Revelation 3:7-13 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things said he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David… I. ITS CONNECTION WITH CHRIST. 1. Christ recognises it. 2. Christ honours it. 3. Christ imparts it. Power over — (1) Circumstances. (2) Society. (3) Temptation. II. ITS INFLUENCE OVER ERROR (ver. 9). The general idea is, that false religion shall pay homage to the moral power of Christians. How is this done? The moral power of Christianity comes in contact with corrupt human nature in three forms: — 1. As a morality. It is a regulated system, and its laws commend themselves both to man's natural love of his own rights, and his natural love of his own interests. 2. As an institution. The mind must have worship, must have a dietary and a ritual of devotion. Christianity, as an institution, appeals to that. 3. As a theology. It is a system of belief, and thus appeals to man's craving after truth. III. ITS FUTURE REWARD. 1. Preservation. 2. Visitation. 3. Exaltation. (1) Stability. (2) Utility. (3) Divinity. (Caleb Morris.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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; |
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