In the 7th chapter of Revelation, beginning with verse 9, the disciple John sees the blessed multitude of the redeemed of all nations, “clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands”; a multitude who have been washed by the blood of the Lamb of God and made victors and overcomers through redemption.
But who is an overcomer?
“Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5)
Faith in the only begotten Son of God, that Jesus Christ is truly God, sent by the Father, is the condition for being an overcomer. Belief in the Lamb of God, who suffered death for our sins, was lifted up on Calvary’s cross and truly died for us, is the foundation from which God grants grace and strength to anyone who wants it. Jesus Christ was not only a good teacher or a good man, but He is truly the Son of God.
Only those who have experienced the new birth can be overcomers. Through the living Word of God, Jesus Christ, we are saved and washed and born again by the Spirit of God from above. This is a very personal experience.
What must be overcome?
The world “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world … Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5)
The world with all its lusts: the lust of the flesh, pleasure, the lust of the eyes, desires, the prideful life, ungodly deeds – a child of God conquers all these things. He who resists temptation is an overcomer.
Evil “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
We live in a world full of wickedness, full of injustice, discord, war, hatred, and envy. Therefore, do not be deceived, but walk as children of light. The fruit of the Spirit is all goodness, righteousness, and truth. We overcome evil by keeping silent when we are scolded, by blessing, by seeking peace, and by pursuing it. Who could harm us if we pursue what is good?
The antichrist “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them (the Antichrist), because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Since time immemorial, and even today, many do not believe that Jesus became a true man. Jesus, the Son of God, “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).
The children of God to whom John wrote overcame false doctrines and false prophets. We, too, will only be overcomers if we remain firmly on the ground of truth and fight for the faith that was once delivered to the saints.
The devil “And they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death” (Revelation 12:11).
All those who seek to serve God here and be with the Lord in glory one day must resist the devil and stay close to God. Even the Son of God was tempted by Satan, but without sin. In the name of the Lord Jesus and through the power of His blood, we may also be victors over the devil. The conqueror is faithful unto death because he knows that the crown of eternal life awaits him.
How can we overcome?
By faith “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).
By faith we receive salvation, but by faith we must also fight and stand firm and win. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. But faith honors God, and the Lord confesses faith. Christ’s victory is our victory if we are on the winning side with Him. Our faith is the victory!
By the blood of the Lamb “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:11).
The blood of Jesus is the blood of the New Testament, which has the power to forgive sins, to give a new life, and the strength to lead an overcoming life. Scripture speaks here of people who have overcome. How? Through the blood of the Lamb! The blood of the Lamb is the source of strength and blessing for us all.
By the word of their testimony “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death” (Revelation 12:11).
Through the word of their testimony, people of all ages, young and old, great and small, have stood before emperors and princes, testified of their faith, and overcome. We too must follow in their footsteps and bear witness to what the Lord has done for us.
When do we overcome?
Now, in this world! “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).
The Lord Jesus says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). We may believe today and attain salvation today. Then we will already be victors in the time of grace and reign in this life with Christ.
How is your life? Oh, come to Jesus. You, too, can find forgiveness and grace. Consecrate yourself to God! Put everything in His hands! Surrender yourself completely to Him, and you will be joyful, content, and godly in this world.
Become an overcomer! Only those who overcome will inherit everything.
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