Revelation 3

Revelation 3:1-6

Here we have three more of the epistles of Christ to the churches: 1. To Sardis, ver. 1—2. 2. To Philadelphia, ver. 7—14. 3. To Laodicea, ver. 14—22.

1. AND unto the angel of the church in Sardis, write, Thele things faith ‘he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; ‘I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou liveth, and art dead. 2. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3. ‘Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. ‘If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what thou I will come upon thee. 4. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6. ‘He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit faith unto the churches.

To the angel of the church of Sardis is this epistle directed.

1. It comes from him that hath the seven Spirits of God, who as the divine Mediator hath all variety and fulness of the gifts and graces of the Spirit to beflow; and the seven stars, guiding and directing his manifesting servants, and giving them all their light and influence.

2. The contents are melancholy. 1. I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou liveth, and art dead; amidst all thy specious appearances of religion, I know that thy professions in general are hypocritical, and many who have a name among the members of the church are really dead in trespasses and sins, and others too cold and lukewarm. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, before all vital godliness be utterly deserved: for I have not found thy works perfect before God; they are but as the comets, when the Spirit is God; thy duties liberate thy services insecure. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. Note, (1.) A form of godliness will avail nothing, if the graves of it

of my Spirit, wisdom, and grace, and all the spiritual treasures which I believe on my redeemed; and white raiment, that thou mayst be clothed; even that spouses and everlasting righteousness which I have wrought out, and will put upon thee, that the flame of thy nakedness do not appear; but that all thy guilt and deformity may be for ever hid from the eyes of divine purity and justice: and amint thine eyes with eye-folies, that thou mayst be the things that make for thy everlasting peace, and all the mysteries of gospel-grace, no longer blinded by ignorants, prejudice, and worldly lusts. Note, They who would be spiritually rich, and clothed, and wise unto salvation, must come to Christ out of his fainish to buy; and, blessed be his name, the purchase is to be made without money and without price, for he liveth gives to the miserable and the desliure. [5.] A gracious encouragement is yet given them to repent. As many as I love, I rebuke and deplore; the reproofs of my word, and the corrections of my providence, are the rod of love: he zealous therefore; call off this lukewarm Spirit; let the fire of zeal and love kindle in your hearts; and repent of palt unfaithfulness. Behold, such is my patience and condescensions, I yet stand, waiting to be gracious, at the door of your hearts: if any man hear my voice, attends to my calls and warnings, and open the door, in faith and penitence to receive me with eager welcome into his soul, I will come to to him, and will sup with him, and he with me, honouring him with my presence, and love, and blessed communion. Note (1.) The Lord’s challistments are ligno, not of his wrath, but of his love. (2.) Christ, by his providences, word, and spirit, knocks at the door of our hearts; and they who welcome him in, shall find him not only as a guest that tarrieth for a night, but whole communion shall make us blessed for eternity.

3. The conclusion. To him that overcame the corruptions of his nature, and the temptations of the world, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcome, and am yet done with my Father in his throne; to such infinite and transcendent glory and dignity shall he be exalted in the great day of my appearing, and come to reign with me triumphant over every for ever and ever. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit hath seen the churches; for these things are written for our learning to the latest ages; and blessed are they who attend to the warnings, reproofs, exhortations, encouragements, and instructions here revealed, and feel their mighty influence.