Philadelphia signifies "brotherly love," and expresses the position
and spirit of those who received the advent message up to the autumn of 1844.
As they came out of the sectarian churches, they left party names and party feelings behind, and every heart beat in unison as they gave the alarm, pointing to the coming of the Son of man as the consummation of the true believer's hope.
The Spirit of God was with every true believer, and his praise on every tongue.
Those who were not in that movement know nothing of the deep searching of heart, consecration of all to God, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit, and pure, fervent love for each other, which true believers then enjoyed.
That Christ receives the kingdom, takes the throne of David, before his second advent, is plainly taught. This union is represented by the marriage of Matt. 25 :10, and is called "the marriage of the Lamb." Rev. 19 :7.
Since 1844 has been the patient, waiting, watching time. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God." Rev. 14:12. "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning ; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding." Luke 12:35,36.
James White
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write;
These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
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.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and 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.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Revelation 3:7-13
As they came out of the sectarian churches, they left party names and party feelings behind, and every heart beat in unison as they gave the alarm, pointing to the coming of the Son of man as the consummation of the true believer's hope.
Selfishness and covetousness were laid aside,
and a spirit of consecration and sacrifice was cherished.
The Spirit of God was with every true believer, and his praise on every tongue.
Those who were not in that movement know nothing of the deep searching of heart, consecration of all to God, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit, and pure, fervent love for each other, which true believers then enjoyed.
That Christ receives the kingdom, takes the throne of David, before his second advent, is plainly taught. This union is represented by the marriage of Matt. 25 :10, and is called "the marriage of the Lamb." Rev. 19 :7.
Since 1844 has been the patient, waiting, watching time. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God." Rev. 14:12. "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning ; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding." Luke 12:35,36.
James White
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write;
These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
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.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and 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.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Revelation 3:7-13
