Sign of Times (Part XIX -19)

By Moonings

The Message to Each Church

Sardis/Reformed Churches

Salutation: Christ has the seven spirits and the seven stars.
Relevance to this church: Sardis has a carnal pride in its superiority to the other churches, thinking that to be Reformed is to be absolutely right. Christ reminds them that He is not so parochial.

Acknowledgment: He notices their works, which are deficient.
Relevance to this church: Their true condition does not match their good reputation. Though once alive, this church is now almost dead. Indeed, little vital Christianity remains in Switzerland, Holland, Scotland, New England, and other former strongholds of the Reformed church. This church has never been outstanding in works, because most of its people have centered their lives on family and business. By the time Christ returns, Sardis will retain little interest in charitable and evangelistic endeavors.

Exhortation/Warning: They must remember their traditions, hold fast, and repent. If they do not watch, He will come upon them as a thief, when they are not expecting Him.
Relevance to this church: This church has stubbornly resisted new insights on prophecy, instead holding to false systems of interpretation congenial to covenant theology. Inconsequence, Sardis is blind to signs of the times, and the coming of Christ will take it by surprise.

Commendation: A few names in Sardis are worthy to walk with Him in white.
Relevance to this church: Still today, some in Reformed circles strive for personal holiness and for personal devotion to Christ.

Promise: He will not reject overcomers. Rather, He will give them white raiment and confess them before the Father.
Relevance to this church: The people of this church have never had much spiritual ambition beyond a desire to be known as good Christians. Christ promises overcomers the public standing they seek.