I know salvation is “by Grace.”
It is the “Gift of God.”
Yet today’s verse is still true.
It focuses on “rewards” in the Christian life, “blessings” given by God for our faithfulness in Christian service, for being determined and loyal and diligent and persistent!
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:7, obviously with God as the Speaker!
As I understand Bible doctrine, soteriology specifically … what Scripture teaches about salvation … the moment I trust Jesus and am “washed in His precious Blood” … I am saved! I become a child of God. He becomes my Father in Heaven. John 1:12 comes to mind, as a “proof” text. “But as many as received him (Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Amen!
But our text today seems to imply (perhaps) that as I successfully (via the presence and power of the Holy Spirit) live for God (become an “overcomer”) … my relationship with God as Father “deepens!” Becomes more vivid? And my sonship in the family of God becomes more real! This reciprocal fellowship matures! Read it here again, our verse today. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; AND I WILL BE HIS GOD, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON.”
The verb “overcome” is “nikao” in Greek, meaning “to prevail, to conquer.” To be a victor in Christ, through Christ our Lord! (In fact, in Romans 8:37 Paul says we can become “more than conquerors!”)
And to “inherit” means “to be given a portion.” Sounds like you’ve been granted a part of the Estate, placed in the Will of God Almighty!
Ruling and reigning with Him, Jesus, for eternity! Revelation 5:10 promises: “And (Jesus our Lord) hast made us unto our God KINGS and PRIESTS and we shall reign on the earth.”
God really seems to place a real “premium” on faithfulness … especially during trying, difficult times. Seven times in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 does the Lord say that He will give certain blessings to those who are “overcomers!” To each of the 7 Churches mentioned there is such a message delivered! Here’s a typical example: “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.” Revelation 3:21 … then clearly our victory is based on His Victory!
Wow!
Ponder the verse today. I must do so as well. What resolve it should give us … to tenaciously live for our Lord, even in these dark days of apostasy. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”
Remember, this verse is repeated as we enter the New Jerusalem!
Home, safe … forever!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell