of seven churches, wherein he saw Christ was moving among the seven churches called Seven Golden Columns, which represent seven churches.
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The wonderful and heartfelt messages given to the seven churches would certainly change our way of life, clean our souls and lead us to eternal life. Let us all hope and pray to our God Almighty for our everlasting life in His Kingdom. St. John really gave us a wonderful picture of the seven churches as Christ guided him to write that book.
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN
According to the tradition there, John became the leader to the church after Paul died. When he was alive he had a strong desire that when he died he wished to be buried in Ephesus only on a hill called “Aryasulluk”. Then after hundred years of his death a small Basilica was built on his tomb.
In the sixth century A.D. it was the hay day of Byzantine empire. The emperor Justinian wished to honour St. John the evangelist in a proper way. So he built an imposing Basilica in the area of the old one (Basilica means ‘Church’).
But the Byzantine Empire became weak day by day and the neighboring powerful people began to occupy the land. In addition to that the importance of Ephesus also decreased. Then came the powerful Arabs during the seventh century. They annexed even the church of St. John and converted that into a mosque.
Many people gave their testimonies that the dust came from St. John’s tomb had healing power and they were healed of their diseases. This happy news was spread and pilgrimages continued to his tomb.
The History of the Seven Churches
After a long time, Greeks became the rulers of Ephesus almost at the end of 1st world war. During their reign, a team of archeologists, started excavations and that continued for some years on the hill of “Ayasulik”.
They located the correct church campus of St. John. Then a wall with three gates was constructed for the protection of the church. In front of the church, on some of the columns, the visitors can see the monogram
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125 of emperor “Justinean” and his wife “Theodora”. Their sign indicated. They financed the construction of St. John’s Church. The church had a crucifome plan with six columns and four columns at its end carried a dome on them.
The Grotto of Seven sleepers
In the year 250 A.D. seven young Christian people were forced to leave Ephesus because they refused to pay offerings to the “Imperial Temple”. Then they anticipated some danger from the authorities and the punishment might be persecution. So, the seven members fled from the city Ephesus and hid themselves in a cave. There they slept a long sleep as nobody bothered about them.
Then, after two hundred years, they suddenly woke up from their deep sleep and found themselves in good condition. They came back to the city and lived with others as usual. This strange incident boosted up the image of Christianity in that city. These seven members requested their kith and kin that they should be buried in the same cave only after they died. Hearing all this story, many young men took a decision as they too must be buried in the same cave after they died. So when the excavation took place in 1927-28 to their great surprise, they found hundreds of tombs in that cave.
John wrote the book of Revelation or “The book of Number Seven” when he was in Ephesus (Turkey). In that book he described the impressions of Jesus Christ about the seven churches and indifferent behaviour of the congregation. In the Bible, it is said, the seven churches were in Asia. Asia is a big continent with many countries and Turkey is one of those.
Originally, it was Constantinople of Byzantine Empire and later it was changed into Istambul during Ottomon empire and again that is changed into modern Turkey. St. John concluded that the spirits of the seven churches were before God’s throne.
2. SMYRNA
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Smyrna was called the suffering church. It means “myrrh” which was given to Jesus mixing it with wine. The chief priest used this for the worship of “Tabernacle”. Myrrh represents suffering and sadness. It is believed that the church was in existence in between 120 and 130 A.D. The city is situated when trade became prominent with many people.
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When the city was in prosperous position, it was destroyed by the Indians and remained desolate for about 400 years.
The Greek emperor Alexander the Great tried to rebuild the city but he died without fulfilling that. In that city there were science and medical colleges. Then came the Roman rule. They built some temples for their use and worship. At the same time a Christian church was also built and one third of the total population became Christians. Jesus revealed to John about Smyrna that he preserved and had patience and not become weary.
Jesus told John as in Revelation 1:18, “I am He who lives and was dead and behold I am alive forever more. I have the keys of Hades and of death”
Jesus appreciated the members of that church and said I know you suffer. All their wealth was stolen. Yet they stood firm in their suffering. Then Jesus assured them not to be afraid of anything or trials.
Satan disturbed the church by destroying the activities of Jesus and the outsiders began to persecute them. But Jesus promised the members of the church.
Do not fear anyone of their things which you are about to suffer. Indeed the devil is about to throw you into the prison and you may be tested and you will have tribulation for 10days. But be faithful until death. I will give you the crown of life. So Jesus promised to give us life.
