Seven Candlesticks
“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;” (Rev 1:12 KJV)
Verse 20 explains the mystery of the seven golden candlesticks.
“and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” (Rev 1:20 KJV)
The seven golden candlesticks are the seven Churches. Gold represents purity. The Church is to live in purity of holiness. The candlesticks are actually lampstands which hold oil, which represents the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Jesus teaches in Matthew 25 that the Church is to keep their lamps filled with oil (filled with the Spirit) and their wicks trimmed (keeping our lives in check).
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
(Mat 25:1-13 KJV)