Write what thou hast seen, the things which are, and which are to be hereafter."

I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and that thou canst not bear those that are evil: and thou hast tried those who say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne trouble, and hast patience;

and for my name's sake thou hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Yet I have somewhat against thee; for thou hast left thy first love.

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and yet thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr; who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

But I have a few things against thee; for thou hast there those that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.

So thou hast also them that hold the like doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which I hate.

And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, These things saith He that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead:

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent: for if thou be not watchful, I will come upon thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know at what hour I will come upon thee.

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.

I know thy works, and behold I have given thee an open door, and no one shall be able to shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which is to come upon the whole world, to try those that dwell upon the earth.

Behold, I come quickly; hold fast what thou hast, that no one may take thy crown.

and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Worthy art thou, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and by thy will they exist, and were created.

And they sung a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open its seals; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation;

and hast made us to our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

saying, We give thanks unto thee, O Lord God almighty, who art, and who wast, and who art to come; because thou hast assumed thy great power, and hast reigned.

And I heard the angel of the waters saying, Righteous art Thou, O Lord, who art, and who ever wast; and who art holy, for Thou hast ordered these things: because they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,

and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

This is the first resurrection. Happy and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on these the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.