Overcomers and Martyrs | TheLastDays
We don’t get to choose which we will be, but we do get to choose if want to be in this glorious company. During the Tribulation, things will get so intense in terms of religious persecution and economic pressure that death by sword or famine may challenge us all. Jesus warned us that there will be a great falling away as many believers renounce their faith and seal their fate in a vain attempt to save their lives. Mark this: the faith of everyone will be tested. Be encouraged that those who die faithfully as martyrs will receive the martyr’s crown. Those that survive faithfully will receive the overcomer’s crown. The Lord will prove that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 MKJV
And he said to me, "These [martyrs] are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14
All scripture citations are from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.
Chief Characteristics
Whole books are written about most of these crucial components. These characteristics are summaries of what is grounded in scripture, not fabricated through speculation.[1] Speculation is trying to “see” more than we are being shown. What we see by Biblical revelation is real enough, but a fuller view will only come as these still distant components draw nearer.
For every martyr, there are also overcomers. Even at the height of the famous Roman persecutions, there were far more who survived as faithful Christian witnesses, than those who perished. These survivors were the overcomers of their day. Sadly, it is also true that for every martyr there were also those who renounced the faith—the “apostates.” Jesus said that there would be a great falling away in the Last Days. Hence, the persecution of Christians by the Romans gives us a vivid picture of what we can expect in our future.
1. Persecution by the Romans
For the first two centuries following the birth of the Church, Christians were persecuted sporadically, often springing up from local attitudes, misinformation, or the whims of wicked rulers like Nero. All this changed in 250 AD when the first of three empire-wide persecutions began under the emperor Decius. His edict remained in force for a year and a half. Confiscation of manuscripts, seizure of property, incarceration, and judicial murder (martyrdom) became the policy of the state.
The central issue was the refusal of Christians to offer sacrifice to the Roman gods or to acknowledge the emperor as a god. Christians rightly saw that bowing to the cultural demand would have been a denial of their faith in Jesus. Romans saw it as a form of rebellion to state authority that had to be crushed. This same cycle is likely to repeat in the Last Days with sporadic outbreaks of persecution preparing the way for the world-wide, state-sanctioned policy of the antichrist. We should be prepared for seeing that just as the average Roman sided with the state view, so will the surrounding world: Why can’t those pesky Christians just do this small thing and get along with the rest of us?
Although the Roman persecutions loom large in the minds of most Christians, the truth is that the number of martyrs was relatively low. The best modern estimates place the number anywhere between three thousand and seven thousand deaths. Certainly, that was enough to provide a cautionary tale for centuries to follow, a story that seems to have grown by the exaggeration of early church historians like Eusebius. It must be said, however, that some of those deaths followed upon excruciating and horrendous tortures. For those undergoing the persecution, it was not their numbers which mattered most but their own unique experience of pain and injustice: How do you stay faithful when the world around you has gone treacherously mad?
2. Persecution throughout History
There can be no excuse for what was done by the Romans to the Christian believers, or for what was done by apostates seeking to save their own lives by renouncing the faith and betraying their brethren. Nevertheless, compared to modern times the numbers are surprisingly low. What is also surprising is how few modern Christians seem to be aware that the real news about martyrdom is in our recent history and in our own day. It is as if the heightened memory of Roman persecution has relegated martyrdom to a thing of the distant past. To shatter that false view, consider the following facts.
The data, attributed to the late researcher David B Barrett, puts the number of Christians martyred since the time of Jesus at 70 million. It puts the number of Christians systematically exterminated in Nazi Germany at a million, while the number of Orthodox Christians and others murdered in Russia between 1917 and 1950 at 15 million.
In China, at least 200,000 Christians and foreigners were killed in the Boxer Rebellion of 1898 to 1900. Another 700,000 were killed in communist China between 1950 and 1980. The number of Catholics killed in Mexico from the late 1800s to 1930 is estimated at 107,000, while 300,000 Christians are believed to have been killed under Idi Amin in Uganda between 1971 and 1979.[1]
It is a safe bet that these numbers would shock many Christians, so little is made of it in our history books, or ever rehearsed as background given in our news reports. And it has not stopped yet. Though present-day investigations are necessarily stymied by greater efforts at coverup than historical research, there can be no question that the numbers are unconscionably large. The same article quoted above acknowledges that persecutions continue, but laments that there is a wide disparity in estimates of on-going martyrdom. Some have the number of Christian martyrs as high as 100,000 annually; others have it as low as 8-9000 per year. Whatever the real figure is, according to Jesus, it can’t hold a candle to the numbers that will be coming when the Great Tribulation becomes the antichrist’s “final solution” for people of faith who resist his rule.
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Matthew 24:21-22
3. Lessons from the Roman Persecution
Tertullian (155-240 AD) was a prolific Christian author often called the “father of Latin Christianity” and sometimes the “founder of Western theology” which is all the more remarkable when one considers that there is no evidence he was ever ordained by the church. Very little is known about his personal life, though tradition has it that he was raised in North Africa in Carthage. It is known, however, that he came to faith through a radical act of conversion sometime in 197-198 AD. He is famous for saying out of this experience that “Christians are made, not born.” He is even more famous for his oft-quoted saying about the Roman persecutions that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”[2]
Tertullian wrote several “apologias” to the Roman magistrates to address the injustice of their persecution directed against Christians. He also thought deeply about the implications of martyrdom in terms of the normal Christian life. It was Tertullian who most clearly showed how genuine Christians live by an interior martyrdom as believers faithfully die to self in order to live for Christ. In his view, the Roman persecution was an objective form of this inward and on-going trial of faith.
