2:10Revelation 2:10

Christ Himself, who died to give eternal life, speaks this promise as Judge from God's throne to prepare His people to meet Him coming in glory.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+2 He warns that loyalty to Him may bring imprisonment, suffering and even death through Satan's work by pretended believers, yet commands no fear of any outward enemy because the real conflict is with unconsecrated self.AA 588.2+3 To be faithful unto death is to hold fast to faith and obedience to all God's commandments to the very end, even at cost of possessions and life, trusting Jesus every moment and conquering self by His power.Lt 13, 1900, par. 9–10+4 Only the one who so overcomes as Christ overcame, through His blood and by a living faith that transforms character, receives the crown, which Jesus Himself places at His appearing.Ms 41, 1890, par. 12–14+4 That crown is eternal, imperishable life in the kingdom of glory, with rest, likeness to Christ and freedom from pain and death forever, yet it is conditional and can be lost by unfaithfulness while another faithful runner takes it.Ms 41, 1890, par. 12–14+4

The words are the voice of Christ who died to give eternal life, the Judge, speaking from the throne of God.Lt 13, 1900, par. 9–10+1 They belong to His messages in the first three chapters of Revelation, message after message to the angels of the churches given as His last testimony to John to write, standing with the message to Ephesus about works and labor and with the messages to Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+1 They warn to prepare to meet the Lord coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1 They reprove indifference to the signs foretold by Christ that give evidence the end of the world is right upon them, and call to advance and receive the grace of God in saving effect day by day through watchfulness and prayer in faith bringing the rich blessing of the Holy Spirit.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1

The seven churches represent successive states of the Christian church from Christ's first advent to His second appearing.LS 122.1–123.1 The number seven indicates completeness, the church names are symbolic of the Christian church in different periods of the Christian Era, and the messages extend to the end of time and are in force today.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56 Their figures portray the state of God's professed people, the wheat developing among the tares, with truth standing on its own eternal basis in contrast with error.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56 They portray the state of things existing in the churches of the religious world today and call for close self-examination.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56

The command to fear none of the coming suffering means there is no enemy without to fear because the great conflict is with unconsecrated self, and when self is conquered through the One who loved, the world is conquered.Lt 13, 1900, par. 9–10 It therefore forbids using worldly policies to protect against suffering or yielding to Satan's schemes.Ms 149, 1904, par. 4 It forbids buying freedom by giving up truth, and calls instead to keep witnessing for truth with patience and fortitude.Ms 149, 1904, par. 4+1 It applies to meeting the tempter's flattering presentations of great gain with no weakening of principle and no lust for gain, letting the snare be spread in vain and running no risk of dishonoring the Redeemer by yielding.Lt 13, 1900, par. 9–10

The devil casting some into prison that they may be tried means suffering, imprisonment and testing brought through blasphemous religious pretensions and Judas-like betrayal.AA 588.2+1 It is persecution from pretentious people joined to Satan's cause who claim to be God's people but are not.Ms 149, 1904, par. 4 The promised ten days of tribulation and long years of privation apply to multitudes martyred for love of truth through centuries of darkness and persecution before the close of time, to be borne even until death releases them with assurance that God knows what they endure.AA 588.2+1 They include the severe trial of those who proclaimed Christ's coming in 1844, whose position was made clear by light about His work in the heavenly sanctuary.LS 122.1–123.1

Faithfulness to Christ may bring imprisonment, torture, suffering and even death, for the promise not to fear coming suffering assures that some will be put in prison to be tested and will face persecution through long years of privation until death releases them.AA 588.2+2 It applies to multitudes martyred for love of truth through centuries of darkness before the close of time, whom Christ who sustained His early witnesses will not forsake.AA 588.2+1 Some are protected for a work they must still do while others are left to suffer, including aged believers, those opposed for keeping the commandments, and those who will stand in unity on eternal truth in a mighty conflict ahead.AA 588.2+2 Wycliffe illustrates the cost, for he expected to pay with his life for fidelity and faced that danger with courage, choosing to preach rather than remain silent against powerful prelates when martyrdom was no distant possibility.GC88 92.2 The crown of immortal life is the reward awaiting all such redeemed who remain faithful through suffering.GC 41.2+1

