Defiled
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments;“ (Rev 3:4a KJV)
Those that have not defiled their garments are those that are faithful to Jesus. The garment represents their lifestyle. They have not defiled themselves with sin but they have remained holy unto the Lord.
Defiled – 3435 μολύνω moluno {mol-oo’-no}
Meaning: 1) to pollute, stain, contaminate, defile 1a) used in NT of those who have not kept themselves pure from the defilements of sin, who have soiled themselves by fornication and adultery
White
“and they shall walk with me in white:” (Rev 3:4b KJV)
The white garment is symbolic of heaven, holiness, and purity. They will be with Jesus in heaven because they are pure and holy; obedient to God. The hosts of heaven are often seen in white.
White – 3022 λευκός leukos {lyoo-kos’}
Meaning: 1) light, bright, brilliant 1a) brilliant from whiteness, (dazzling) white 1a1) of the garments of angels, and of those exalted to the splendour of the heavenly state 1a2) shining or white garments worn on festive or state occasions 1a3) of white garments as the sign of innocence and purity of the soul 1b) dead white 1b1) of the whitening colour of ripening grain
Worthy
“for they are worthy.” (Rev 3:4c KJV)
They are worthy from their walk of holiness and obedience to God’s Word. Not because of their own works, but because of the works that Jesus did.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” (Tit 3:5 KJV)
Worthy – 514 ἄξιος axios {ax’-ee-os}
Meaning: 1) weighing, having weight, having the weight of another thing of like value, worth as much 2) befitting, congruous, corresponding to a thing 3) of one who has merited anything worthy 3a) both in a good and a bad sense
Jesus will take back those that overcome and are holy. It is not our works of righteousness but the work that Jesus does in our lives. It is up to us to allow God to work in us and be obedient to holiness.