As we come to a close in our study of the letters of Jesus to the seven churches, we see that in each letter, there was a specific promise given to those who overcome (Revelation 2:7,11,17, 26; 3:5,12,21). We will also see later on in this prophetic book that one last promise is given to all who overcome (Revelation 21:7).
We are living in a day and age when promises are made but seldom fulfilled. Our government makes many promises that they never fulfill. Even within the ordinance of marriage, many people (some even reading this) have lived the horrible experience of broken promises. Thus, it is not hard to see why so many people are skeptical and suspicious when they read these incredible promises of Jesus. However, herein is where we need to resist the devil’s original lie, “Has God said…?” (Genesis 3:1) with a resounding, “Yes, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23,24)
You see, a promise is only as good as the one making the promise, and when we read these amazing promises given to overcomers in Revelation 2,3 and 21:7, the One making the promises is the living, risen, glorified Lord Jesus Himself (Revelation 1:12-18). All of the promises of God are Yes and Amen in Jesus Christ, and are ultimately meant to give glory to God (2 Corinthians 1:20).
It is also clear that these promises are not given to just anybody who “believes” in Jesus (James 2:17-19; John 2:23-25). A “profession” of faith that is void of evidence of repentance and regeneration is not the overcoming faith that Jesus is referring to. Who is the one that overcomes but he that is born of God (1 John 5:1-4). Thus, overcomers are people who have been re- generated by the Spirit of the Living God (1 Peter 1:18-23). Overcomers are not simply people who “go to church”; overcomers are the Church over whom Christ is the Head (Colossians 1:18) and Bridegroom (Ephesians 5:25-32).
The conclusion that we draw from these precious truths of Scripture is this:The promises granted to overcomers are not rewards or accomplishments based on our performance, but the fruit of the new birth (John 3:1-8), which comes from Jesus Himself, Who is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). To Him be glory both now and forever, Amen (Hebrews 13:20-21).
