The text. In closing his letter to the church in Smyrna, Jesus exhorted, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). Such was appropriate in view of the fact that he had just observed, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty . . . Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison” (Rev. 2:9-10).

 

An analysis of the text. The text states a precept, the precept is then expanded, and a promise is then given. Accordingly, the text suggests that (a) we are to be faithful, (b) we are to be faithful unto death, and (c) if we are faithful unto death the Lord promises, “I will give thee a crown of life.” This analysis will serve as our approach to this present study. Thus, let us observe the following points:

 

1. We Are to Be Faithful

 

Since the exhortation is present middle imperative, Jesus is actually saying, “Keep on becoming faithful.” Let us now develop this divine encouragement.

 

Faithfulness defined. First, Webster says, “Full of faith, steadfast in affection or allegiance, loyal, firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty, conscientious.” Second, some synonyms given are loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, and resolute. Third, the lexicon (Thayer) says, “Trusty, faithful: of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties . . . (Rev. 2:10); one who kept his plighted faith (Rev. 2:13); worthy of trust; that can be relied on.” Fourth, the Scriptures give us a comprehensive insight to God’s concept of faithfulness. “And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind” (1 Sam. 2:35). Yes, faithfulness is doing/aligning oneself with the very heart of God and living his life accordingly.

 

Faithfulness is attributed to deity. “God is faithful” (1 Cor. 1:9). “Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds” (Psa. 36:5). In fact, he is called “the faithful God” (Deut. 7:9; see also Psalm 89:1-8, 24, 33; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 10:23; 11:11; 1 Peter 4:19; 1 John 1:9).

Christ is faithful. Faithfulness was to be the girdle of the reins of the rod out of the stem of Jesse (Isa. 11:1, 5). Sitting on the white horse of Revelation, he is called “Faithful and True” (Rev. 19:11; see also Heb. 2:17; 3:2; Rev. 1:5; 3:24).

The divine word is said to be faithful. Indeed, “These words are true and faithful” (Rev. 21:5; 22:6). God’s testimonies are “very faithful” (Psa. 119:138, 86; see also Tit. 1:9; 1 Tim. 1:15; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; Tit. 3:8).

 

Faithfulness exemplified. Moses (Num. 12:7; Heb. 3:2-5) and Daniel (Dan. 6:4) are specifically stated as being faithful in the Old Testament days. In the New Testament days, there were Tychicus (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7), Onesimus (Col. 4:9), Epaphas (Col. 1:7), and Silvanus (1 Pet. 5:12). The Ephesian and Colossian brethren were said to be faithful also (Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:2).

 

Faithfulness is mandated. Stewards are to be faithful (1 Cor. 4:2). Preachers are to be faithful (2 Tim. 2:2; Jer. 23:28). They are to be faithful in their preparation, in their presentation, and in their performance in life. Leaders’ wives are to be faithful (1 Tim. 3:11). In Revelation 17:14, they who are with the Lamb and win the battle “are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Do we not all long to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”? (Mt. 25:21, 23). Surely, then, we will resolve to be faithful regardless.

 

• We must be faithful regardless of what is popular. Henry Clay was once told by one of his admirers and friends, “If you maintain that position you will never be president.” Whereupon Clay responded, “I would rather be right than president!” “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil” (Ex. 23:2). The popular road leads to destruction (Mt. 7:13-14).
• (b) We must be faithful regardless of the cost. Christian wives are to be faithful to the Lord even if such costs them their marriage to an unbeliever (1 Cor. 7:15; Mt. 10:34-39; Lk. 14:26). “Men who move the world are men whom the world cannot move.”
• We must be faithful regardless of how formidable our foe may appear. What about Gideon? He was faithful (Jd. 7-8). May we never forget, “There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few” (1 Sam. 14:6). After all, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). Leonidas, king of Sparta, held the pass of Thermopylae with three hundred Spartan soldiers against Xerxes, king of Persia and his countless band of warriors. In one of the fierce battles, a Spartan soldier said, “The arrows of the enemy shut out the light of the sun.” Leonidas replied, “So much the better. We can fight better in the shade.”
• We must be faithful regardless of whom our associates may be—whatever their action or reaction may be. Though the people fled from the Philistines, Shammah “stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the Lord wrought a great victory” (2 Sam. 23:11-12). “I will be faithful regardless of the whenever, the whatever, and the whomever,” is a good motto of life.

 

Areas wherein we are to be faithful include the following:

 

• We are to be faithful in our walk with the Lord. Enoch (Gen. 5:18-24), Job (Job 1, 2; 13:15), and Joseph (Gen. 39:6-20) were. Faithful husbands keep themselves to/for their wives and them alone. In like manner, members of the bride of Christ, the church (Eph. 5:23-33; Rom. 7:1-4; 2 Cor. 11:2), keep themselves to/for Christ and him alone. Hence, they do not become spiritual adulterers by becoming worldly (Jas. 4:4).
• We are to be faithful in our worship. The early church was (Acts 2:42; 20:7). Such is the instruction of Hebrews 10:25.
• We are to be faithful in our work. We are to be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the word of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). We are to work as long as it is day (Jn. 9:4).
• We are to be faithful in our warfare. Taking the whole armor of God, we are “to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:13). Though the men of Israel were gone away, Eleazer “arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword” (2 Sam. 23:9-10). He was faithful in warfare. So was Paul (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

 

 2. We Are to Be Faithful unto Death

 

The text reads, “Be thou faithful unto (KJV, ASV) until (McCord) death” (Rev. 2:10). “Unto” suggests being faithful to the point of even dying for the cause espoused. “Until” implies being faithful unrelentingly, up to the drawing of our last breath. We are to be faithful in both aspects. In fact, if we are faithful up to the point of dying, surely, we will have been faithful all along. Hence, we will study both emphases.