The city of Smyrna was famous for its history of great martyrs like “Policorp”. He was the first bishop who worshiped Jesus faithfully. He refused
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127 to worship Ceasar and even ready to die for Jesus. The Romans even threatened to kill him if he did not stop to love Jesus.
Then the bishop gave a suitable reply, “now I am 86 years old. My Jesus did not leave my hand. How can I deny Him now?” The bishop did not care their words and remained faithful to Jesus. In 1600 A.D. many earthquakes came and destroyed the city. In 1724 many places were burnt and perished. But still the church built in memory of Polycorp remained undisturbed and firm. Even today many pilgrims visit that place and worship Jesus. Many sick people with long suffering of more than 10 years come to that place and take dip in hot springs for healing themselves. So that place became famous for suffering Christians. This example and faith of bishop Polycorp would certainly encourage us to be stronger in our faith and wait for eternal glory.
3. PERGAMUM
The present name of Pergamum roots back to the ancient Pergamum named after Pergamos the son of mythological hero namely “Neoptoumos and Andramakkhe” But
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According to the mythology the foundation of ancient Pergamum and the first settlement had been formed by “Telephos” who was the heroic son of “Hercules and Ange”.
After a long time “Telephos” grew up to be a young man and came to Greece. According to mythology, this Telephos took part in Trojan wars and proved himself the embodiment of all heroic qualities. After the war was over, he returned to his motherland with his army and became the king of Mysia and established his kingdom with the first settlement of Pergamum. So the Attalos the founders of Pergamum kingdom believed that they were the roots of Telephos, Hercules and finally “Zeus” the god of gods.
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Recently, the history of Pergamum was established to be 5th century B.C. but the continuation of the research work in that area, showed that the archeological excavation with a strong evidence provided that the history of this Pergamum city began in about 8th century B.C. So at that time, there was no clear cut idea of the existence of Pergamum. But it was called “the Archoic Age”. The research scholars further indicated that the first and most concrete findings of Pergamum’s history belonged to the period after Hellenistic Age. So Pergamum was one of the rare cities that preserved, the characteristic structural inheritance of Hellenistic period until today. If we want to visit Pergamum in order to understand its history thoroughly we have to plan our trip in three different stages. The important places we have to see after Aeropolis are “Crimson Basilikah” and the “Museums which are located in the present living area.
The next important place is “Asklupieion” which was one of the main health centres of ancient period. And the third place is the Tumules of Maltipe” which is said to be one of the strongest area around ‘Anatolia”. After seeing all these important touring centres. One can see the importances of “Roman Era” in the protected area around Acropolis. Apart from all these things, some of the residential quarters in that place show the authentic qualities of the typical characteristics of Greeks, Turkish, and Jewish architectures. Finally we can also find the most sacred buildings of these three religious temples or places foundations and they are one after other in that place.
The acropolis of Pergamum is no doubt one of the most important and highest acropolis of ancient period. The kings like Alexander the Great who ruled the populations founded on that hill area as Pergamum’s “Eagles Nest”. The first excavations on this acropolis of Pergamum, were done during 1878 and 1886 with a team guided by a German engineer and a researcher “Carl Uman” and thereby Alexander Conye on behalf of Berlin Musium.
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The information people gathered had enlightened and they were also inspired by the historical importance of acropolis of Pergamum. Since then, the excavations continued until today, by different organizations. Their regular effort unearthed important buildings such as
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“Zeus”, “Aliah”, “Athena” Temple, gora, adalos dynasties places and Traianuem, had been brought to limelight. But due to the accurances of first and second world wars, there was a disturbance in the excavations.
Again the regular activities started in the year 1972 and they were supported by the German and Turkish governments and the efforts had been continued by the modern technologists. The excavated places of Pergamum found during the last century had been exhibited today in Berlin Pergamum.
As mentioned already the history of Pergamum will go back to the Hellenistic period. In the beginning of 4th century B.C. a small settlement was established and later the acropolis of Pergamum was conquered by Persians and they gave it to the reign of Demaratos the Spartan king. That is to say the age of Pergamum kingdom or Attolos kingdom was ended and Pergamum became one of the Asian province of Roman empire.
The Romans maintained their period by establishing wonderful buildings in Pergamum and made the city looked more beautiful than previous appearances. It is also very strange to hear that the Romans did not limit the independence of the people or collected any taxes from them and above all they assigned a local man as the governor of the city. By this we can understand that Pergamum was one of the popular cities of little Asia of the Roman empire as well.