Tertullian saw persecution as the will of God, who superintended the martyrdom of his followers. The Christian life, rejecting the world and the enticements of the world, with its submission and obedience to God’s will, was life-long training for martyrdom. Persecution, in short, was a part of the Christian’s total training. Tertullian’s theology in this area was practical and spiritual.[3]
This perspective of Tertullian’s is entirely in accord with the teaching of Jesus, but it perhaps took the experience under Roman persecution and Tertullian’s insight to bring this truth out in fullness. Jesus described the life of His followers as that of a continual death to self. In this one passage, we have both the way of the overcomer and that of the apostate set before us: We can choose either to put Self to death or seek to save our lives by forfeiting faithfulness upfront and life itself in eternity.
And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Luke 9:23-24
This is the true overcoming of the world, the flesh, and the devil (and his dark kingdom) which is at the heart of Christian discipleship and transformation. In seeking to follow Jesus, the Christian inevitably must engage in a life or death struggle with his or her own fallen, yet “natural” tendencies. Not to deny self what it desires is to deny Jesus what He deserves. Taking up one’s cross in simplest terms means turning to go the way of the Lord whenever our will and God’s will cross. We can only do this if we continue to trust that the way of Jesus—though hard, risky, and painful at times—is truly the best way to go. Faith as trust in Christ is at the essence of the overcomer’s life.[4] No wonder that Jesus said that the work we must do is to make sure that we believe in Him.[5] The real issue of faith is not do I believe Jesus exists (the demons believe that!), but do I trust Him enough to obey Him—no matter what?
3. Apostates in the Last Days
This chilling prophecy by Jesus shows us in verse 9 that in the Last Days the world around the Church will persecute believers and “deliver them up” to tribulation and death. It only gets worse in verse 10, where Jesus says that believers will do exactly the same things to their fellow believers that the world does. Betraying (vs 10) is the same word as delivering up (vs 9) and the word for hatred carries the meaning of persecuting. Tragically, Jesus repeats it in both verses. The faithless believers who “fall away” will become persecutors of faithful Christians, hating them and betraying them to the persecuting authorities. Why? Sometimes the motive is jealousy or revenge. Typically, however, is done in a vain attempt to save one’s own life. Not that it doesn’t work in earthly terms. The apostates may save their lives in this life by denying the faith and betraying the faithful. Eternity is a far different matter.
"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.” Matthew 24:9-10
4. Crowns
According to the scriptures, there will be crowns given out in heaven, whether we seek them or not. Perhaps, it is best not to seek them at all, but only to seek the One who will give them out to His faithful, devoted servants. As in all else, let Jesus decide what is best for us. Still, He apparently wants us to know that He has crowns He will bestow—and that He rewards us according to our deeds.[6] Crowns will be given to those who overcome, either as overcomers who live as faithful witnesses or as overcomers who die faithfully as martyred witnesses.
This isn’t an issue of faith in the abstract. It is an issue of deeds. As James wrote, faith without works is dead.[7] When life goes from being an obstacle course to a mine field, only those who can summon up enough faith to stay the course will qualify for these crowns. We definitely won’t have a say in which we will be given, only in whether we will be “worthy” of receiving one or the other. What will they look like? How or when will they be worn? Is there a difference between them? Who cares? The only thing that really matters is: Will I be found faithful? Let’s pray that we and all our loved ones will!
In the following passages take note of the three different crowns described by Paul, James, and Peter. Then, note what Jesus says will be required of us in the days ahead—if we would be crowned by Him as one who overcomes.
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:4
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Revelation 3:11
Pre-Figured in Scripture
Every crucial component of the Last Days has already “appeared” in the Biblical prophetic narrative in the past, somewhat like a dress rehearsal for the final drama. These foreshadows are called “types” because they precede their ultimate expression (the “antitype”).[2] As shadows of the future reality, however, they cast a revealing light of their own.
Every story in the Bible partakes of this mega theme of individuals and nations having to choose between seeking to live their own way verses going God’s way. So long as those two paths are in agreement there really isn’t much of a story—at least not in terms of the dramatic events that get launched by our wrong ways, or the even more dramatic rescues set in motions by God’s interventions to save us—often from ourselves. Certain stories, however, highlight this dramatic interplay more than others. Let’s look at three well-known examples that played out at the extremes where the fine line between martyrs and overcomers gets merged.
1. Joseph in Egypt
Joseph is an outstanding example of someone who overcame immense obstacles which began when his own brothers betrayed him and sold him into slavery. No need to recount the full story here which required nothing less than the final fourteen chapters of Genesis to give this amazing hero of the faith his due. The relevant part for this discussion comes to us through Psalm 105 where we are shown that God’s Hand was upon those abhorrent events which to Joseph’s young, untested eyes must have seemed entirely a work of the devil.
That God used his brother’s betrayal and the resulting persecution which Joseph endured is not to say that God desired it or caused it to happen. Nevertheless, it was by means of unjust affliction that God “sent a man ahead of them” who would become an agent of God’s salvation for the very people who betrayed him. Not only that, but God used the affliction to grow Joseph into the person he was called to become as the “word of the Lord tested him” during his captivity. Through betrayal and persecution, Joseph entered into the full promise of his calling, a destiny he had been shown in dream form before the calamities happened.
