A Severe Warning

Studying God's character in the light of love, one can very quickly create in one's mind an image of infinite mercy without justice. There are even those who believe that the Lord only loves to forgive and bless, and if a person does not want to repent, then protection is removed from them, and then this soul falls under the power of dark forces that begin to torment it with all kinds of fears and misfortunes and can even deprive it of life.

When a person living in sin and openly declaring that God created them this way and accepts and loves them in this state distorts God's character, those listening begin to imagine the Christian God in an incorrect light.

Against the background of such a distorted representation, it is very easy to propose another deity, lacking love but possessing a sense of justice and punishing sinners with merciless judgments. And some people even decide to become the punishing sword of their gods to destroy the wicked.

But our God is Love, is Agape. And this is a combination of mercy and justice.

In the message to Laodicea, not a single praise is expressed, nor are there any warnings, but only a short "repent" sounds. The Lord knows what temptations we will face and how skillfully the enemy of the soul will seduce us, therefore the Faithful Witness assures us of His tender and just love, and the most effective help is offered to us, and a great reward to the obedient.

It is worth noting that the Book of Revelation contains information about political events of all Christian eras and also tells about what forces will rule the world at the end of history and how God will punish the wicked. The most formidable and solemn warnings are described in Revelation 14:9-11 as the message of the third angel. And another warning is placed at the very end of this book. In Revelation 22:18-19, we read: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll."

Both these warnings directly relate to us and very clearly indicate what will happen to those who, in ignorance or consciously, abuse God's mercy. Such people will have to personally experience the other side of love — justice, which sounds like something very solemn but contains God's wrath, fury, plagues that cause torment and anxiety. One does not want to speak about this side of love, but it exists. And love is a combination of perfections into which we are invited to be clothed. (Colossians 3:4) The verse from Revelation 3:18 contains advice that gives an exit from a lukewarm state. It is worth studying, deciphering, and applying to oneself.

One should not attribute to this narrative what is not in it. Such an approach threatens that those reading incorrect explanations will accept this message in a distorted form or turn away from it. As a result, judgments in the form of plagues will be a just punishment for those who are mistaken and for those who lead others into this temptation. But it is also not worth ignoring this advice, as this threatens to have my name removed from the Book of Life.

In the symbols of Heavenly goods, we are offered all of Heaven and that power of love and wisdom that can become mine if I buy it and am diligent in this action. And my decision to be a constant buyer and have close communion with the Seller has far-reaching consequences that extend into Eternity.

But to obtain this right, I must fulfill all conditions, learn all assignments, go through all trials, and successfully pass the exams.

In my life, I have completed some educational institutions and received various rights for many types of activities. What was common in all of this was passing exams that determined the depth of my knowledge. I was not aware of what questions would be asked, so I had to learn everything, and it was precisely the combination of everything that helped me successfully answer and complete practical work. The acquired knowledge now helps me live qualitatively and plan my life activities because I make decisions based on the lessons learned and studied from those distant days.

Upbringing and education are what we instill in our children so that they can worthily use the assimilated culture and knowledge throughout their lives. They do not take exams from us, but life tests the invested education, and experience establishes it in the heart.

The Lord also educates us for His purposes so that we can live worthily according to Eternal laws even here. He does not want us to get sick through our foolishness or receive the right to death through our ignorance. But God respects our choice.

At the very beginning of the Book of Revelation, a blessing is given for those reading it and all who listen. There is also a small word "keeping" that should be given special attention. (Revelation 1:3) Those keeping are those who study the truth, comprehend the depths, and, having known this, live according to the knowledge received.

The counsel to Laodicea opens the door to obtaining the most important knowledge for the last time, which makes the learner a victor in the final and decisive exam.

Once, I wanted to obtain the right to drive a car. I studied traffic rules, driving features, and signs. At the exam, I had a couple of minor mistakes, but I passed. To this day, the knowledge gained preserves my life and my cars from catastrophe.

The Lord offers us knowledge of Himself and in Revelation 3:18 advises buying this knowledge. He is ready to come in the role of a Teacher to guide us and consolidate all the theory of truth in practice, periodically sending us to the battlefield. He needs not just survivors in this war, but victors, those who know how to attack, destroy, surround, and capture.

The Faithful Witness's counsel does not offer a replacement of old with new but opens the door to a deeper understanding of ancient truths laid out on the pages of the Bible. Jesus desires to give me genuine knowledge in comprehending Himself.

And why do I need this? Ahead of us awaits a special war using unusual means. A powerful army of the enemy of the soul is arrayed against me: journalists, doctors, teachers, scientists, ministers, bankers, deputies, lawyers, presidents, relatives, and neighbors. They will set traps for me and surround me from all sides, offering to switch to their side since they are the majority. Their weapons will be flattery, lies, threats, scientific discoveries, common good, a beautiful future, comfort, satiety, trade, money. They will use all this to lead me to surrender my firm Biblical positions and worship the beast. But knowledge of the truth and goods from Laodicea will help me resist these people and emerge victorious from this war.

And now the preparation for a battle that seems to have already begun is in full swing. It is worth remembering the warnings that await unwise and careless warriors of Christ. Peaceful time is already past; spiritual sleep does not grant me advantages. But God's love in my mind will be my help and support during this time. Nothing will withstand against it.

The victor will inherit Heaven and receive everything.

Questions for Reflection on this Chapter

1. Please read Proverbs 30:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 11:26-28; 12:32; 30:19-29; Psalm 26:1-3; 18:8-11; 84:11-12; Matthew 24:9-13; Revelation 1:3; 3:18-21; 6:9-10; 14:9-12,19-20; 16:1; 20:13-15; 22:17-20; Psalm 44:7-8; Joshua 24:15 in light of this chapter.

2. What did you understand from this chapter?

3. Can you combine mercy and justice in one person? What does this look like?

4. Why are we given such severe warnings? Wouldn't it be simpler to forgive and forget everything?

5. Do you think the Lord will fulfill His promise of punishment?

6. How does punishment for God's children differ from punishment for the wicked? (Proverbs 19:18-19)

7. What distinguishes human anger from God's anger?

8. Is it possible that God's judgments will be virtual, relating only to the spiritual world?

9. To which group do you think God will assign those who reject the counsels to Laodicea?

10. Have you already decided to make purchases in the Laodicean store? If not, what is the reason?

11. What will be the first of the Heavenly goods that you will buy?

12. Can one buy only white clothing and leave everything else unattended?

13. Is something important being revealed to you in these lessons?

14. How do you imagine the war of the last time?

15. Who are your enemies? And why do you consider them enemies?