Trials and persecution test and purify believers by resisting the enemy's temptations and bringing every thought under Christ's control, and holding fast to Christ gives strength to endure.Lt 124, 1897, par. 5–6+1 They are steps bringing sufferers nearer their rest and their reward and nearer to one another and to their Redeemer, so that loss of every earthly blessing cannot move those counted worthy to suffer for truth.4SP 40.2–41.1+2 They must be borne rightly in humility and meekness, which benefits the soul more than prosperity, while Satan watches strivers to weaken them through impatience, complaint, uncertainty and discouragement.4SP 40.2–41.1+1 The crown is given after getting through difficulties while doing one's best in the fear of God, ending in joy at relief from what was suffered and in strength with life hid with Christ in God after the pattern of Christ's sufferings.Ms 109, 1907, par. 9–11 The remnant's hope of overcoming and receiving the crown sustains them through labors, sorrows and Satan-inspired opposition while longing for Christ and home, for their understanding of Scripture gives firm purpose so they cannot be discouraged or subdued.Ms 16, 1884, par. 9

Christ and the angels lean over the battlements of heaven gazing on sufferers with deepest interest and approval of their steadfastness, and being counted worthy to suffer for truth is cause for exceeding gladness and songs of triumph.GC 41.2+2 The promise encouraged persecuted Christians under the fiercest persecution that their suffering for truth would be rewarded with the crown of life even when persecution ended in death.GC 41.2+1 Stephen's martyrdom shows Christ's watchful interest, for He watches His faithful people with deep interest amid deadly trial and the hope of His heavenly presence sustains the believer.ST Nov 30, 1882+1 God's servants do not fight alone, for heavenly angels assist them though human cooperation is needed, and faithful undaunted service in this real conflict with Satan leads to immortality and a crown that will endure and brighten through eternity.ST Apr 28, 1898

Satan works with great power, subtlety and wrath to hold people in his power and ruin them, putting other things before believers and exercising masterly power to prevent men and women from obtaining the crown, even moving men to make striving hard.FE 136.1+1 Self-sufficiency and trust in human wisdom prove a stumbling-block, for self must die and stay dead with the heart saying I live yet not I but Christ lives in me, lest the hard-to-kill self rise again and the self-confident forsake the right way to come under Satan's jurisdiction as instruments against truth.ST Mar 17, 1898 His power and subtlety can be resisted only by divine power joined with human effort, by struggling in the strength of the risen Saviour, bringing temper, inclinations and spirit under God's will, and claiming Christ's righteousness and strength.MYP 428.2+2 God's word provides assurance and weapons to fight the good fight of faith and stand against the devil's attacks, requiring petitions for clear discernment, a clear mind, implicit trust in Him as a kind tender Father, and sharp spiritual eyesight given to every true seeker.ST Dec 3, 1894+1 Winning the crown means gaining life while losing it means losing everything in this life and the life to come.FE 136.1+1

Everyone will be tested and tried in the way that is most trying, and no faithful one receives the crown without passing through severe conflicts.Lt 48, 1894, par. 17–20+1 The crown is given to those who endure to the end through a close and testing shaking work among God's people, which only the valiant and whole-hearted endure.Lt 11, 1862, par. 8 That includes trials in the churches and the perils of the last days, yet those who remain faithful through severe conflicts receive the crown of life in the kingdom of glory.13MR 275.4+1 Winning the race for the immortal crown requires striving lawfully and overcoming in the terrible conflict now waging.13MR 275.4+2

Being faithful unto death is holding firmly to the faith and remaining loyal to Christ and truth to the very end, even at the cost of possessions and life itself.Lt 260, 1906, par. 6+2 It is running with purpose, standing fast in the Lord, holding the beginning of confidence steadfast unto the end, being rooted and grounded in love and established in the faith, with the Pattern kept constantly before the eyes.Lt 260, 1906, par. 6 Self-importance causes many to fall, besetting sins hinder progress, and opposition and difficult work will meet all who advance.Lt 260, 1906, par. 6 Only those who are valiant and whole-hearted will endure the close and testing shaking work among God's people through a trying time by grace, even choosing death rather than wrong.Lt 11, 1862, par. 8 Such endurance proves conversion to Christ and not merely to men, in contrast to shallow commitment to religious teachers that abandons faith when those teachers apostatize.Lt 158, 1897, par. 5–6

