The third reward is to escape being hurt by the second death. The second death is the Lake of Fire. The Lord Jesus is implying here that those who do not overcome through His grace the deceptions and pressures of the world are in jeopardy of being injured by the second death. The third reward hardly could be termed a frill that super-Christians will enjoy. Not being injured by the second death certainly is essential to the Christian redemption.

The rewards to the victorious saints begin with the opportunity to eat of the tree of eternal life and conclude with our being established on the throne of Christ. It is obvious that the victorious saints are the members of the true Church, the Wife of the Lamb.

It is our point of view that the defeated believers will not be cast into the Lake of Fire, in many instances, but they certainly are in danger of lashes and outer darkness.

The victorious saints are the royal priesthood, the Church, the Wife of the Lamb.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; (I Peter 2:9)

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:6)

It is the victorious saints who will participate in the first resurrection from among the dead.

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. (Revelation 20:6)

The Church of Christ, being an eternally inseparable part of Christ and filled with Christ, will rule the creation of God forever.

The Throne of God Almighty, and the nature of those who are in and around the throne, are described in Revelation, Chapter Four. The characteristics set forth here must be true of every member of the Church of Christ.

And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts [living creatures] full of eyes before and behind. (Revelation 4:6)

The "sea of glass like unto crystal" speaks of the transparency that is created in our personality as we go through the fire of God. Only those who suffer will be allowed to rule with God.

The number four (of the "living creatures") symbolizes Pentecost—the power to bear witness of God that is given by the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is the fourth of the feasts of the Lord. Such are believers who have learned to live in the Spirit of God.

The multitude of eyes before, behind, and within refer to the ability to "see," which is the mark of every true prophet of God. Sin produces blindness in us. God's victorious saints can perceive the future, the past, and the inner significance of things and events. They are children of light, of the day.

To be continued.