July 30, 2023: When Jesus Speaks Your Name, He Knows You!

"The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels." (Revelation 3:5, ESV)

The Church of Sardis had a reputation for being alive but was dead. That is severe! Her works were dead, and she had forgotten what she had received from God in the beginning. But God! Jesus, in His mercy, comes to Sardis and calls Sardis to repent and remember what she had originally received. If she does not repent, Jesus says He will come as a thief, and what she does have will be taken from her.
    
Yet in Sardis, there is a remnant that has not soiled their garments. Their garments remain clean before God. Oh, that the church would remain in unsoiled garments, free from sin! 
    
Jesus presents the reward to the church of Sardis: To the overcomer, I will give brilliantly white garments; I will never blot his name out of the Book of Life, and I will declare his name before my Father and His angels! To be alive is to have clean heavenly garments, your name in the family album, and everyone in heaven will know you because the Father declares your name.
    
If you have a reputation of being spiritually alive in Christ but are dead, you need to "wake up!" as John says, and repent and remember what you received in the beginning!