The souls of them that were slain for the word of God

Revelation 6:9

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held…

These are the greatest souls in all of earth and heaven. The souls that were slain! And they were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held. They held firmly to the testimony of Christ. They remained steadfast unto the death. What a company! What a privilege it would be to partake of this company and to be named with them! It is the highest honor, the greatest privilege! To be slain for the Word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ. And these souls are under the altar. They have a special place of resting until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Many more have yet to enter this band of people of whom the world is not worthy. Men and women who have hazarded their lives for their Savior, and have been called to the gift of martyrdom.

Many are there! Stephen is there, so is Paul, and Thomas, and Peter, and the others apostles. There is Perpetua, there is Justin Martyr, there is Tyndale, and countless more. Oh, to be with this company in Heaven! Here they rest, here they wait for judgement to be avenged on the earth. Here they await their crowns. There are many even this day, who are being added to this number. Many who are being martyred this very day and moment for the cause of our Savior. Some are being killed, some tortured, many hated, many derided. But let us hold the testimony of Christ. May we love not our lives unto the death. And what a reward shall be to those who stand for the Word of God and for the testimony of Christ!

“Dear Lord, we thank you for the testimony of the martyrs. It seems unattainable to us sometimes. But we know, by your grace and help, we may also stand faithful to the end. Keep our eyes on Heaven, keep our eyes on eternity, and our heart fixed on Thee. May we be found faithful as these martyrs were. And whether we are privileged to be in that number or not, we want to know that we have been faithful to your testimony to the end. Help us, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”