Constantine Blayz:
The Divine “My God” and the Call to Repentance in Revelation Chapter Three
Revelation chapter three, a tapestry woven with warnings and promises, reveals the intimate relationship between Jesus Christ and His churches. The “My God” statements, uttered by Jesus, unveil a depth of personal connection that transcends mere spiritual leadership. This chapter, mirroring the call to repentance found in John 3, compels believers to examine their hearts and actions, urging them to embrace a renewed relationship with their Lord.
The “My God” pronouncements in Revelation 3:2, 12, and 21 are not mere expressions of deity but declarations of personal ownership. Jesus, the “Amen, the faithful and true witness,” claims these churches as His own, demonstrating a bond forged through love and commitment. This intimate connection, however, is not a guarantee of eternal security. Jesus, the “first and the last,” judges each church based on their deeds, revealing that mere membership does not equate to divine favor.
The lukewarm church in Laodicea, despite boasting of their wealth and self-sufficiency, finds themselves rejected by Jesus. He declares, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). This harsh judgment serves as a stark warning to all believers, urging them to choose either fervent devotion or complete rejection of Jesus.
In contrast, the church in Philadelphia, characterized by their faithfulness and perseverance, receives a promise of eternal security: “He 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). This promise, echoing the “new name” given to Abraham (Genesis 17:5), signifies a transformation, a complete renewal of identity in Christ.
The “My God” statements in Revelation 3, coupled with the call to repentance found in John 3, paint a clear picture of the path to salvation. The lukewarm state of the Laodicean church serves as a warning, urging believers to examine their hearts and actions, rejecting self-sufficiency and embracing a renewed commitment to Jesus. The Philadelphia church, however, stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of faith and obedience, leading to a new identity in Christ.
This chapter, like the rest of Revelation, is a call to action. It urges believers to heed the words of Jesus, to repent of their sins, and to be born again through baptism in His name, as commanded in Acts 2. Only through this transformation can they experience the fullness of God’s love and receive the promise of eternal life.