“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“
You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments
Jesus gives a commendation after condemnation in this letter. Here He commends spiritual giants. A few did not fall into the condemnation of verses two and three. They did not soil their garments. That is, they did not accommodate the immoral and apostate standards around them. They still walk in fellowship with the Lord.
and they shall walk with Me in white
The few believers that resist pressure about them will receive a special reward — they will walk in fellowship with the Lord on earth.
for they are worthy
These Christians are “worthy” not because of themselves. They are worthy because of what the Lord did for them in grace. Our acceptability before God is because of the finished work of Christ on the cross.
Principle:
God always maintains a remnant that is true to Himself.
Application:
It is amazing how some truly born-again Christians can continue to attend apostate churches. They do not get any spiritual food for their souls in those churches, but their preachers regularly attack their faith. They stay in those churches out of loyalty because their family attended there or because their friends are there. In the meantime, their souls dry up. Sentiment is no basis for biblical determination. God says those who are worthy are those who are true to the Lord.
God always keeps for Himself those who are true to His Word. To these people, He supplies a special grace of warm fellowship with Himself.
Dr. Richison, would you please elaborate on what you mean by “their preachers attack their faith” in the application section.
Richard, there are many liberal pastors who deny biblical inspiration, biblical inerrancy, the deity of Christ, Christ as the only way to heaven and many other heretical ideas. These heretical pastors undermine the faith of true believers who sit under their so-called ministry week by week.
Thank you. Your commentary is so helpful. Thank you for you obedient work for Christ and and the building of His kingdom.
I am one of those members who is attacked by an apostate pastor. I am not there for sentimental reasons. God placed me there to tear down, throw down and destroy false teaching and errors and to build up and plant the truth and defend it. I am res daily by preachers like you and some of which have gone home. God uses foolishness to confound the wise. Thank you so much for explaining the Word.