“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained” (Revelation 6:9).

Only God knows the number of martyrs who are still offering their lives rather than denying Jesus Christ. In the days of the book of Revelation the Roman government killed those who refused to say “Caesar is Lord.” Those then and now are pictured as being under the altar in the presence of God.

A Roman coin was found with a picture of an ox on it. The ox was facing an altar and a plough, and the inscription read: “Ready for either.” Whether we are martyred for our faith or live a long life of service we can confidently say, “I’m ready for either.” For those who are martyred we can be sure that they are received in heaven with honor. The first Christian martyr was Stephen. His story is recounted in Acts 7. When he died for his faith Jesus was seen standing to receive him into heaven. Countless millions have been killed for their faith, and Jesus has received them all.

We may not be called upon to die for our faith but the promise of this Scripture is that the enemies of Christ do not have the final word about our destinies. Whether we die for our faith or serve faithfully for the rest of our lives, Jesus has the final word over us and has prepared a place of safety for us. We will live and reign with Him no matter how things appear in the present.