October 31, 2002 (44)
THE CHURCH AT SARDIS. (continued).
A REMNANT. In the midst of every congregation there is a group that maintain a standard that makes them worthy of the blessing of the Lord. In Sardis it is a small portion of the whole who serve the Lord in true holiness and righteousness. These have not been contaminated with the conduct and attitudes that develop in a church of this nature. Robes of righteousness will be given them as a reward for their faithfulness. Spiritual surroundings did not deter them from living a life that was pleasing to the Lord. They are accounted as those who are deserving of the privilege of walking with the Lord. They are blessed for they did not flow with the general direction of the church. The Lord will always have His seven thousand who will not bow to Baal. Rev. 3:4
THE CHALLENGE. Addressed to each of the churches is this invitation to be a victorious Christian. Our walk with the Lord is an individual choice. we need not follow the example or short coming of others. Each and every one in the bride will be a strong triumphant believer in Christ who has been obedient to His Word. They are clothed, surrounded and bathed in the glorious light of the Lord. Their raiment is WHITE. {Greek leukos – from luke, light}. They are a blaze with the majestic glory of the Almighty. Rev. 3:5 The garments of the Bride include that fine twined linen, that has a sheen to it. Most certainly she will shine forth the glory of the Lord. A cloth that is pure and white. WHITE. {Greek. lampros, magnificent or sumptuous in appearance. Gorgeous, bright, clear}. This is a manifestation of her righteousness. Rev. 19:6 No wonder John describes her as a being of light. Clothed with the sun, standing on the moon and crowned with a diadem of twelve stars. He who is light, has made her to be what He is. She too is a being of light. Rev. 12:1
BLOTTED OUT? The mere suggestion of a name being blotted out of the book of life is a frightening thing. It would not have been mentioned if it were not a possibility. This must be considered very seriously. To blot out would mean that ones name was erased, obliterated or wiped out. Thus, causing a loss of eternal life, and everlasting separation from the Lord. Rev. 3:5 Such a thought on the part of the Lord is not without precedence. Even while He was giving Moses the Law, the Lord wanted to blot out a sinful and disobedient nation. Deut. 9:14 Fortunately for Israel Moses became a mediator and prayed that if the Lord could not forgive them to blot out His name from the book of the Lord. Ex. 32:32 The Psalmist prayed that his enemies be blotted out of the book of the living and that their names not be written with the names of the righteous. Ps. 69:28 It is imperative that a walk of righteousness be the goal and aim of our lives. Being continuously reproved without repentance produces a separation that is without remedy. Prov. 29:1