" (the Bible, 1990) This reference is speaking of the individuals who were put to death for their faithfulness during the time of the period known as the 'Great Tribulation'. Reading on verse eleven states that each of these martyrs are given a white robe and are then told that they should "rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled." (the Bible, 1990) The martyrs therefore, hold a special place in the Kingdom of God. Revelations 20:4 states:

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given to them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (the Bible, 1990)

This verse relates that place of high ranking in God's Kingdom that those who are martyred for Christ and for those who refuse to take the 'mark' of the beast.

IV. GOD'S PROMISE of REWARD to the MARTYRS

The book of Revelations Chapter 2, Verse 10 states that one should not fear:

those things which thou shalt suffer: behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."(the Bible, 1990)

Revelations, Chapter 2, Verse 11 states:

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith...

The second death is a far worse death than mere death because the result of the second death is that the soul of the individual will be bound for all eternity in a separation from God in what is known as 'hell'.
SUMMARY and CONCLUSION

Martyrdom, while feared by many Christians is in actuality a death, which results in rewards and in high standing with God. While one should not seek death but should proceed with their walk in Christ with confidence, a martyrs death is not to be shunned according to the Bible. God does not expect his people to stupidly seek death by martyrdom but encourages them in their faith should this be their fate. God makes promises regarding the rewards of martyrs who will reign with Christ for the thousand-year period following the Great Tribulation. Christian martyrdom is as old as the human race and is ever-present in the world evidenced by reports that come out of countries in the Middle East, China and other countries throughout the world.

Bibliography

The Bible (1990) Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nelson-Regency Publishing.

Martyrdom (2008) American Bible Society - Bible Resource Center. Online available at http://www.americanbible.org/brcpages/Martyrdom