Day: March 4, 2025

Revelation chapter 3 verses 1 through 6:

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis (Sahr-dis) write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 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 hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis (Sahr-dis) which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

Verse Context

The book of Revelation, including this message to the church at Sardis (Sahr-dis), was written by the Apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos (Pat-mohs), likely around A.D. 95-96. John received this revelation directly from Jesus Christ, who instructed him to write to the seven churches of Asia Minor, located in modern-day Turkey. Sardis was a wealthy city with a rich history, but by the time this letter was written, its reputation far exceeded its reality. Sardis had once been a great capital of the Lydian kingdom, known for its impressive fortress and its role in commerce and trade, but it had fallen into complacency and decline.

In verse 1, Jesus describes Himself as the One who holds the “seven Spirits of God” and the “seven stars.” The phrase “seven Spirits” (Greek: ta hepta pneumata tou Theou) reflects the fullness and completeness of the Holy Spirit’s work (Isaiah chapter 11 verse 2 lists seven aspects of the Spirit’s ministry—Spirit of the Lord, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord). The “seven stars” are the angels, or messengers, of the seven churches (Revelation chapter 1 verse 20). By introducing Himself this way, Jesus reminds Sardis that He holds complete authority over the spiritual life and destiny of the church.

Jesus immediately confronts the reality that Sardis has a name—a reputation—that they are alive, but they are actually spiritually dead. This accusation strikes at the heart of Sardis’ greatest failing: they looked good on the outside but were lifeless inside. The word “name” (Greek: onoma) refers to their public identity or reputation, but Christ sees through to the truth.

Verse 2 calls them to “be watchful” (Greek: gregoreo), which means to stay alert and vigilant. This is a pointed rebuke for Sardis, a city that had twice in its history fallen to enemies because of its failure to keep watch at its walls. Spiritually, the church mirrored the city—careless, complacent, and unaware of its own vulnerability.

Jesus urges them to “strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.” This implies there were still faint embers of spiritual life, but without immediate action, even those would perish. The phrase “not found thy works perfect before God” uses the Greek word pleroo, meaning complete or fully filled. Their works lacked full obedience and wholehearted devotion.

In verse 3, Jesus tells them to “remember,” “hold fast,” and “repent.” This echoes the warnings given to Israel by the prophets—calling them to remember God’s word, cling to it, and turn back from their sinful ways. The threat of Jesus coming “as a thief” draws directly from His own teaching in Matthew chapter 24 verse 43, where the thief comes unexpectedly to those who are unprepared.

Verse 4 brings comfort, noting that there are still “a few names” in Sardis who have “not defiled their garments.” The phrase “defiled” (Greek: moluno) means to stain or pollute. In ancient Sardis, the making and dyeing of garments was a major industry, so this imagery would have been immediately understood. White garments symbolize purity and victory, a promise for those who have remained faithful.

Verse 5 promises the overcomer will be “clothed in white raiment” and their name will not be blotted out of the “book of life.” The book of life (Greek: biblos zoes) is a heavenly record of all who belong to God (Exodus chapter 32 verse 32; Philippians chapter 4 verse 3). To “confess his name before my Father” recalls Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapter 10 verse 32. This is a promise of personal recognition and public affirmation before the throne of God.

Finally, verse 6 repeats the refrain given to all seven churches: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” This is a call to spiritual sensitivity, urging every believer to pay attention to the Spirit’s voice.

Broader Context

The message to Sardis is part of a larger series of letters to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Each church receives a message tailored to its unique condition, yet all are called to overcome and remain faithful. Sardis stands out because it receives no commendation—only correction. This underscores the seriousness of their spiritual complacency.

Thematically, Revelation emphasizes that Christ is Lord of the Church, fully aware of its true condition, and that spiritual reputation means nothing if it does not reflect reality. Sardis was physically rich but spiritually bankrupt. The message fits within Revelation’s larger call to endure faithfully in the face of both persecution and prosperity. As Matthew Henry noted, “There may be a name to live where there is no spiritual life.”

Application

Appreciating God’s Greatness
This passage reveals God’s perfect knowledge of His Church. While others see outward appearances, God sees the heart. His ability to discern truth from illusion reminds us that nothing is hidden from His gaze (Hebrews chapter 4 verse 13). His sovereignty over the Spirit and the angels of the churches shows that Christ is fully in control of His people and their destiny.

For the Believer
The warning to Sardis serves as a sobering reminder for believers today. It is possible to have an impressive outward reputation while being spiritually dead inside. Jesus calls us to stay alert, repent, and cling to what we have received—the pure gospel of grace.

Call to Action: Examine your spiritual life. Are you resting on a reputation, or are you pursuing a vibrant, living relationship with Christ? Strengthen what remains by returning to regular prayer, studying scripture, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance every day.

For the Unbeliever
This passage exposes the danger of false confidence. Having a name, attending church, or performing religious acts does not equal salvation. True life comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, who offers purity, forgiveness, and eternal security to those who repent and believe.

If you have never fully surrendered to Christ, today is the day to repent and believe the gospel. Trust in Him, and your name will be written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Final Encouragement
The church at Sardis teaches us that spiritual life is not about reputation but about reality. Jesus offers mercy to those who will wake up and repent, but He also warns that ignoring His call invites judgment. Whether you are a seasoned believer or someone seeking truth, the message is clear: true life is found in Christ alone.

You are loved, so much in fact that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.