Season 3 Podcast 61 Letters of John to the Seven Churches Pt IX Sardis
Sardis
The letter to the Church at Sardis is the fifth letter of John. The Saints of Sardis appear to be a very hard lot. The introduction is rather gloomy:
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. (Revelation 3:1)
Unlike the first four churches, no virtues are even listed, and the admonitions is as bleak as the introduction. It moves from those who are dead to those who are dying.
“2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” (Revelation 3:2)
Considering what was said before, the above appears to be an understatement. But what we are tempted to overlook is the primary message. The primary message is not condemnation. It is a merciful warning. The primary message is repentance.
“3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.” (Revelation 3:3)
They are not beyond redemption. Christ issues a second warning to the Saints of Sardis.
“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.” (Revelation 3:3)
As with all the letters, the letter to the saints of Sardis is written to the saints in all ages. It applies to Christians today because the Second Coming is imminent, two thousand years closer than it was to the Saints of Sardis. It applies to the early saints of Sardis because, as we know historically, the persecution intensifies, and a major political upheaval is soon to take place. However, as bleak as it sounds, there are still Saints in Sardis who have, regardless of the pressures, remained faithful.
“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.” (Revelation 3:4)
What at first appeared to be a letter of absolute condemnation turns out to be a letter of tremendous hope. On the one hand, the majority of the saints of Sardis think that they are alive in Christ but are spiritually dead and unless they speedily repent, they will have their names removed from the book of life and will lose their place in the celestial kingdom with the other saints. When they think they are alive, they are dead. That is the greatest deceit of all, to think one is worthy of salvation but suddenly finds that he isn’t, to discover that he has been operating under false pretentions. It brings to mind Christ’s words,
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free