Revelation 3

Coming as a Thief

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. Revelation 3:1–3

Christ warns a spiritually sleeping church that He will come unexpectedly, like a thief, for those who are not watching.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Matthew 24:43-44 — if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come ... be ye also ready
• alludes to 1 Thessalonians 5:2 — the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night

Advocate Before the Father

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. Revelation 3:4–5

Jesus promises the faithful that He will stand for them and speak their names before His Father, acting as their advocate.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Matthew 10:32 — him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven

Key of David

Key of David — full authority over the house and kingdom of David; what He opens none can shut

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; Revelation 3:7

Christ, the Holy and True, holds all authority in God's kingdom. Isaiah described Eliakim receiving the key of David's house, a figure fulfilled in Jesus.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Isaiah 22:22 — the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut

I Come Quickly

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Revelation 3:8–11

Christ opens a door no one can close, promises His enemies will one day know He loved His faithful people, and promises to come soon.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Isaiah 60:14 — all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet
• alluded to by Revelation 22:20 — Surely I come quickly

My New Name

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. Revelation 3:12

Christ promises to write His own new name on the faithful, marking them forever as His covenant people in the temple of God.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 62:2 — thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name
• alluded to by Revelation 22:4 — his name shall be in their foreheads

The Amen

Amen — 'so be it', 'truly': He is the certain yes to all of God's promises

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; Revelation 3:14

Christ is the Amen, the living confirmation that every promise of God is true, and the witness who never lies.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 2 Corinthians 1:20 — all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen
• the same title in Revelation 1:5 — Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness

Beginning of the Creation of God

Beginning of the creation — the source and origin through whom God created

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; Revelation 3:14

Under the Father's direction, Christ is the one through whom all creation began.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to John 1:3 — All things were made by him
• alludes to Colossians 1:15-16 — the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created

Christ Who Loves and Chastens

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16–19

Christ offers the lukewarm Laodiceans true riches, clothing, and sight from Himself, and explains that His rebuke comes from love.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Proverbs 3:12 — whom the LORD loveth he correcteth
• alluded to by D&C 95:1 — whom I love I also chasten

Christ at the Door

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Jesus patiently waits and knocks; He will not force His way in. Anyone who opens to Him receives His close, personal companionship.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Luke 12:36-37 — when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him ... he shall ... serve them
• alludes to John 14:23 — we will come unto him, and make our abode with him

Christ Enthroned with the Father

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21

Jesus overcame and now sits with His Father on His throne. He promises the faithful a share in that same exaltation.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 16:33 — I have overcome the world
• alludes to Hebrews 12:2 — is set down at the right hand of the throne of God