An Exposition of Revelation .pdf

the world. Now if there be in the state of Protestantism one thing more marked than another, it is that
they fall back on the world to deliver themselves from the power of the pope or the ecclesiastic. This
has ever been the chief snare, as it is now. If even what belongs to the world be touched, they are in no
small agitation about it. The church in danger because the tithes are assailed! Why, such wealth is real
poverty, and the evident shame of an early lapse into Judaism. What would the apostles have thought
of a claim so earthly and opposed to the true and heavenly separateness of Christ's body!
Let none infer that in saying, this one feels little for saints. Nor is it doubted that it is a great Sin
to wipe off all public recognition of God in the world. But leaning on the world has let in the world;
and if the godly complain of accrediting unbelievers as the faithful, their leaders are quick to stifle
conscience with the cry, We must not judge! But this is not a true judgment of charity which spares no
pains to own every saint and to warn that we may win to God sinners. The false start has led to far
worse than in earlier days. Impossible to believe that the unblushing worldliness one sees in the
modern combination of Dissenters with Papists and sceptics springs from just, holy, or unselfish
motives. It is rather to be imputed to the latitudinarian spirit of infidelity, which admits also of a
buckling to superstition. Doubtless the infidels hope to gain the day, as the superstitious are no less
confident in their hopes. The truth is that the devil will have the upper hand to the destruction of them
both, and then find that the Lord will appear in His day for personal judgment of all adversaries, and
the rebuke of all unbelief.
The angel of the church in Sardis is warned that if he should not watch, the Lord will come on
him unexpectedly as a thief. It is not at all so that His coming is spoken of for His own. These wait for
Him in bright hope, without fear for themselves of His thief-like surprise. How can it be such for those
who in faith and love look and long for Him? His coming is their joy; and they watch more than
watchman for the dawn. The figure of the thief is therefore employed for the sleeping world or
worldly-minded souls. Compare 1 Thessalonians 5 with 1 Thessalonians 4; also Matthew 24: 43 and
Revelation 16: 15. If people walk with the worldly in divine things, it is not only that the unrenewed
are in danger of being deceived, but that believers lose the joy of their own relationship. The world is
attracted by the good words and fair speeches which deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. So
solemnly does this language suppose that the assembly at Sardis had passed out of the practical
attitude of waiting for the Lord who waits for them. It is an easy transition to pass into great dread of
Him as a judge. They had slipped into the world, and share its fears and anxieties. They little knew or
had lost the sense of Christ's peace left with them. Such souls lack the joy of His coming for them to
receive to Himself those whom He loves. The unwelcome visitation of a thief would be incongruous if
they were enjoying the blessed hope according to His own word, that He comes quickly.
"Thou hast a few names in Sardis which defiled not their garments, and they shall walk with me
in white, because they are worthy." This is said without the enfeebling "even" of the common text, and
they are cheered before the promise repeats it. Where the scriptures are read freely, we may look for
some real good even in untoward associations. This has been always the case. Precious souls are there,
and our happy service is to help them, if we can, to a better knowledge of His grace, — not, of course,
to make light of their worldly ways, yet in love to feel for them as the Lord fully does. "He that
overcometh, he* shall be clothed in white garments; and I will not blot his name out of the book of
life, and will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit saith to the churches."
* The οὕ τως ("thus") of some very ancient MSS. and versions has needlessly perplexed critics
and expositors. No error is more common than the confusion of o and w in the old copies, as here for
οὕ τος ("he"). It is emphasised for good reason.
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