When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him. The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions, to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom. Psalm 105:17-22
It was Joseph’s great good fortune that he didn’t die as a martyr in that Egyptian prison but became instead an outstanding exemplar of one who overcomes. No doubt it required great faith on Joseph’s part to keep believing in God’s promises over his life, despite all the evidence that contradicted it. It also required great faith for him to forgive so great a betrayal. If we are to become overcomers like Joseph, we will need to grow the same caliber of faith under our trials, especially if betrayal by fellow believers lands us in the worst of them.
2. Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego
These three faithful Hebrew men very nearly died as martyrs. They are true heroes of the faith. Their story is told in the third chapter of Daniel. Because they would not serve the gods of Babylon or worship the golden image of the king, they were to be thrown into the fiery furnace. Of course, it was the intervention of the Lord that makes this story remarkable. The flames intended to incinerate them, instantly killed the ones who threw them into the furnace and then liberated the Hebrew men by burning off their chains. Not only that, but one like the Son of Man was seen walking and fellowshipping with them amid the flames. How cool is that?
Even more remarkable than these miracles, however, may be the attitude of the young men. They admitted to the king—a type of the antichrist to come—that they really had no idea whether they would survive the flames or not. They knew that God could deliver them. Such an intervention was certainly within His power. But they didn’t know for sure that He would, even though they were probably praying like crazy to Him for just such a rescue. Nevertheless, they were willing to face seemingly certain martyrdom, rather than betray their faith in God. They were genuine overcomers! They overcame all fear of the flames and fear of dying. That’s truly remarkable!
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18
Even more remarkable, these Jewish men had only part of the Old Testament to go by. Much of it was yet unwritten. They had nothing of the New Testament to ground their faith upon. They were not born again. They did not have immediate and personal access to their Messiah. They did not have the Holy Spirit living in them as an Inner Witness to the truth of the resurrection. They did not have thousands of years of faithful Christian martyrs lighting the right path to take. In other words, they had a mere fraction of what has been showered upon us “on whom the end of the ages has come.” Their brave witness puts to shame the modern impulse in Christianity to seek to be “raptured” out of harm’s way before the trials of faith begin. Jesus once asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Let’s hope He finds it in us.
3. The Hero’s Gallery of Hebrews
Who does not love the description of these heroes of the faith? What stalwart champions they proved to be! The list began at verse four with Abel, moved on to Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, and included even Rahab the prostitute. In the passage below, we are near the end of the sequence with a rapid-fire listing of heroes and deeds and the honest admission that “time would fail me” to properly record all who should be included. Just for a moment, go over all the things that faith allowed these heroes to overcome: kingdoms, lions, fire, sword, war, even their own weaknesses. We can evidently overcome any obstacle that the enemy brings against us or puts in our path. Not even death proved able to defeat the ultimate Overcomer whom they (and we) followed!
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Hebrews 11:32-35a
Nevertheless, the list would not be complete if it left us with the false impression that all is sweetness and light for those who follow the Lord. Not everyone gets to overcome their obstacle in this life. Some are taken down by the same enemy that others defeat. Take a slow, sober look at the calamities that our God allowed to befall His chose ones. These heroes were unable to either escape or “conquer” many an unwanted situation. Even so, everyone gets to overcome the obstacle of their own fears—if they choose to die to Self in order to live for God.
Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised. Hebrews 11:35b-39
These heroes didn’t cut and run. They stood their ground and faced persecution, even death, bravely. That’s our calling too—to “fight the good fight of faith” whenever spiritual darkness seeks to quench the Light we carry[8]. It’s one of many reasons why God has given us faith. Faith, rightly held, can turn anyone into a valiant-hearted conqueror of their own worst impulses. Faith can raise anyone into being a light in this dark world. Not every witness is a martyr, but every martyr is a witness. A witness is one who leads others to believe in the God who rescues all who come to Him from every enemy by raising us to eternal life.
Revealed by Scripture
The Bible exposes the secret plans and deceptive operations of the dark kingdom, even as it unveils the glorious realities of what our God is doing. The truths of scripture are, therefore, our rock-solid building blocks for interpreting the times we are entering. Nevertheless, for biblical information to become true revelation both prayer and the Holy Spirit are needed.
Martyrs and overcomers aren’t the only Christians who will face the turbulence of the Last Days. There are two other groups that a hapless believer can fall into. One could take the mark of the beast and survive by being allowed to trade within the system. Don’t do it! That would guarantee being tormented forever in the next life. There is no forgiveness possible for those who take the mark.[9] Or, one could become a survivalist and possibly avoid the beast and his system, but there is no way to avoid the Lord when He returns. He won’t be pleased with any Christians who only thought about saving their own life.
Whoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it, and whoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. Luke 17:33 MKJV
The rock-hard truth is that if we don’t rise up and take our stand to live for God and Jesus, there will be terrible, everlasting consequences. However, for those who choose to be faithful to the Lord, there are tremendous everlasting blessings promised. Settle it then, that no matter what comes our way, we are going to be faithful to Jesus, even if it kills us! There are only two options on the table—if you want to live honorably in this life and arrive safely in heaven in the next. We will look closely at those faithful options first, then cast a mournful glance at the ones who fall away. There is much their baleful example can teach us.