The artistic and cultural activities were also not at all interpreted by them. Pergamum library became famous for its contents. It is said the concerned authorities of the library happened to send about 2, 00,000 manuscripts to the library of Alexandria in Egypt as a gift from Marcus Antonius to Cleopatra.
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As far as art and culture were concerned ancient Pergamum proved one of the most celebrated cities of western Anatolia. When we compare this to the contemporary cities, great artists and scientists like Mallos of Crates preferred to settle in Pergamum only than any other city. The city had a very good reputation for its parchment and also of the emperors in addition to trade between east and west.
The people of Pergamum made their living through agriculture and cattle feeding. They used to keep sheep, goats, pigs and horses and olive oil production was also the source of their income.
When Metriolaths king of Pontius kingdom captured the lands of Anatolia in 88 B.C., Ephesus and Pergamum participated in the war. In the meantime, many Romans living in Pergamum were punished with death penalty. When the Roman general “Sulla” retook the city of Pergamum the loyalty of the people increased a lot. There are many places yet to be excavated around the city, anxiously awaiting the future
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Explores Even today if we look towards the west, from Acropolis, we can see at a distance, ruins of two theatres built by Romans which were in good condition during that time, one theatre accommodated about 50,000 people and the other 30,000 people at a time. They remained even today as insignia of Roman rule.
Byzantine Period
When one of the seven churches of the last judgment in near east Asia was discovered in Pergamum, the city became first important place for Christians in west Anatolia. It is said in the 4th century A.D. a small group of Christians was formed in Pergamum. According to the letters of St. John the prophet, the first bishop of Christian society, in Pergamum was Gaius. Then Gaius was succeeded by Antipos who was a dentist and he was burnt and killed later by the pagans. Then the Roman emperor “Desius” punished
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131 the Pergamum Christians by death and also the Roman general wished to crucify the bishop Pirnius in Ephesus in 250 A.D. In Byzantine rule the city was affiliated to the Archbishop of Ephesus. During this period the city walls of Acropolis were altared and restored with bricks, rocks, dust and lime mortar. In addition to all that some new churches were built in Acropolis, though we can see only ruins of them today.
But the most important church built during the Byzantine rule was “Crimson Courtyard” of Serapis Temple sacrificed to St. John. As a result of Arabic invasions in 7th and 8th Centuries Pergamum was burnt and ruined. Then it was conquered by Karesiogullean in 1306 and became on of the centres of this principality. Finally in 1320 A.D. Ottomans took the city.
The Asklepieon of Pergamum
While going from Pergamum before reaching the “Izmir Canakkale” road and turn left you will see the road sign Asklupieon. Then a few kilometers further, you will find yourself in front of the entrance of Asklupieion of Pergamum. It was renowned as one of the three main centers of ancient period. The other centers were “Epidauras” and “Kos”. Most of the ruins we find today in Asklupieion of Pergamum belonged to the first half of the second century B.C.
In spite of all that, the continued researches revealed the Asklupieion of Pergamum had been founded in 9th century B.C. Pausanias the historian wrote that the temple at Asklepias was built in 4th century B.C. Pausanias also wrote according to mythological stories and the cult of Asklepios was brought to that place by a hero who was wounded on his foot while hunting in the mount of Madra in north of Pergamum.
As found in the mythological story “Archeos” who was wounded on foot went to the temple of Asklupieion in Epidauros Morler to regain his health. In course of time the Romans lost their importance and Christianity began to gain its popularity. The main reason why the
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Buildings on the holy area of Asklepiuon were preserved particularly because the hallow area was filled with the soil brought by rain water for centuries. The priests incharge of Asklepion of Pergamum were originated from the noble families of Pergamum.
The job of the priesthood was by inheritance that is if the father were to be a priest, after him his son would automatically become the priest. There was a chief priest also. Among the priests there were some physicians that treated the incoming patients by inspiration and the drugs they used were made from different plants. The patients used healing water and then mud baths too. They took part in sports also. The drugs used by the physicians to the patients and the methods like mud bath to the patients, all these things were inscribed and found in the excavations.
The Columned Street or Holy Road
This holy street lie just in front of this entrance and it is called “via Tecta”. It was formed with part of 820 meters long holy road. It connected the Asklupieion to the lower city during the Roman period. The part that belonged to Column Street is still seen today. It was about 140 meters long and it was exposed during Pergamum’s excavations. The pieces of some columns which have been replaced by new ones and the ground stones made up of stone blocks gave the true pictures of that ancient period. We can see in the southern part of the street the remains of a cylindrical grave memorial supposed to have been built in the era of Emperor Augustus (31 B.C. to 14 A.D.).
