Revelation 3
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
It may be that the seven Spirits of God are directly related to the seven stars, due to the design of this sentence. It could be that this implies that the Holy Spirit fills each of those 7 churches and thus has this connotation when describing Him. <TOPIC:Jesus Christ ‘has’ these 7 Spirits.
Name – Baptist only in name: Having Baptist in your church name implies that you are alive, truly one of the Lord’s churches (at least to me it does). They may have had official names then, maybe even signs out front. Dead – in the process of dying, but apparently not officially dead yet. There are so many of these types of churches today! They are ready to die (vs. 2). The Church in Sardis was just about ‘dead’ (i.e., no longer one of the Lord’s churches).
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
In order not to die as a church, when you are ‘ready to die’, you need to be very ‘watchful’. Look carefully at yourself; at your ministries (works); at the members as they serve; at the heart of the people; at what you are trying to accomplish and how you do it. But, most churches in this situation are actually thinking that they are doing pretty good (maybe even growing in numbers, new buildings…). Some things were ready to die; these might be soulwinning, tithing, serving, love, holiness, doctrinal purity, etc.. These things needed ‘strengthening’. Jesus Christ expects a church’s works to be ‘perfect’.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
A dying church, any church for that matter, needs to remember back to how they believed and practiced that belief when they were started. They need to hold fast to that, and not to how they have become…compromise, laziness, getting off course. There needs to be true repentance here. Jesus Christ expected them to ‘watch’ or else! Some think that this latter part is dealing with the Rapture, but the context doesn’t support that. He will come when you aren’t expecting it and will, apparently, remove the candlestick, or judge individual church members somehow.
Once a church has truly died, you will eventually know it. The Holy Spirits direction, protection will be gone and they will quickly follow the rest of the churches (ecumenicals); Baptist will come off the sign; Bible changes; music changes; etc, etc.!
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
In this church of Sardis, there were only a few members who had not gotten themselves defiled by wickedness, error, compromise, etc. (garments). This may be the standard for churches; only a few members keeping undefiled; about 10-20% doing 80% of the work and staying right. This is a specific reference to a segregated Heaven! These few will walk in white, the others will not; it is in a church context; this church was, at that moment, a true church of the Lord’s; a ‘bride’ ‘walks in white’ in their bridal procession; thus, here, probably referring to these few members staying as part of the bride, and the others would not unless they repented. Thus, apparently, if one is in a dying church, they can still be part of the bride but the majority of the members may not be.
Rev 19:7-8 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
I believe that the Brides garments will be especially “fine”, “clean”, and “white”. This “fineness” relates to their “righteousness”. Those that are members of the Bride must be at a certain level of righteousness. (See also Rv 3:18; Eph 5:26,27; Mk 9:2,3; Mt 17:2, Rv 19:14)
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
In comparing this first statement with the previous verse, it is obvious that the overcomers here are not all the saved, for there were only a few in this church that would be granted this (unless you say that all the others weren’t saved). But, furthermore, the context is this specific church (in vs 4) and thus the overcomers are in reference to a specific church, not all the saved. So, the ‘overcomers’ in Rev. 2 and 3 is not necessarily pertaining to all the saved, for with the church of Sardis, many of the church members were not actually considered an ‘overcomer’.
(See Rev. 20:12-15) Not blotting there name out is a true statement and fits just fine; I believe that it is stated here as a contrast between blotting the ink versus being clothed in a beautifully white garment. It may very well be to show a stark contrast between this other promise of being confessed in Heaven; it is to show how awesome this other promise is (confessed) and to do that it is contrasted to a total denial of even being in the book of life (if you were not saved).
It could be that only these few in Sardis, and other churches, will have the blessing of having their names confessed before the Father and His angels. Or, there is a limited application on 5a, and a universal one on 5b.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
“Philadelphia” means “brotherly love”. Nothing bad is mentioned here about this church. The “key of David” is probably in reference to Isa 22:22 “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder.” “His shoulder” is in reference to Eliakim ‘and the government will be upon his shoulder…’(Is 9:6). David is represented as the king of Israel residing in a palace, so he who had the key to that palace had regal authority. This then speaks of Jesus’ governmental authority, and He will rule some day from the throne of David. Furthermore, it may be in direct reference to the key to the kingdom of God (via the gospel). Jesus Christ is in charge of the entrance to this, whatever it may be referring to. He gave this key to Peter, and to the church he pastored; it was symbolic to the responsibility of them being the holders of the gospel.
