Revelation 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 is part of the letter written by Jesus Christ to the church in Sardis, which is one of the seven churches addressed in the book of Revelation. Each letter is a message specifically tailored to the needs and circumstances of the respective church.

In Revelation 3:3, Jesus admonishes the church in Sardis to remember and reflect upon what they have received and heard. This refers to the teachings and truths they initially embraced when they first encountered the Gospel. The call to “hold fast” suggests that they should remain firmly committed to those teachings and not allow themselves to be led astray or compromised by false teachings or worldly influences.

Additionally, Jesus calls for repentance. Repentance is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith and involves turning away from sin and returning to God. It requires acknowledging and confessing one’s wrongdoings, seeking forgiveness, and making a genuine effort to change one’s behaviour. In this context, Jesus urges the church in Sardis to repent of any spiritual complacency, compromise, or lack of zeal.

The latter part of the verse warns of the consequences of not watching or being spiritually vigilant. Jesus compares his coming to that of a thief, emphasising the unexpected and sudden nature of his return. If the church in Sardis fails to remain watchful and prepared for his coming, they will be caught unaware and unprepared. This serves as a reminder for all believers to live in a constant state of readiness, both spiritually and morally, for the return of Christ.