1. Overcomers in John’s First Letter
The Greek word nikaō (Strong’s G3528) is frequently translated as overcome and sometimes as conquer. It derives from Strong’s G3529 which means to subdue (literally or figuratively): conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.
This first option is usually everyone’s preference, though some are already indicating their desire to go out as martyrs. Becoming an “overcomer” means seeking to survive the trials that are coming, but never at the cost of being unfaithful to the Lord. That’s the negative way of stating it. Let’s turn in around. Being an overcomer means that your whole desire is to overcome in a faithful way any temptation, trouble, or trial that comes your way. In this way, you’re positioned to walk closely with the Lord and—under His Leadership—help harvest or rescue as many struggling souls as you can on your way home.
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:13-14
According to most conservative scholars and church tradition, John the “beloved disciple” is the author of the gospel that bears his name, three letters, and the Book of Revelation. This is the view taken here. In that case, his use of overcome in his letters should give insights for its meaning and application in Revelation. In the above passage, we see an exclusive application of the word to the “young men” he is addressing. It is they who have overcome the evil one—a direct assault of some kind by the prince of darkness.
This would not necessarily mean an assault exclusively carried out against them by Satan himself. More likely, it refers to their victory over the kingdom of darkness and all that the “evil one” uses against us of the world (fallen humanity), the flesh (our fallen nature), and the devils (demons and fallen angels). That’s a lot to overcome. Presumably, the “fathers” have long since passed through these tests while the “children” are not yet at the beginning. How is it that these young men became “strong”? John emphatically credits “the word of God” that “abides” in them. Jesus said that if only we would “abide” in Him and in His words, we would be set free to bear much fruit.[10]
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world… Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:1, 4
Here John is addressing the “little children”—not the fathers, nor even the young men, who have known and overcome various trials. These believers are still untested in the faith at the level the others have already passed through. They have yet to come up against the full assault of the evil one and his dark kingdom. Nevertheless, these “children” are at that early stage of learning to discern the spirits. If only Adam and Eve in their untried innocence had learned this lesson as well as they! John praises them for recognizing that the voices tempting them were not from God and in the intervening verses offers up further pointers.
Even so, being tested by a voice is not the same as full-frontal assault. When the evil one shows up in one’s life at that level there is no need to test the spirits. They have already shown their true colors! Hence, John prepares them for future testing by assuring them that no matter what comes their way, the one inside of them is “greater than he who is in the world.” Mark this up, then, as a further pointer for our own faith and courage. According to John, we need to not only abide in Jesus and in His Word, but we also need to warp our faith around the truth that He is always with us and cannot fail us. The Almighty One is living in us!
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5
In this final chapter of his first letter, we come to John’s most powerful insights into the overcoming life. First, he writes that “everyone” who is born again “overcomes the world.” That’s quite a statement. Perhaps, we haven’t done anything yet. How can this be true of newborn babes in Christ? Even the brand-new Christian convert has overcome the world by turning from its darkness to embrace the light of Christ. That may only be a beginning, but it is a world-shifting conquest just the same. What’s more, every convert has the nature of the Overcoming One living inside them. We are all world-class overcomers at heart.
Continuing, can John’s statement be true of compromised, backslidden believers? So long as believers don’t renounce the faith (the apostates), they are still holding to that which they have received.[11] Yes, there are those who seem to fail consistently in their trials, but if they don’t let go, God will enable them to overcome. The truth is that holding on to faith, even in the midst of weakness and compromise, can be a show of true strength. Only the Lord can search this out, but He is the One who says He dwells with the lowly and contrite.[12] Why are they contrite? Usually, because their weakness brought them low.
Others, however, reap victories where the compromised only spin their wheels. Christians who stay in step with the Lord “overcome the world”! They possess an incredible traction that holds them to the path set before them, enabling them to overcome one obstacle after another, whether it comes against them from outside or rises up from within. John wants us all to know the source of our victorious power. It is our faith that overcomes the world.
Every fresh trial, trouble, or temptation only serves to press them closer to the Lord. In the midst of battle, they reach for God’s promises and cry out for more faith to believe them. As they cast each new care upon the Lord and obey every fresh leading of the Spirit, they see victory after victory arrives as their hearts are held steadfast in perfect peace. Both the world of emotions within and the world of changes without are held in check and eventually overcome through the determined application of a faith that always endeavors to find a way to trust God, no matter what He allows.
John isn’t content to leave it there. There must be no mistaking that what overcomes the world is not our faith in faith, much less faith itself. No, our faith is believing in the One who already told us that He has overcome the world.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
2. Overcomers in the Seven Churches
At the very beginning of the Book of Revelation, Jesus dictated to John seven letters that He wanted to be sent to seven churches in Asia Minor. Why those churches when (by then) there were hundreds, perhaps thousands of others? Why include messages about current events in what would become the most extended prophecy of future times ever given? The view taken here is that these seven churches were chosen because they were undergoing local persecution of a kind that would reappear worldwide in the Last Days. The entire Church of the future will face the same kind of challenges these early believers faced.
