The Seven Types of Christians

Last updated on: June 8, 2017 at 1:25 pm by Coleman Glenn

The Seven Types of Christians 2017-06-08T13:25:08-07:00 Coleman Glenn

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ephesus

Message to the church: ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’ (Revelation 2:1-7)

Spiritual type: People who primarily regard doctrinal truths and not goods of life (Apocalypse Revealed §73)

Description: The people of the church in Ephesus have “tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars.” They are opposed to the heretical Nicolaitans (whose heresy, according to Apocalypse Revealed, was that a person could earn salvation by doing enough good deeds). These are people who have their doctrine right, and care about other people getting it right. That’s not a bad thing. But when you make doctrine the most important thing, it’s easy to “forget your first love” – to remember that the purpose of all true doctrine is to facilitate love.

Call to action: If you resonate with the description of Ephesus (and I confess that of all the churches this is the one that I usually feel closest to), the call is to repent and to go back to the basics – love to God, love to the neighbor. Doctrine is good, but if it is divorced from love, it leads to pride and coldness.

Promise: There is hope for the people of Ephesus – if you remember to focus on charity, your head knowledge will come alive as heart knowledge. In other words, you will be given fruit from the tree of life.

Go back Continue Reading

Religion

Apocalypse Revealed

Revelation

Previous Post

May 26, 2017

I Was a Preteen Wannabe Jedi

Next Post

June 28, 2017 I Have a New Job!

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Art Books Culture Humor Miscellany Morality Movies Music Personal Politics Religion Science Sermons The Best Things Theatre Uncategorized

Select a Month April 2019 October 2018 September 2018 July 2018 May 2018 April 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 November 2016 July 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 September 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 November 2014 October 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 October 2012 September 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 January 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was the only female judge of Israel?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Hannah Esther Deborah Ruth