Revelation 3:22 reads, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” 

We belong to a local church, Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church.  However, it really does not matter what church we belong to (of course, Bible believing faithful churches).  The Lord speaks to seven churches in Asia Minor, representing all churches on earth, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”  This verse is repeated seven times in Revelation 2-3.  Yes, seven times.  If the Lord says something, He does not say it for nothing or by chance.  In all His dealings, we may trace design, purpose, and plan.  There was design in the size and orbit of the planets.  There was design in the shape and structure of the least fly’s wing.  There was design in every verse of the Bible.  There was design in every repetition of a verse, wherever it took place.  There was design in the sevenfold repetition of the verse before us.  This verse calls the special attention of all true Christians to the seven epistles to the churches.  What does it preach to us?

Firstly, all the seven epistles speak of matters of doctrine, practice (good and bad), warning, and promise.  The Lord rebukes those who preach false doctrines and do ungodly practices.  He praises and bestows high commendation on those who faithfully practice patience, work, labour, and perseverance.  Interestingly, what is missing from these epistles is any reference to church government, ceremonies, liturgies, or forms.  There are episcopalian, brethren, congregational, and Presbyterian types of church government.  All of them are examples of church government.  While church government is important, it is not included in the Lord’s epistles to churches.  The Lord does not talk about the observance of ceremonies and forms.  For example, He does not make reference to baptism by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling.  This does not mean the various views regarding different modes of baptism is not important.  All I am saying is that they are not included in the Lord’s dealings in the epistles to the churches.  Although the Lord is the Head of His church He does not say anything about this.  I do not mean that they do not have any value.  We do value them and are thankful for them.  At the same time, we believe that repentance toward God, faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and a holy manner of life, are subjects of far more importance to our souls.  Without these no man can be saved.  These are the first and most weighty matters, and therefore on these we dwell.  In addition to that, our relationship with the Lord must be primarily personal and then corporate.  There must be personal dealings between us and God, and personal deep communion between our own heart and the Holy Ghost. 

Second, all seven epistles speak of the Lord’s knowledge of our works.  To one church the Lord says, “I know thy labour” and “patience,” to another, the “tribulation” and “poverty,” and to another, thy “charity,” “service,” and “faith.”  But to all He uses the words, “I know thy works.”  It is not, I know thy profession, thy desires, thy resolutions, thy wishes, but thy works. 

The works of a professing Christian are of great importance.  However, they cannot save their souls, justify them, wipe out their sins, or deliver them from the wrath of God.  They are however still important. Take heed and beware of such a notion.  We often think that we could willingly die for the doctrine of justification by faith without the deeds of the law.  But we must earnestly contend, as a general principle, that a man’s works ARE the evidence of his faith.  If we call ourselves Christians, we must show it in our daily ways and daily behaviours. 

We ought to remember that the faith of Abraham and of Rahab was proved by their works James 2:21-26, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? ²² Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? ²³ And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. ²⁴ Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ²⁵ Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? ²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”. 

To profess that we know God does not mean anything, if in works we deny Him

Titus 1:16, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate”. 

Jesus says, “Every tree is known by its own fruit” (Luke 16:44). 

Whatever the works of a professing Christian, Jesus says, “I know them!”  His eyes are surely in every place, beholding the evil and the good.  We never did an action, however private, that Jesus did not see.  We never spoke, not even in a whisper, that Jesus did not hear.  We never wrote a word, even to our dearest friend, that was hid from Jesus. We never had a thought, that Jesus did not know.  His eyes are as a flaming fire.  The darkness is not darkness with Him.  All things are open and manifest before Him.  He says to everyone, “I know thy works.” 

The Lord Jesus knows the works of all impenitent and unbelieving souls and will one day punish them.  They are not forgotten in heaven, though they may be upon earth.  When the great white throne is set, and the books are opened, the wicked will be judged “according to their works.” 

The Lord Jesus knows the works of His own people and warns them.  “By Him actions are weighed” (1 Samuel 2:3). 

He knows the why and the wherefore of the deeds of all believers.  He sees their nature in every step they take.  He discerns their motives.  He discerns how much is done for His sake, and how much is done for the sake of praise.  He will one day reward them.  He never overlooks a kind word, a kind deed done in His name.  He will own the least fruit of faith and declare it before the world in the day of His appearing.  If we love the Lord Jesus and follow Him, we may be sure our work and labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.  The works of those that die in the Lord shall follow them.  They shall not go before them, nor yet by their side, but they shall follow them and be owned in the day of Christ’s appearing.  The world may not know us, because it does not know our Master.  But Jesus sees and knows all.  “I know thy works.”

Lovingly,

Pastor Emeritus Ki

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