Dr Paul Allen

In Revelation 1:4–5, John gives what appears to be a Trinitarian greeting from God, the Spirit, and Jesus; but in place of the Spirit, he highlights the “seven spirits before his throne.” John: To the seven churches in Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits, before his throne, and from Jesus Christ. These seven spirits appear three more times in Revelation: Thus says the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. (3:1) Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. (4:5) He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the earth. (5:6) These references raise an important question: Why does John replace an expected reference to the Holy Spirit with a reference to seven spirits of God? What does this mean? Symbolic apocalyptic visions defy all attempts at perfect systematisation. The seven spirits of God are symbolically described t...

English: St. Paul by El Greco, c. 1608-1614. Originally taken from artchive.com (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God , and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead." ( Revelation 3:1 ) The church at Sardis received the saddest of the Lord 's seven letters in Revelation. Sardis seemed to want to remain known as a "live" church, but the Lord saw their real testimony and reputation and concluded that they were "dead."Many such places around the world today are enshrined with stained glass , statuary, crosses, and inscriptions that have the "name" of Christianity emblazoned throughout their property, yet they are dead spiritually. Such churches might be compared to the monuments and gravestones erected in cemeteries to honor the memories of faithful men and women of past generations who wer...