Sardis

Revelation 3:1-6

To the Church in Sardis

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

The seven spirits are before the throne of God in Revelation 1:4 and may correspond to the angels of the seven churches. Each church is exhorted to listen to the Spirit, who brings the word of Christ to each one. The stars may represent the children of Abraham who are the light of the world. 

Our salvation is by faith alone in Christ Jesus, yet here Jesus reprimands this church because He has found their works incomplete. The fruit of the Spirit in their lives is meager at best. 

He then tells them if they conquer, they will receive the white garments of the overcomers and their names will remain in the book of life. Overcoming the world is accomplished by following the leading of the Spirit to the end, which is the perfection of Christ. 

Persevering to the end of our wilderness journey to reach the throne of the Lord will ensure we end up where we want to be.