Revelation: Filthy Garments

 Revelation: Justification by Faith

Filthy Garments

[By M.L]

"Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy."
—Revelation 3:4

In Sardis, there were some who had not defiled their garments. They had white robes and were pure. In context, this seems to primarily refer to their works:

"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, which are about to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God."
—Revelation 3:1-2

They were dead in their works. Their deeds were not found perfect before God.

Garments represent how a person appears—how they are seen by others. But more importantly, how does God see them?

God grants us the imputed righteousness of Jesus, which is always pure. But beyond this, He also desires that we develop a new character and bear evidence of our faith.

Consider how Paul describes the new life as an example:

"And put on the new man, which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, put away lying and let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give to those in need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you."
—Ephesians 4:24-32

This is what many in Sardis lacked, even though they had a good reputation among people. But God does not judge as man does.

However, there were a few who had not defiled their garments. Some did not merely profess faith but also bore clear fruits of a genuine faith.

They would be with Jesus and walk with Him. They were found worthy. Their works were evidence of their faith. In this way, we too can be found worthy concerning our deeds.

Thus, we must keep our garments clean. Jesus, our Bridegroom, is coming soon. Do we want to stand before Him in filthy garments as His bride?

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