PHILADELPHIA: We have just talked about churches, where those that attend are the elect of God. Now in the church in Philadelphia. It is talking about the very elect. ( 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. ) We know that temptation means--To try and persuade; especially into doing something wrong or unwise; that which is made to seem to be an attractive or inviting offer to do something wrong or unwise. We know that the time is comming during the first three and a half years of tribulation, which is the rule of the antichrist. That all that are upon the whole earth will have to make a choice. To receive or to reject the mark of the antichrist. It will be very tempting to do so, seeing that no one will be able to buy or sell without this mark. Making it where one will not be able to care for himself, his wife, or their children. If they are not fully trusting in God. ( this is the patience and the faith of the saints ) This is the hour of temptation that Jesus is talking about. There will be many who have lived loose christain lives, that will take this mark. Believing that this man is Christ. Forgetting the warning that our Lord has given us. ( behold if they say that I am in the dessert, go not forth, if they say that he is in his secrete chamber believe it not ) But the Lord knew that there would be some that believe. saying ( if another comes in my name, him you will recieve. ) But to those that are the very elect of God, will he give the strength and power to refuse, who have put their full trust and faith in him. ( He that hath the key of David ( Isaiah explains this. The key of David was used to lock any door that David wanted locked. And no one was allowed to open the door once closed and locked except he that had the key. And onced open no one was allowed to close the door except he that held the key. ) ( I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie, to come and worship before thy feet ) Not worship us but before our feet as they all shall bow and worship our Lord, Confessing that Jesus is Lord. ( 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. ) These names are not visible to the eye, but will be to the angels of God. A seal in our forehead, showing that we were found worthy to enter into the new city and take our inheritance, the place that Jesus went and prepared for us, so that where he is we may be also. James Walker
