Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Context: Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. This was written to the church at Philadelphia with the warning for them to not lose their first love. In verse 8, the author of the letter (Jesus) states He has set an open door before this group of believers.
From the lexicon: Overcome=carry off the victory. Pillar=column of support signifying strength and stability. Name signifies authority.
Pulling it together: Revelation 3:12 was written to the church in Philadelphia which had lost its first love. We are left to ponder what this means. Was it love for the Gospel or love for Christ? Perhaps it was both. The love of this world is a threat to all who are determined to be faithful to our Savior. But the promise in Revelation is that all who overcome will be a column of strength in God’s temple. However, what does it mean to overcome and how is this achieved?
1 John 5:5 gives us the answers. In this verse, John explains that the world is overcome, and this is accomplished by believing in Jesus. John 1:12 explains this belief as receiving Him.
There is great promise in Revelation 3:12 to all who will believe in Jesus and receive him into their hearts. Revelation 3:20 adds this invitation: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Lord, I pray for grace to continue on believing, trusting, and relying on You and to overcome the devices of the world that are present in my life.