John recorded a letter to the church at Sardis given to him directly by Jesus.
The Book of Revelation presents the climax of GOD’S plan for man, it is the consummation of all things! I believe chapters 2 and 3 are essential for us to understand as believers.
The letter to Sardis contains the greatest concern for those who profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The letter to Sardis has nothing good said about it. The name Sardis is thought to mean “red ones?” but is really unidentifiable, and it is believed that the first coins in history began in Sardis. The name appears to be empty of true meaning and that reality is reflected in the letter. It was a wealthy city and was regarded to be impregnable. However, it wasn’t! Cyrus of Isaiah chapter 45, invaded the city “like a thief in the night”.
The name “Sardis” became synonymous with:
Pretentions unjustified
Promise without performance.
Appearance without reality
False confidence that heralded ruin
Betrayed themselves by lack of watchfulness and diligence.
(W.M. Ramsay, Letters to Seven Churches)
Recall what John recorded by The Holy Spirit in chapter 1:
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the Words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
To keep means to embrace, to hold on to, to retain.
Jesus provides us with definitions in verse 20:
The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My Right Hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. Jesus chose these seven churches out of over one hundred which existed at the time. These seven provide us with a prophetic comparison of the conditions found in all churches as well as a chronology of church history up to the current time.
Why are the seven lampstands emphasized? After chapter 3, they are only found in Heaven and no longer on the earth. Chapters 2 & 3 represent the things which are. From chapter 4 on, the future is revealed.
The Beloved Disciple recorded what Jesus spoke in Revelation chapter 3:
1 And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the Seven Spirits of God (The Holy Spirit) and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
Where is The Holy Spirit in this church? This is why they are dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect (or complete) before God.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
Jesus gives the same warning as He did in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25). The five foolish virgins allowed the oil to be used up. Oil represents The Holy Spirit.
4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Once again, Jesus reminds us that each letter applies to all churches:
6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘
Jesus warned: If you remember, hold fast, and repent, you won’t be caught by surprise!
Be vigilant.
Be watchful of: The wiles of the devil, temptation, His Coming, and false teachers.
What great Truths are being lost today in many churches?
The justification by faith alone
The Word of GOD being absolutely true and the Final Truth in all matters.
The depravity of man.
Redemption by His Blood.
What isn’t complete in our lives?
Our Love
The Fear of THE LORD
Our devotional life
Our loyalty to HIM alone
Our service
Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 7:
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the Will of My Father in Heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, cast out demons in Your Name, and done many wonders in Your Name?’
23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
The warning is clear!