Our anchor text is in Revelation 2: 7: To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. In addition, to the one who is victorious, James 1: 12 says, blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. The crown will be assessed when we die. Whilst some say that Jesus has no capacity to promise, others say that Jesus’ promise remains a mere promise.
First, Jesus and God are one and the same, the grasping of which is by the Spirit, not human understanding. 1Corinthians 2: 13 says, this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. Second, Jesus said in John 10: 30, I and the Father are one. Third, God always honours his word. Numbers 23: 19 says, God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak, and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Jesus’ assurances and promises are therefore surely to happen.
Why did God promise a victor’s crown?
For an answer, Jesus said in Matthew 18: 14, in the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. God is merciful, has steadfast love, and is faithful, hence, every soul is precious to him and he desires to redeem all. Exodus 34: 6 says, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. (Read Numbers 14: 18).
It is further explained in 2 Peter 3: 9, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. The promise is thus, for our repentance from sin, and also as a reward for victors in faithfulness and every good deed. Reading the scripture as a whole, God’s promise is therefore to those who do what Colossians 1: 10 says: bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God (paraphrased). Or as 2Corinthians 9: 8 says, those who abound in every good work (paraphrased).
Do we have the capacity to be overcomers?
God has given us the capacity to be overcomers. Jesus said to his disciples in Luke 10: 19, I have given you authority to trample on snakes (deceivers) and scorpions (wickedness) and to overcome all the power of the enemy, nothing will harm you. Snakes and scorpions are not literal in meaning but figuratively. Romans 12: 21 says, do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. This is within everyone’s capacity everywhere, and not an apocalypse to find with excuses.
We must be born of God’s Spirit in truth for 1John 5: 4 says, everyone born of God overcomes the world. this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. If we have faith in God and live in righteousness, we will overcome in Christ Jesus. God is quoted as saying in Hebrews 10: 16, “I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” To be overcomers, we must open our hearts to God’s word wherein he will plant it to grow and bear fruits so we will never be hungry of spiritual food.
We read in Revelation 12: 11, they (the believers) triumphed over him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. So, by precedent, the power in the blood of Jesus; testifying about the word of God; loving God more than ourselves; and being bold to face death for the sake of Christ Jesus, will make us overcomers or triumphant.
When we fall short or feel inadequate, Jesus says in 2Corinthians 12: 9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Be an overcomer for the waiting crown of life in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, make us overcomers as soldiers in your army and prepare us to receive the crown of life which you have prepared for overcomers in your blessed name. Have your way with us, we pray in your blessed Holy name, Amen!!
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