7 Promises for those who Overcome

#5. Clothing, Walking, Naming & Recognition

Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Rev 3:5

Whenever we enter into a contract or an agreement both parties are looking for something that will be good for them. In effect, they are saying “what’s in it for me?” When we face the daily choice to follow Jesus and shape our lives around his teachings we need to understand just what are the benefits.

I have said before that if we are to say no to something we have to have a greater 'YES' that we are saying. When we face the constant trials and temptations of this life and say ‘NO’ to the priorities of the world, we are saying 'YES' to the things of Jesus.

The truth is this world and its desires are passing. However, the things of the Kingdom of God are things that are lasting and permanent.

In this way, we see that saying no is not only overcoming the world but also saying yes to the reality of the Kingdom NOW. Each time we say YES to Jesus’ ways it shouts to the world that its ways will soon pass. The Echoes of this YES enter the heavenly/spiritual realms and make a mark in the records of heaven’s courtrooms.

Jesus encourages his churches in Asia Minor in the letter of Revelation that we can overcome sin the world and the devil in Christ as He is with His Church.

In this next letter (his 5th one) to the Church in Sardis, he is imploring them to wake up from their slumber and walk in His ways, to exercise their No because of the YES Jesus is about to offer them. Jesus is giving them an eternal perspective.

What is in it for us? Clothing, Walking, Naming and Recognition.

Clothed in Christ

Jesus takes our rags and in the place, he gives us the riches of his garments. See Isaiah 61 and Luke 4. Throughout the New Testament letters, we see the writers exploring this concept. So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Gal 3:26-27)

For those who overcome sin, as the bride of Christ, it is only fitting that you wear garments that are without “spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but … holy and without blemish.” Eph 5:27. Because you have kept yourself pure from sin, the white garments will testify of your purity for all eternity.

Walking with Jesus

As a result of your obedience, your faithfulness and patience in being an overcomer, you will walk together with Jesus in white. “And to her (the wife of the Lamb) it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Revelation 19:8.

A Name in The Book of Life.

To begin with, everyone’s name is written in the Book of Life. Each person born is meant for eternal life. However, according to this scripture, the LORD does blot out some names (Exodus 32:32-33). We can only assume that it is sin that causes one’s name to be blotted out. But those who say ‘Yes’ to the ways of the LORD and as a result overcome sin get their name written permanently in the Book of Life.

Heavenly Recognition

Jesus not only promises to ensure your name is written in permanent ink in the Book of Life, he also says he will acknowledge your name before all of heaven. God the Father and all the angels of heaven will hear Jesus declaring your name out loud.

So, what’s in it for you? It seems the deal is heavily stacked in our favour! Keep going. Say ‘yes’ to the right things. As you say ‘no’ to other things understand that the benefits are being stacked up for all eternity.

Have a blessed week

Fraser