Holding fast is especially required when ministers apostatize and many depart from faith once professed to follow those leaders and give heed to seducing spirits.9MR 367.3–368.2 Those looking for the second coming walk a high, narrow path separated from the world on the broad road, in continual danger of falling, and if they travel on to its end they receive immortality and crowns with an eternal weight of glory.Ms 7, 1876, par. 3–4 The crown is gained through humility and faithfulness and is lost by becoming exalted and unfaithful, with punishment for the unfaithful measured according to privileges and light received.Ms 7, 1876, par. 3–4

Faithfulness unto death is diligence and constant watchfulness, counting the cost, for no one succeeds without strenuous effort, spiritually exercising all powers and crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts.Ms 156, 1907, par. 18–19+1 It is heeding every word of counsel and watching and praying to avoid temptation, fighting the good fight of faith until the warfare is ended, and as overcomers receiving the crown of life.Ms 156, 1907, par. 18–19+1 It is gained by patiently running the race set before believers in steady progress upward, drawing nearer to the heavenly home.RH Apr 21, 1903+1 It means laboring with all energy, refusing ease and self-will, and by patient continuance in well doing seeking immortality, even falling in battle and dying at one's post rather than proving a slothful servant.Lt 11, 1865, par. 8 Winning calls for fidelity, watchfulness, perseverance, painstaking effort and courage as valiant soldiers rather than cowards, standing firm though numbers, resources and position of adversaries are unknown, trusting Providence to work in their favor when they have done their very best, for where truth makes headway slowly it will triumph most gloriously at last if its advocates act their part with fidelity.Ms 37, 1886, par. 30–31

Living, active faith trusts Jesus every moment in affliction and in the furnace fire of trial, showing confidence and cheerfulness instead of gloom.Lt 9a, 1891, par. 9–10 It looks to Jesus and not to self, rests in His love and redemption, carries all griefs and woes to God in prayer, leaves self in His hands, and trusts not the promise itself but Him who is behind the promise who will work, because God is true which makes the promise of value.Lt 138a, 1893, par. 5–7+1 Even when the mind is clouded and the soul feels forsaken as Christ did in the hour of death, God has not forsaken any soul who trusts in Him, but will bring them off victorious and give them the crown of life, with comfort and strength and upholding by the right hand of His power, grace according to the day, and soon rest for the worn-out body when the faithful watch is over.Lt 138a, 1893, par. 5–7+1 Such faith comes to Jesus just as one is, does not refuse the drawing of the Spirit, asks and receives, believes, does the allotted part, shows the grace of Christ and bears fruit to the glory of God, and lays hold of eternal life, knowing a living Saviour who makes intercession.Lt 9a, 1891, par. 9–10 Faith looks beyond present burdens and cares to the future where what now perplexes will be made plain, sees Jesus as Mediator and the home He has prepared, contemplates His love and the glories of heaven which weaken pride and love of the world, and talks hope and courage rather than darkness.ST Jun 19, 1884+2

Faithfulness is obedience to all of God's commandments without exception in daily practice and not profession only, departing from all iniquity, keeping His perfect law received into the life with willing obedience.Ms 6a, 1886, par. 38+2 Willingness to break even one of the least commandments leaves a person unable in spirit and truth to keep any commandment, and those who make exceptions in minor points will under temptation break the whole law, a faithfulness required in the most trying times to come upon the whole earth to try all who dwell on it.Lt 21, 1893, par. 8 Those who receive the crown when Christ appears in the clouds with power and great glory to translate His people and bring them into the holy city do not have the mark of the beast upon them, have the peace that comes through obedience, have littleness and humbleness of soul learned in the school of Christ, love Christ on earth and love to do His will, have made peace with God, and are ready to say Lo, this is our God, we have waited for Him and He will save us.Ms 5, 1885, par. 30+1 Worthiness must be tested now by whether a person as he is could be admitted into heaven and look upon God, meaning having on the wedding garment and being without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.Ms 21, 1903, par. 10 God wants to crown the faithful with immortality and welcome them into His kingdom for keeping His commandments and doing His will in this life, with Jesus mediating before the ark in heaven where the original law lies beneath the mercy seat.Ms 6a, 1886, par. 38+1

