The Book of Revelation
Chapter Three
Revelation 3:1
To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
The period of Church history represented by the church in Sardis is believed to be approximately A.D. 1517 to A.D. 1750. It should be noted at this time that several excellent prophetic scholars hold that this church period goes from A.D. 1520 all the way up to the Tribulation (LaHaye and Impe). In fact and as I understand it, LaHaye believes that all the periods starting with the church in Thyatira end at the Tribulation. These differences shouldn’t be disturbing since the messages to each church may apply to individuals and to individual churches of all ages, which does not change the message to the individual reader. We can only imagine how difficult it may be to exactly match up each period with our present-day limited accounts of history.
Again we see that it is our Lord Jesus Christ who is delivering the message to the angel (messenger) of the church. In verses 4 and 20 of chapter 1, we saw that it was Christ who holds the seven spirits (meaning the sevenfold nature of the Holy Spirit) and the seven stars (the seven angels or messengers of the seven churches). Just as with the church in Thyatira, Christ sees the works of Sardis, but there is a difference. With Thyatira their last works were greater than their first works. With Sardis their works were either dying or dead (to some this means decreasing).
This was the period when Martin Luther nailed his “Ninety-five Theses” (statements challenging present day Church doctrine) to the church door in Wittenburg, Germany. This began what is known as the “Reformation.” Martin Luther’s primary concern was that the Church was teaching “salvation by works,” in direct contrast with God’s Word. With great courage, He advanced the true Bible doctrine of grace. During the Reformation millions in many countries became protestant. In fact Protestantism became the “state religion” in many areas. But although many shifted from Catholicism to Protestantism, a vast number were never “born again” (John 3:7) or “ became a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). In fact, Sardis eventually became the “mother of dead orthodoxy.” The Church had a lively outward show or façade (composed of activity and splendor), but inwardly they were spiritually dead. It is not enough for an individual or church to hold to “correct doctrine,” the doctrine should also be practical and meaningful in each life. To believe with one’s head is one thing, but to believe with the heart (accept by faith) is another. The first produces no genuine devotion and ministry to others. The second produces both.
One other item should be noted regarding this time. Even though the Reformation started in fine fashion (as in the establishment of correct doctrine) by Martin Luther, there is documented evidence that pride brought him down, particularly as he related to the Jews. Initially it appears that he understood, and rightfully so, that Israel was God’s chosen people. I understand that he wrote of them as “blood relatives, cousins, and brothers of our Lord,” and he referred to all others as “aliens and in-laws” to Him. But when the Jews would not convert to his reformed Christianity and join his assault on the Roman Church, he apparently turned on the Jews with hatred. I understand that he even went so far as to tell the Jews, “The only Bible you have any right to is that concealed beneath the sow’s tail; the letters that drop from it you are free to eat and drink.” What an insult to God’s special people! Luther wrote a tract entitled “On the Jews and Their Lies.” In it he called for the enslavement of the Jews because they were the children of the devil. He advocated the burning of their synagogues, the burning of their books, the destruction of their homes and the confiscation of their property. I understand that he even wanted their “tongues be cut out from their throats.” He even said more terrible things in his tract and I’m sure would have gone on to promote even more cruelties toward the Jews, except that he died two days after writing the tract. Unfortunately, Adolf Hitler actively devoured Martin Luther’s concepts regarding the Jews and vigorously carried them out during his reign of power.
I believe this turn of events, i.e., the degradation of what appeared to be a start in the right direction (the return to the doctrine of Grace and Mercy and Love that eventually through pride resulted in hatred) is a primary reason why Christ looked upon this period of time as one of “dead” works.
Revelation 3:2, 3
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of My God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
In light of this church’s condition, Christ gives it a 5-fold instruction.
