启示录 2:28

and I will give him the morning star.

This, like all similar promises in connection with these seven letters, is the promise of eternal life. "This does not mean, to invest the overcomer with its glory, nor to give him possession of Christ himself, but to make the dawn of salvation or of life eternal shine on him after his dark affliction."[95]

Commenting on the thought in these verses, Caird said, "We are compelled to look for the fulfillment of this promise (having authority over the nations) in the present order."[96] The ruling with a rod of iron and shattering the potter's vessels refer to the smashing of paganism. "Pagan resistance will indeed be smashed, but God will use no other iron bar than the death of his Son and the martyrdom of his saints."[97] And we do not hesitate to add: the preaching of the gospel!

[95] James Moffatt, op. cit., p. 363.

[96] G. B. Caird, op. cit., p. 46.

[97] Ibid.