<> Ask the Pastor The Rev. Walter P. Snyder It seems I'm trapped. Several people have asked different questions from the Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse. Before we start, keep in mind that this book has more people attempting to explain it than probably any other portion of Scripture. Also remember that my interpretation of Revelation is always "Christocentric"--that is, I believe that Christ and his work and purposes are at the heart of all Scripture. Additionally, I view Revelation not as a secret code designed to walk us through the end of time but as prophetic warning against falling away and a promise of God's faithfulness and our eventual triumph. Q: In Revelation, why did God find favor with only two churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia? What is the meaning of the "synagog of Satan" that claims to be Jews but is not? It appears in both churches' letters. A: Actually, both heard more unqualified praise from the Lord than did the others. All of the other five were not totally devoid of the Lord's favor. Sardis, which was called "dead" still had "a few people...who have not soiled their clothes" and who would wear the white garments of victory. Thyatira, Pergamum, and Ephesus received mixed praise and condemnation. Only Laodicea was roundly condemned: "I am going to spit you out of my mouth." And even here, the Lord urged them to "buy" from him that which they needed, his gold (the imperishable treasure of heaven) and his white clothes (the garment of righteousness provided by Christ). This "purchase" is through faith in God's promises. If they would return to his promises, they, too, would be saved. It appears that "Satan's synagog," made up of those "who say that they are Jews--yet are not--but are lying" might be similar to the circumcision party in Galatia. These "Judaizers" burdened consciences by telling Gentile converts that they were not fully saved until they also took the works of the Old Testament Law upon themselves. They were not truly Jews, for they did not look for the fulfillment of the Law in Christ Jesus. If they had done this, they would not have sought to burden others' consciences. Q: The Church seems confused today about who will be saved when all is said and done. I admit that I am a convinced Universalist. I believe that Rev. 5:13 substantiates this. What victory would it be if ONE person was outside the Love, Mercy, and Grace of God? Rev. 5:13 reads, "And every created thing which is in Heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, 'To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.'" If all are not eventually saved by His mercy which endureth forever, then I must not be interpreting scripture rightly. I'd appreciate your thought on this subject. A: By itself, I can see where this passage might lead toward an understanding of universal salvation, since it mentions "every created thing." However, if eternal condemnation is not an option for those who reject the Gospel, then God has been lying to us. Jesus himself warns of everlasting torment in several places in the Gospels. The Epistles likewise contain such warnings. And just a bit earlier in Revelation, the Lord used blunt language to several of the seven churches, warning them that to persist in false doctrine or lukewarm practice was to invite eternal disaster. The victory would be complete even if no one believed, for it is Christ who has already triumphed over sin, death, and devil. It is not constructive to dwell upon "Who will be saved and who will be damned?" To do so leads either to worry and possible despair or to a false sense of security. Q: I have been working my way through some studies on Revelation and have a question. In Rev 1:7 it says "and all the kindred spirits shall wail because of him." I think this is a pivotal verse--but what does it mean? A: Actually, a better translation would be "all the tribes of the land" or, perhaps, "all the people of the earth." This is almost word-for- word what Jesus says in Matthew 24:30. Notice how the verse singles out "even the men who pierced him." This is a passage of judgment: Those who live in evil will mourn his coming. It is pivotal, because of its finality. When Christ comes, there will be no tomorrow to make amends. He will take his believers to heaven; the unbelievers will be left for eternal torment. That's it for now. You can submit questions by mail to "Ask the Pastor," PO Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or just stop me on the street. Walter Snyder is the pastor of St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches in Jasper and Woodville and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1998 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.