Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 11/17/2006

Question
I would like to know the significance of the candle.When and why it was use in the Bible.Also what are the meaning of each seven candles ref.to in the bible?

Answer
Michael,

Thank you for your question. I am sorry it has taken me so long to reply. My son's wedding was this past weekend, and my wife and I had many things to take care of. I will do my best to answer your question "I would like to know the significance of the candle".

The significance of candle's in Scriptures (besides the practical use of light) are the symbolism used in several passages.

1. The spirit of man, or the inner man.
Pr. 20:27
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

2. The Word of God in our lives, shining spiritual light to a spiritually dark world.
In the Old Testament we can see this with the golden candlestick within the Temple. Though it was technically an oil lamp, the principles is the same.
Ex 35:14
The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,

In the New Testament, we (Christian's) are now to become the lamps upon which the Light of God's Word shines out to people lost in spiritual darkness.
Mt. 5:15
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Luke 11:33
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

3. The seven churches in Revelation.
Revelation 1:20
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

These were seven literal churches that existed in the time of John. They are also symbolic of the seven dispensations of the church age. The church age started after the Holy Spirit came in Acts 2, and will continue until the catching away (rapture) of the church. Each of the churches in Revelations 2 represent what the true church of Jesus Christ have, and will experience.

Please let me know if this helps, and if you have any further questions.
Elder Greg Madden