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The question that needs resolving involves a proper identification of this overcomer. Does he belong to a special class of Christians composed of those who are spiritual and not carnal? Or is he part of a special group of Christians who are set apart for eventual martyrdom? Or is "overcomer" simply another name for those who are genuinely regenerate believers?1
A survey of the rewards promised for the overcomer in each church shows that they correlate with the general benefits of salvation offered to all believers (Rev. [[2:7|bible.87.2.7]]+, [[11|bible.87.2.11]]+, [[17|bible.87.2.17]]+, [[26-27|bible.87.2.26-87.2.27]]+; [[3:5|bible.87.3.5]]+, [[12|bible.87.3.12]]+, [[21|bible.87.3.21]]+). These promises describe the rewards for true believers within the larger body of each church, composed of both true and professing Christians.Almost all the references to overcoming mention a promise for all believers, promises that accompany salvation. . . . It would seem strange to think of only some believers eating of the tree of life, or not being hurt by the second death, or not being clothed in white garments. [emphasis added]2
As to the definition of overcomer, it can best be understood in light of what John says elsewhere:For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1Jn [[5:4-5|bible.83.5.4-83.5.5]]) [emphasis added]
The overcomers in each church do so, not by their actions--rather their actions are an indication of their identification with the Overcomer, Jesus Christ (John [[16:33|bible.64.16.33]]; 1Jn. [[4:4|bible.83.4.4]]). John indicates that those who overcome do so by way of their relationship with God:I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father. (1Jn [[2:13|bible.83.2.13]]) [emphasis added]
Those who overcome do so by trusting in Christ and His sacrifice, remaining unwavering in their faith, even when faced with death (Rev. [[12:11|bible.87.12.11]]+). They inherit all things because of their position in Christ as sons of God (Rev. [[21:7|bible.87.21.7]]+).Church | Promise |
Ephesus | To eat from the tree of life (Rev. [[2:7|bible.87.2.7]]+). |
Smyrna | Not be hurt by the second death (Rev. [[2:11|bible.87.2.11]]+). |
Pergamos | Hidden manna to eat, a white stone with a new name written (Rev. [[2:17|bible.87.2.17]]+). |
Thyatira | Power over the nations, the morning star (Rev. [[2:26-28|bible.87.2.26-87.2.28]]+). |
Sardis | Clothed in white garments, name not blotted out from the Book of Life, name confessed before the Father and angels (Rev. [[3:5-6|bible.87.3.5-87.3.6]]+). |
Philadelphia | Made a pillar in the temple of God, name of God, New Jerusalem, and Jesus' new name written upon (Rev. [[3:12|bible.87.3.12]]+). |
Laodicea | Sit with Jesus on His throne (Rev. [[3:21|bible.87.3.21]]+). |
Notes
1 Robert L. Thomas, Revelation 1-7 (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1992), 151.
2 Mal Couch, "Soteriology in the Book of Revelation," in Mal Couch, ed., A Bible Handbook to Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2001), 164-165.
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