“_Behold, I come quickly_: hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Verse 11. 19. What is Christ’s message to the last church? “Unto the angel of the church of the _Laodiceans_ write; ... I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.... Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; ... I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Verses 14-19. NOTE.—Laodicea signifies _the judging of the people_, or, according to Cruden, a _just people_. This church exists in the time of the judgment and the proclamation of the final warning messages preceding Christ’s second coming. See Rev. 14:6-16, and readings on cages 251-263. This is a time of great profession, with but little vital godliness and true piety. 20. What encouragement is given to heed this message? “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Verse 20. NOTE.—The pointed, searching messages to the seven churches contain most important lessons of admonition, encouragement, and warning for all Christians in all ages. The seven promises to the overcomer found in this line of prophecy (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21), with the eighth or universal promise recorded in Rev. 21:7, form a galaxy of promises as precious, as comforting, and as inspiring as any recorded in the Scriptures. See pages 558, 762. The Seven Seals [Illustration.] The Lisbon Earthquake. "When He had opened the sixth seal, ... there was a great earthquake." Rev. 6:12. 1. What did John the revelator see in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne? “And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne _a book_ written within, and on the back side _sealed with seven seals_.” Rev. 5:1. 2. What did the Lamb do with this book? “And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat on the throne.” Verse 7. 3. Why was Christ declared worthy to open these seals? “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: _for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood_ out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Verse 9. 4. What was shown upon the opening of the first seal? “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, ... _a white horse_: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” Rev. 6:1, 2.