Apocalipse 3

Apocalipse 3

Utley - Salvation is an initial decision of repentance and faith (cf. Mark 1:15+; Acts 3:16, 19+; Acts 20:21+) followed by lifestyle repentance and faith, obedience, service, and perseverance. (Faith alone saves, but the faith that truly saves is not alone). Hampton Keathley - The warning reminds us to live in the light of His coming, to hold fast to Him in faith and service. For when He comes it will mean examination and rewards. He will not forget our service on His behalf, but we must hold fast to the hope and expectation of His coming for us or we will live carelessly, indifferently to our calling and purpose as believers. When that happens we lose our crowns, rewards for faithful service. So the Spirit quickly adds, “that no one take your crown.” “That no one take your crown” is an interesting picture. To lose a crown is to be deprived of the honor or glory potentially available through faithful living. There are two possible ideas here: (1) It could refer to rewards which are lost and given to others because we failed to hold fast. Swete states, “‘The picture is not that of a thief snatching away what is feebly held, but rather of a competitor receiving a prize which has been forfeited.’”62 I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 9:24+ where the apostle challenges us regarding rewards, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win (lit. lay hold of).” There is also the parable of Luke 19:24+ where the Lord says regarding the unfaithful servant, “Take the mina away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.” (2) Or, it could refer to rewards lost because of the evil influences that we might allow to hinder us in the race of life (cf. Matt. 13:7, 22+; Col. 2:18; 2+ John 8; Rev. 2:20+ with 2:25f). Actually, both concepts are true as the above Scriptures make clear. (The Message to Philadelphia) Henry