SARDISEAN CHURCH AGE VS. THE DAUGHTERS OF THE HARLOT

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Read Revelation 3:1-6

The Sardisean Church Age from 1517 to 1750, stands as a crucial and transformative period in Church History. This era was marked by a profound struggle for spiritual truth and the emergence of figures who would play pivotal roles in shaping the future of Christianity. In this article, we will explore the Sardisean Church Age and its encounter with the Daughters of the Harlot, drawing from the data and insights provided.

Rev. 3:1 “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”

The Sardisean Church Age is characterized as the age of the “escaped ones.” This age, like the others, had its messenger, and in this period, a significant figure emerged in the form of Martin Luther. Martin Luther, born on November 10, 1483, came from a devout Catholic background. He embarked on a path to study law but had a life-altering experience in 1505 when he narrowly escaped being struck by lightning. This event, often seen as a divine intervention, led him to dedicate himself to the priesthood in 1507.

One of the key lessons from this period is that it is not true that ministers should be uneducated. Martin Luther, himself, was a highly educated individual who conducted lectures on the books of Hebrews, Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians. It was during these studies that he began to grasp the profound truth that justification is entirely the work of God.

During this time, the Roman Catholic Church was embroiled in controversies, with Pope Leo X ordering the sale of indulgences to fund the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. It was this climate of religious fervor and corruption that prompted Martin Luther to take a bold step. On October 31, 1517, he nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This act marked the beginning of a seismic shift in Christian history. It’s worth noting that the invention of the printing press played a crucial role, as it allowed Luther’s ideas to be mass-produced and spread widely, leading to the Reformation.

Rev. 3:2 “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.“

The Sardisean Church Age was the age of Reformation. Martin Luther’s actions set in motion a chain of events that led to many Christians breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church. The Anglican Church of England, Lutherans, Calvinists, Presbyterians, and various other denominations emerged. However, despite these reforms, the Roman Catholic Church continued to bear children who adhered to similar systems and beliefs.

The warning in the text to “strengthen what’s remaining that is about to die” resonates with the fact that the Roman Catholic Church still had a strong influence on the newly formed Protestant denominations. Today, we can see that there are nearly 40,000 “Daughters of the Harlot” who have spiritually departed from the core truths of Christianity.

Rev. 3:3 “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.“

This verse draws attention to the importance of preserving and cherishing the truth. The truth, often referred to as the “treasure,” is what sets true believers apart. The phrase “the just shall live by faith” encapsulates the essence of this treasure. It is a truth that ignites passion and dedication in those who discover it.

It is a reminder that truth and love are intertwined. In 1 John 4:8, it is stated that “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” The more one knows the truth, the more profound their love for God becomes. This truth is something that should never be taken for granted, as it is the cornerstone of one’s faith. Others have gone to great lengths, even giving up their lives, to obtain and defend this truth.

Rev. 3:4 “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.”

The concept of “garments” is explored in this verse, and it is reminiscent of Isaiah 61:10, which speaks of two kinds of wedding garments: the garments of salvation and garments worn during a procession. It is noted that after Martin Luther, there were a few individuals who did not defile their garments; they remained true to the truth.

Figures like John Calvin, who emphasized eternal security, and John Knox, who delved into predestination, continued to seek and discover the treasures of faith, which brought life to believers.

Rev. 3:5 “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”

In this verse, the symbolism of white raiment, representing the righteousness of saints, is invoked. It underscores the significance of embracing the truth, as it is closely linked to righteousness. The rejection of the truth is akin to rejecting one’s raiment, and not everyone will be arrayed in the “robe of righteousness.”

The concept of the “Book of Life” is also explored. It is emphasized that our names being written in the Book of Life is not contingent on our works, as it was done before the foundation of the world. This aligns with the idea of “once saved, always saved.”

Rev. 3:6 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

The final verse encourages reflection and understanding. It mentions the wounded beast, a reference to the struggles within the Church during this age. It is suggested that the second beast will assist in healing the wounded beast.

In conclusion, the Sardisean Church Age was a time of great transformation, upheaval, and the pursuit of spiritual truth. Figures like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox played significant roles in reshaping the Christian landscape. The emphasis on cherishing and preserving the truth, the garments of righteousness, and the Book of Life remains relevant in contemporary discussions of faith and spirituality. The legacy of this age continues to influence and shape the Christian faith in the present day.