Chapter 3 Book of Revelation

Bible Verses

[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.

Commentary

Sardis - Buddhist - Commentary

V.1 John is now told to write to the FIFTH angel, the angel of the church in Sardis, associated with the Buddhist Faith throughout the Book of Revelation.

It is important to understand
- each group of SEVEN entities -
such as Angels, Churches, Stars
(there are 17 such terms)
ALWAYS refer to the 7 Religions, Cultures -
in the same order.

Sardis was once a great city; capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia and known for its wealth at the time when John was teaching there. Pillars still remain of a great Greek Temple. The symbolic meaning of the Greek word Sardis is 'Lack of Zeal'. Since there is little relevance there now as a church, we take the meaning of the word to represent the fifth religion, the Buddhist Faith. The fifth Angel is associated with the Buddhist Faith throughout the Book; the prophet is Gautama Buddha.

He who has the seven stars, and the seven churches, (the seven Spirits of God) in his hand is Baha'u'llah, the latest Revealer, who has come with His forerunner the Bab to unite all seven religions.

Commends:
- He commends that they have a name for being alive.

Condemns:
- He condemns saying they are really spiritually dead.

The founder of Buddhism was a wonderful soul. He established the Oneness of God, but later the original principles of His doctrines gradually disappeared, and ignorant customs and ceremonials arose and increased until they finally ended in the worship of statues and images.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 165

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

V.2 The followers of the Angel of Sardis are told to be watchful, and to strengthen and hold onto the spiritual side of their life, as their works have not been perfect. Buddhism has not been a religion of "good works" as have those religions in the Judaic, Christian, Islamic tradition. We hear of the latter's humanitarian efforts in such things as the Magen David Adom Society, Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations. For centuries there have been Christian hospitals, orphanages, schools, universities and other charitable institutions in Buddhist countries but one seldom hears of a Buddhist hospital or such in places like Africa or South America. There seems to have been a dearth of Buddhist missionary zeal.

The real teaching of Buddha is the same as the teaching of Jesus Christ. The teachings of all the Prophets are the same in character. Now men have changed the teaching. If you look at the present practice of the Buddhist religion, you will see that there is little of the Reality left.

'Abdu'l-Baha, 'Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 63

The Jews call that reality Moses, the Christians Christ, the Mussulmans Mohammed, the Buddhists Buddha and the Zoroastrians Zoroaster. Now mark well that none of these religionists have ever seen the founders; they have only heard his name. Could they overlook these names they would at once realize that all believe in a perfect reality which is an intermediary between the Almighty and the creatures.

'Abdu'l-Baha , Divine Philosophy, p. 155

[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.

V.3 He tells them to remember how their Revealer came to them, and watch for Him coming the same way.

The Threat:
If they fail to watch, the new message will come quietly like a thief at a time they are not expecting it. Most Buddhists expect the return of the Fifth Buddha or what they call the Maitreya.x`

He (Baha'u'llah) was equally in no doubt about the role which He had been called upon to play in human history. As the Manifestation of God to the age of fulfillment, He is the one promised in all the scriptures of the past, the "Desire of all nations," the "King of Glory." To Judaism He is "Lord of Hosts"; to Christianity, the Return of Christ in the glory of the Father; to Islam, the "Great Announcement"; to Buddhism, the Maitreya Buddha; to Hinduism, the new incarnation of Krishna; to Zoroastrianism, the advent of "Shah-Bahram."

Baha'i International Community, 1992 May 29, Statement on Baha'u'llah

The Maitreya, the Buddha of 'universal fellowship' was expected to appear to the West of India and to the East of Israel. (Persia, the home of Baha'u'llah, fulfills this prophesy). His message is one of "universal fellowship" and the union of religions, nations, and races.

William Sears, Thief in the Night Part 3, p. 143

Isaiah also foretold the day when all the inhabitants of earth would hear the Messiah's teaching:

Isaiah 18:3 'All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains...

