Have you
ever experienced elation after overcoming a bad habit or weakness or sin just
from the sheer victory that became yours? The Book of Revelation is a book of
promises for those who overcome that takes elation to the next level for those
who conquer. When John was commanded to write to the priesthood leaders of the
seven churches of Asia Minor he detailed their good works, their intentions and
their failings with such accuracy and transparency that it left them no doubt
as to who was the originator of such messages. As the messages were given to
John, the Saviour identified himself as the one who searches the desires,
thoughts and hearts of men and sees all things (Revelation 2:23).
Consider the promises that were made to these seven churches, and ultimately to all of us, and imagine the elation at their fulfilment:
- “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life” (2:7) thus eradicating the effects of the Fall and granting eternal life to the faithful.
- “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second
death” (2:11) sparing all eternal separation from the Father except those who
refuse to repent. To the faithful He says: “I will give thee a crown of life”
(2:10)
- “To him who overcometh will I give to eat of the
hidden manna and will give him a white stone and in the stone a new name
written” (2:17): He alone is the ‘hidden manna’ and those who symbolically
partake of His flesh will receive everlasting life (John 6:47-58) with entrance
into celestial kingdom (D&C 130:8-11).
- “He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the
end, to him will I give the morning star” (2:28): Being the firstborn among the
host of heaven, the morning star is a symbol of Jesus Christ, the Second
Comforter who manifests himself to men in the flesh and teaches them face to
face. (NT Institute Manual; Joseph
Smith, History of the Church, 3:381).
- “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in
my throne” (3:21): To sit on His throne, means to receive exaltation in
celestial worlds and reign with Him forever in everlasting glory (Bruce R.
McConkie, The Purifying Power of Gethsemane, Ensign May 1985)
- “He that overcometh shall inherit ALL things; and I
will be his God, and he shall be my son” (21:7)…..is there any explanation
needed for this??? Being joint heirs with the Saviour of ALL the Father has
defies any mortal imagination.
It must be
noted that all the promises are for next life bar one which deals with the
Second Comforter manifesting himself to men in this life. Why is that? Because
what is to come after this life is of the greatest worth. It's what matters above all. We cannot presently
comprehend the glory and the splendor of the blessings herein promised. One
thing I do know, we once saw that glory and deemed it worthy of the work of
overcoming. And here is proof: Satan lost himself forever in an effort to
obtain it. This also I know: the splendor of eternal life for each of us was
worth the condescension of a God who exchanged His throne for the stench of a
stable. None of the promises could have been made without His Atonement but
more so, without His birth. Surely there could not be a greater gift than the
gift of that Bethlehem stable for what more could He offer us than Himself?
- CATHRYNE ALLEN
(Art: Birth by Dan Burr)
Art: Birth
by Dan Burr
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