How to Be an Overcomer

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son" (Revelation 21:7).

The book of Revelation makes it clear that there are some wonderful things in store for those who are "overcomers." Those who overcome will:

• have the right to eat from the tree of life (Rev. 2 7)
• not be hurt by the second death (Rev. 2:11)
• be given some of the hidden manna (Rev. 2:17)
• be given a white stone with a new name written on it (Rev. 2:17)
• be given authority over the nations (Rev. 2:26)
• be dressed in white (Rev 3:5)
• not have their names blotted from the book of life (Rev. 3:5)
• have their names acknowledged before God the Father and the angels (Rev. 3:5)
• be made a pillar in the temple of God (Rev. 3:12)
• be given the right to sit with Christ on His throne (Rev. 3:21)
• will inherit the things things spoken of in Rev. 21:1-6, which include
• a new heaven and a new earth
• dwell in the Holy City, the new Jerusalem
• experience eternal dwelling in the presence of God
• have every tear wiped from their eyes
• enjoy eternal freedom from death, mourning, crying and pain

Do you want to be an overcomer? Judging from the aforementioned list of benefits and the reasonable assumption that a rational Christian is reading my words, I think you do!
The late 19th century author and co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ellen White, penned some words in a book entitled Fundamentals of Christian Education that I believe are helpful for those who want to enjoy eternal freedom from death, mourning, crying and pain.

Here is what she wrote on pages 207-208:
"Those who would be overcomers must be drawn out of themselves; and the only thing which will accomplish this great work, is to become intensely interested in the salvation of others."
John writes in 1 John 5:4-5 that everyone born of God overcomes the world. The victory that overcomes the world is our faith. Those of us who overcome are those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Put on your thinking cap for a minute. This makes sense. What did Jesus come to do? It was declared to Joseph by an angel in Matthew 1:21 "He shall save His people from their sins." Jesus came to save us!

Being a part of Christ's church is not simply about exercising faith in Christ that He will bless you to get a new car, new clothes, a new home, a better job, a terminal degree or what have you. These are indeed blessings that come from God. But our focus as members of His church should be the same focus He had when He came to this earth. He came to save us! When He left the earth, He challenged His followers to be about that same business. Is our faith that He can save us? Do we have faith to believe that He wants to save others? Do we believe that He will give us power to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8) taking His message to the lost? Do we believe that others will be saved through the exercise of our spiritual gifts?

Ellen White went on to say in Fundamentals of Christian Education:
"As you identify your interest with that of Christ, you will sanctify to God your talent of ability, influence, and means. Some of you will consider it your privilege to leave your homes that you may labor in the islands of the sea, and rescue souls from the bondage of sin and error. As you gain a new and deeper experience, you will learn what it is to pray in the Holy Spirit; and those who are backslidden from God will be reclaimed, and there will be more anxiety manifested to learn of Jesus to be meek and lowly of heart, than to point out the mistakes and errors of your brethren; for by faith you accept Christ as your personal Saviour. You will not then come to meeting to tell your doubts and fears. You will have something better to talk about; for your hearts will be enlarged, having the peace of Christ, which passeth understanding."

The weekend's focus of January 23rd focused on spiritual gifts and spiritual growth. Our reason for existence as a church is to do our part in helping to populate the Kingdom of God. Every ministry is to contribute to that noble and eternal purpose.

If Ellen White was right -- and I believe she was -- then every member of the church needs to be actively engaged in ministry. I know that you want to be an overcomer. You may never have considered this before. You may have thought that prayer and Bible study alone would help you overcome. Prayer and Bible study are like food. We must eat in order to live. But we also need to exercise. Becoming intensely interested in the salvation of others by utilizing your God-given gifts is spiritual exercise necessary for eternal life.