“The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” – Revelation 3:5
What does Jesus mean by conquering? What does that look like for us? It has nothing to do with gaining power, authority, wealth, or status here on earth. A follower of Jesus conquers by living a holy life of obedience to Jesus until he or she passes away or Jesus returns. We conquer by taking up our cross each and every day, making sacrifices to serve, honor, and represent the Lord. We conquer by denying ourselves and obeying the commands of Jesus. We conquer by battling the sin that tempts us in the power of the Holy Spirit. We conquer by loving God and loving our neighbors when the world, the flesh, and the devil encourage us to do otherwise.
We’re called to conquer our own hearts, minds, and temptations. If you conquer, Jesus promises you will be blessed beyond measure. The great point of Revelation isn’t to give us a detailed timeline of these last days in which we live. The great point of Revelation is to encourage Christians to understand why the world is they way it is and to encourage us to hold firmly to our faith. We are encouraged to love Jesus no matter what it may cost us here on earth.
The message of Jesus in Revelation is that for those who conquer – who cling firmly to Jesus – there is unending blessing and reward waiting in Jesus Christ. If we hold to Jesus, then we will endure every trial and tribulation in, and with, Him. We will live forever and enjoy His presence forever. We will have an all-access pass to the new creation where there is no sin, no sorrow, no suffering, no pain, and no death. It’s worth it to conquer! #FollowJesus