Revelation 3

As we study the last of seven churches, let’s notice how much they look like some modern churches.

Sardis

Revelation 3:1 This church is not indicted for corruption, nor harassed by persecution. It was far worse. It was dead or almost dead, as are many modern western churches. As faith without works is dead (James 2:20, 26), so are works without faith. It’s no use “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

This may also apply to any having a one-way conversation with God, ignoring God’s Word, or treating the Bible like a menu, not acknowledging that “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV), or that “no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (2 Peter 1:21 NASB).

Spiritual death may also be a danger among those whose focus is physical buildings and man-made traditions, but do not worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Revelation 3:2 Even here, in a church about to die, there is hope. Otherwise, there would be no hope in thousands of dead and dying churches across the western world.

Revelation 3:3 In a dying church, it is tempting to abandon the faith of our ancestors and try a new thing, but Jesus’ counsel is the exact opposite, to remember the faith once for all delivered to the saints and hold fast. Surprisingly, many young people are looking for the faith of the apostles, and churches that have returned to it are growing.

Jesus is not a thief, but like a burglar in one way: He will come when we do not expect Him. So much for all our charts and diagrams detailing theoretical events before His return. They may all prove to be a waste of time.

Revelation 3:4 Even in the most lifeless church in all Christendom, there are a few names. If we look long enough, we will find them. It may be a quiet widow who prays ceaselessly, an elderly veteran who reads his Bible faithfully, a young man quietly meditating on the Proverbs, or a tired mother faithfully teaching her children about God. Such gems are often found in a local church that is otherwise dead and dying.

Revelation 3:5 Overcoming in a dying church can be discouraging, but a few nonconformists are very much alive and will wear white in resurrection. Would we feel quite alone in such a church? But, we are not alone. There are thousands of faithful saints on earth and in heaven who join us, cheering us on. Remember Stephen the martyr. He probably felt so alone too, yet upon His death, Jesus was so taken that He stood in respect (Acts 7:56). All heaven is with us! Who can be against us!

Revelation 3:6 Again, let all Christendom heed. Even in a dead church, salvation can be found among those who hear what the Spirit says.

Philadelphia

Revelation 3:7 There are various keys which the Bible refers to: keys to the kingdom which the apostles possessed (Matthew 16:19; 18:18); the key of knowledge (Luke 11:52); the key of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18); the key to the house of God (1 Chronicles 9:27); the key of David (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7) and the key to the abyss (Revelation 20:1). In some way all these descriptions are relevant. Christ alone opens where no man can shut, and shuts where no man can open.

Revelation 3:8 This church has an open door, access or entrance into the joy of the Lord, and though little in strength, its members confess the name of Christ.

Revelation 3:9 They are Persecuted by Jews whom Jesus calls not true Jews, who would do the works of Abraham (John 8:39), and is a Jew inwardly (Romans 2:28). These persecuting Jews will be forced to acknowledge that Jesus loved the Christians.

Revelation 3:10 Keeping these Christians from the hour of trial does not necessarily mean to be taken out of the world in a “secret” rapture, because Jesus prayed that the faithful would be kept from the evil one, the same Greek words (John 17:15). In the apocalyptic genre this “time of trial” can be seen as a general description of many Christian experiences, rather than a specific time yet future, though it can be both.

Revelation 3:11 The theory of “once saved always saved” is contradicted by verses such as this. The full picture of salvation is that we are saved in a moment, are being saved and will be saved. It’s more of a process than a moment in isolation. “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

Revelation 3:12 The rewards to the churches are interesting. While salvation itself is a free gift (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8), we are rewarded in salvation according to our works (Romans 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:8; Revelation 22:12). Some will be rewarded with leadership over ten cities (Luke 19:17), some will be rewarded with national and international leadership responsibilities (Revelation 2:26), and Philadelphian overcomers will have great roles within the temple of God.