Revelation 2:8: “The church in Smyrna.”

The writer may have employed the Hebrew meaning of the word sama`, ‘Hear!’ to speak to the church bearing the Greek name Smyrna. In Hebrew, the word ‘hear’ includes the meaning of hearing and obeying, much like the English word ‘heeding.’ The Hebrew word samar, ‘to keep watch, preserve’ may also have been in mind. The Spirit gives neither rebuke nor chastening to this church that is heeding, watching and persevering.

Blaspheme

Revelation 2:9: “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of satan.”

Revelation 3:9: “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.”

The sin of blasphemy was a mortal sin punishable by death under the Law, (Leviticus 24:16). But in Revelation 2:9 we find that it is blasphemy to call oneself a Jew when one is actually not a Jew. Then in 3:9 we find that it is a lie for one to say he is a Jew when he is not. So it is both a lie and blasphemy. In both cases it seems that they were “of the synagogue of satan.”

Who Is A ‘Jew’?

Since it is both a lie and blasphemy to make the claim to Jewishness when one is not indeed a Jew, we should consider the Biblical requirements for claiming the title “Jew.” We are given such clear, explicit information on this subject that no one needs be ignorant of exactly how to Biblically identify who is truly a Jew as well as who is not truly a Jew.

If one is to be called a ‘Jews’ should it not be with reference to the Biblical identity? Who else but the Lord is qualified to say “Who is a Jew?” Are we to accept without question the claim of a person, or group, to Jewishness merely because they say they are Jews? According to these Scriptures, “No.”

First of all the Scriptures tell us who is not a Jew. The mark of the religion called “Judaism,” both then and now, was the outward circumcision in the flesh. In other words, the term ‘circumcision’ came to be a synonym for Judaism, (as for example in Acts 10:45; 11:2; Galatians 2:9;). So we need to see what actual Biblical circumcision is.

What Is Circumcision?

The passage in Romans 2:28-29 gives a most direct and concise answer to the question: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”

The actual Biblical requirement was always, not merely the outward circumcision, – that was only the symbol, – the reality was the inward circumcision of the heart. The Covenant says:
“And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live,” (Deuteronomy 30:6).

“Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings,” (Jeremiah 4:4).

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all [them which are] circumcised with the uncircumcised,” (Jeremiah 9:25).

“And he (Abraham) received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised,” (Romans 4:11-12).

From these Scripture we see that fleshly circumcision was always only the outward “sign,” the mark that was intended to indicate the righteousness of faith and was never intended to be an end in itself. The “traditions” of the Pharisees perverted this teaching until Christ came and restored the original meaning of the symbol.

Christ, the Minister of True Circumcision

True circumcision of the heart became possible in Christ: “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers,” (Romans 15:8).

This Scripture indicates that Christ administered true circumcision. Here the word ‘minister’ is from the Greek word diakoneo which means “to serve, render service, care for one’s needs.” It is always in reference to the work done, as a service rendered.
“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ,” (Colossians 2:11).

“For we are the circumcision which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,” Philippians 3:3.

This circumcision of the heart, administered by Christ, is the actual requirement for being a true Jew, according to Romans 2:28-29. All others who claim to be Jews are blaspheming according to Revelation 2:9 and 3:9. (These Scriptures are as inspired as John 3:16 or Mark 11:23-24.)

Definition of ‘Jew’

The word ‘Jew’ derives from the name ‘Judah.’ The name ‘Judah’ in the Hebrew means “praised, object of praise”. (See Genesis 29:35; 49:8) An “object of praise” must be praiseworthy, and that means we must be in Christ, Who is the One worthy of all praise. That is why, in the definition of “Jew” in Romans 2:28-29 these words are included: “whose Praise is not of men but of God.” We must be praiseworthy before God in order to be truly ‘Jews.’

‘Jews’ = ‘Israel’?

Another way to claim to be a Jew was to claim the title of ‘Israel,’ for at the time of the New Testament writings, the terms ‘Israel’ and ‘Jewish’ were synonyms. The term ‘Jew’ had lost its exclusive reference to descent from the tribe of Judah and had come to mean “those who follow the religion of Judaism.” In other words, all ‘Israel’ at that time could be called ‘Jewry’ and ‘Jewry’ was called ‘Israel.’ The tribal identities had become blurred, or lost totally.

Two “Israels”?

However, in this period between the Cross and the destruction of Jerusalem there were two opposing factions claiming the title of ‘Israel.’  There was the “Israel according to the Flesh,” (1 Corinthians 10:18), and the “Israel of God,” (Galatians 6:6). The “Israel according to the Flesh” was those who reckoned themselves as heirs of Abraham merely through fleshly descent. The “Israel of God” was those who followed the faith of Abraham by accepting Christ, whatever their fleshly lineage.

These two “Israels” are clearly distinguished in Romans 9:6-8:
“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.”

Clearly, being of fleshly descent did not qualify for the title, ‘Israel,’ because:
“Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved,” (Romans 9:27).

All of the fleshly seed did not obtain the promise, but only the remnant chosen by grace: Romans 11:5-7: Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.”

The Unbelievers Were Blinded and ‘Cut Off’

The ‘Israel’ that had not obtained was those of mere fleshly descent; they had been blinded. The ‘Israel’ that had obtained was the ‘Elect’ (or ‘Election’), those who had accepted the faith of Abraham through faith in Christ, whatever their fleshly lineage.

“But to Israel (of the Flesh) he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people,” (Romans 10:21).

Those who refused to accept Christ, the true Heir, were “cut off.” (Luke 3:9; John 15:1-6; Romans 11:17). They were no more a people of God. Those who have not accepted Christ’s circumcision of the heart and His position as the Heir of the promises are not ‘Israel’ regardless of their racial identity.  It is therefore blasphemy to call them ‘Israel.’

Claiming the title “Jew” or “Israel” is to claim descent from Abraham. Jesus clearly taught that mere fleshly descent from Abraham did not qualify one as an heir. (See John 8:31-34 and Galatians 3:16-29.) “And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise,” Galatians 3:29. Note the word “If”. “If ye be Christ’s, then ye are Abraham’s seed.” The clear implication is that if you are not Christ’s, then you are not Abraham’s seed. Those who claim to be Abraham’s seed and who are not in Christ are lying and blaspheming.

John the Baptist also taught this same doctrine:

Matthew 3:9-10: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

The Name of God

It is important to realize that the name ‘Israel’ includes the name of God: EL    ‘Israel’ means “Prince of God” or “Righteousness of God.” Many Scriptures show that the people called ‘Israel’ were to be those “called by His Name”: Deuteronomy 28:10; II Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 43:1, 7; 45:3-4; Jeremiah 14:9; Daniel 9:19; Hosea 1:10. Those “called by His Name” are His children, as a man gives his name to his children today. It is therefore Christians who are to be called by the name of God: 1 John 3:1; James 2:7. Indeed, it is Christ Who is “The Prince of God” and Who is the “Righteousness of God”.

God is very jealous for His Name: Ezekiel 39:25. The essence of the sin of blasphemy is to speak lightly or carelessly of God, and was punishable by death, (Leviticus 24:16). It is also a transgression of the third commandment: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7). ‘In vain’ means “without purpose, foolishly, fruitlessly, idly, without just cause, groundlessly.” Those who are not in Christ have no Biblical grounds for calling themselves by the name of the Lord.

A synonym of the word ‘blaspheme’ is ‘profane,’ the original sin of satan himself: Ezekiel 28:7, 16, 18.