Fine Linen, Clean and Bright

Fine Linen, Clean and Bright

“And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”

The angel of the church in Sardis received the testimony from Jesus that he was dead, but he had a name of being alive. It must have been the church that gave him the testimony that he was alive. He must have been so zealous in doing good works that they were given the impression that he had life. He was known for it, but Jesus said, “I have not found your works perfect before God.” The works must have appeared to be perfect to the church, but not before God. How could that be?

Jesus teaches us: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men . . . .” This is what the hypocrites did in the synagogues, but Jesus teaches us further that our charitable deeds are to be done in secret, and our Father who sees in secret will Himself reward us openly. Matt. 6:1-6. Here we learn that the same good work can be imperfect before God yet be perfect before men.

In all his zeal the angel of the church in Sardis was dead in relation to God, but alive in relation to men by doing his works to be seen by them. He is exhorted to remember how he had learned and heard; otherwise Jesus would intervene suddenly. Then He would likely reveal his sad state.

“You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.” We, too, can do our works before God but still defile them more or less with eyeservice. Then the righteous works will not be “fine linen, clean and bright.” We must unreservedly leave it up to God to reward us openly. Our works are only perfect before Him when we do them solely for Him.

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Col. 3:22-24.

No one can enter into His rest—rest from his own works—unless he does his works in simplicity of heart unto Him before whose eyes all things are naked and open. We are accountable to Him! Heb. 4:10-13. Then we enter into rest. Our works will be perfect before God, undefiled by eyeservice. Our works will be “fine linen, clean and bright.” Then we are among the saints, the bride who has made herself ready for the wedding.