This example of a faithful congregation is a heartening picture that leads us in understanding our duty as the body of Christ. Three promises of Christ to His faithful church are what give movement and power to this passage.
The Promise of an Open Door (v.7-9) Christ quotes Isaiah 22:22, indicating that He has the sovereign authority to grant or deny admittance into the Kingdom of Heaven (v.7). He promises an "open door" to this small but spiritually strong church (v.8). The open door likely indicates a fruitful witness among enemies who will soon have a gracious change of heart (v.9). The witness of a faithful church will be blessed with fruit in the time and measure of Christ's choosing.
The Promise of Perseverance (v.10-11) The church had persevered thus far and was assured of Christ's guardianship to the end. Like other spiritual gifts and graces, perseverance and the assurance of it is strengthened in the exercise of it. The worldwide hour of trial is best understood as the hour of His return and worldwide judgment at the end of this age; the faithful church is promised that it will be kept from the judgment that comes upon the world. The promise of perseverence unto the end is joined to the duty to "hold fast what you have..." (v.11).
The Promise of Glory (v.12-13) Christ promises that three names will be written upon those who overcome - the name of God, the name of the New Jerusalem, and the new name of Christ Himself.
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