In these six
verses, Christ was addressing the church in Sardis. Located some 30 to 40 miles
southeast of Thyatira, Sardis was indeed a glorious city in Asia. Its great wealth was attained through commerce and trade. As for military
power, the city was feared by all because it had rarely lost a battle. Artemis was the city’s patron goddess. The people of Sardis had a
special interest in death and immortality. Their religious life was mainly
centered on nature worship, focusing on the fertility cycle and bringing life
out of death. We can now understand why Christ talked about the book of life.
Referring to Himself as the One who has the seven Spirits and seven
stars, Jesus showed that He was in control of the church there. He has the seven
Spirits, which we have established in Revelation 1:4 as the Holy Spirit with His
seven-fold perfection. In HIs hand are also the seven angels or messengers of
the churches. Christ immediately launched into highlighting their flaws. He saw
through their deeds. They might have appeared to be alive but in reality they
were dead. Everything was merely a façade. As a fellowship, they once was known
for being alive and vibrant but right now they had gone to sleep on their
reputation. They needed to be awakened. At least there were still some remnant of
useful activities. And unless something was done quickly, they would fizzle off
in no time.
Christ’s assessment of the church in Sardis essentially boiled down to
two issues. Firstly, they were found wanting in their performance. In their work
of the Gospel and conduct relating to the Gospel, they have left much to be
desired. Like what He expected of them, Jesus also expects a whole hearted commitment
from us. Anything short of a hundred percent commitment is not a befitting
response to His love. Looking busy but achieving little or nothing is not acceptable.
Reputation not back up by diligence, faithfulness and commitment is grossly inadequate.
The second charge seems to be implied in verse 4 and 5. There were only a few who
did not soil their garments. This statement suggests that the rest had soiled
their garments. We don’t know what Christ was actually referring to. It could
mean their lazy spiritual habits or even their toleration of the immoral
behavior of the community. And if they persist in their ways, and do not
repent, but continue to dull their spiritual senses, they would be caught by
surprise when He returns. If they persist in their sleep they could be caught
unawares when the Lord comes. Like in other portions of the New Testament, Christ
reiterates here that the timing of His coming would be like a thief, coming at a
time that is un-announced.
In verses 4-6, Christ made His promises to those who are awake, and
those who overcome and not soil their garments. Firstly, they would share in His
triumphant procession when He returns as the conqueror. They would be wearing
white robes as people did in the triumphant procession. Secondly their names
will remain in the book of life. It will not be erased. On the other hand, the name
of a condemned person would be cancelled and blotted out of the register of the
living. What’s more wonderful is that Christ will confess Him before His Father
and the angels. To be acknowledged by Christ is already a great honor. But to be
acknowledged by Him before the Father and His angels will send us to the height
of exhilaration. Beloved, in anticipation of that moment, let us live rightly,
constantly and faithfully!
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