How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold except as they are indifferent in needful matters, and hot and fiery in disputes about things of lesser moment! A severe punishment is threatened. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen " one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. Verses 14-22 Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia.
On this pillar shall be written the new name of Christ by this will appear, under whom the believer fought the good fight, and came off victorious.
Revelations chapter 3 seven spirits of god free#
He shall be a monumental pillar in the temple of God a monument of the free and powerful grace of God a monument that shall never be defaced or removed. Christ promises a glorious reward to the victorious believer. Those who keep the gospel in a time of peace, shall be kept by Christ in an hour of temptation and the same Divine grace that has made them fruitful in times of peace, will make them faithful in times of persecution. Christ promises preserving grace in the most trying times, as the reward of past faithfulness To him that hath shall be given. This, by the grace of Christ, will soften their enemies, and make them desire to be admitted into communion with his people. Christ can discover this his favour to his people, so that their enemies shall be forced to acknowledge it. Although Christ accepts a little strength, yet believers must not rest satisfied in a little, but strive to grow in grace, to be strong in faith, giving glory to God. The church in Philadelphia is commended yet with a gentle reproof. He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they may be. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches he opens a door of utterance to his ministers he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. Verses 7-13 The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. Christ will bring forward this book of life, and show the names of the faithful, before God, and all the angels, at the great day. Christ has his book of life, a register of all who shall inherit eternal life the book of remembrance of all who live to God, and keep up the life and power of godliness in evil times. He that overcometh shall be clothed in white raiment the purity of grace shall be rewarded with the perfect purity of glory. He makes honourable mention of the faithful remnant in Sardis, he makes a gracious promise to them. Yet our blessed Lord does not leave this sinful people without some encouragement. Christ enforces his counsel with a dreadful threatening if it should be despised.
In seeking a revival in our own souls, or the souls of others, it is needful to compare what we profess with the manner in which we go on, that we may be humbled and quickened to hold fast that which remains. There are not inward affections suitable to outward acts and expressions when the spirit is wanting, the form cannot long remain. Thy works are hollow and empty prayers are not filled up with holy desires, alms-deeds not filled up with true charity, sabbaths not filled up with suitable devotion of soul to God. Whenever we are off our watch, we lose ground. Our Lord called upon them to be watchful against their enemies, and to be active and earnest in their duties and to endeavour, in dependence on the grace of the Holy Spirit, to revive and strengthen the faith and spiritual affections of those yet alive to God, though in a declining state. There was great deadness in their souls, and in their services numbers were wholly hypocrites, others were in a disordered and lifeless state. Outward things appeared well to men, but there was only the form of godliness, not the power a name to live, not a principle of life. Hypocrisy, and lamentable decay in religion, are sins charged upon Sardis, by One who knew that church well, and all her works. The Lord Jesus is He that hath the Holy Spirit with all his powers, graces, and operations. Epistles to the church at Sardis (1-6) at Philadelphia (7-13) and Laodicea.
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