As individuals and as individual churches, we may not have to deal with each one but taken as a whole, the Body of Christ will suffer through all these trials. Jesus would want us to know that what He expected of believers in those days, He will also require of believers in ours. His words to these churches, therefore, not only highlight the problems (which will become ours), they also show us the right way to go through each trial. Through John, Jesus sent these letters ingeniously to His Church of the future! With each letter, we will look at a problem and its corresponding promise.[13]
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
The problem that the Ephesian believers faced had to do with discernment. They had learned how to discern false teachings in others but failed to discern the greater issue of how their “first love” was slipping away from them. Remember that in Matthew 24 Jesus warned that in the Last Days many hearts would grow cold? That’s the problem here—yet they weren’t even aware of what they had lost. Hence, the promise is given that if they (we) would overcome their “cold love” for Him, Jesus would give them an ability to feast on His presence—He is the Tree of Life! This would turn the tables on the times so that even in the midst of their enemies, they would be living as if they were already in the paradise of God.[14]
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. Revelation 2:11 MKJV
The believers in Smyrna suffered through both poverty and persecution, a double distress which will soon be coming upon most of the Church worldwide as economies collapse and antichristian sentiment continues to rise. Jesus’ words informed them (us) that soon many of them would be thrown in prison and that some would die. He wanted them to know, however, that both the number of people most seriously afflicted and the duration of the trial was limited. His word to them was to hold out, to “be faithful unto death.” For those who conquered their fears with faith, He promised that they would not be harmed “by the second death.” The first death is physical death at the end of life in this world. The second death is the lake of fire. It has been well said that the brave die but once; the coward a thousand times.[15] May we use our faith to cast out all fear of death.[16]
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give to him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it. Revelation 2:17 MKJV
At Pergamum, the believers endured the stultifying oppression of living where Satan sat enthroned, exercising authority and control over the entire region of Asia Minor. They were evidently able to withstand the temptation to join the local population’s devotion to idolatry, but they were falling prey to sexual temptation which was also running rampant. Take heed: It is one thing to recognize and reject the mark of the beast, another to see that the mark of the Whore of Babylon is sexual immorality.[17] Both must be stoutly resisted! Already in our day this infernal temptation has spread throughout the church and the world in ways undreamed of in the past. For those who consistently defeat this temptation, Jesus promises that, rather than feeding on what is impure, He will give them “hidden mana” to sustain them. Our hearts were meant for better things than sexual lust.
But that which you have, hold fast until I come. And he who overcomes and keeps My works to the end, to him I will give power over the nations. And he will rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of a potter they will be broken to pieces, even as I received from My Father. Revelation 2:25-27
Believers in Thyatira in some ways faced similar temptations to those in Pergamum, especially false teachings and sexual temptation. The main difference is that the focus here is not on the pull of the pagan world surrounding the church, but on the penetration of the church by someone bringing in paganism from the inside. What’s worse, the woman Jezebel aspired to spiritual leadership, calling herself a prophet and gaining a devoted following. Even worse than this in Jesus’ eyes is that the believers “tolerated” her. Sound familiar? Here as in all the letters, Jesus calls for repentance as the way out. Indeed, it is our only way of escape if we have been captured by any sin—whether of thought, word, or deed. The one who overcomes in this situation will be given “authority over the nations.” In other words, if we can stand faithfully under His authority where He has placed us, our realm of authority can be extended.
You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments. And they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. The one who overcomes, this one will be clothed in white clothing. And I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Revelation 3:4-5 MKJV
Believers in Sardis would have been shocked to receive Jesus’ stunning rebuke. They had a reputation for being alive in Christ, resplendent with good works to show for it. In Jesus’ eyes they were “dead.” They were living for Self, not for Him. They were doing Christianity their way, not His. His call to them is to “wake up” and get back into a living, intimate relationship with Him. He would not have to speak to them through John if they were listening to His Voice. We don’t do works for Him that we think are good. We work at listening to Him, so we can do what He wants us to do! If they would live this way, His promise is that He will clothe them in white garments (which are “the righteous deeds of the saints”).[18] He wants us to use the times that are coming to a good advantage. Let the pressure and the pain press you closer to Him—always.
Behold, I come quickly. Hold fast to that which you have, so that no one may take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will go out no more. And I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name. Revelation 3:11-12
The problem that the believers in Philadelphia suffered came by way of persecution from their “cousins” in the faith. Not pagans, but Jews, were harassing and slandering them. Our parallel is that in the Last Days, not only will secularists and atheists join the antichrist in waging war against the Church, so also will fallen away Christians and people of other faiths who should at least recognize in us a kindred belief in God.[19] This is maddening to experience, but it has the hidden benefit of stripping away any tendency to look to others for approval. The only way out is to “know that I love you” even when others don’t.[20] Jesus, therefore, promises that those who overcome by keeping their eyes on Him, He will make them pillars of the Church (“temple”) He is building.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame and have sat down with My Father in His throne. Revelation 3:20-21 MKJV
The Laodicean Christians are caught in a compromised position. They are “neither cold nor hot.” They evidently tried to find a middle of the road path through all the troubles sweeping through their region. Surely, they know what the other churches have been up against. So, they’ve been keeping their light hidden under a bushel basket, afraid to let it shine for fear of persecution and equally afraid of letting it go out for fear of losing their salvation. It seemed to be working for it was giving them favor with the world. They were prosperous and popular. But in Jesus’ eyes they have nothing that hides their shameful nakedness. He hates it that they are so “lukewarm.” The call is to recover the zeal for Him that they let fall by the wayside. If they overcome their compromise with the world, they can be seated with Him again. If they allow Him to reign in them, He will allow them to reign with Him.
