The book of Revelation holds the most important message for Christians and Christian Churches. It is the only book in the bible that holds a blessing to those who read it. So, please - read it! Rev1:3 "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." I am focusing on Revelation chapters two and three, on the character of the churches.
The message to the churches follows a specific form:
- Jesus presents himself in a certain way
- Jesus states what makes the church unique
- Jesus criticizes the church for something its doing wrong
- "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches"
- Jesus promises a unique gift to some of the churches
It is a ritual that repeats seven times with minor variation that Jesus is preforming as High-priest. We need to understand every part in order to understand the meaning of the whole message.
Sardis
Rev3:1-6
Sardis was located south of Thyatira and was the ancient capital of the kingdom of Lydia. It could be the city Sepharad mentioned in Obadiah 1:20 since its native Lydian name was Sfard. The meaning of the name is not clear, it probably means "escaping".
To the church of Sardis Jesus presents as "he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars". Similar to the church of Ephesus, Jesus presents as having seven stars - angels of the churches, but there are no golden candlesticks here. Instead we have seven Spirits of God. The image is no longer focusing on Jesus as a priest among the churches, but as the one standing in front of God's throne with the angels of the seven churches in front of God and his seven Spirits supplicating for our salvation in preparation for the coming Judgement.
The church of Sardis is described as "thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead". The church is relying on false propaganda. It lies about its current state in the church and shouts revival, miracles and holy spirit in the church, but the opposite is true. There are no miracles in it. The spirit has departed from the church. Its golden candlestick is snuffed out. The church gets empty as people realize its just a scam. Its a zombie church - an undead monster.
Jesus instructs the church to be watchful, to strengthen the remnant who are willing to die to get the truth, because the works of this church are not satisfactory to God. Jesus further instructs this church to remember as much as it can from whatever it received and heard and to stand and to repent. If the church doesn't watch, Jesus will surprise it like a thief.
Jesus acknowledges that a few people in the church are pure and those few shall walk with him in white clothes because they are worthy. He who succeeds will receive white clothing and be mentioned in the book of life and Jesus will confess his name before God and his Angels.
The church of Sardis is the church of televangelists with their false revival, but it is also the new wave of Churches who look to marketing and psychology even occult practices like chanting, meditation, contemplative prayer. They will use any possible trick in the book to make the congregation feel good and coming for more even appointing female and gay pastors. This church is desperate but it is just another test - will you do as the church does or will you do what God wants you to do. Repent, strengthen your resolve and keep watch - Jesus is coming. Pharisees and Sadducees made the same mistakes, he came as a man from a poor town - they expected a king, he came to preach - they expected he'd conquer. Sometimes God doesn't fit your expectations but - neither do you fit his. Study, guard the truth with your life and watch for Jesus. John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Please write your comments below, I'd like to see your take on this!