Conquering unconsecrated self is central, for there is no enemy without to fear because the great conflict is with unconsecrated self, and when self is conquered the world is conquered.Lt 13, 1900, par. 9–10 Overcoming involves resisting the enemy's temptations and the devil, bringing every thought, temper, inclinations and spirit under Christ's control and God's will, holding fast to Christ for strength to endure.5T 384.2+1 Those who suffer reproach for truth must renew spiritual readiness, stand firm against seen and unseen agencies, and meet the tempter's flattering presentations of great gain with no weakening of principle and no lust for gain, letting the snare be spread in vain and running no risk of dishonoring the Redeemer by yielding.Lt 13, 1900, par. 9–10+1 Satan's power and subtlety can be resisted only through divine power joined with human effort, and with Christ's righteousness and strength claimed by all who claim His merits, faithful resistance leads to victory and a conqueror's crown, with opportunity to gain eternal life given to every soul in one probation only and no second probation for any soul that does not improve it.Lt 13, 1900, par. 9–10+1

Faithful work belongs to faithfulness unto death, for being a light-bearer in this life is connected with receiving the crown of life at last.SBAWP 79.3 It includes letting the graciously given light of truth go forth to others as stewards of grace and sacred responsibilities using all entrusted goods to His glory, doing all possible to win souls to Christ, and discharging individual duty day by day in patient running without religious theory alone.Lt 4, 1891, par. 1–2+1 It is guarding brethren and sisters with great care, making oneself their friend, showing kindly interest and words of sympathy in the home circle, and ministering to the poor in temporal wants like food and clothing as well as in spiritual wants, thus becoming a double blessing that fits believers to live together through eternal ages with the Lord's household.Ms 63, 1898, par. 5 It calls for humbling the heart before God so He sees it safe to work with and for His people, moving from little faith to seeking the Lord with all the heart, having due respect for those who have borne the burden in the heat of the day, loving God supremely and neighbor as self, and holding faith, hope and courage, so truth prospers and goes forth as a lamp that burneth, with comfort and strength for affliction, sickness and exhausting continuous labor without rest.Lt 173, 1896, par. 13+1

The crown is given by Jesus Himself to those who remain faithful to the end, even unto death, and He as the righteous Judge will bestow it at that day when life and immortality are given.Ms 41, 1890, par. 12–14+2 It is laid up now, giving full hope and quiet rest until then, and it belongs not to one faithful person only but to all who love His appearing and have kept the faith and denied not His name.Lt 168, 1906, par. 5+1 When His work on earth is finished He will welcome the righteous to the mansions prepared for them and place the overcomer's crown upon their heads with His own hands, including the hand that trembled in Gethsemane.RH Jul 29, 1909+1 Those who remain faithful through persecution, imprisonment, trials and death are conquerors in Him, and they receive the promised crown when He comes in the clouds at His appearing on the last great day.RH Jul 29, 1909+2

The crown means everlasting, immortal life and happiness in the kingdom of glory, the victory and eternal life granted to those who are saved.SG4 262.4+2 To win it is to gain everything, while to lose heaven is to lose everything, for it is rest in the kingdom of God, seeing Christ as He is and being made like Him in an eternity of bliss.Ms 35, 1891, par. 56–57+1 Those who overcome and remain faithful enter God's city through its gates as conquerors and as sons of God, welcomed to inherit the kingdom prepared for them.RH Jun 14, 1906+1 There the redeemed dwell forever with their families where the devil tempts no more and there is no trial, pain or death, but health, vigor, light and abiding love, with sorrow shut out forever.Ms 35, 1891, par. 56–57+1