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
The previous verse’s promises help explain this verse. If God can control who goes into His kingdom, He surely can control this little door of opportunity for you. Three impressive things said: little strength, kept His word, not denied Him. Remember, even a little strength is considered impressive with a church. Do these things and you get an open door which will stay open despite the attacks of the devil and of men. However, Tony Garland of Spirit&Truth.org states, “In view of the mention of the key of David and synagogue of Satan , it seems more likely the door provides entrance into the Messianic Kingdom where Christ will rule from the throne of David.”
9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
There are some that say they are Baptists, Fundamentalists, Christians, etc, but do lie! Beware of these. These may have worshipped these church folk in that 1st century; though it may have been centuries later; or even will not happen until the rapture, Tribulation, and/or Millenium, or even the Eternal State. The worship would have to be towards Jesus Christ, and not to that actual church; thus, they would worship Jesus at the feet of these Bridal saints. The Lord’s true churches will be seated right next to the Groom, Jesus Christ, and it will be obvious of the Groom’s love for His Bride. Tony Garland believes that “This is an allusion to numerous passages in the OT which indicate that in the Millennium, Gentiles will come and bow down to Israel in recognition that God is with them (Isa. 45:15; 49:22-23;60:14-16). The formerly non-believing Jews from the synagogue of Satan would worship before their believing Jewish countrymen as well as the believing Gentiles.”
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
This temptation might be the 7 year Great Tribulation. Dr. David Sorenson says that this “likely refers to the pre-Tribulation Rapture of the church; That time of testing will come on the entire inhabited earth.” Some say this supports a partial rapture. The Church Age folks teach that this Philadelphian time period is from 1750-1900 A.D.. Others feel that it represents the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., but this was local and not worldwide, and it was in the wrong city. “It is not known to what trial the speaker refers. It may have been some form of persecution, or it may have been some calamity by disease, earthquake, or famine that was to occur. Tacitus mentions an earthquake that sank twelve cities in Asia Minor, in one night, by which, among others, Philadelphia was deeply affected; and it is possible that there may have been reference here to that overwhelming calamity.” (Barnes’ Notes)
This might simply be a universal promise to all Christians; it is stated here to relate to their patience in dealing with temptation and evil from Satanic people and groups. He is encouraging them to hang in there, for I will get you out of this mess; the biggest mess coming at the end of the age with the AntiChrist. Churches, Christians, are afforded this encouraging promise. But, how does this benefit this church, which is 1900+ years away from this Tribulation? It could be that this is referring to a generalized persecution of Christians in that era that they would be spared from.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
When Jesus Christ returns, it will be in a quick fashion; for, He wasn’t coming quickly in reality…it has been 1900+ years since this was stated to them! It appears that your crown can be taken if you aren’t holding fast to your faith, commitments, patience, etc. You need to hold fast to the end; “I fought the good fight…” There are 2 crowns the general Christian can obtain: Life (Smyrna, 2:10) and Righteousness.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
This is dealing with keeping the word of His patience despite the attacks of Satan. The promise for these few faithful Baptists is to be in an important position in God’s Temple in the New Jerusalem; you will reside their (Bride); you will have a special name of God in your forehead (new ‘last name’?) along with the city’s name. I don’t believe this is a universal application to the saints of God.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Saving the best for last? No. Amen – agree with what I say and carry it out; another of Jesus Christ’s impressive names/titles. Faithful – this church is anything but faithful and true. There are so few true Faithful Baptist churches today! This is saying that Jesus Christ was responsible for the “In the beginning, God created…”! not that He was a created being!
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Cold and hot are both refreshing and useful. God would accept them if they were ‘cold’. God never desires His beloved churchbride to be evil/cold; thus ‘cold’ here is a good thing. Lukewarm is the bad type. Jesus Christ wants His churches refreshing and useful for Him.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Lukewarm – blaah; unrefreshing; to the point of being nauseating. Compromising, self-promoting, ‘seeker-sensitive’, politically-correct; mainstream; non-judgemental; etc. A “Laodecian” age does fit somewhat: so many churches (Baptist too) are following this ‘user-friendly’ style of ‘church’. Spue – distasteful, nauseating; a forceful getting rid of; not wanting anything to do with; yuch! God apparently will, soon, in the future, spue them out; which means they are repulsive to Him and are no longer one of His churches. This would be when a true church loses her candlestick, brideship, specialness to the Saviour.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rich – Lots of money coming in; lots in the savings accounts; big membership. Goods – fancy chairs/pews, hi-tech system, gymnasium, aesthetically pleasing; big buildings. Nothing – they believed that they are the ultimate church; for, we have been ‘blessed’ so much. Beware of churches that have all this ‘stuff’; they most likely are just like these Laodecians. It is actually a good thing to have need; it keeps you away from this sin! Wretched – this is what God thinks about these types of churches. Blind – they are spiritually blinded by all the fleshly ‘blessings’. They may be so blind that they are beyond help. Naked – without any spiritual garments; and probably their dress standards are close to naked also! The majority of large churches today are totally unaware of their spiritually wretched state. They measure success by numbers and impressive buildings.