 

• We are to be faithful “until” death. Those who endure to the end shall be saved (Matt. 10:22). To prevent their apostasy, the Hebrews were exhorted to “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Heb. 3:6, 14; 6:11). The Thyatira saints were promised, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations” (Rev. 2:26; see also Mt. 28:20). Timothy was to keep his charge “until the appearing of our Lord” (1 Tim. 6:13-14). Paul prayed that the Philippians would “be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ” (Phil. 1:9-10). We are to be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). Paul was faithful until death (2 Tim. 4:6-8). The “I am faithful most of the time” religion will not suffice. “Stopping at third base adds no more to the score than striking out.” General Grant, hastening to relieve the beleaguered troops in Chattanooga, flagged General George Thomas from the top of Signal Mountain, “How long can you hold your position?” Thomas’ reply, “We’ll stay till we starve!”
• We are to be faithful “unto” death. Indeed, we are to be willing to even die for the cause of Christ. Our text is rendered, “Be faithful, even if you have to die for it” (Weymouth, Williams). “He is saying accept death rather than recant” (Hailey). “Not faithful until the time of death, but faithful up to a measure which will endure death for Christ’s sake. ‘It is an intensive, not an extensive term'” (Vincent). The Pulpit Commentary observes, “‘Unto death’ does not merely mean ‘to life’s end,’ but ‘even if fidelity involves death;’ compare ‘became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross’ (Phil. 2:8).” “This will cost you your life,” one was told. To which he responded, “What is life for?” Another responded, “Who said I had to live?” Such must be our attitude. As Job said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). The three Hebrews told Nebuchadnezzar, that even if they were not delivered from the fiery furnace, “Be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image” (Dan. 3:16-18). As Paul avowed, “For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).

 

Had not the Lord informed the disciples, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you”? (Matt. 24:9). “Yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (John 16:2). Such happened to all the apostles, save John (see Fox’s Book of Martyrs). Then, there was Stephen (Acts 7:54-60) and Antipas (Rev. 2:13). There were “under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God” (Rev. 6:9). Also, there was “the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (Rev. 17:6). John additionally wrote of those who “loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev. 12:11). Such ones will not be touched by the second death (Rev. 20:14).

 

Only if the catacombs could talk! Only if the Roman Colosseum had a voice! Do you remember Polycarp? Offered life if he would say, “Caesar is Lord,” and reproach Christ, he refused and said, “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?” Whereupon the wood and fagots were gathered, and he was burned at the stake in 155 A.D.

 

Ponder this thought: Surely if we would be willing to die for the Lord, will we not be willing to live for him? (Gal. 2:20). Horace Mann said, “It is more difficult, and calls for higher energies of soul, to live a martyr than to die one.”

 

3. If We Are Faithful unto Death, We Will Receive the Crown of Life

 

Observe that the crown is not contingent on merit, perfection, or success; rather, it is contingent on faithfulness. The crown is not a garland of olive leaves, but a crown of life.

 

• Why the designation “crown of life?” First because we shall live forever over there (Mt. 25:46). Second, in heaven we shall know, enjoy, and experience life to the fullest.
• Other designations for the crown. It is called a “crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:8) and a “crown of glory” (1 Pet. 5:4); it is described as an incorruptible crown (1 Cor. 9:25). The Battle of Jutland turned the naval aspect of World War I in favor of the Allies. The H.M.S. Lyons was one of Britain’s finest battleships. When she returned to port, escorted by tugs, she had no bridge, guns, or mast, only gaping wounds in her side. Out of the crew of 1100 only 25 were left to accompany her on deck as she entered the port. But there they stood, solidly erect, saluting what remained of the Royal Ensign still flying. Alan Redpath witnessed that remarkable return. He wrote, “There was a terrific welcome for that ship, that old battleship, who had ‘stood her ground.'” In similar fashion, when we will have sailed our last voyage, fought our last battle, paid our last price, and offered our last sacrifice, we will have come into the port of eternity there to receive a victor’s welcome and crown! Why? We will have “stood our ground.” Indeed! John wrote, “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:14).

 

Conclusion

 

When the fort at Altoma Pass was besieged during the Civil War by General Hood and his men, General Corse refused to surrender, though his casualties had been many and his situation looked hopeless. Across the valley a white signal flag sent the message, “Hold the fort, for I am coming.” Relief was on the way for the persevering faithful! In like manner, the Lord, as it were, is encouraging, “Hold the fort, be faithful, for I am coming!” (See Heb. 3:6; 4:14; 10:23, 36-39). We will then hear him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Mt. 25:21, 24).