Revelation: Living with Security

Revelation 3:7-13

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ” is a message about Jesus that comes directly from Jesus. The book covers a lot, but Jesus remains always at the center. 

The Revelation begins with a brief introduction and a vision of Jesus in the first chapter. Then, in chapters 2-3, Jesus writes letters to seven first-century churches. These churches face real issues, which are common, ongoing problems that the body of Christ has faced throughout church history. I will expand on this in the Weekend Recharge. 

Today, we're focusing on the church in Philadelphia. We’ll use the same format as before. 

The Person of Jesus
As Jesus introduces this letter, he describes himself as “the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens” (Rev. 3:7). 

“The holy one” identifies Jesus as God, emphasizing his divine nature. God uses this title for himself in Isaiah 40:25 when he asks, “‘To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?’ says the Holy One” (NIV). In John’s Gospel, he records a confession made by Simon Peter about Jesus, using the same title: "…And we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69).  

“The true one” signifies that Jesus is completely trustworthy, and all his words are holy and truthful. Whatever he says, he will accomplish. 

Jesus is the one “who has the key of David.” This description was used to counter the claims of Jews who said Jesus was the false Messiah. The key Jesus holds comes from the lineage of King David. Only Jesus has the key to the kingdom, which God promised David would be “established forever” (2 Sam. 7:12-16).[1] Jesus’ work is certain and final. What he opens stays open, and what he shuts stays shut.  

This description of Jesus was very encouraging news for the people of Philadelphia. They faced instability and fear. Approximately eighty years before this letter, a massive earthquake had devastated the city. Afterwards, many people moved to the outskirts, believing they would be safer in case of another major earthquake. However, for the believer, we know that no matter our circumstances, Jesus provides security and stability... all the way to heaven. 

Praise for the Believers
Jesus is fully aware of the church’s good works (Rev. 3:8a). He had given them the security of “an open door, which no one is able to shut” (Rev. 3:8b). The believers in Philadelphia responded well to this assurance. Although they had “little power,” they remained faithful to Jesus’ Word and did not deny his name (Rev. 3:8). Jesus promised to protect them from the “synagogue of Satan.” This synagogue was made up of ethnic Jews who rejected Jesus and, likely, were persecuting the believers. Jesus assured the church that a time would come when he would address this group, and “they will learn that I have loved you” (Rev. 3:9).

The Promise
Jesus does not mention any issues in the church, but goes straight to the promise. 

Revelation 3:10-11a
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. 

While some may disagree, I believe Jesus is describing the rapture. Before the great tribulation, which we will discuss later in Revelation, I believe God will “rapture” or take believers out of this final persecution. Just as Noah and his family were rescued from the flood and Lot and his family were saved from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, believers will also be spared from going through the tribulation period. 

Paul tells believers that when Jesus returns, we “will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17). The word translated “caught up” (Grk: harpazo) means to “snatch away,” “take away.” This passage seems to confirm that true Christians will be delivered from the great tribulation.

There will be more time to discuss the rapture in our study, but for now, we’ll focus on Jesus’ message to the Philadelphian believers. He tells them, “I am coming soon.” “Soon” can be translated as “suddenly”. Jesus promises to keep them from a trial that is not localized but will affect the whole world. That sounds like the great tribulation to me. The believers in Philadelphia were spared the great tribulation through their physical deaths. Those who are alive at the time of the great tribulation will be raptured or “caught up” to be with Jesus. But again, we’ll have more about that later.

For now, this is what we know: whether we praise God for escaping the tribulation or endure it with his strength, we still hold onto the great hope and confidence that Jesus is coming soon.  

Jesus challenges the believers in Philadelphia to “Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown” (Rom. 3:11). “Hold fast” or perseverance is always a sign of true believers. And God is the One who enables us to persevere. 

After the challenge, Jesus returns to the promise.

Revelation 3:12-13
The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 

This passage highlights two important promises. First, Jesus will make believers a “pillar in the temple of my God.” Pillars symbolize strength and endurance. Even after multiple earthquakes in Philadelphia, some pillars remained standing. Believers will be everlasting fixtures in heaven. (See virtual tour of Philadelphia at link below). 

Second, believers will receive a new identity. Jesus says that he will write God’s name and the name of God’s city on us. This name written on us will confirm that we belong to God. And the name of God’s city written on us affirms that we are citizens of heaven. 

Jesus is coming soon! Are you certain that you are ready?

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 3:7-13. Focus on the last two verses and thank God for the certainty of heaven and what awaits you there.

Talking to God: How does Jesus’ authority as the “true one, who has the key of David” strengthen your trust in him when life feels uncertain or unstable?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist you as we explore God's Word together. Share your question below, and we'll respond shortly. Please let us know if you would like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance.

Please click HERE for a virtual tour of Philadelphia.

The Living Grounded Ministry is organizing a tour to the Holy Land from November 4 to 15, 2026, as part of our Bible Immersion trips. We would love for you to join us. We will keep you updated with more details soon.