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.
Because they did not deny God’s name (vs 8), they will have new names like one writes important names on a temple pillar, perhaps signifying adoption by God, and of citizenship in New Jerusalem, and God’s name as a seal of consecration like the high priests wore (Exodus 28:36-38).
Revelation 3:13 Again, what the Spirit says to Philadelphia we are all to hear.
Laodicea
Revelation 3:14 Jesus is not a created being, but the Origin or Source of the creation of God. This is perhaps the last and worst of the seven churches. Only this church and Sardis lack any approval from Jesus. It’s all bad news, except for the opportunity to be an overcomer, even here.
Revelation 3:15 Laodicea was a very wealthy city with horrible water. Much like their water, which came from hot springs via aqueduct, arriving in town luke warm and tasting awful, this church is neither cold like a refreshing glass of water, nor hot like a cup of soup. They are apathetic Christians.
Revelation 3:16 Like their awful town water, Jesus is about to spit them out of His mouth.
Revelation 3:17 Unlike poor Smyrna who God counted as rich, Laodicea is the opposite, materially rich yet spiritually poor. Much like Christianity in wealthy countries of Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, these folks are in reality “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” In this superlative description, Revelation also uncovers the deception of material wealth.
Revelation 3:18 Luxury does not build character, but trials by fire do. This is the true wealth of spiritual standing before God. Though well-dressed by this world’s standards, they were spiritually shamefully naked, and counselled to be clothed with the pure white garments of righteousness.
Their world-renowned eye salve did not give them spiritual vision. Like bribes from the devil, wealth can blind us (Deuteronomy 16:19). It can blind even spiritual leaders who must watch over God’s flock (Isaiah 56:10), making them blind leaders of the blind (Matthew 15:14), blind guides (Matthew 23:16).
Revelation 3:19 God chastises and disciplines those He loves (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6).
Revelation 3:20 In a possible historical sense, Jesus says to Philadelphia, “Behold, I come quickly” (verse 11) and then to Laodicea He is closer to coming, even knocking at the door. In a figurative sense, Jesus is an outsider to this church, desiring to come in. Some few do invite Him in and He has true communion with them.
Revelation 3:21 To overcome the deception of wealth must indeed be exceptional. This is a remarkable reward, to sit at the very throne of Christ. Whereas some will rule over cities, or nations, and some will have high positions in the temple, these overcomers will be at the throne, perhaps as a part of Christ’s inner cabinet.
Revelation 3:22 Whether this is in part an historical sequence or not, it is also at the same time applicable in all times and cultures.
Whether ours is a dying church, faithful church or rich and self-satisfied church, salvation is still available to those who overcome.