1. Wake up! – Be aware or alert.
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. (Romans 13:11)
2. Strengthen what remains and is about to die.
But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
3. Remember what you have received and heard.
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men) – remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:11-13)
4. Obey it.
But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD. To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matthew 7:24)
5. Repent.
I preached that they should repent [turn away from evil ways] and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. (Acts 26:20)
Then Christ warns them that should they not heed His advice to repent, they run the risk of being in this state of spiritual emptiness when He comes. He tells them that His coming is secret, that they will never know of it and could well be taken by the surprise of it.
It is probably due to this verse that many scholars believe this period of Church history will extend up to the Rapture/Tribulation. They may be correct.
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:36, 37)
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4)
If we do not return to believing and living in accordance to God’s way, that is, the way we started, we may well not recognize the prophetic signs of His coming. The Rapture will catch us “asleep.” Those who have acquired knowledge of Bible prophecy will not be caught by surprise. Even more than this, those who have a proper knowledge of Bible prophecy will live their lives expecting Christ to come at any moment.
Revelation 3:4-6
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with Me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Christ recognizes that there are a few in the Sardis church and during this period of Church history who have kept themselves holy (“not soiled their clothes”). Even today amidst all the sin and corruption, there are those who live holy lives unto our Lord. The fact that they will walk “in white” speaks of the fact that they are saved and have been made holy by being washed in the blood of the Lamb. “. . .they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14) The “blood of Christ” shed on Calvary makes them “worthy.”
Christ then addresses any person who will overcome by faith alone in Christ alone. If any person will do this, he too will be “dressed in white” (the holiness of Christ). Furthermore, Christ states that he will never blot that person’s name out of the “Book of Life” (the book containing all persons physically born – in which one’s name will remain unless he physically dies having never accepted Christ). This book is not to be confused with the “Lamb’s Book of Life,” which is the book containing all names of those who have been “born again” (from above) and thereby have eternal life. Once your name is in this book, it can never be taken out.
On top of this he who overcomes (is saved) will have his name acknowledged by Christ before God the Father and His angels.
Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:32, 33)
This will be a most auspicious time in the existence of the believer. It is difficult to imagine how wonderful and overwhelming it will be when we stand before God our Father with our Lord Jesus at our side as He proudly declares us “one with Him” to God and the angels. To think in these terms only inspires us through gratitude to serve Him. Finally, Christ again enjoins anyone who has an ear to hear what the Holy Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 3:7
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of Him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.
The period of Church history represented by the church in Philadelphia is approximately from A.D. 1750 to A.D. 1925. As before, many scholars believe this church will go up to the Rapture/Tribulation. Here we see a new and 4-fold picture of Christ.
1. He is holy (separate and totally without sin).
Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. (Hebrews 7:26)
2. He is true (totally genuine).
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
3. He holds the key of David (the ultimate Key-holder to God’s Palace).
In that day I will summon my servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah. I will clothe him with your robe and fasten your sash around him and hand your authority over to him. He will be a father to those who live in Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. (Isaiah 22:20-25)
4. He has total authority in the opening and shutting of any door. In fact, Jesus Christ is the door.
I am the door; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. (John 10:9)
Revelation 3:8
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.
This period of Church history became more of what the Church should be. It was a Bible-believing, working and evangelistic Church. In the mid 1800’s, large masses of converts to Christ took place in the New York City. The movement spread up and down the eastern seaboard. It is said that Baptist had so many people to baptize, they couldn’t get them into their churches, so they went to the rivers and baptized them in freezing waters after cutting holes in the ice. I understand that in one year (1857) over one million turned to Christ. The revival crossed the Atlantic and spread into Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, South Africa and other countries. The effects of this revival lasted some 40 years.