It is an imperishable crown that does not fade away, given to those who endure unto the end and run their race with patience.Ms 41, 1890, par. 12–14+2 Obtaining it calls for running with purpose, standing fast in the Lord, holding the beginning of confidence steadfast unto the end, being rooted and grounded in love and established in the faith, keeping the Pattern before the eyes.Lt 260, 1906, par. 6+1 It is a life-insurance policy for the inheritance in the city of God, secured by fervent service to the Lord and obedience to all of God's law, which no one can take away and which is lost only if given up by one's own choice.Ms 142, 1906, par. 25–27+1 Death itself does not take it from the faithful, whose works follow them, and it is worth striving for alongside eternal life and the joy of bringing others to Christ.Lt 50, 1895, par. 19–21+2

The crowns placed on the victorious saints who stood faithfully and washed their robes in Christ's blood differ in brightness and in number of stars, yet all are satisfied with their own.1T 60.3+1 They are gold and jeweled crowns, seen reaching down from heaven on a golden scepter and topped with diamonds each emitting bright, clear, beautiful light, inscribed that all who win are happy and shall have everlasting life.1T 347.1+1 Martyrs slain for Him wear brilliant crowns with pure white robes with red borders, and overcomers receive white robes, crowns and palm branches of victory to stand around the great white throne.CET 63.1+1 The crown and its stars represent souls saved through unselfish effort and victories gained, shining forever as thousandfold repayment for self-denial and sacrifice, more valuable than fashionable dress or needless adornment.ST Feb 24, 1887

Receiving the crown means entering within the gates into the city, being received into the family of the redeemed by honoring Christ and following His directions through difficulty.Lt 23, 1903, par. 28+2 It is given both to those who labor together with God by patient effort to bring those afar off to a knowledge of the truth as sons and daughters of God, and to the very ones they worked to save.Ms 15, 1909, par. 46–47+1 Those who receive crowns and harps cast their crowns at Jesus' feet and, with golden harps in their hands, unite in praising and glorifying the Redeemer who died and lives again.Ms 15, 1909, par. 46–47+2 Thus the saved share in heaven's song of victory, giving honor and glory to God and the Lamb.FE 91.2+1

In love the Lord wants His people to have the crown of life, the prize of eternal life in the heavenly mansions, and Christ longs to place it with eternal riches upon the heads of those He saves, especially the young who shall stand around His throne clothed in His righteousness.CT 48.3+2 He holds it out desiring them to accept it by going forward to higher attainments, a purer love and deeper experience through consecration to God and humbly taking Him at His word.ST Mar 16, 1882+1 He watches every soul striving for victory and holds the crown in view to encourage renewed energy, so that looking to it leads faith to put forth earnest prayer, diligent study of the Word, and the exercise of every spiritual muscle with the eye fixed on the Author and Finisher of faith.Lt 43, 1904, par. 8–9+1

The crown was purchased by the Saviour's sacrifice as surely as the air breathed, the water drunk and the bread eaten, provided by His death on Calvary paying ransom and making atonement for the sins of the whole world.Ms 16, 1913, par. 10+2 It is offered to all from oldest to youngest, even to the vilest sinner through pardon by His blood, repentance toward God, faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ, and obedience to all of God's requirements.Lt 32, 1878, par. 6–7+1 Lifting and bearing His cross is the highest honor and the pledge of the crown of eternal life to all who bear it, and those who overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony by linking with Him will receive it in the great day of His coming and join the song of joy and triumph.Ms 16, 1913, par. 10+2 Yet no one is forced to accept it, for wearing it depends on personal choice to receive Christ and turn from evil in His power; those who refuse leave His death in vain for them, crucify Him afresh by sinful lives, and unless changed can never wear it.Lt 32, 1878, par. 6–7+1

Only the overcomer receives the crown, and it is won by overcoming as Christ overcame.5T 620.2+2 Gaining it calls for earnest, persevering effort, self-denial and continuance in conflict with temptation until victory, proportionate to its infinite value as immortal life in Christ's presence.8T 315.4–5+2 This requires striving lawfully with pure childlike faith, holding saving Bible truth in word and life, holding fast to faith and truth through trying circumstances, and refusing a low standard, for failure comes from not striving lawfully and listless indifference cannot gain it.FE 301.2–3+1 Faithfulness through trials requires patience, faith, love for duty, daily trust in Jesus and lifelong service, and He does not forsake those who trust Him and seek His help.5T 70.3

