The Message to Sardis (3)

The Reward for Watching

After giving the instruction to be spiritually alert, Jesus said, “You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels” (Revelation 3:4-5).

This passage also appears to reflect Christ's intimate knowledge of this first century congregation. Expositor's explains, “While the majority had departed from faithful obedience to Christ, a few at Sardis remained true. Here an allusion to the wool industry at Sardis intensifies the image of soiled and defiled garments. Those with soiled garments were removed from the public lists of citizens in Sardis. In the pagan religions it was forbidden to approach the gods in garments that were soiled or stained (Barclay, Seven Churches , p. 77). Soiling seems to be a symbol for mingling with pagan life and thus defiling the purity of one's relation to Christ.”

Just as clean garments were required for those in Sardis to be included in their local census, clean garments (representing righteous actions, Revelation 19:8) are required of all who will be included in “the Book of Life.”

Paul also likened Christianity to clothing that must be put on when we commit ourselves to God's way of life. We must set our minds “on things above” and “put on the new man” with its accompanying actions (Colossians 3:2, 10). Continuing, he wrote, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” (verse 12).

Jesus Christ's instructions to Sardis are universal instructions for God's people throughout the ages. As the message concludes, “'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches'” (Revelation 3:6).

On the eve of Armageddon, “the battle of that great day of God Almighty,” Jesus again cautions all, “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments…” (Revelation 16:14-16). UN


God bless you all.