Conqueror's Grants

Rev. 2-3

In the letters to the 7 churches John records an indictment against each church, something that they were missing in their relationship to Jesus. Even though these  assessments were a prominent focus of the letter, He gave a gift to those who conquered or were faithful in each of the churches.  To the church at Ephesus, a church known for its endurance yet one who had lost their first love, Jesus gave the ability to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Eternal life was theirs and nothing could take that away.

To the church at Smyrma a church known for their tribulation and poverty. Even though they were rich in Jesus, their lives were ones of tribulation and even imprisonment. To these faithful ones, Jesus gave the crown of life. They would not be hurt by the second death. Their destiny was sealed. 

To the church at Pergamum one known for holding fast the name of Jesus during persecution yet at the same time one that taught the teaching of Baalam and the Nicolaitans, Jesus gave some of the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on the stone that no one knew except the one who received it. Their entrance into heaven was guaranteed with their new name. 

To the church in Thyatira, one known for their works yet at the same time one who tolerated Jezebel enticing people into gross immortality, eating food sacrificed to idols, and learning the deep things of Satan. Yikes! Sounds pretty bad. Still to those who held fast until Jesus comes He gave authority over the nations and the morning star, which is Christ Himself. 

To the church at Sardis one known for being alive and yet dead, one who was exhorted to wake up and strengthen what remained and was about to die. Their works were not complete in the sight of God. But for the one who conquered, the one who walked in white without soiled garments, their names would never be blotted out of the book of life. Jesus will confess their names to the Father. 

To the church at Philadelphia, one known for keeping Jesus' words and not denying His name even though they had but little power. Because they had kept the words of patient endurance, they would be kept from the worldwide hour of trial. If they held fast and were conquerors, they would be made pillars in the temple of God, and on them would be written the name of God, the name of the city of God, the new Jerusalem, and the name of Jesus. 

To the church at Laodicea one known for being lukewarm and nauseating to Jesus. Without repentance, they would be spewed out of His mouth. They thought they had need of nothing yet were blind, and naked. They did not have the white garments needed for eternal life. He rebuked and disciplined them that they might open their eyes and see. Jesus knocked at their door. To the one who did let Him in and who conquered, Jesus granted him to sit on His throne with Him. 

Whether or not these churches are in the past [past tense], I think what they are saying applies to our time and our lives. We must examine our hearts and see if we are holding fast until He comes. For each of the churches and for each of the conquerors, there is a guarantee of eternal life, of salvation, and of being with Jesus for eternity. That is exactly the same for us!

Father,

Thank You for Jesus, the one that I adore and am learning to adore more every day. Thank You for my salvation and for guaranteeing me eternal life with You. Strengthen me to hold fast, to be faithful, and to resist false teaching.

In the name of the grant-giver,

Amen