The Sardis and Philadelphia Churches

It appears from these words that, at the time here designated, the Sardis church had heard the glorious announcement of Christ’s coming “at the door,” and that they had professedly received it; but had now come to a crisis where they were about to reject that precious truth; that they tried to hedge up the way of those who held fast to the message; and that they sought to close the door before those who would advance with the light. This obliged the believers to separate from their former brethren. These persecuted ones, “coming out,” and boldly declaring the truths their former associates tried to suppress, are denominated the “Philadelphia” church,-the church of brotherly love.COOD 78.3