Beautiful examples of Hellenistic and Roman statues and sculptures were found when the streets excavated. Some of these art works are exhibited in the Pergamum museum.
Holy Tunnel
As it was constructed as a heath centre the Asklupieion contained various wonderful buildings. The city authorities built many attractive
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133 structures and one among them was 80 meter long Holy tunnel. It was connected to the temple of Telesphoros and perfectly preserved over the centuries. But it is buried under the soil and it is a great surprise to a visitor. The tunnel ceiling was decorated with holes in full length in order to allow the sunlight and air. It was constructed with walls intended to protect from cold. The patients would get out of healing water and mud baths and then go to the treatment centre again. The tunnel also healed the patients that entered into it in hot condition.
According to the descriptions that were found in the excavations it was a kind of treatment given to the patients using inspiration and the sound of water that comes from the Holy Spring.
Serapis Temple
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We can locate Pergamum at the end of acropolis excavation area and at the entrance of Centrum. We can find partially serviced remains, with its red bricks. It remains to the inside of the temple constructed in the name of the god of Serapis. This ruined building today identified as that “red courtyard” or the red Basilica. It was constructed with red bricks in an area of 200 X 100 meters. It had also wide courtyard in front of that Basilica. In ancient terms the town part was surrounded by columns and the other parts covered by marble pieces. And also in the olden days, the pavement of the temple was completely covered with marble.
This temple had changed its name during the era of Byzantine reign into a church. This structure needed some alterations, especially in the asis part. If we look at the remains of the Church, today we can understand the architectural structure reminds us that it is like the Basilica type church.
There are two symmetrical buildings on the eastern side of the temple courtyard which are the reminiscent of a church. During the Roman rule in Pergamum the temples and the chapel shaped cult rooms were constructed inside. The entrance of the temple is known as crimson courtyard in Pergamum. It faces towards the west that symbolizes death. People say it
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was vowed to Serapis the god of hell or underground. It is also identified with the Greeks Hades. This temple was amended during Byzantine rule and functioned as a church named to St. Jonnes that is St. Jean (John).
4. THYATIRA
This was called “immoral church”. Thyatira means ‘traditional activities’ (Rev 2:18-29). This church was bigger than all the other six churches. This place was situated 45 miles away from Ephesus and Smyrna. A message was given to this church where in a few truths were mentioned.
1.God is advising not to entertain baseless and diluted faith.
2.He said one must be holy and clean in his heart.
3.Basing on some Bible truths and vedas some writings were found in the
Basilica during 2nd and 6th centuries when it was excavated. It was an
old construction actually, and all the synagogues that were built in that
area were facing Jerusalem only.
Thyatira became very famous for trade and business in those days. The people became experts in tanning and colouring cloths. They used to sell powders also. A woman by name Lydia became very famous for setting purple colour from that city. As the city became popular for all kinds of business, people from different places came and settled there. At present the city is called with a different name “Akissar”.
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God’s eyes are always on the faithful and righteous people. Regarding the name given to that church is really wonderful. God said, “I am searching the mind and heart. I will reward you according to your work. I will give power over the nations, who can love and follow me.”All of us must have faith and hope to seek the life of eternity, waiting patiently with pure and holy life.
5. SARDIS
The church of Sardis was called “the dead church”. The word Sardis came from ‘Stalin’ which means information. It was situated in the kingdom
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135 of Lydia and 50 miles east of Smyrna. It is famous for great trees, cloths, industries and jewelry business. There are gold mines also in that place. In olden days it was considered to be a rich area. It was conquered by Alexandar the Great and then king Koresh.
In 1710 that place was destroyed by an earthquake. But the Romans rebuilt it. During that period many people were converted into Christianity. In 1909, Professor H.C. Butler of Princeton University happened to dig the tunnels with the help of some other people. After excavation many interesting things were found like coins, jewelry, pots, brass lamps, medieval jars, written papers etc., In their digging 270 X 60 ft. synagogue was also found.
But the people of that place became impure due to their sinful activities like adultery. The spirituality was completely dead. The angel of the church of Sardis explained to them with seven spirits of God and the seven stars, “I know your works and you have a name that you are alive but you are dead. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die for I have not found your woks perfect before God.”
There was appreciation for this church as a few members were holy who did not defile the garments. They shall walk with Jesus in white for they are worthy. God will keep their names in the book of life. Therefore we must live our short life in this world with faith and action so that we reap the reward in the next world. Jesus will certainly confess the names that are holy before God and the angels. We must live as practical Christians. In this context Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 5:14, “Awake you who sleep arise from the dead and Christ will give you light”. According to him one must recall perfection in continuous prayers and in faith and repentance. We must be active spiritually and wait for a reward God wants to give us.