3. Martyrs for the Faith
The Greek word martus (Strong’s G3144) is frequently translated as martyr although it derives from its primary meaning of witness: Of uncertain affinity; a witness (literally [judicially] or figuratively [generally]); by analogy a “martyr”: martyr, record, witness.
This second option is truly heroic. Jesus said that there is no greater love than to give one’s life for a friend.[21] Martyrs are those who value loyalty to Jesus greater than life itself. One hears from time to time of prophetically gifted believers who say they’ve already been shown by the Lord that they are called to be martyrs in the Last Days. Additionally, some stout-hearted believers say they have offered themselves if God so wills. Still others are preparing themselves and their children just in case the fateful moment comes their way. No doubt these are the wise ones. To see possible trouble coming and not prepare for it is foolish.[22]
This begs the question: How can one prepare? The simple truth is that no one will ever become an overcomer if they are not prepared to be a martyr first. That’s because, unless we overcome it, the fear of death will overcome us every time. The writer of Hebrews tells us emphatically that the devil uses the fear of death to hold the entire earth captive. He reminds us that Jesus came to break this power of the enemy and set captive humanity free of ever fearing death again.
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15
The way to prepare to be an overcomer is, therefore, the same as the way to prepare to be a martyr: Lose the fear of death! The best way to do this is to look your deepest fears about death and dying squarely in the face and then bring Jesus and the gospel down hard until all unbelief is crushed and nothing but freedom from fear remains. Most people bury these fears rather than face them. That’s not God’s way. Dredge them up. Ask yourself, what are you really afraid of and then find some truth(s) in the Bible that sets you free from those fears. Repeat scriptures over your doubts and fears until you finally and fully believe them. The problem for most Christians isn’t if they believe the Bible is true. It’s whether they can believe deep down that each truth in the Bible is true for them. Make sure your deep heart witnesses to the truth of scripture for you and you’re well on your way to becoming a faithful witness to others.
And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. Acts 22:20 MKJV
The first martyr in the New Testament is found in the book of the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen’s brave witness and even braver death gave witness to the resurrected life of Christ. Surely his martyrdom ranks as one of the greatest acts of any of the apostles. That Paul makes mention of it shows us how significant the event was for him to witness. No doubt, one of the “goads” Jesus said he was wrestling against had to do with the way Stephen’s fearless witness in the face of death rattled his cage and pricked his conscience.[23] This alone should show us that what’s at stake is likely far more than our own faithfulness being tested and proved. The salvation of many souls may hang in the balance! Think of all those who were saved through Paul’s ministry, which may not have happened but for Stephen’s martyrdom taking place right in front of him.
"And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 'The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. "'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” Revelation 2:12-13
Antipas is one of only a few named martyrs in the New Testament. What the Lord has to say about him is something we should all hope He will be able to say about us: my faithful witness. Notice that Antipas had not been sent up against a farm team. He had been thrust into the big leagues, to the very seat (throne) of Satan’s power on earth. We can be certain, then, that the spiritual power directed against Antipas would have been tremendous. Nevertheless, he held fast to the Name and did not deny the faith. Jesus used his brave example to encourage (“give courage to”) the other believers in Pergamum. Whether or not we will face the same level of implacable hatred and fierce opposition is a thing known only to the Lord. We can be sure, however, that our names will be forever known to Him as “faithful witnesses” if we stand firm when our time comes.
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Revelation 6:9-11
This is a difficult scene to view. Certainly, it is wonderful to see multitudes who managed (by grace and faith) to stay faithful under persecution. It is also comforting to see how tenderly they are cared for and how spotlessly “every one of them” is clothed. Nevertheless, there is a time element here that will likely cause us anguish, even as it causes them consternation: “How long?” Notice that they cry out, not one but all of them and that they cry with a “loud voice” not a soft one. They are not being insubordinate but are truly perplexed. How much longer before the Tribulation will come to an end? Perhaps they still have family members in harm's way. Perhaps their concern is for God’s honor as the supreme Judge whose duty it is to set everything right.
If the delay is bothering them and they are in heaven beyond the reach of pain, imagine how it will bother us. Just as we find it impossible to set dates regarding the Lord’s Return, so too, we will not be able to set a date for the persecution to end. One thing is certain. That longed-for end will not seem to come soon enough! Brace yourselves for this as best you can. It is all a part, a painfilled part, of learning to wait on God. Yet, for those who learn to wait, it is promised that they will rise to new heights as if on wings of eagles.[24]
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands… Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?" I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. " Revelation 7:9, 13-14
This scene takes place right before the seventh seal is opened. By this time, the four horsemen of the Apocalypse have ridden forth spreading war, chaos, famine, plagues and death. The Great Tribulation is raging like a floodtide all over the earth—claiming lives from “every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages.” Even so, there will be seven trumpet judgments still to come and there are seven bowls of wrath waiting to be outpoured. There simply is no end in sight. It is likely that the persecutions will continue right up to the blowing of the Last Trumpet and the Lord’s Return. This, too, is something we need to prepare our hearts to endure. Once it begins, only Jesus can bring it to an end.
Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:15-17
Twice in Revelation, we are told that God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”[25] No doubt we will all need Him to do that. If we have not experienced extreme hardships ourselves (which is unlikely), we will have mourned for those we loved who did. In Revelation 21 this ministry of the Lord to us will be for all who arrive safely in the New Jerusalem. In this passage, it is being done for those who arrived safely as martyrs of the Great Tribulation. Their faith and faithfulness did not keep them from dying, but it saved them to live eternally in heaven in highly favored nearness to their Lord. They are continually (“day and night”) before the throne of God with the Lamb in their midst. The way of the martyr leads to some of the highest honors that heaven bestows. We would all be wise to take the long view.