Overcoming is through the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony, in Christ's strength by linking with Him, laying hold of the hope set before in the gospel, and placing influence on His side.5MR 170.1–171.4+2 It calls for good courage, fighting the good fight of faith manfully, refusing Satan advantage on any point, watching and praying and trusting, pressing the battle to the gates daily, and moving forward step by step in true living faith without failing or discouragement.Lt 13, 1913, par. 7–8 By choosing Christ and accepting His sacrifice the sinner becomes pure through His blood, lays up treasure where it can never be destroyed, and Christ Himself will at last present the crown in the great day of His coming amid songs of joy and triumph.Ms 16, 1913, par. 10+1 Even husband and wife together may win it thus, with Christ as all-merciful Redeemer giving courage and faith to be of good courage in the Lord.Lt 44, 1912, par. 6

Winning requires transformation of character before one can safely teach truth, for profession without personal living experience avails little and casual or nominal faith is worthless.TEPD 78.1 It requires a faith that works by love and purifies the soul, with supreme preference and holiest love for God, reliance upon Him, entire day-by-day consecration, and identification of feelings, interests and service with Christ.TEPD 78.1+1 In communion with the divine, sins are reckoned to Jesus and His righteousness imputed to the believer, prayers become a sweet-smelling savor in the Beloved, and the believer enters rights as heir of God and joint heir with Christ, enters His victories, and receives eternal life.TEPD 78.1 Giving self wholly to Christ enables resistance to the devil, fitness for the saints' inheritance, pleasure in serving Him, and joyful looking to the city of God with no earthly attraction eclipsing duty.Lt 159, 1899, par. 7+1 Faithfulness means entire conformity to His mind, Spirit and will, redeeming time from things seen and temporal to meditate on things unseen and eternal, putting on Christ, communing in secret, laying hold by faith on His might, and pressing toward the mark in humility, wisdom, love, hope and joy.21MR 42.1–2

Each victory over evil adorns the crown, and every time Satan's subtleties are discerned and resisted by It is written, as Christ met the foe, a gem is gained.ST Jun 20, 1900+1 With divine help Christians can overcome temptation and evil and enter the holy city to wear a crown of immortal glory purchased by the blood of the Son of God.CTBH 54.2+1 Unlike ancient games where only one hand could grasp the garland, in the heavenly race each one who does his best will receive the crown.Lt 270, 1903, par. 6–9 Gaining it demands meeting evil with good, placing heavenly advantages before earthly attractions, resisting evil and surmounting obstacles with eternal vigilance, standing unswervingly at duty's post and refusing to give up the conflict.Lt 270, 1903, par. 6–9 Those diverted by ambition, indolence, unbelief, self-indulgence or timidity to lift the cross fail where they might have won, while striving uplifts with holy zeal, reveals the excellence of the reward and the worth of seeing God's face, prevents great loss, ends disagreement, and is watched with intense interest and rejoicing by unfallen worlds and the heavenly universe.Lt 5, 1900, par. 7–9+2

The crown given to the redeemed is the reward of a life of faithful, earnest labor acknowledged in heaven.RH Sep 15, 1904 Hiding an entrusted ability instead of using it for good is casting that crown away, for God gives everyone responsibilities and life's mission is fulfilled by accepting and conscientiously carrying them out.FE 83.2+2 Workers who help others overcome and yield to the Holy Spirit's refining influence are fitted to wear it in God's kingdom.RH Feb 25, 1909 The crown and its stars represent souls saved through unselfish effort, shining forever as thousandfold repayment for self-denial and sacrifice, more valuable than fashionable dress or needless adornments.ST Feb 24, 1887 Hiding a talent, spending means selfishly on earthly aims, or neglecting missionary work forfeits the eternal reward, while faithful workers and those they save share the final reward together.ST Feb 24, 1887

