Revelation 3

Messages to the Churches

The Church in Sardis

1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis, write this down: The One with the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says this: I see what you are doing, but let us be real, you got a rep for being alive, but you are dead inside.

2 Wake up! Strengthen what little you got left, because it is about to fade out. I checked your works, and they are not cutting it in God’s eyes.

3 Remember what you received and heard; obey it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I come against you.

4 But you got a few people in Sardis who have not dirtied their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, because they kept it real.

5 To the one who conquers, they will be dressed in white too, and I will not erase their name from the book of life. I will give them a shoutout in front of my Father and his angels.

6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

The Church in Philadelphia

7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia, write this: The One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David, what he opens, nobody can shut, and what he shuts, nobody can open, says this:

8 I know your hustle. I opened a door for you that nobody can shut. I see you got little strength, but you held onto my word and did not deny my name.

9 I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not but are lying, come and bow down at your feet. Then they will know that I have loved you.

10 Since you kept my word about standing strong, I will keep you safe during the time of testing that is coming on the whole world to test everyone.

11 I am coming soon, so hold tight to what you got, so nobody steals your crown.

12 The one who conquers, I will make them a pillar in God’s temple, and they will not ever have to leave. I will write on them the name of my God, the name of God’s city, New Jerusalem, that is coming down from heaven, and my new name.

13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

The Church in Laodicea

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea, write this: The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the start of God’s creation, says this:

15 I know what you are doing. You are neither cold nor hot. I wish you would pick one, either cold or hot.

16 But since you are just lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out.

17 You say, ‘I am rich, I got it all, I do not need anything.’ But you do not even see that you are wretched, broke, blind, and naked.

18 So I am telling you, come cop some gold from me, refined by fire, so you can really be rich; get some fresh white clothes to cover up your shame, and some ointment for your eyes so you can see.

19 I correct and discipline the ones I love, so be serious and make that change.

20 Look, I am standing at the door, knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens up, I will come through and kick it with them, and they will be with me.

21 To the one who conquers, I will give a spot with me on my throne, just like I conquered and sat with my Father on his throne.

22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”