This church passed triumphantly through all those trials; and Smyrna is
now the most flourishing city of the Asiatic churches. It contains a
population of 100,000, and is the seat of an archbishop. From 15,000 to
20,000 of its inhabitants are still professedly Christian.
The “crown of life,” promised to those who are faithful unto death, is to
be given at Christ’s second coming, “who shall judge the quick and the
dead at his appearing and kingdom,” 2 Tim. 4:1: “Henceforth there is laid
up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that
love his appearing,” _Ib._ 8. “Blessed is the man that endureth
temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which
the Lord hath promised to them that love him,” Jam. 1:12.
Those who shall not be hurt of the “second death,” are those who shall
attain unto the resurrection of the just, at the commencement of the
millennium. “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first
resurrection: on such the second death hath no power; but they shall be
priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years,”
Rev. 20:6. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and
murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,
shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:
which is the second death,” 21:8.
Epistle to the Church in Pergamos.
And to the messenger of the congregation in Pergamos write: These
things saith He who hath the sharp two-edged sword: I know thy
works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and
thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in
those days in which Antipas was my faithful witness: who was slain
among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against
thee, because thou hast there those, who hold fast the doctrine of
Balaam, who taught Balak to cast an enticement to sin before the
children of Israel: to eat idol-sacrifices, and to commit
fornication. So thou hast also those, who hold fast the doctrine
of the Nicolaitanes, in like manner. Repent; or else I will come
to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my
mouth. He, who hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to
the congregations: To him, who overcometh, I will grant to eat of
the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and on the
stone a new name written, which no one knoweth, but he, who
receiveth it.—Rev. 2:12-17.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account