And I will give power to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy a thousand, two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth… And when they complete their testimony, the beast coming up out of the abyss will make war against them and will overcome them and kill them. Revelation 11:3, 7
The most famous martyrs of the Last Days are the two witnesses whose story is told in Chapter 11. Without question, they were also fearless and powerful overcomers. They overcame everything the beast had to throw at them for almost three and a half years. That’s an incredible testimony to the power of faith in Jesus to overcome the world. Nevertheless, at the end of that appointed time, they met their death at the hands of the same beast that they had successfully resisted for so long. There are no guarantees about how this will go for any of us, except that Jesus will ultimately conquer and that we will be eternally grateful if He managed to keep us faithful in the meantime.
And I heard a great voice saying in Heaven, Now has come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul until death. Revelation 12:10-11 MKJV
This passage about those who overcame the enemy would not be complete without pausing to consider that many overcame the evil one because “they did not love their soul until death.” That’s the Bible’s way of saying that they did not try to save their lives by denying the faith. They did not choose the love of Self over love of the Lord. These are martyrs whose willingness to lay their lives down for the sake of the gospel helped bring about the casting down of the Accuser and his dark kingdom. After all, it is the Accuser who whispers that God’s ways aren’t really worth the ultimate sacrifice and insinuates that, after all, we don’t have what it takes to stand up against him. Nevertheless, these overcomers took their stand by maintaining a rock-solid faith in “the Blood of the Lamb.” Their confident “testimony” of the grace that was saving them precipitated the enemy’s downfall at this specific time, just as it does every time we give a faith-filled witness.
Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. Revelation 13:7-10
Of the reign of the first beast, it is written that he will be “allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them.” It will not help to fight back, not unless the Lord clearly directs us to do so. There is no way that anything written in this Book can be erased. It will all unfold exactly as Jesus prophesied to John and the other Last Days prophets. Settle it then, that “if anyone is to be slain with the sword with the sword must he be slain.” God alone knows who these will be. We will all find out but only when the time comes.
There is no avoiding this. Those who have been appointed for captivity will be taken captive and there is nothing to be done but accept it as Jesus, Peter and James, Paul and Silas and countless others did when their turn came. There may be a way to fight back, but it is just as likely that to fight back would be to fight against what God has appointed. How can you know? This would take a lot of prayer and a lot of learned guidance, but most of all it would take freedom from fear. The fearful already are misguided, if they imagine they can hear from the Lord while in a state of fear. Worse, fear itself is a spirit that loves to misguide us.[26] Remember, fear drives, but faith leads. Always discern the difference.
4. Apostates in the Last Days
The Greek word apostasia (Strong’s G4646) means defection from truth (properly the state), (“apostasy”): - falling away, forsake.
It is probably a safe bet that no one sets out to be an apostate. What Christians, on being awakened to new life through the faith vision of Jesus as their Savior, ever think to themselves, “You know, I’d really like to deny Him someday”? It is unthinkable! At least it is in the beginning of new life, before the walk turns in unexpected, painful, bitterly regretted, or heavily enticed directions. Jesus never betrays or abandons us. Yet, we are (evidently) so perverse that we betray and abandon Him. Mercifully, for most of us the Lord is able to overcome our faithlessness and draw us back to Himself.
Why can’t He do that with everyone? Isn’t He all-powerful? Yes, but just as He will not force anyone’s conversion, He will not force anyone to continue in the faith. What we can know for sure is that such a thing as falling away from the faith (apostasy) exists, because the Bible says it does and often warns against it. We also know that the penalty for abandoning the faith is extremely bad—as the following scriptures give witness.
All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:8-13
When Jesus launched into His famous teaching on the Last Days the first thing He said was “See that no one leads you astray.” Being led astray inevitably leads to falling away, unless it is checked in time. The Lord evidently wants us to know to watch out for deception as we watch and wait for signs of His Return. Deception, however, is very hard to spot. Oh, it can be easy to see what deceives some else. The trouble is that any deception worth it’s “D” rating is going to steal silently upon you if it has you in its sights.
What can be done? First of all, know the Word and know Jesus as fully and as faithfully as you possibly can. Do all that you can to put Him first, to listen in order to obey, and to cling to Him at all times.[27] If you are living at some lower level than this, you are already deceived. Why would you imagine that the Lord could be pleased with you or keep you safe if you are not living the way He requires of you?
That said, it will also help to watch for the things that are deceiving others. Notice that the falling away Christians will “betray one another and hate one another.” Anyone behaving in this manner is being led astray. Make sure you aren’t falling into hatred and fear. Those two toxic emotions are fueling the great apostasy. Also note that “the love of many will grow cold” which may indicate disappointment and loss of hope. Millions are captive to the false hope that Jesus will get us out of here before the antichrist takes over. They will be bitterly disappointed, making them prey to the apostasy.
Others may be overcome by grief as the increase of lawlessness robs them of loved ones or destroys their home or business. Still others may be swept up and carried away by the spirit of lawlessness, characterized by the Whore of Babylon and her overflowing cup of sexual immorality.[28] Watch out for all these pitfalls if you don’t want to be among those who fall away.
