March 13, 2022

Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were was completed. Revelation 6:11

Jesus said to the church at Sardis: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead…” Revelation 3:1b

Following the four horsemen of the first four seals which deal with happenings inside the church, the last three seals turn attention to those who oppress God’s people. The opening of the fifth seal (Revelation 6:9-11) contains a connection to Jesus’ letter to the church at Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6). But what is the connection between the church at Sardis and the martyrs of the fifth seal? We know that most of the martyrs who have already been killed died at the hands of the church symbolized by Thyatira. To answer the question, one must back away to see a panoramic view of church history. Sardis is a symbol for the array of various denominations that sprang up on the heels of the Protestant Reformation. The end-time application is happening before our eyes. Most of the Protestant churches are drifting back towards the “mother church” from Thyatira, and scripture tells us that they will clasp hands with the very church they had escaped in the past.

These beneficiaries of the excellent work of the Protestant Reformers made the mistake of driving their denominational stakes into the ground in the name of a man (whoever their favorite reformer was), effectively bringing spiritual growth to a halt. They leapt onto the path of learning only to squander the additional opportunity to grow in grace and truth. Not everyone made this mistake, but those who became steeped in denominational pride are being addressed as oppressors of God’s true followers. Paul warned about this problem (see Acts 30:20). And Peter also, on behalf of Paul and all the believers.

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18

The Holy Spirit is the oil that lights the lamps of our spiritual eyes in this dark world. His people are His radiant bride. She has the light of His love in her eyes. She wears spotless white garments of righteousness, the very righteousness of Christ Himself. White garments beautifully symbolize a perfect covering for the sins that we confess and forsake. In exchange, Jesus provides beautiful, spotless, perfect “wedding clothes”!

“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. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:4-5