I was reviewing the article I wrote for Associated Content “The Significance of the Seven Churches of Revelation” last night. It dawned on me that there is something different about that church in Christ’s message to them.
One of those differences is not a promise to return. He promises to return to all seven churches, which have led many to believe that all seven churches exist at His return.
Of course, we all probably know that the Church at Philadelphia was the only one of the seven that Christ did not chastise. To all of the others, He had something negative to say.
Another thing that has been pointed out repeatedly by those who believe in a Place of Safety is Jesus’ promise to “keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Rev 3:10). This promise is taken as protection against the Great Tribulation.
But, do you notice another difference? When you put 2 and 2 together, is there a reason that those in Philadelphia don’t see the “hour of temptation”?