Revelation 3, The Dead Church of Sardis

 

Revelation 3, The Dead Church of Sardis.

The church in Sardis represents the Protestant church. It was the capital of the great Kingdom in Lydia and one of the oldest and most important cities of the Asia minors. This was the 1st place coins were minted. Its last Prince was Croesus who was captured by Cyrus. He was considered the wealthiest man in the world and everything he touched seemed to turn to gold. Sardis was destroyed by an earthquake during the reign of Tiberius, a Roman. They worshipped Diana the goddess of the moon and apollos, the god of the sun. John's letter commended the church for the doctrine of justification by faith, and this faith produced works. He condemns the Protestant church for just going through the motions. They regularly attended church on Sundays but didn't go anymore during the week. They didn't come to hear the word of God. Christ through John tells them to wake up and watch and establish the things that are about to die. Their works were not fully acceptable to God. These were Protestants who have turned away from looking for the coming of Christ. They say certain things must happen before Christ comes. No one can say that, because no one knows when Christ will come. He can come at any time. Christ alone is the only one that knows when He will come. The great truths they had received were being lost, they lost the authority of the word of God. If we are not watching for the Christ to come, he will come on us as a thief and we don't know what hour that will be. John's letter tells them that there are a few people in Sardis that did not defile their Christian life, and they will walk with Christ in white garments for they are worthy. He that overcomes by the blood of Christ, will be confessed by Christ before God and his angels. We don't do this through our own strength, cleverness or ability but through the blood of Christ. He tells them to hear the voice of the spirit speaking through the Word of God

 

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible