The church of Sardis has a great reputation but is wasn’t accurate because they were mostly spiritually dead.
I don’t know exactly how this letter was received but I imagine it was a mixed review.
God is willing to save those who repent.
It is possible to have a vibrant reputation on the outside but be spiritually hollow and dead on the inside.
Walk with Christ in righteousness.
This example of “fine upstanding” lost people is a challenge in every generation. It is impossible to bring about healing if the patient refuses to admit they are cut deeply and are bleeding out.
Lord Jesus, I’m depending on you for salvation, not anything I have done.