How could this happen? The formula follows:
1. They had little strength. There are ample scriptures showing that God produces His power through our weakness. (Exodus 15:2; Jeremiah 16:19; Psalms 27:1; 1 Corinthians 2:3; Hebrews 11:34) When we believe it is up to us and we take pride in our abilities, God simply cannot use us.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
2. They knew and kept Bible doctrine. Without the study and learning of God’s Word, Christians have little to lay claim to in the exercise of their faith. It is only by the Principle of Faith that we can be saved and then successfully live the spiritual life. Only by “faith” can we please God, yet, without Bible doctrine resident in our minds and souls, we have insufficient direction for our faith after we are saved. I cannot overly emphasize the necessity for God’s children to earnestly and continuously study God’s Word. It is His will and must be one of our highest priorities. I’ll list only a few scriptures regarding this issue (more may be gleaned from my web site – www. bibleone.net), and they follow: Deuteronomy 8:3; 11:18; Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:1, 2; 119:9; 97; Jeremiah 15:16; Matthew 4:4; 24:35; Luke 8:15; John 17:17; Acts 17:11; Romans 10:17; 15:14; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Ephesians 5:26, 27; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17;Titus 1:9; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2:2; and 3 John 4
3. They did not deny the name of Jesus Christ. The focus and purpose of the entire Word of God (Bible) is Jesus Christ. Any person, group or church that doesn’t place Him and His work on the cross of Calvary in the most preeminent position is totally wrong! Jesus Christ not only created all things within our universe, but He also sustains every created thing by His powerful Word (Hebrews 1:3). He is the Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end) of all creation – and this my brothers and sisters includes us. Only through Him is it possible for us to have eternal life or to live a successful spiritual life while we retain our physical bodies. All glory and honor is His.
If we deny Him, He will also deny us (2 Timothy 2:12)
Revelation 3:9
I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
There were those in the church in Philadelphia who denied the name of Jesus Christ. They refused to believe in Jesus or His work on the cross of Calvary. They wanted believers to adopt their views the same, and they sought to influence those who had yet come to a saving experience in Jesus Christ. They worshiped in a synagogue and claimed to be Jews, but Jesus labeled them as to what they were – imposters. He called their place of worship the synagogue of Satan. He assured the believers of the church in Philadelphia that these fakes who followed Satan would pay for their beliefs and misdeeds one day by being forced to fall down at the believer’s feet and to acknowledge that Jesus had loved them (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:2).
People are not always what they claim to be. Note the address of Christ to a group of Jews when He told them that they belonged to their father the devil (John 8:44). Paul declared that not all who are descended from Israel are Israel (Romans 9:6). Remember, it is how we believe in and honor Jesus Christ (which will results in works of divine good) that marks us as genuine Christians. This is why it is of utmost importance that after salvation, we continuously consume the Word of God (Bible doctrine). This is alluded to in the next verse.
Revelation 3:10
Since you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
Keeping God’s command, a reference here to Bible doctrine, insures that we will endure (all that Satan and our sin nature will throw at us) patiently. I believe this is an expression of waiting patiently for the return of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The promise of Jesus to these believers is that He would keep them from the “hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” This is a reference to the Tribulation, a seven-year period of unbelievable travail at the hand of God. The Greek word for “from” in this passage is ek, which literally means “out of.” If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you may be certain that He will keep you “out of” the coming Tribulation.
Revelation 3:11
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Jesus is probably telling the church in Philadelphia that not only is He coming soon (in the mind of God – which often translates to a long time to man), but that when He comes it will take place very quickly (in a twinkling of an eye – 1 Corinthians 15:52). (Matthew 24:27) Christ exhorts them to hold on to what they have, so that they won’t lose their crown of rewards (not salvation) – previously discussed.
Revelation 3:12, 13
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from My God; and I will also write on him My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Here we have a marvelous list of things that await the person that “overcomes,” i.e., receives by faith alone Jesus Christ alone for his personal salvation.
1. He will be made a pillar in God’s temple. A believer’s position in God’s eternal temple is one of strength and stability.
2. He will never leave God’s temple. Believers are secure for all eternity.
3. Christ will designate (seal) him in three ways. Christ will write on each believer (a) the name of God the Father – showing God’s enduring ownership, (b) the name of the City of God – New Jerusalem, and (c) Jesus’ new name – signifying the believer’s personal and special relationship with the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Again, our Lord cries to all who will listen (anyone) to hear what the Holy Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 3:14
To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.
