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The church of Sardis, found in Rev 3:1-6, sounds like they are in deep trouble with Jesus. He says they have a reputation of being alive, but are in fact dead, their deeds are incomplete, they need to repent or He will come as a thief to them, and there is the hint of names being erased from the Book of Life.
If ever there was reason to fear Christ’s return, these Sardians would appear to have it. But all is not as it appears at first glance my friend!
Sardis was a citadel, sitting atop sheer cliffs, with a river as a moat at the bottom. Nevertheless, King Cyrus conquered the city in 546 BC and transplanted many Jews. They were a ready audience for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sardis had once been a very wealthy city, proud – and they were still proud of themselves – but in fact they were but a shadow of their former glory.
Jesus begins by describing Himself as He did to the Ephesians: having the 7 spirits of God and the 7 stars. Sardis had been the capital of the region; Ephesus would later become the capital. The proud Sardians considered themselves at the center of everything. Jesus’ picture corrects that: He is the center.
The Sardians knew how to act spiritual and sound spiritual but they were not acquainted with the Holy Spirit, those 7 Spirits of God mentioned. So they had a name that they were alive – but they were dead. Playing church – no Holy Spirit. Impressing others with their religious activity – having an appearance of great church life – but they were dead.
Not dying – still dead. Not born again. Most of them. “Strengthen what remains,” says Jesus. Or, “Repent and turn to Him – before it is too late.” Or they will die in their sins – eternally dead – Oh my!
What about those incomplete deeds – in God’s sight? Is Jesus saying they had better perform for Him, study more, pray more, serve more, give more? No! That’s earning your salvation – that’s works, not grace and you have been saved and kept by grace, lest anyone should boast. Eph 2:8-9.
In this case Jesus is talking to the dead sinners in the church, those self righteously trying to make a name for themselves. So their deeds were incomplete. You cannot EARN God’s favor, but you can RECEIVE it.
Friend, receive His favor today – and COME ALIVE!
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