“He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7).
In military engagements, “to the victors belong the spoils.” But what are the “spoils” which accrue to a victorious Christian? The above verse, as well as several other verses in Revelation 2 and 3 which are quoted below, give some very precious promises to those who “overcome.”
“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7). “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” (2:11). “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna” (2:17). “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations” (2:26). “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before His angels” (Revelation 3:5). “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God” (3:12). “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne” (3:21).
Who are the overcomers? I John 5:4,5 identifies them, but many of us look at others (or ourselves) who claim to be Christians, and we do not see them (or ourselves) as “overcomers.” Some may not actually be born again; others may be experiencing God’s loving chastisement. Thus certain individuals may not be, or at a point in time may not appear, to be overcomers. In any case, nothing should negate the general principles found in 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?” RRA