This period of Church history probably runs from A.D. 1900 and continues up to the Rapture/Tribulation. We who are living today are in this period, if not also part of some prior indicated periods. Jesus is described in three ways.
1. He is the “Amen. ” The word “amen” in the Greek means “truth.” Jesus is the total and final “truth.” He declared that He was the Truth (John 14:6). You may always trust Him.
2. He is the faithful and true witness. He is the only one who faithfully served and testified of God the Father and God’s plan for mankind. You may always rely on Him.
3. He is the ruler of God’s creation. This has been discussed previously.
Revelation 3:15, 16
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of My mouth.
Again Christ tells these of the church in Laodicea that He knows their works. He knew that these believers were neither “cold” (formal and without spiritual life) nor “hot” (passionate and zealous), but “lukewarm” (indifferent or straddling the fence). They had become complacent. They were no longer being persecuted (a true picture of those within the United States and many other areas around the world today – although not all) and were “comfortable.” They were prospering and self-satisfied, doing little to nothing to evangelize, grow or glorify Jesus.
This (being lukewarm) is sickening to Jesus Christ. It is easier for Him to judge a cold church or bless a hot church then to deal with one that is lukewarm. Because they were lukewarm, Christ states that He was about to “spit” (can be translated “vomit”) them out of His mouth.
Revelation 3:17
You say, `I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
The church had an unrealistic view of itself. Many local churches today pride themselves in their bank accounts, their buildings, their “notable” members and their expansive grounds. The Laodicea church’s misconception was that it was wealthy and needed nothing. It had lost its sight of Jesus Christ and His standards. It’s not enough to build elaborate and fancy sanctuaries, athletic fields, paved parking lots and ornate steeples. Worldly treasure is not God’s measuring stick (Matthew 6:19-21). Social standing and political influence is not the answer for God’s people. Jesus Christ saw them through eyes of truth, and declared them wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. They were actually “homeless” in the spiritual streets of Christ’s vision.
Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
We know for a certainty that salvation through faith alone in Christ alone is the “gift of God.” (John 4:10; Romans 5:15, 16, 18; 6:23; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Ephesians 2:8) Those in the Laodicea church may be valid believers, but their testimony and spiritual living were only lukewarm. They may have been doing works, but only works of human good (wood, hay and stubble) – to eventually be consumed by fire before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Since their world revolved around the buying and selling of material things, He appeals to them to come to him and buy “gold refined in the fire” (speaks of spiritual works accomplished by means of divine good – 1 Corinthians 3:12, 13) , to buy white clothes (speaks of His righteousness – Colossians 2:6) to cover their shameful nakedness and salve (speaks of the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 2:14-16) .
Revelation 3:19, 20
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.
Whether or not these believers decide to come and acquire their spiritual wares from Christ, He would have them know that as children of God they are subject to being rebuked and disciplined by Him.
And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." (Hebrews 12:5, 6)
His appeal to them is that they should earnestly repent, i.e., turn from their lukewarm ways and turn back to Him. This is accomplished by confessing known sins in accordance with 1 John 1:9, and then living by faith in the same manner that they initially received Him as Savior (Colossians 2:6).
He further informs them that He is eager that they come back into fellowship and good standing with Him. They are to know that He stands at the door to their hearts (their conscious will and inner being) and knocks. Apparently He is also calling out to them, because He says if anyone opens the door (a willful act of faith), He will come into them (by the fullness of the Spirit of God) and will eat with them and they with Him (relate in personal and close fellowship). This verse is often used to illustrate Christ standing at the door of a lost person, ready to come in when one opens (by faith) the door. Although the truth that is presented is correct, I don’t believe this verse applies specifically to the lost.
Revelation 3:21, 22
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Now Christ once again turns His address to the lost. He promises that any person that will overcome, i.e., accept by faith alone the Lord Jesus Christ alone, He will give that person the right to reign with Him just as He presently reigns with God the Father. His last remark is to anyone who is listening, that he should hear what the Holy Spirit says to the churches.
|
