December 27, 2011 (Revelation 1-4)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “…to everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.” Rev. 2:7 NLT “..Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.” Rev. 2:11 NLT “..To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven.” Rev. 2:17 NLT “…To all who are victorious, who obey me to the end, to them I will give…” Rev. 2:26 NLT “…All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life…” Rev. 3:5 NLT “…All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God..” Rev. 3:12 NLT “…Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne..” Rev. 3:21 NLT
Observation: John wrote seven letters to seven churches that contained the message that Christ wanted them to hear. He had a complaint against five out of the seven churches. Only the church at Smyrna and Philadelphia did He commend and not find complaint against. Christ did not tell any of them to rest in His victory, but rather He instructed them to become victorious themselves. Every church received the message that they must be victorious. To begin the good fight of faith and then turn back does not please God. In fact victory only comes to those that endure and remain faithful until the very end. If it were not possible for a persons name to be erased from the Book of Life, then Christ had no purpose to offer the warning. Being victorious is not an option, it is a must.
Application: We are taught today to rest in who we are in Christ. God’s “unconditional” love will save us and keep us no matter what sin we commit. We are holy! We have salvation today, we possess it now! There is no longer any need to hope for what you already have! All your sins, past, present and future are already forgiven! Don’t even concern yourself with sin, Jesus paid the price for you! You are free, yes even to sin! Yet if this is true then why the warnings in Revelation? If we are eternally secure already why strive to live as Christ said? If all who profess Christ as Savior are going to heaven no matter what, why must we be victorious? Isn’t living a victorious, obedient life more of an option that a must? Wasn’t Christ mistaken when He said being victorious was a requirement of God (Rev. 3:2)? I think not! Our faith is a key principle of salvation. We are saved by grace through “faith”. Faithfulness is not an element of salvation that can be removed!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank Your for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day! Thank You for Your word that gives me warning and correction. Thank You for telling me the truth. Teach me Your ways and help me be faithful to all Your requirements. It is an honor and a privilege to submit to each one of them. Give me wisdom to know what’s right and the courage to do what’s right at all times. In Jesus name, Amen!