Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10, NKJV)
It is certainly true that Christians are to be faithful until they die (Heb. 3:14). But here, the Lord exhorts the saints in Smyrna to be faithful to the point of death. They are “about to suffer” many things at the hands of the devil’s ministers. Christ emboldens them to prepare for prison, tribulation and even death because of their faith. Jesus calls on them to die rather than deny Him. While on earth Jesus taught the same; “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matt. 10:28). Are you ready to die for Christ? Perhaps that answer is revealed by answering the following: Are you living for Christ? Only those who faithfully live for Christ are prepared to die for Him. Do not be afraid to live for Jesus, come what may. After all, He expects you to be ready to die for Him, too.
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