Church at Sardis: Names

“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis…and they shall walk with me in white: (v.4)”
Name is an important concept in Christian theology. All the more when perfection of God allows no name other than what He chose to address him, “I AM THAT I AM (Ex.3:14)” In the Father-Son relationship a distinction is to be made when we read that “…God exalted him (the Son) to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name (Phil.2:9-NIV).” Here we have the Father expressing the Will and the Son the Fulfillment part in the Salvation Plan. Core Will from the passage makes clear the name of Jesus Christ is more excellent than all so ‘every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and in earth, and things under the earth’. He is God of the living and dead. Holy is his name and white is a tag to indicate the quality of Godhead. ‘Holy is his name (Lk.1:49).’ The risen Christ assures the church that he knows who are worthy to walk with him in eternity.
Jesus Christ is shown addressing the elder of the Church at Sardis, holding the seven stars and seven Spirits. These are the Two witnesses. Grace in its fulness and Truth establish word of the Prince of life so we may be assured that it satisfies the provisions of the Law as well. “…In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word established (2 co.13:1).”
“He that overcometh….I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name, before my Father, and before his angels (v.5)”
How worthy am I before God? It is a matter to be determined by God. However we have the word of God to help us in this matter: “….But God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God(Lk.16:15). Here we see the mode of Inversion and honor among men is often settled by superficial considerations. Style often steals the show over substance so after one hears a great sermon and as soon as one reaches home one asks himself,”What was that again?” In the verse we have the key: God looks at hearts of men and the Pharisees and elders of the day took the breath away of all who saw them walk in their sanctimonious self-advertisement but Jesus knew what they were really. Even in our days it is in no way different. While we walk the talk and bear our daily cross, without murmur Jesus knows our hearts. He knows our disappointments, thwarted ambitions bereavement and sense of abandonment -and it is a vale of tears. So what, do we ourselves unkindness in not realizing Jesus also walked as we do now? He is certainly holding the other end up along with us. Our lives what the world failed to do fair and square when we needed most, shall be given with recompense when we walk with him in white. Can two walk together unless agreed upon? He shall steadfastly reveal that he had honored our commitment before God and his angels.
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one(1 Jn.5:7).What we do in his Name is written down and our Lord Savior shall reveal it and it is what the Spirit signifies by the hidden manna, white stone with a new name written (Re.2:17)
“He that hath an ear…” This standard formula at the end is an indication of the testimony is intended for specific group and for general use.
Benny

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