The many rewards to the Christian who does press through to victory are listed in the second and third chapters of the Book of Revelation. We understand these two chapters to be of supreme importance in that they reveal the consequences of our behavior as Christians. It may be noted also that these rewards are not those we ordinarily associate with salvation, such as eternal residence in a mansion in Heaven, golden slippers, harps, a reunion at the river and so forth. While all of these blessings may be available, the second and third chapters of the Book of Revelation have to do with eternal life, with governing the world in righteousness, with becoming a pillar in the eternal Temple of God, with sitting with Christ in His throne.

It is our opinion that the rewards to the conqueror listed in these two chapters are steps in attaining the first resurrection from the dead, the resurrection and ascension that will take place when our Lord appears.

The church in Sardis is an example of a Christian congregation. Here was an assembling with a reputation for being alive. This suggests it was a growing, vital congregation or group of congregations. No doubt the church in Sardis, as well as the six other churches in Asia, represented many Christian believers.

What did Christ state concerning the church in Sardis? Did He say (as sometimes is stated or implied in the Christian churches of our day) that the works of the members did not matter because they were saved by grace, being filled with imputed (ascribed) righteousness? This is the assumption undergirding the concept that every person who is saved will participate in the first resurrection.

Christ spoke different things to each of the seven churches in Asia. But one statement was made to all: "I know thy works."

Christian churches of today stress the profession of faith. Christ stresses the works of the Christians. This difference in emphasis has the most profound implications imaginable for the Christian people of our day.

Christ said to the Christians in Sardis: "I have not found your works perfect before God."

Again: "You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy"

"You have a few names."

Can we infer from this that the majority of the Christians in Sardis were not worthy to walk with Christ in white? Can we assume also in the churches in Asia a clear distinction was made between those who overcame unrighteousness and those who did not?

Are we to understand that the rewards are based on righteous conduct, on holy behavior, on an attitude and practice of obedience to God?

Every chapter of the Book of Revelation means exactly what it says. The Book of Revelation is bound with a curse because the Lord knew the severity of the Christian discipleship would be challenged in the last days, as indeed is happening, and that deception would abound.

To be continued.