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OVERCOMERS, THEIR REWARDS

08/08/2017 08:19:00 The Editor

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When we read the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, we notice one thing all seven letters have in common. Each one contains a special promise to the ‘overcomers’.

Overcomers are promised that they will eat from the tree of life (Rev 2:7), be unharmed by the second death (Rev 2:11), eat from hidden manna and be given a new name (Rev 2:17), have authority over the nations (Rev 2:26), be clothed in white garments (Rev 3:5), be made a permanent pillar in the House of God (Rev 3:12), and sit with Jesus on His throne (Rev 3:21).
The promises in these passages find their root in the Lord’s statement in John 16:33; “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” The verb ‘overcome’ calls our attention to the idea of conflict. Something stands in our way; we are confronted by obstacles that we have to overcome. The Bible clearly teaches us that we are in a conflict, Satan being our chief adversary (1 Pet. 5:8-9).

The Christian life is full of conflict and tribulation. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 6:12). As Christians we need to recognise that this world is a battleground. Jesus warned that holding fast to Him would not be easy, but it would be worth it. In Mark 13:13 He says; “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” The good news is God does not leave us defenseless in this warfare. In Ephesians 6:11–17 there is a description of the full armor of the Lord which is available to all believers.

Though conflicts and trials come to believers in different forms, the basis of victory is the same, faith in the person and work of Christ. The trials we endure as Christians are nothing compared to the wonderful rewards Jesus promised to overcomers. In fact we are told in Rom 8:18; “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Overcoming requires complete dependence upon God for direction, purpose, fulfillment and strength to follow His plan for our lives (Proverbs 3:5–6; 2; Corinthians 12:9). The final promise given to overcomers is in Rev 21:7. This promise wraps up everything: “He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” Overcomers will inherit all things.

God reminds overcomers that everything He has promised in Revelation 2 and 3, is the inheritance of the overcomer. All we need to do is to remain faithful until death and we will inherit all things. Whenever the going gets tough in this world, remember all these things that the Lord has prepared for you: the tree of life, the crown of life, the hidden manna, the white robes, your name in the Book of Life, to be a pillar in God’s temple and sitting on the throne with Christ. This must give you the strength to soldier on.