Overcomers

Paul prays for the Ephesians that they will have the eyes of their hearts enlightened to know the hope of their calling in Ephesians 1:18 which says:
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” (Ephesians 1:18 NLT)

It seems that God wants us to be motivated by the astonishing things promised to those who are called. So what awaits them, what is the hope of their calling? Here is a list of things Jesus promises to those who overcome in Revelation 2-3:

1. EPHESUS The right to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (Rev 2:7).

2. SMYRNA To the one who is faithful unto death, the crown of life (Rev 2:10).
Protection from the second death (Rev 2:11).

3. PERGAMOS The hidden manna and a white stone, with a new name written on it that no one knows except the one who receives it (Rev 2:17).

4. THYATIRA Authority over the nations, ruling them with a rod of iron (Rev 2:26).
Given the morning star by Jesus (Rev 2:28).

5. SARDIS Those who do not soil their garments will walk with Jesus in white (Rev 3:4). White garments, and a name never to be blotted out of the book of life, a name confessed by Jesus before the Father and his angels (Rev 3:5)

6. PHILADELPHIA Made a pillar in the temple of God by Jesus, never to go out, on whom the name of Jesus and the new Jerusalem, and Jesus’ own new name are written (Rev 3:12).

7. LAODICEA Communing with Jesus (Rev 3:20). Sitting on the throne with Jesus, as Jesus sits with his Father on his throne (Rev 3:21).

Jesus sums it up in Rev 21:7 by saying, “He who overcomes shall inherit all things.” For he who overcomes, there will be no more death, sorrow, pain, crying, curse, sea (separation), or night (Rev 21:1,4 & 22:3,5). Rev 21:1,2,5 assures overcomers that there will be a new heaven, a new earth, a new Jerusalem, and all things will be new for all those who are the victorious (NLT & CEV word for overcomers) thru Jesus. Then Rev 21:9 to Rev 22:5 gives a glorious description of the new Jerusalem which will be the new home for overcomers. There will be no need of sun or moon because the glory of God will illuminate the city (Rev 21:23 & 22:5). The Lord Himself will be its temple and He will dwell with us forever and ever (Rev 21:3,22 & 1 Thes 4:17). Therefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thes 4:18)!

The most important question of all comes down to this, “Are you an overcomer?” There is only one way (Acts 4:12) to be an overcomer. It is only through the blood of Jesus Christ. “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” (Revelation 12:11 NKJV)