Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Revelation 1-3
Revelation 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
In the seven letters to the seven churches God gives seven promises to “overcomers.” They are:
They will be given the right to eat of the tree of life. 2:7
They will not be hurt of the “second death.” 2:11
They eat of the hidden manna and will be given a white stone with a new name known only to them and the Lord. 2:17
They will be given power over the nations. 2:26
They will be clothed in white raiment, their name will not be blotted out of the book of life, and Jesus will confess their name before the Father and the angels. 3:5
They will be made a pillar in the temple of God, they shall stay in the temple forever, and upon them will be written the name of God, the name of the city of God, and the Lord Jesus’ new name. 3:12
They will be granted the privilege to sit with Christ in His throne. 3:21
These are actually more than seven promises. But isn’t that just like our Lord, He always gives more than expected! But what promises! Anyone would be honored to have all this bestowed upon them. Notice three things about these promises.
They are earned. Salvation is given, but overcomers earn these rewards.
They are associated with church participation. These promises are given to those in the churches. Only in eternity may we fully appreciate the importance of our active participation in church ministries and other church related events and meetings. In a day and age wherein “church” seems to be a vain thing, an optional thing, a secondary thing let it be known that overcomers are found in churches.
All of these promises are available to all believers. In other words, the promises given to the overcomers in the church of Ephesus are also for those in the other six churches. Likewise, those promises given to the other six churches are for those in Ephesus. It may be good to remember that these letters were sent to all seven churches. Each church read that which God said to the other six.
Who then is an overcomer? Revelation 2:26 gives a hint, …and keepeth my works unto the end… Also, John, who saw and wrote the Revelation, communicated this in the small book of I John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Therefore, the short answer to the question “who is an overcomer” according to all that the Bible has to say on the matter (the word overcomer is only used ten times) is this: one who is born of God through faith in Jesus Christ and keeps God’s Word to the end.
Let the last word on overcomers come straight from the lips of Lord God Himself: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7)
Dr. William T. Howe
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