Good evening tanakh,
Chapter 1 thru 3 = Church referred to, but not Saints
Chapter 4 onward = Saints referred to, but not the church
This is a God given clue, a deeper understanding of God's word. Throughout the rest of scripture, the word church and saints are used interchangeably. But here in Revelation, there is a distinction made between the two and that to demonstrate that the church is no longer present from chapter 4 onward. The saints that are referred to are those who come out of the great tribulation. It is no coincidence that the Holy Spirit used only the word Church throughout chapters 1 thru 3 and then never uses that word again during the entire narrative. Now if the words church and saints was used interchangeably throughout the entire book of Revelation, then it would be a non issue. But by making a distinction between them, God is giving us pertinent information here.
Chapter 1 thru 3 = Church referred to, but not Saints
Chapter 4 onward = Saints referred to, but not the church
This is a God given clue, a deeper understanding of God's word. Throughout the rest of scripture, the word church and saints are used interchangeably. But here in Revelation, there is a distinction made between the two and that to demonstrate that the church is no longer present from chapter 4 onward. The saints that are referred to are those who come out of the great tribulation. It is no coincidence that the Holy Spirit used only the word Church throughout chapters 1 thru 3 and then never uses that word again during the entire narrative. Now if the words church and saints was used interchangeably throughout the entire book of Revelation, then it would be a non issue. But by making a distinction between them, God is giving us pertinent information here.