God's Promise to those Who Overcome

Revelation 2-3 - The Seven Churches:  John writes to Jews who make up the seven churches that are scattered through Asia to encourage them with a vision he received from the Lord.  John is writing to the Jewish believers who were suffering for their faith.  In Revelation 2:9 John says, ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." (NKJV)

The purpose of writing to these churches was to inspire them to overcome the world.  1 John 5:4 demonstrates that those born of God will overcome the world. 

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 

John promises seven things for those who overcome.

1. The Tree of life
2. The Crown of Life
3. Hidden manna, a white stone and a secret new name
4. Power of nations and the morning star
5. White garments.  His name will be confessed before the Father and the angels
6. Make them a pillar in the temple of God, receive the name of God and the name of the city of God being the New Jerusalem which will come down out of heaven
7. Sit with Christ on the throne.

These seven promises can be restated as follows:

1. Restoration
2. Eternal Life
3. Intimate Fellowship
4. Power
5. Righteousness
6. A citizen of the New Jerusalem which is the beloved city of God
7. Rule with Christ