Definition: Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Revelation 3:2. It’s a pretty complex verse, but we can understand its core meaning in simpler terms. Here's what it says, explained in a way that hopefully makes sense: Essentially, the verse is saying: “Don’t be complacent! Be vigilant and actively work to ensure things are ready for God’s judgment.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Be watchful…” : This means pay attention. Don't be distracted or let things slip through your fingers. Stay alert to what's happening around you. “…and strengthen the things which remain…” : This is where it gets a little more nuanced. “Things that remain” refers to things that are still alive – things that haven’t been dealt with, aren’t being addressed, or haven't been put in place. It could be anything from individual people to entire systems or communities. “…that are ready to die…” : This is the key part. “Ready to die” doesn't mean they will die immediately. It means they need to be prepared for a final outcome. It’s a metaphor for something that needs to be cleansed, purified, or put into its proper place before God can intervene and judge it. Think of it like a seed needing to ripen and grow – it's not ready to "die" yet, but it's in a state of potential that needs nurturing. “…for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” : This is the warning part. The author of Revelation (God) has looked at everything that’s been happening and hasn’t found anything completely good or right. It suggests there are serious flaws, errors, or problems that need to be addressed. So, putting it all together: Revelation 3:2 is a call to action. It’s telling us to remain vigilant and actively work towards making things better – to ensure that what's still present isn’t harmful or unaddressed. It implies that there are problems that need to be tackled before God can move on. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse often gets interpreted as a warning about the state of the world, particularly regarding sin and injustice. It suggests that humanity hasn't fully redeemed itself or brought goodness into the world. Important Note: This is a very complex passage with many layers of meaning. Different interpretations exist within different Christian traditions. However, this explanation provides a fundamental understanding of its core message – vigilance and action towards improvement. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of Revelation 3:2? Discuss the context of this verse in the Bible? Connect it to a specific theme or idea (like judgment, redemption, or spiritual warfare)?