◄ What Does Revelation 3:4 Mean? ►

The sad truth about the Church in Sardis, was that despite its lively appearance, busy activity, and great reputation, it was spiritually dead, and Jesus was very verbal in His undisguised condemnation of the majority. However, this verse addressed a little remnant of faithful believers, commending them for their good deeds and godly life: "But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy."

Christ's approval of 'the few' in Sardis was an indirect condemnation of the carnal majority who had soiled their 'clothes' by producing dead works that did not honour the Lord. The faithful remnant who remained steadfast in their faith, were promised blessings because they had not "soiled their garments," they had stayed faithful to the truth of the gospel, trusted God's Word, and honoured His name. Later in Revelation, we are informed that the Bride of Christ (who is the Church) was permitted to wear clean, fine linen which was bright and pure and represents the righteous acts of the saints.

Jesus identified the few believers who remained true to the Word of God as worthy of His praise. Despite the spiritual decline of those around, they had remained faithful to their calling, were walking in spirit and truth, and were undefiled by the world. They were 'overcomers' by faith, who were not only living a victorious Christian life, but continued to enjoy fellowship with the Father and were promised that they would walk with the Lord Jesus, dressed in white garments.

They were those who eschewed the evil works of darkness, resisted the advances of Satan, refused to participate in immorality, rejected apostate teachings, and were walking in the light of His love. These men and women were called 'worthy' by the Lord, not because of their own righteousness, but because they believed in the redeeming work of Christ on the Cross and were clothed in His righteousness.

No doubt, the clear comparison between the 'few faithful people' and the vast majority in Sardis was designed to challenge those with a fruitless life and dead faith, to come to repentance and return to living a productive and triumphant life that honours the Lord Who bought them with His precious blood.

Throughout the Word of God, we recognise the faithful few who remain true to the truth of Scripture, loyal to their Lord Jesus, and refuse to compromise their faith or be enticed back into worldly pursuits. May we be part of today's 'few people' who do not soil their garments. May we remain part of a faithful remnant who walk in spirit and truth, trust in the Lord with all our heart, and live godly lives through the power of the Spirit.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons of Sardis and the need to keep our garments pure and undefiled, and to walk in the light as He is in the light. Thank You that by grace through faith I have been declared worthy, not because of my own righteousness, but by faith in the finished work of Christ on Calvary for the redemption of my soul. I pray that I may grow in grace and walk in spirit and truth, and may I press on for the high call of God in my life and not compromise my faith through dead works. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.