February 1, 2024
Good day! I am writing a series of short reviews of abbreviated COGR video clips. I am looking for input and comments. If it makes it easier, I will gladly supply a Word document so comments can be put in the document, and we can communicate directly. My email address is lattema@icloud.com. I hope you find these reviews helpful.
Transcript:
“The candlestick represents the light of God. And in the revelation, the light of God is represented by a congregation. That’s why your perfecting, understanding, and enlightenment come through the congregation because it’s the congregation that is the candlestick, the light of God. It’s not some ambiguous light somewhere in the imaginary world.”
Commentary:
Text: Revelation 1:20 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands—the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. [W. Hall Harris III et al., eds., The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), Re 1:20.]
Firstly, it’s important to note that the Book of Revelation, apart from Revelation 1:20, doesn’t explicitly define the concept of a lampstand or its significance. The explanation provided in Revelation 1:20 specifically relates to the symbolism of the seven golden lampstands representing the seven churches. While other parts of Revelation mention these lampstands, they don’t offer additional clear explanations or comparisons for what the lampstands symbolize.
Secondly, the symbolism in Revelation 1:20 is commonly understood as the lampstands (or candlesticks) representing the seven churches, with the light within them signifying the presence and teachings of Christ or the Gospel. However, stating that the congregation itself is the light of God goes beyond this interpretation. Normally, the understanding is that the light within the lampstand symbolizes spiritual illumination, truth, or divine presence that the congregation should embody. The congregation carries the message of God’s light but isn’t considered the light itself.
Ray Tinsman’s statement, “Because it’s the congregation that is the candlestick, the light of God,” introduces an interpretation not found in the text. He suggests this to encourage the central role of the church. When he claims that our perfecting, understanding, and enlightenment come through the Church, it appears to sideline both Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Ray seems to elevate the church’s importance as he represents it. Ultimately, Ray comes to believe he speaks for the church.
Ray’s interpretation poses a risk by implying that the congregation, as the representation of the light of God, becomes the ultimate source of perfecting, understanding, and enlightenment. This could inadvertently elevate the congregation’s authority beyond what is biblically supported.
Equating the congregation directly with the light of God blurs the distinction between the divine source of light and the role of believers in reflecting that light. This might lead to confusion about the true source of spiritual enlightenment and understanding, potentially overemphasizing the congregation’s role. This could overshadow the scriptural emphasis on God’s ultimate authority and sovereignty in providing spiritual enlightenment, possibly confusing believers about the true source of spiritual authority.
If the COGR asserts that they exclusively represent the true light of God through the Church, it may lead to authoritarianism and manipulative practices within that group. This could restrict individuals from seeking a direct relationship with Jesus, redirecting them to the “ministry,” Which is something I encountered in my research.
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