He Who Overcomes

He Who Overcomes

“I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more.” Rev. 3:12.

In other words, it is possible to overcome. Overcoming means that we hold unshakably fast to what is right, good and true in every single circumstance. But because we are living in an evil world and we are tempted by the evil, this victory will come at a significant cost for those who want to obtain the victor’s prize. It is possible, but only through great watchfulness, prayer and humility. The overcomer becomes a pillar in God’s temple; that means he becomes a pillar for the believers, who are the temple of God. He shall no more go out. Certainly not, for it is through faithfulness we become pillars, and when we continue in faithfulness we remain pillars. A pillar cannot just leave. If anyone tries to entice you away from your firm stand, say “No.” If your own flesh draws and entices you, say “No” again. This is how you live a victorious life. When we meet something new and unknown, it is especially critical for us to watch and pray, because with new circumstances come new temptations.

Those who overcome will sit with Jesus on His throne. Verse 21. Victory makes us kings, and that is quite logical. When we look at the masses, it appears that almost everyone bears the marks of sin. You can see that they haven’t overcome sin. Sin in its more refined forms is rampant. It lives and reigns in kings’ palaces and in beggars’ hovels. It sneaks in among judges and among high-ranking authorities. Anyone who desires to be vigilant against sin and against the slippery course of unrighteousness will encounter hatred, precisely because he takes up the battle against sin when it exerts its pressure. That is why Jesus, the King of righteousness, promised a great reward to those who overcome.

Sin also sneaks into Christian assemblies through partiality, dishonesty and hypocrisy. Old sinful habits remain, so people are far from living a victorious life, a life whose reward is a throne. But such a life is possible for those who, because they have received light over their own inability, wait for God to guide them with His eye, and to reveal His thoughts to them. Jesus triumphed over principalities and powers on the cross. This is also the place where we can triumph. We can reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. The world lies under the power of sin because it does not want to hear about the cross. Take up that cross, follow Jesus’ footsteps and the victory will come. With victory comes exhilarating joy, a joy that is fitting for the saints. Victory means that our body carries out God’s works. These are pure, holy deeds that God has worked in us by His Holy Spirit, deeds that are the adornment of those who overcome. Rev. 19:8. But not only that: It is written in Revelation 21:7 that those who overcome will inherit all things. It pays to say “No” to sin and “Yes” to the voice of the Spirit. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Such constant victory will lead to what the apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely.” For this is the will of God, your sanctification.

Most believers place far too little emphasis on sanctification. This is why Christians do not experience nearly the joy they should. If joy is lacking, then the power that should have led to victory is also lacking, because the joy of the Lord is our strength. So when we work on our sanctification with fear and trembling and at the same time seek to win souls, we accomplish a double work—we fight a double battle. Since the battle is a double one, we become double victors. That’s what Jesus was. When He left this world, He had triumphed over Satan and the powers of darkness, and He left behind His disciples—His battle prize. They continued the battle in their Master’s steps.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” Rev. 22:12.