I missed this verse on my last post
(Rev 2:1 KJVR)
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
In the meantime I also re-read Rays paper and see where your confusion lies. Yes it is quoted that way in his paper but I think Ray was focusing on the symbolism in the Bible and was trying to explain the seven messengers to the seven churches as ‘oneness’ concept and he groups these two phrases to make a point.
I myself occasionally get confused about the roles of the few chosen (eklektos) those who have been called out of Babylon and the Many Called (ekklesia ) those called out of the sea of mankind. I have to constantly remind myself that both groups have been called by God to Jesus Christ.
Throughout the Bible you have to look carefully at the word and the verse to help figure out who (church or elect) the person writing was actually talking to or about. (It is a group within a group but God still sees them as all belonging to Christ)
If you have ears to hear then…. The elect are the messengers ….because even though nothing you did caused you to see His revelations , God in His mercy picked each of us: the weak, the stupid and the pitiful the small, etc to serve as examples of His love when their (the many called) time comes.
Every Ekectos was also a former card carrying member of the EKKlesia. We are told to come OUT and BE Separated. Therefore heed the mistakes that were cited and listen to the warnings to the seven churches..
It is plain that the seven stars are symbolic for the seven messengers. The messanger is thought to represent the elect symbolically perhaps because we will actually bring the one true message to our brethren and the rest of humanity.
But what will be the difference between the many called and the chosen after the lake of Fire?
So you see there is no 'honor' for this elect position (ie stars.. my ISA version call them gleamers …I like that word better because it puts things in a better perspective and help one not to over esteem themselves)
We are HIS servants. A servant should not expect praise for what he has been aked to do by His Master.
All and I mean All……All the Honor and Glory belongs to God. Hallejuah
Hallelujah Hallejuah hallejuah.........HALLELJAH
Beloved