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The
Seven Spirits. The
seven spirits refer to the Holy Spirit in the fullness of His ministry
both to us and to Christ. The number seven is frequently used in scripture
to speak of perfection. So here in Revelation we will see the Holy
Spirit in all of His fullness and power.
The
phrase 'seven spirits" occurs three more times in Revelation
(3:1; 4:5; and 5:6). Each time we learn something more about the Holy
Spirit. In Revelation 4:5 He is between the twenty-four elders and
God the Father. There He is pictured as seven lamps of fire. In Acts
2:3 we saw Him as "tongues as of fire."
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And
around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones
I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments,
and golden crowns on their heads. And from the throne proceeded
flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there
were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are
the seven Spirits of God; and before the throne there was, as
it were, a sea of glass like crystal; and in the center and
around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front
and behind.
(NASB) Rev. 4:4-6 |
The
next time we see the phrase we are reminded of another character of
the Holy Spirit. In Revelation 5:6 we find Him between the twenty-four
elders and the throne of God again, but this time He is resting on
the Lamb of God - Jesus.
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And
I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and
the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns
and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out
into all the earth.
Rev. 4:6 |
The
seven eyes and seven horns are on the Lamb. This is what we saw in
Acts 2:3, "tongues
as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of
them."
This reminds us that the Holy Spirit and Jesus ministered together
while Jesus was here on earth.
Conclusion:The
seven churches were literal churches to which Revelation was sent.
The phrase "seven spirits" is a wonderful way of referring
to the Holy Spirit in all of His power and wonder. |
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