King James Bible

Thou Provider! The dearest wish of this servant of Thy Threshold is to behold the friends of east and west in close embrace; to see all the members of human society gathered with love in a single great assemblage, even as individual drops of water collected in one mighty sea; to behold them all as birds in one garden of roses, as pearls of one ocean, as leaves of one tree, as rays of one sun.

Thou Provider! The dearest wish of this servant of Thy Threshold is to behold the friends of east and west in close embrace; to see all the members of human society gathered with love in a single great assemblage, even as individual drops of water collected in one mighty sea; to behold them all as birds in one garden of roses, as pearls of one ocean, as leaves of one tree, as rays of one sun.

[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.

V.4 The Reward:
He says that there are a few who are still faithful, who shall walk with Him in white, symbolizing their righteousness. Although the point is not really the color of their garment, but rather the purity of their souls. (Yellow being the color of garment worn by the Holy ones.)

In former days, in the time of the Buddha and Zoroaster, civilization in Asia and in the East was very much higher than in the West and ideas and thoughts of the Eastern peoples were much in advance of, and nearer to the thoughts of God than those of the West.

'Abdu'l-Baha, 'Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 69

The teaching of Buddha was like a young and beautiful child, and now it has become as an old and decrepit man. Like the aged man it cannot see, it cannot hear, it cannot remember anything. Why go so far back? Consider the laws of the Old Testament: the Jews do not follow Moses as their example nor keep his commands. So it is with many other religions.

'Abdu'l-Baha, 'Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 64

[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.

V.5 The Promise:

Light is good in whatsoever lamp it is burning! A rose is beautiful in whatsoever garden it may bloom! A star has the same radiance if it shines from the East or from the West. Be free from prejudice, so will you love the Sun of Truth from whatsoever point in the horizon it may arise! You will realize that if the Divine light of truth shone in Jesus Christ it also shone in Moses and in Buddha. The earnest seeker will arrive at this truth. This is what is meant by the 'Search after Truth'.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 137

[6] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches

V.6 The Refrain:

My hope is that thou wilt acquire a perceptive eye, a hearing ear, and that the veils will be removed from thy sight.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, p. 50

Bible Verses

[7] 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

Commentary

PHILADELPHIA - CHRISTIAN - Commentary

V.7 John is now told to write to the SIXTH angel, the angel of the church Philadelphia, which was once a small town in a farming community now known as Alasehir, another place where John taught while being in Greece (now Turkey). No doubt about it, Philadelphia is a wonderful symbol for the Christian Faith - a word that means 'brotherly love'.

Baha'u'llah, who is the return as the Glory of God, has the key to open the door of renewal, that He is the descendant of David, and qualified as He has fulfilled the prophecies of the Bible as well as other religious books - the Koran, the Bhagavad-Gita etc.

There always seems to be a hint of 'proof' for each religion such as mentioning of an open door for some churches (congregations) while others are reclusive, having their own doctrine, and not allowing their flock to search other ideas. It is important to search for the spiritual teachings that each prophet brings and not hang onto the image of the name. The Angel for the Christian Faith is known as the sixth Angel throughout the Book.

[8] 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.

V.8 Commends:
He knows their works. The amazing number of charitable institutions and organizations that Christianity has supported throughout the world is unmatched by any other religion. Hospitals, orphanages, schools, universities, more humane prisons and welfare organizations and a list that is almost endless attest to its accomplishments. He says that He has set before them an open door that no man can shut, because their missionary efforts have encompassed the whole world.

Condemns:
However, while all this has been evidence of some strength, because of their lack of unity, they have had little strength as a whole, being splintered into a great number of sects. He does commend them for keeping the word, and not denying His name.

Mark 3:24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

King James Bible

[9] Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

V.9 The Threat:
The reference to the synagogue of Satan both here and in (Rev.2:9) is a reference to the character of people who appear outwardly religious, but who are really only concerned with material things. The idol of materialism is a characteristic mentioned for both the Jewish Faith (Rev 2:14), and those Christians who fall into materialism, and so are the same as the Jews who do not follow the true Jewish Teachings.

