Revelation 3:1-2
What is written? (ESV)
And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
What does it say?
Write to the angel at the church in Sardis these words of the One [Jesus] that has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars — I know your deeds and even though your reputation is that you are alive, you are in fact dead. Wake up and strengthen yourselves before it’s too late, for your works are not yet complete in the sight of God.
What is its immediate context?
A letter to the church at Sardis, the fifth of seven letters written to the seven churches of Asia from Jesus. They had a reputation of being alive, but Jesus knew them to be dead based on their works (vs 1) and he calls them to “repent” and “wake up” (vs 3).
How Revelation 3:1-2 is applied across Bible answers
Top 6: Jesus and OSAS?
Jesus wants some members of the church at Sardis (e.g. Christians) that even though they "look good" they are dead because of disobedience.
Jesus goes on to say that "a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments...will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life." (vss 4-5)
What is the hot and cold of Laodicea (Revelation 3:15-16)?
Like the Laodiceans1, the Christians in Sardis were called out for their [lack of] works and being "dead" in Jesus' eyes.
Jesus goes on to tell them to repent or He "will come against" them, and they were at risk of having their name blotted out of the book of life.
