Revelation 3: Church Of Sardis

Sardis means “That which remains/escape”

Main Theme: The church of the Reformation

🔹City of Sardis

Sardis was one of the most powerful cities in ancient times. However, by the time the Romans arrived, the city had become less significant. So instead of relying on its current brilliance, it found glory in recollecting its history.

It is definitely crucial that Sardis has this quality. It won't take long to see that this church represents the period following the Protestant Reformation. What started magnificently did not reach its completion.

Revelation Chapter 3 - Verse 1

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.

🔹The Seven Spirits

Without the Holy Spirit, a person is spiritually dead.

Seven is a symbol for completion. The church at Sardis was close to dying because it had the body but not the spirit (John 6:63). The first gospel preaching occurred on Pentecost, when the body of Christ and the Spirit united. Sardis required another outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Because the church at Sardis was dying, it needed new vitality, and according to Romans 8:11, only the Holy Spirit can give life.

The absence of the Holy Spirit leads to the loss of spiritual life and results in apathy. Some Christians are united with the church, but are not united with Christ.

🔹Seven stars

The seven stars represent the seven churches' ministers. The ministers were responsible for the church's spiritual condition, and Jesus held them in His hand.

🔹The name

Sardis was known for being alive, but it was a church on its deathbed. They had a name to live by, but their works were destitute of the love of Jesus.

In an attempt to attract more members, some pastors and churches fail to faithfully speak against unchristian actions and behaviors.

A lot of people enter the church without turning to Christ first. Since these "converts" are Satan's most effective operatives, he wins in this situation. They are false lights that lead the gullible to eternal damnation. Men try in vain to widen the Christian path and make it enjoyable for non-Christians. God has not paved over or made the rocky, narrow path wider. The road of humility, self-denial, and sacrifice that Jesus and His disciples walked must be our route if we are to enter life.

The word "Sardis" means "escaping." This was the church, escaping from the Dark Ages' darkness.

The church seemed to be very much alive after the Protestant Reformation, but lacked the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, placing a strong emphasis on doctrinal correctness and proper worship. During this time, the major Protestant creeds were written, but the church was in ruins because its foundation was a head religion rather than a personal relationship with Jesus. The Sardinian Church did not successfully complete the Reformation.

Contrary to popular belief, the Reformation continued after Martin Luther and would persist until the end of human history.

Revelation Chapter 3 - Verse 2

2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

🔹Their works were not perfect

At this time, the church claimed faith but showed no evidence. Their religion was dead, like a body without a spirit. There was a significant amount of discourse about the righteousness of Christ, but there was a no tangible actions. James 2:22–24, which states that faith without works is dead, is a message that the church desperately needed to hear. Faith without deeds is dead, just like the body is dead without the spirit.

The word “perfect” in this context means “to fulfill” or “to complete.” The idea is not perfect versus imperfect but rather complete versus incomplete. During this period, the church's work was not complete. They were content with where they were, which was an intellectual commitment to truth.

The Protestant Reformation was dying, so those who survived had to defend it. Because they had not fulfilled the work that God had given them, they were on the verge of passing away.

Revelation Chapter 3 - Verse 3

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.

🔹Watch

For this reason, Jesus advised the congregation at Sardis to watch. The crucial text for comprehending what it means to watch is Mark 13:33–37.

Jesus advised us to remain vigilant because we cannot predict when the Master of the House will arrive. It is our duty to monitor and wait for the Master's return and make sure He does not find us sleeping.

Revelation Chapter 3 - Verse 4 to 6

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.

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.

6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

🔹Garments

In the book of Matthew 22, we find the parable of the wedding guests and see that each guest has a wedding garment in God’s kingdom.

Matthew 22:10-12 - "10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless."

🔹Book of life

When an individual believes in Jesus and is baptized, his name is written in the Book of Life and remains there until he is called to be judged. (Philippians 4:3; Exodus 32:32; Daniel 12:1; Psalm 69:28; Revelation 13:8).

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