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Counsel – refers back to the word ‘because’. Gold – gold, silver, precious stones; works that will survive God’s judgement; they needed to analyze what they were doing and compare it to the sound doctrine of Scripture. Rich – it is possible to be rich with spiritual rewards; some, or even many, will be impoverished though. White – righteousness of the saints in the church. Are those in this church that don’t buy white raiment going to Hell? No. Many will have soiled, unclean garments given to them to wear eternally. My belief is that the whiter the garment, the more pleasing to God you were. God is embarrassed to look at most Christians because they are spiritually unclothed, naked! Eyesalve – healing to your spiritual vision, understanding. Quit following the blind guides out there.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Love – Jesus Christ loves His churches, including this one in Laodecia! He loved that lukewarm church. We tend to ‘hate’ them, call them names, ridicule them, point out there gross errors, etc! Rebuke – Jesus Christ rebukes and chastens all of His churches; those churches that are not His are left alone. How does this rebuke and chastening present itself to a church? Maybe via the burden being put on the pastor(s) who rebukes via the pulpit. Maybe it shows by judgements in individual families’ lives. Maybe it is by decreasing membership, money, salvations, etc. Maybe by unforeseen trajedies occurring to a church. Zealous – a church needs to not be blind to this and see what God is doing to them. God expects that when a church repents, that they do it with all they’ve got (zealous), or it might not ‘count’.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Door – is this referring to the door of a man’s heart, or is it figurative to a church’s door? The context seems to be in line with the latter. Though, this verse talks about a ‘man’, not a church. If it were referring to a man, then it might then be saying that the Lord can leave the believer (but Jesus said, “I am with you alway…”). Or, maybe He is referring to a break in fellowship. He has been speaking to anyone in the church; and I believe still is; He wants to be let back in that church and be its Head again. Jesus Christ does not feel welcomed at this church and is outside at the door; the door to the ‘House of God’, the “Temple of the Holy Spirit”. Voice – the Word of God; the still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking in your heart. God is trying to get someone’s attention to the big problem.and through maybe even one repenting, it might be enough to have Him enter back in again. Come – maybe if even one repents, Jesus Christ would enter back in again; at least to fellowship with that one, though maybe not the church as a whole. Most, however, believe this to be referring to an individual who gets saved. Can a church apostate and then be re-instated as a true church again? Many believe that this is referring to a soul ‘inviting Jesus into their heart’: “The verse contains nothing of the gospel message as such—no mention of substitutionary atonement, of Christ’s resurrection, of repentance, of faith in the person and work of Christ. Neither is there anything in the adjacent context about these vital matters. Yet evangelists and personal workers everywhere commonly employ this verse as a gospel invitation. It is addressed only to compromising, lukewarm Christians in compromising, lukewarm churches, and it is they whom Christ is seeking to draw back to Himself.” (Henry Morris, The Revelation Record)
I believe that this verse is teaching that Jesus Christ will break fellowship with one of His true churches if they become too ‘lukewarm’ too long, and then will give them space to repent (knocks for a time), and if they do not (open the door), He will permanently leave them (apostate).
Sup – refers to dinner; and it might possibly be dealing with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb here.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
A church member who overcomes this sin of lukewarmedness (self-promotion, overconfidence, materialism, etc.) will be granted the great priviledge of serving with the Lord Jesus in a high ranking position in His kingdom. Again, it appears that God will grant great rewards and priviledge to church members who overcome their church’s sins and stay faithful and true.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Ear – Most don’t have a spiritual ear tuned into the Spirit of God. To have one, one must be ‘right’ with the Lord; plenty of prayer and Bible reading; trying to do His will; oh so wanting to hear from Him; ready to repent wherever it is necessary! Spirit – God is speaking this to all the churches. Are there any listening?! Are you listening?!!!