Soon!

Here is a link to last week’s study of Revelation, “Soon”.

“…He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.“ Isaiah 61:10 (WEB)

Stop and think about the term church.

Church, (capital “C”) is the body of believers. Jesus refers to those in this study who have “washed their robes and made them white in the Lamb’s blood.” Revelation 7:14 (WEB)

But when used for financial gain, entertainment, recognition, or superstition, you are attending church—a place.

“…but you are dead.” Revelation 3:1 (WEB)

If you go to a church (small “c”), you should pay attention to the warning given to Sardis. The distinction is everything.

Can you imagine Jesus addressing your church with these words:

“I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”

Revelation 3:1 (WEB)

Here is more of Jesus’ message to the pastors of the Church at Sardis.

“Wake up and strengthen the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God.”  

Revelation 3:2 (WEB)

Sardis was the capital city of Lydia, in Asia. Like the other churches we have studied, Sardis was surrounded by paganism and materialism.

But did you know that even in darkness, we are called to bring the Light of the world? Many believers have done this amidst great danger and suffering.

Now, little children, remain in him, that when he appears,

we may have boldness and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

1 John 2:28 (WEB)

Based on your current lifestyle, if Jesus returned next week, what would He find you doing? As part of Christ’s body, are you living faithfully for Him?

Here’s another perspective. What would Jesus see that you should be doing for Him and others, but are ignoring? This is about obedience and sharing the Gospel. .

The darkness in the Church at Sardis was as threatening as paganism. Why? Because many churches today are filled with unrepentant members who pretend to know Christ. Many have their own idols. You know. Greed for worldly satisfaction.

“Wake up and strengthen the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God.” Revelation 3:2 (WEB)

There are many who will not repent. They will, like many in Sardis, reject Christ. They will be caught off guard, either by unexpected death or the return of the Lord Jesus.

Matthew 24:42-44

Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If therefore you won’t watch, I will come as a thief, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you.” Revelation 3:3 (WEB)

“…you won’t watch…”

At the beginning of this devotion, we read about the distinction between the lost church and saved Church. A small number of people at Sardis were wholly committed to Jesus.

Can you imagine how hard life must have been for them? They loved the Savior while being surrounded by enemies of Christ both within and outside of the Church.

He said to me, “These are those who came out of the great suffering.  They washed their robes and made them white in the Lamb’s blood.” Revelation 7:14 (WEB)

They must have been filled spiritually with the peace of Jesus. He kept them in His grasp, as this wonderful passage explains.

“Nevertheless, you have a few names in Sardis that didn’t defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.  He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and 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 assemblies.“ Revelation 3:4-6

Here is a passage where many are confused. “…I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life,“

This is not about saved people losing salvation; Jesus reassures that everyone in the Book of Life will remain there. If you trust Jesus, your name will never be blotted out; He has saved you forever.

 “I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28 (WEB)

This was simply a warning indicating that those in the Church at Sardis who have not trusted in Jesus, still had an opportunity to be saved.

What about you? Will you be joyfully prepared when Jesus raptures His Bride, the Church?

I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh. My soul will be joyful in my God! For he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. Isaiah 61:10

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.