NUMBER SEVEN (7-12)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Number 7 is a great number of spiritual perfection. A number which, therefore, occupies so large a place in the works, and especially in the Word of God as being inspired by the Holy Spirit. As a number the actual word and number "Seven" is used as no other number is. Seven and its compounds occur in multiples of seven in the Old Testament.

i) Seven occurs 287 times, or 7 x 41.
ii) "Seventh," the fractional part, occurs 98 times, or 7 x 14.
iii) "Seven-fold," occurs 7 times.

b) It is interesting to note what other mention(s) for 7 can be found in the Bible.

1. The Promises to the Churches

a) The Promises to the Churches are 7 in number. Each contains the solemn exhortation, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." In the first three epistles the promise (which refers to the past in its imagery) follows this exhortation; while in the latter four the promise (which has reference to future blessings) precedes it.

b) Our attention is thus called to this great exhortation. It tells us that when these epistles were sent, the Church and the churches had all failed in their corporate capacity. They are addressed not to the churches, but to individuals; and all through, individuals are exhorted. It is the same with John's Epistles, written, like his Gospel and the Apocalypse, at the close of the first century. So that we must not and cannot do as we are bidden on every hand, - "Go back to the first three centuries," and "hear the voice of the Church"; for before the close of the first century we are bidden to hear not what the church or the churches say, but to "hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

The End ...