I will grant the one who conquers permission to sit with me on my throne, just as I too conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 3:21 NET
The Book of Revelation was addressed to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia (Rev. 1:4). Chapters two and three contain individual notes from Jesus to each of these seven churches. And at the end of each note is a promise to the one who conquers.
The one who conquers . . .
- Will be permitted to eat from the Tree of Life in the garden of God – Rev. 2:7
- Will not be harmed by the second death – Rev. 2:11
- Will receive a white stone with a new name – Rev. 2:17
- Will have authority over the nations – Rev. 2:26
- Will be dressed in white, and their name will never be erased from the Book of Life – Rev. 3:5
- Will be made into a pillar in God’s temple and will bear God’s name – Rev. 3:12
- Will be invited to sit with Jesus on his throne – Rev. 3:21
Some of these “rewards” seem strange and are generally symbolic. But what is clear is that conquering as a believer is desirable and something to strive for.
How Do We Conquer?
But what does it mean to conquer? The NIV translates this expression as “the one who is victorious” and the NASB as “he who overcomes.” But who conquers/is victorious/overcomes? I believe Revelation 2:10 is the key to this.
Jesus told the church at Symrna to “Remain faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown that is life itself.” The conquerors are those who have remained faithful (were true to Jesus as Lord) to the end. These are the ones who receive a crown and will sit on Jesus’ throne as victors/overcomers.
There is no promise in the New Testament that life will be easy for Jesus’ followers. In fact, just the opposite is true. We are told that all who seek to live godly lives will be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12). But be faithful until the end of your time here. And, if you are, the reward will be great. Be a conqueror.
