Introduction: Are you afraid of death? Have you prepared to die? How can we face the inevitable? That is unless Jesus comes in the clouds, called the rapture.

You know, it is not how you START in the race that really matters. It is how you FINISH the race!

Do you want to FINISH FAITHFUL?

The Church of Smyrna, (smoor’-nah), whose name means “myrrh,” which is a substance with a sweet-smelling fragrance. Notice the parallels between the Church, the bride, and the Bridegroom, Jesus.

1. Who else besides JESUS CHRIST would die and be resurrected from the dead never to die again?

“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.” (Rev 2:8)

Jesus predicted His death, but also foretold of His resurrection.

“21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” (Matt 16:21)

The apostle John verifies His resurrection as he quotes the words of our Lord.

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Rev 1:18)

2. What about JESUS’ horrendous suffering?

“9I 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.” (Rev 2:9)

Jesus was born in POVERTY!

“9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2Cor 8:9)

Jesus suffered immense persecution and faced much tribulation.

“8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Heb 5:8) 

“21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” (1Pet 2:21)

“8For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” (1Pet 3:18)

Jesus died for (in the place of) our sins. As we trust His sacrifice, we are forgiven and placed into a right relationship with God the Father. Because Jesus has gone before us and given us His Holy Spirit to be with us, we do not need to fear death. Besides that, we can live a life led by His Spirit preparing us for when we see Him in glory. 

3. Jesus was FAITHFUL unto death!

“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.” (Rev 2:10)

Paul writes,

“8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil 2:8)

Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane:

“42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” ( Luke 22:42)

John writes, 

“6For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:16-19)

Conclusion: Jesus has already TASTED death for every man.

“9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Heb 2:9)

So death has lost her sting!

“54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1Cor 15:54-55)

John, led by the Holy Spirit concludes his remarks to the Church is Smyrna with these remarks:

“11He 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.” (Rev 2:11)

Will you purpose in your heart to be FAITHFUL unto death?