In each of the seven letters to the churches, Jesus speaks to “him that overcometh”. John wrote in his first epistle that we overcome when we are born again through faith in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:4-5). Praise God! However, our faith must be active and exercised, daily, so that it’s strong enough, if necessary, to endure suffering and even death at the hands of those who would persecute us for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:10). In other words, just as Jesus overcame the world by going obediently to the cross, we, too, need to have great strength of faith should we be called to be a witness (martyr) for Christ through our death.
As believers we know that a place has already been prepared for us (John 14:2-3) and that place is with Jesus. Alleluia! The wicked and unbelieving, however, will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8). Praise the Lord for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever (Psalms 106:1).
This is the sixth verse image in our ongoing series from the Book of Revelation. See here for all images in the series.
Revelation 2 Audio
Revelation 2:8-11 (Letter to the church in Smyrna)
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