The crown is given only to the overcomer who remains faithful, keeps it daily before the mind, and runs to win it; if overcome by Satan it is lost and another faithful runner takes it.Ms 35, 1891, par. 56–57 It can be lost by unfaithfulness, apostasy, despising God's mercy and goodness to follow one's own imaginations, indiscretion, ways not perfect before God, fraud, ambition for gain, or cherishing appetite and passion.Lt 41, 1891, par. 10–11+1 Keeping it requires the transforming grace of Christ on the heart, carefulness in every thought and action, giving no occasion for talk or reproach, and refusing to hesitate one moment in any doubtful or forbidden course.Lt 60, 1887, par. 5 Those who watch fellow workers with jealousy and hinder God's sent workers will never be overcomers nor wear it unless hearts are changed by subduing, sanctifying grace, pressing together in love, ending Pharisaical coldness, not disparaging message or messengers, and not judging one another.Lt 32, 1908, par. 29+1 Gaining heaven is gaining everything and losing heaven is losing everything.Ms 35, 1891, par. 56–57

The promise is conditional and shows no person already crowned in the kingdom, giving no basis for declaring any living person doomed or damned.Lt 2, 1874, par. 33 Each soul must secure salvation by personal work and individual responsibility that if left undone remains undone, for the piety and obedience of others cannot save, cannot do another's work, and will never be credited to another's name, but every man, woman and child is rewarded according to works.Ms 15, 1885, par. 11–12 Beginning the course does not guarantee salvation; the crown is received only by persevering to the end, keeping truth in the heart and doing Christ's will to enter the Lord's joy.Ms 12, 1897, par. 30–32 Merely loving truth, defending faith, or doing righteous and benevolent acts while remaining unsanctified, impatient and tyrannical does not secure it; one must be converted and become as a little child, be sanctified by truth, and correct errors grown with growth, otherwise a lifetime is a mistake.Ms 19, 1868, par. 3 Worthiness rests wholly on each person's decision to live the lessons of the Word, making it daily study for behavior, speech, manners and affection, in preparation for the life that measures with the life of God.Ms 3, 1906, par. 8

Winning calls for doing duty in the fear of God, being Christian in heart and tongue, learning meekness and lowliness in Christ's school, refusing desperation and Satan's snare, and accepting help that helps self and children and saves from great trials.TEPD 46.1 It means taking the Lord at His word, believing the message of truth, holding by faith the promise of grace to sustain in every required duty, faithfully bearing given messages and warning others, living in obedience to all God's commandments, not trusting in man, walking in the light as Christ is in the light, and at last meeting the Saviour and seeing His face.Lt 82, 1906, par. 10 It means living under Christ's rule and working out God's mind and will, being kind and courteous to fellow workers as belonging to Christ, sharing His self-denial and self-sacrifice from gratitude for His life given that believers might not perish but have everlasting life.Lt 78, 1908, par. 4 It means refusing a low standard and remaining loyal in conduct even when others' example or demanding rules make right difficult, desiring purity of heart, and doing work faithfully with affection and love even amid poverty, misfortune, sickness and heavy burdens, for Jesus loves such faithful ones.FE 301.2–3+2 It includes practicing temperance, praying the Lord's prayer and living it, studying the Word with sincerity, keeping self-denial and clear discernment, doing justice, seeking God's will, adding Christian graces, and overcoming defiling habits like tobacco in Jesus' name.TEPD 46.1+4

Seeking the crown does not make one dissatisfied or less useful, but is consistent with placing God's service first and dedicating talents to it.CT 490.3+1 Those who pursue it can win victories and become practical missionaries relieving human suffering.Ms 32, 1901, par. 22–23 It is to be kept continually in view as the goal of the race run with patience in sobriety, bringing will power into the matter, not departing from justice and righteousness while lifting the earthly cross, looking unto Jesus rather than expecting perfection in each other, seeking God's will and close acquaintance with Him, acting resolutely by conviction not feeling, giving soul, body and spirit without reserve, working in doing good, refusing self-centeredness, thinking of others' souls and of Jesus' self-denying life, and turning from self to His character.Lt 57, 1888, par. 7–8 This turns from pursuit of earthly crowns to earnest seeking of the heavenly crown, changing gloom to cheerfulness and holy joy, in contrast to worldly sports prizes pursued even at cost of lives for which Christ died.CET 162.4+1

