The Dead Church
1 “And to theangel of the church in Sardis write,
# ‘These things says He whohas 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.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect beforeGod.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast andrepent.Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon youas a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
4 Youhavea few nameseven in Sardis who have notdefiled their garments; and they shall walk with Mein white, for they are worthy.
5 He who overcomesshall be clothed in white garments, and I will notblot out his name from theBook of Life; butI will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’
The Faithful Church
7 “And to theangel of the church in Philadelphia write,
# ‘These things saysHe who is holy,He who is true,“He who has the key of David,He who opens and no one shuts, andshuts and no one opens”:
8 “I know your works. See, I have set before youan open door,and no one can shut it;for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
9 Indeed I will makethoseof the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeedI will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
10 Because you have keptMy command to persevere,I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come uponthe whole world, to test those who dwellon the earth.
11 Behold,I am coming quickly!Hold fast what you have, that no one may takeyour crown.
12 He who overcomes, I will make hima pillar in the temple of My God, and he shallgo out no more.I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, theNew Jerusalem, whichcomes down out of heaven from My God.AndI will write on himMy new name.
13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’
The Lukewarm Church
14 “And to theangel of the churchof the Laodiceanswrite,
# ‘These things says the Amen,the Faithful and True Witness,the Beginning of the creation of God:
15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neithercold nor hot,I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say,‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—
18 I counsel youto buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; andwhite garments, that you may be clothed,thatthe shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke andchasten.Therefore bezealous and repent.
20 Behold,I stand at the door and knock.If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
21 To him who overcomesI will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”