Revelation 3:3

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

So, remember how you have received and heard the message [i.e., they had eagerly accepted the Gospel]; [now] obey it and repent. For if you do not become [spiritually] alert, I will come as a thief [i.e. unexpectedly] and you will not know the [exact] time that I will come upon you [in judgment. See 2:16, 25].

Cross References

Revelation 2:5

So, remember where you have fallen from and repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives] and do the things you did at first [i.e., when you were first converted], or else I will come and remove your lamp stand from its place [i.e., I will not permit the congregation to survive], unless you repent.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief [i.e., unexpectedly]. At that time the heavens will pass away with a loud noise and the elements [Note: This refers either to the heavenly bodies or to the material components of the universe], will be dissolved with intense heat. And the earth and its works [i.e., its activities] will be burned up. [Note: Some translations render this phrase as it is in some ancient manuscripts, “will be disclosed,” or “will be laid bare”].

1 Thessalonians 5:2

for you know perfectly well that the day of the Lord [i.e., when He returns, See II Thess. 2:1-2] will arrive like a thief coming in the night.

Revelation 16:15

[Note: At this point the Lord’s voice breaks into John’s vision]. (“Look, I am coming like a thief. That person is happy who stays alert and is dressed [properly], so he does not appear naked and have to be shamefully exposed”).

Matthew 25:13

Therefore, you should be watchful, for you do not know the day or hour [i.e., when the Son of man will return].

Hebrews 2:1

So [then], we [Christians] should pay closer attention to the things we have heard, so that we do not drift away from [believing and practicing] them.

1 Timothy 6:20

[So], Timothy, guard [the Gospel message] which has been entrusted to you, while avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called “knowledge,”

Mark 13:36

[Be alert], for he might come unexpectedly and find you asleep.

Mark 13:33

“You should pay attention; be alert and pray, for you do not know when the time will come [i.e., for the Lord to return].

Revelation 3:19

“I rebuke and discipline those I love, so be earnest and repent.

2 Peter 3:1

This is now, my dearly loved ones, the second letter I am writing to you; in both of them, as a reminder, I want to stir up your sincere thoughts

Revelation 3:11

I am coming soon [or, suddenly. See 2:16, 25; 3:3]. Hold on firmly to what you have [i.e., opportunity, obedience, steadfastness, etc.] so that no one takes away your crown [See 2:10].

Revelation 2:25

Nevertheless, hold on firmly to what you [already] have [i.e., the qualities mentioned in verse 19] until I come [Note: This probably refers to coming with judgment on wrongdoing. See verse 16].

2 Peter 1:13

But I consider it the right thing to do, as long as I am in this “tent” [Note: This is an allusion to his still being alive], to stir up your memory [of these things],

2 Timothy 1:13

You should hold on firmly to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, while [maintaining your] faith and love in [harmony with] Christ Jesus.

Revelation 3:2

Wake up, and strengthen what remains [i.e., those few in the church who were trying to stay faithful], who are about to die. For I have not found [any] of your deeds to be complete before my God.

Revelation 22:7

And listen, I [i.e., Christ] am coming quickly! The person who obeys the words of the prophecy of this book is blessed.”