For were men to abide by and observe the divine teachings, every trace of evil would be banished from the face of the earth. However, the widespread differences that exist among mankind and the prevalence of sedition, contention, conflict and the like are the primary factors which provoke the appearance of the satanic spirit. Yet the Holy Spirit hath ever shunned such matters. A world in which naught can be perceived save strife, quarrels and corruption is bound to become the seat of the throne, the very metropolis, of Satan.

Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 176

In answer to those who may ask you what the stand is of your religion on the subject of demons, you can say without hesitation that the concept of Satan or the Devil as an actual being opposed to God is rejected by the Baha'i teachings but that the term is understood by Baha'is to mean the promptings of self and desire and the dark side of human nature.

The Universal House of Justice, to an individual believer, 13 February 1974, published 1998 Dec 16, in Traditional practices in Africa

[10] Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

V.10 The Promise
Those who are faithful, and keep the Word with patience, will be spared in the hour of temptation that will encircle the world. These temptations of materiality and immorality have destroyed the fabric of society throughout the world. Unfortunately, many/most in the "Christian" nations have also been thoroughly infected. Those relatively few Christians who have continued to live modest and moral lives in humility and tolerance, have held fast to Christian principles of life and have been preserved from these temptations.

[11] Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

V.11 V.6 The Refrain:
The new message will come very quickly. He says to hold fast to 'what you have'. This implies that with deep devotion to God, with meditation and prayer and holding to the spiritual virtues taught by Jesus regarding tolerance and avoiding dogmatism so that they will be able to recognize the New Manifestation of God. One's crown is of course their spiritual qualities and virtues - not some kind of hat.

Again, consider how much the principles of the religion of Christ have been forgotten, and how many heresies have appeared. For example, Christ forbade revenge and transgression; furthermore, He commanded benevolence and mercy in return for injury and evil. Now reflect: among the Christian nations themselves how many sanguinary wars have taken place, and how much oppression, cruelty, rapacity and blood thirstiness have occurred! Many of these wars were carried on by command of the Popes. It is then clear and evident that in the passage of time religions become entirely changed and altered. Therefore, they are renewed.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 166

[12] 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.

V.12 The Promise:
Those that overcome will be a pillar as part of the foundation in the temple of the new world order. The New Name is Baha'u'llah. The New Jerusalem, which comes from Heaven, is the New Law and the New Order that God has brought to the world.

The descent of the New Jerusalem denoteth a heavenly Law, that Law which is the guarantor of human happiness and the effulgence of the world of God.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 59

The Law of God is also described as the Holy City, the New Jerusalem. It is evident that the New Jerusalem that descends from heaven is not a city of stone, mortar, bricks, earth and wood. It is the Law of God that descends from heaven and is called new, for it is clear that the Jerusalem which is of stone and earth does not descend from heaven, and that it is not renewed; but that which is renewed is the Law of God.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 67

[13] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches

V.13 The Refrain:
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, which of course means what is being said unto all the religions. In other words - one must be willing to listen to the New Message.

Bible Verses

[14] 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;

Commentary

Laodicean - Islam - Commentary

V.14 John is now told to write to the SEVENTH angel, the Angel of the church of the Laodiceans. The Angel of the Islamic Faith is called the 'seventh Angel' throughout the book. Laodicea was a prosperous city in Greece (now Turkey). Fine wool and eye salve were two of its main products in demand. It also had a medical school and banking facilities. The city received its water from hot springs but because it came from some distance away by the time it arrived it had become lukewarm. The meaning of the word Laodicea is 'lukewarm'.

[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

V.15 Today a small minority of Muslims seem fanatically hot about their religion, going about as terrorists and killing all who oppose them. Unfortunately, most Muslims do not oppose them because they are neither hot or cold about their religion. They are not cold because they continue to say they are Muslims, and yet they do not put into practice the true teachings of Muhammad, which they say is the religion of peace, or they would oppose the fanatics.

