A Walk Through Revelation

Please enjoy this short excerpt from my new book, “A Walk Through Revelation.”

3:1-6/The Dead Church:

            “The Dead Church” is the title given to this church and it speaks volumes. Unfortunately, it represents many churches today. John is told to write to the church in Sardis to share some commendation and a rebuke that needs to be heard by many people today. He speaks of them having a name as if they are alive but in fact, they are dead.

Many congregations fall under this problem today. We hear their name but what about their fruits? Where are they? The simple fact is, like Sardis, they have none. They are present often to simply serve themselves. They are not reaching out into the community to spread the gospel. Someone once asked me, “What if they are not called to do that?” But the simple truth is that every single church, every single Christian is called to spread the gospel. How each individual may do that may be different, but we are all called to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

            He commands the people to “strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die for I have not found your works perfect before God” (v.2). All too often, the church begins a good work, but momentum quickly dies out and the project simply fades away. As with the people of Sardis, we need to get focused and get to work.

            Why does the momentum fade? Often times it is because the project is not of God. Instead, it is simply something someone wants to do so they can look good to those around them. However, if it were of God nothing could stop it. Gamaliel explained this very thing, “For if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you be found to even fight against God” (Acts 5:38-39). Therefore, the question we need to ask ourselves is this: Are the works we are doing of God or man? Where is the glory going? We need to do the work of God for the glory of God alone.

            They are given a reminder of how they are to serve and their need to repent of their sin. Along with it they are given a reminder of what will happen if they do not follow this rebuke, “I will come upon you like a thief…” (v.3). This warning should still be taken seriously by us.

            Yet, we will notice here that there are some in the church who “have not defiled their garments; and shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy” (v.4). Not everyone was suffering this affliction of being dead. The same continues today as we find some in the church still serving fully focused on God. Those who are, receive this promise, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot his name from the Book of life; but I will confess His name before My Father and before His angels” (v.5). This is a promise we should all want!

            But what is meant by “blot his name out of the Book of life?” Some relate this to someone being able to lose their salvation. However, the Bible clearly teaches that one cannot lose their eternal life. So how should we take this then? I take it simply as the promise it is intended to be. Those who remain faithful are children of God and have the assurance of salvation as He promises not to blot their name out. We need to read it in context. Verse 5 is a promise to the faithful, not a warning to the make-believers. Jesus says He will do these things.

            Again, we see a correlation between the description of Christ and the punishment and rewards. Notice that in the description it states that “He HAS the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars” (v.1) The word “has” is in the present tense as they are already His.

            The passage again closes with a broad address to “he who has an ear” (v.6). We all need to heed this advice. Where are your fruits? How are your works? Are they a bunch of unfinished projects that are being forgotten? It is time to get to work and make sure your garments are not defiled.