The crown is striven for now with God's help by entering the strait gate, advancing beyond present attainment, leaving a bright track heavenward, and seeking reformation at every step.Ms 13, 1902, par. 10 It holds out everlasting life with a robe of righteousness among the highest virtues and greatest honors, calling believers to a race everyone may win and a warfare everyone may conquer.Ms 13, 1902, par. 10 It is laid up now, giving full hope and quiet rest until Christ the righteous Judge gives it at that day, promised not to one only but to all who love His appearing.Lt 168, 1906, par. 5 Faithfulness through conflict leads to victory and life eternal for every faithful soul, even unto death.RH Sep 2, 1909+1 Winning it requires leaving darkness, changing sides from Satan to Christ, no longer grieving His heart, joining His army, accepting the Redeemer, witnessing under His banner, partaking of His humiliation and suffering for truth, and being adopted as sons and daughters with great reward in heaven, for saving one such soul is worth more than a world.Lt 33, 1896, par. 7+1

John Huss proves the promise true, for faithfulness unto death means steadfast faith, godly works, a pure life, and conscientious following of truth as unfolded, without yielding even to escape a cruel death.Ms 38, 1887, par. 3+1 Such a triumphant death is witnessed by all heaven and the whole universe and brings joy among angels and the friends of truth and righteousness.Ms 38, 1887, par. 3+1 In that faithfulness Satan bruises the heel of the seed of the woman, yet his own head is bruised.Ms 38, 1887, par. 3+1 His constancy, faith, and example have reflected light down through the centuries, nerving others to submit soul and body to God alone, to exalt God alone, to take the Scriptures as guide, to be the light of the world in faith and courage and steadfastness in truth, and to suffer and endure and gain victories even in sorrow and death.Ms 38, 1887, par. 3+1 The same God who braced and fortified Huss under suffering, contempt, abuse, and perjury gives the same mercies to all who follow his example in Christlike bearing.Ms 38, 1887, par. 3+1

Wycliffe expected to pay with his life for fidelity and faced that danger with courage, choosing to preach the gospel rather than remain silent against powerful prelates, showing that faithfulness to Christ may bring suffering and even death.GC88 92.2 Trask endured imprisonment for a year but recanted, and had he continued faithful through suffering he would have won the martyr's crown.4SP 181.1 Stephen's martyrdom illustrates that Christ watches His faithful people with deep interest amid their conflict, and the hope of His heavenly presence sustains the believer in deadly trial.ST Nov 30, 1882+1 The crown is laid up as reward for those who overcome and remain faithful through suffering even unto death.ST Nov 30, 1882+1

Paul stands as a fellow receiver of the starry crown promised to those who believe the truth of God and suffer persecution for it, and those who follow his fidelity and labor for Christ in courage under opposition will share the crown of life.SLP 148.3+1 Those who remain faithful to Jesus even unto death as martyrs will receive a bright reward of life when Christ as Lifegiver calls them from their graves.CET 63.1+1 Their names are kept immortal among the angels in heaven, and though dead they continue to testify to the truth by the record of their words and deeds, shining as precious jewels with ever-increasing luster through eternity.SLP 157.3 In the new earth the martyrs slain for Him are shown wearing brilliant crowns and pure white robes with red borders.CET 63.1 The crown is not a sight of particular souls already saved in the kingdom, but a conditional promise that salvation comes only to those who remain faithful unto death and obedient to all of God's requirements.Lt 2c, 1874, par. 2

The promise means fallen sinners need not despair, for even aged men once honored of God who defiled their souls by sacrificing virtue on the altar of lust still have hope if they repent, forsake sin, and turn to God.PK 84.1+1 It offers hope to the penitent, yet it is no reason to risk sin in expectation of recovering later, since sin brings danger of infinite loss.RH Feb 22, 1906 Aged believers whose earthly pilgrimage may soon close in death will receive a crown of life if they remain faithful unto the end.ST Sep 12, 1878+1 A suffering believer in painful final hours is to remain faithful unto death through testing and trial, drinking the cup and being baptized with affliction as all humanity must, resting in Christ's arms in His love and redemption and in His pity and sympathy as One who tasted death in its bitterest form for every man, with assurance that only a little longer of pangs and suffering hours remains before blessed rest, peace, and the crown of life.Lt 312, 1906, par. 5–9 The crown of life is the peace and bliss of heaven given to the faithful mother, shining with jewels forever fair, won to Christ by holy care and by toiling work of love sustained by help from the Lord above.ST Jan 5, 1882