[16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

V.16 Threat:
Because they are spiritually lukewarm in the true spirit of love and tolerance which Muhammad taught, He says He will spew them out of His mouth, which is to say that He will reject them.

In brief, dissentions among various sects have opened the way to weakness. Each sect hath picked out a way for itself and is clinging to a certain cord. Despite manifest blindness and ignorance they pride themselves on their insight and knowledge. Among them are mystics who bear allegiance to the Faith of Islam, some of whom indulge in that which leadeth to idleness and seclusion. I swear by God! It lowereth man's station and maketh him swell with pride. Man must bring forth fruit. One who yieldeth no fruit is, in the words of the Spirit (Jesus) like unto a fruitless tree, and a fruitless tree is fit but for the fire.

'Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 166

[17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

V.17The leaders of the Arab countries appeared to be very wealthy from their oil riches, building gigantic palaces, having stables of cars and airplanes and every symbol of immense wealth for all their princes. What they failed to recognize was their own spiritual poverty and the poverty of the poor around them.

Other religious cultures such as Hindus, Buddhists, Jews and Baha'is have experienced the effect of Islamist intolerance. The true spirit of religious tolerance was very much taught by Muhammad, but now the Muslims are very often known for the opposite.

[18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

V.18 The Muslims are counseled to find true spiritual values and to practice them. Those that are tried with tests (as gold is in the fire) will find the truth. He tells them to wear white raiment, which does not mean physical garments, but symbolizes 'purity'. Many are veiled in clothing, but all are told that their nakedness (lack of spiritual life) is showing, that they should anoint their eyes, to see the truth.

With their immense wealth they could have greatly benefited the world in setting up schools and eliminating illiteracy, in training doctors and medical personnel and eradicating diseases about the world, in teaching love and tolerance rather than destroying Buddhist statues, so that the message of "Peace, Peace" could be truly spread about the world as Muhammad wanted.

"O people of the Koran," Baha'u'llah, addressing the combined forces of Sunni and Shi'ih Islam, significantly affirms, "Verily the Prophet Of God, Muhammad, sheddeth tears at the sight of your cruelty. Ye have assuredly followed your evil and corrupt desires, and turned away your face from the light of guidance. Erelong will ye witness the result of your deeds: for the Lord. My God, lieth in wait and is watchful of your behaviour ... O concourse of Muslim divines! By your deeds the exalted station of the people hath been abased, the standard of Islam hath been reversed, and mighty throne hath fallen."

Shoghi Effendi, World Order of Baha'u'llah, p.179

[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

V.19 Failure to follow the direction of God, to love one another, will bring great chastisement upon the Muslims.

[20] 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.

V.20The Muslims particularly have been told about the Bab and and Baha'u'llah. The religion began amongst them, with the declaration of the Bab, and if they had responded to it they would have greatly flourished spiritually and intellectually and in having stable prosperous societies.

However, they have done the very opposite and have done everything that they can do to destroy the Baha'i religion, so consequently they have descended into spiritual and social degradation.

Great God! Although His signs have encompassed the world and His proofs and testimonies are shining forth and manifest as the light, yet the ignorant appear heedless, nay rather, rebellious. Would that they had been content with opposition. But at all times they are plotting to cut down the sacred Lote-Tree. Since the dawn of this Revelation the embodiments of selfishness have, by resorting to cruelty and oppression, striven to extinguish the Light of divine manifestation. But God, having stayed their hands, revealed this Light through His sovereign authority and protected it through the power of His might until earth and heaven were illumined by its radiance and brightness. Praise be unto Him under all conditions.

Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p.33

[21] 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.

V.21 Eventually they shall have to come recognition of the Truth. Then they will receive great benefit. 'Sitting in thrones' is not a reference to sitting in chairs, but is rather a reference to being established and secure in the Lord's love and wisdom which is the seat of His Glory and Power.

[22] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

V.22 The Refrain:
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. He tells them to listen and learn.