Let not anyone deceive you by any means. For that Day shall not come unless there first comes a falling away, and the man of sin shall be revealed, the son of perdition. 2 Thessalonians 2:3
Just in case it seemed ambiguous in the words of Jesus, this time of falling away (or offense) is more clearly spoken of as apostasy by Paul. The Greek word he uses leaves absolutely no doubt that what is being described by him is a falling away from the faith—a literal apostasy. Sometimes this same word is translated as “rebellion” since the lawless one inspires rebellion. However, this part of the passage is not describing the followers of the antichrist but former followers of God and Jesus.
Why will believers fall away as the “son of perdition” is revealed? First, because he will be putting their faith to the test! Take the mark or else. Second, because as Jesus said, “the love of many will grow cold.” They will have lost their first love for the Lord and failed to cling to Him just when they needed Him the most.
And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9-10
There are already preachers out there who are saying that a believer can take the mark, repent of it later (after the threat has passed?), be forgiven and all will be well. That’s not what the scriptures say! Whatever you do, don’t take the mark! This passage and others make it clear that “anyone” who takes the mark “will” be subject to God’s wrath which will be poured “full strength” upon them. The (false) idea is that you can still worship Jesus in your heart and take the mark—it's only an outward sign. Jesus loves you, will understand the pressure you’re under, and has already paid the price of your disobedience with His blood.
This passage equates taking the mark with worshipping the beast. Period. To worship means to ascribe worth to, often taking the form of bowing as a sign of submission. The question is this: Is Jesus the all-powerful life-giver of the universe, the only One worth serving and worshipping? Or, is the beast? There is no middle ground. Alternatively, some would argue that since all sins have already been atoned for at the cross, why not this one? The short answer is because God in His Word says that it isn’t. Who wants to argue with God? In addition to this one, the sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit isn’t covered by the atonement either.[29] And what about those sins that lead to death which John warns us even against praying to relieve?[30]
The bottom line is this. We have been warned all our Christian lives against taking the mark of the beast. The scriptures are absolutely clear. Don’t do it! It will be far better to die or starve to death than face what eternity has in store for those who try to save their lives by taking the mark.
Other Scriptures to Study
1. Overcomers
And I heard a great voice saying in Heaven, Now has come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul until death. Revelation 12:10-11 MKJV
He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, will have their part in the Lake burning with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Revelation 21:7-8
2. Martyrs
And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. Revelation 13:15-17
And I saw a sea which seemed like glass mixed with fire; and those who had overcome the beast and his image and the number of his name, were in their places by the sea of glass, with God's instruments of music in their hands. Revelation 15:2 BBE
And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: "Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations." And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I marveled greatly. Revelation 17:3-6
Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more… And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth." Revelation 18:21, 24
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4
3. Apostates
And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name." Revelation 14:11
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God." So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Revelation 16:1-2
Next Crucial Component
Israel and the Jews It may come as a shock to some Christians who think that Israel has been supplanted by the Church, but the final outcome of the Last Days will be a glorious restoration of God’s first-chosen people. The Bible is filled with prophecies describing this still future destiny for the Jews and Jerusalem. Let us remember that Jesus Himself is a Jewish man and will be so forever. That is by His choice. So, let us watch over our Jewish brethren worldwide with prayer and great care as the Lord works through the terrible events of the Tribulation to break down the dividing walls separating His Jewish Bride from Himself.
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Endnotes
[1] Cambridge Dictionary defines speculation as “the act of guessing possible answers to a question without having enough information to be certain.” It derives from the Latin word “speculari” which means “to look at, view, observe” and originally indicated “close observation and intelligent contemplation.” By the late 1500s it gained the disparaging sense it carries today of “mere conjecture.” See etymonline.com.
[2] Adam is the type; Jesus, the “second Adam” is the antitype: Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. Romans 5:14 ESV
[2] Plures efficimur, quoties metimur a vobis; semen est sanguis christianorum. A more exact translation from Latin would be: “We multiply whenever we are mown down by you; the blood of Christians is seed.” Apologeticus, 50, s. 13.
[3] Adapted from text by Roy Stults from his unpublished Historical Perspectives on a Theology of Suffering, Persecution, and Martyrdom
[4] For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4
[5] Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." 1 John 6:28-29
[6] "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Revelation 22:12-13
[7] So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17
[8] Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12
[9] And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name." Revelation 14:11
[10] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5; So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32
[11] So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15
[12] For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15
[13] These will be only the outline of interpretation. It would take too much space to build the case. Also, these problems and promises are not the only ones given, nor are these the only way of interpreting them. As with all things Biblical, interpretive choices had to be made to keep from overflowing the page.
[14] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:4-6
[15] William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar: “A coward dies a thousand times before his death, but the valiant taste of death but once. It seems to me most strange that men should fear, seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.”
[16] There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19
[17] Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk." Revelation 17:1-2
[18] Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. Revelation 19:7-8
[19] Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 13:7-8
[20] Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Revelation 3:9
[21] Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
[22] The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3
[23] And all of us falling to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew dialect, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads. Acts 26:14
[24] Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:30-31
[25] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4
[26] For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
[27] I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." Deuteronomy 30:19-21
[28] The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: "Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations." Revelation 17:4-5
[29] "Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter,
but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin." Mark 3:28-29
[30] If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 1 John 5:16