6. PHILADELPHIA
This was called a “Faithful church”. Philadelphia means brotherly love. This city was situated 28 miles away from Sardis and there was also a nearby village called Lydia. In that
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Place there were many wine gardens, from which they get pure wine. It was a hilly area. The city was built by the king “Antalous” which was called second Philadelphia. At present that place is called Allasker.
This place became popular for Christianity as the doors were opened for preaching the gospel. So the Angel of the church of Philadelphia wrote, “He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens no one shuts and shuts no one can open it.”
“I will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world and advised to hold fast what you have and no other man takes your crown. The overcomers will have rewards and they will be made pillars in the temple of God. Their names and the name of that city will be also mentioned, as new name shall be written.” So the message reminds all of us to be careful about false doctrine. We must have patience and faith and pray more.
God’s promises are clear, because He will keep us as pillars and if Christ wants to keep us in high places nothing can stop Him from that as He got the keys for different blessings. We have to claim our promises and try hard to achieve our inheritance that God kept for us. Five good promises were given to the past church and they are still alive for us to receive. So as to receive all the above said promises we must try to live a pure and holy life.
7. LAODICEA
This was called “Lukewarm” church. This was established by Antiocus II through his wife “Layodia” in 250 B.C. The meaning of the church of Laodicea was righteousness and justice of people. It was a rich city with fertile lands and beautiful gardens. The cattle were fed and the fur of sheep was used to prepare beautiful carpets or shawls etc.,
The city was famous for Greek culture, art, industries, medical centers, and other activities. It is 22 miles away to Colossi. And in their regular
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137 excavations some remains of prayer cells were found. In 62 A.D., a big earth quake occurred and there was a total destruction of the city.
This church was not with sinners like the sinners of other churches and added to that it was not following false doctrines. Apostle Paul never visited this church, but wrote a letter to them. He said in Colossians 4:16, “…see that it is read in the church of Laodicea and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea”. “I know your work that you are neither cold nor hot. I would with you were cold or hot. “According to Paul, faith must be exposed through deeds. We must understand that our deeds have no connection with the fear of God or love for God. He was speaking
To the church for they need to be careful about their behaviour and respect. If a person is hot he can ignite another one and it pleases God. If he is lukewarm God will hate such people because they will be carefree and have no hunger or thirst for spiritual matters. These lukewarm people will oppose the Lord. They will lose to power of God and the result is spiritual decay. The lukewarmness in the heart of people will cause deceitfulness and spiritual decay. Such people appear to be normal inside but there is “sin” in their hearts.
The church members who are lukewarm can see but they are blind to the spiritual vision. They are naked in the sight of God and He gave warning to such people, “I counsel you to buy gold from me that is refined in the file that you may be rich that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed…”
The word of God is like sweet honey as Jeremiah ate the book and felt it was sweet. We must also use the word of God and meditate both day and night, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him and he with me.”With all that God’s mercy will be with us and forgive us so that we can open our door of heart to allow Jesus to stay forever and ever, Amen.
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12. A SCROLL WITH SEVEN SEALS
The title “A scroll with 7 seals” is a key to watching the chronology of the last days. In this context the readers are advised to look into three major issues which are like foundations for a proper understanding of the last days.
As the first point it is clearly indicated in the bible that there will be a climate in the seven year period of time during which God is going to bring history to a proper and righteous consummation. This valuable piece of information has been provided to us through the scriptures of beloved prophet Daniel while Daniel was in captivity in Babylon; he felt he was more concerned to the destiny of his people (the Jews) and the holy city Jerusalem; which was totally destroyed by the king of Babylon. At that time Daniel was called by the Lord through his prayers. This man of God was given a prophetic vision, which revealed the destiny of his people and their holy city. Prophet Daniel also saw in his vision the plan of God to bring history to an epic conclusion in future final seven year period of time.
The second issue is that we must throw more Light on the crucial importance over the reference to this seven year period of its proper. Biblical Name: It is the 70th week of the book of Daniel. This future period of time is common but according to some eminent Scholars incorrectly referred to as the tribulation. This name tribulation has been superimposed upon this seven year period without biblical justification. Here the readers must try to understand the correct designation. So that they would not be misled regarding the understanding of the timings of rapture and the events connected to the second coming of Jesus Christ.