Bible Question:
Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 3:5 both use the phrase “he who overcomes. ” Our Bible study group is searching for answers to the “once saved always saved” belief. What does “overcome” mean in the Greek language?
Bible Answer:
The book of Revelation is a prophetic book about God’s plan for the future. While most of the book is prophetic, chapters 2 and 3 are historical. They are about seven messages sent by God to seven churches in seven cities of Asia Minor. At the end of each message, a promise is given to the church to which the message was addressed. In each promise we are told that the one who overcomes will be given something.
Meaning of Overcome
The first promise is given in Revelation 2:7,
To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 (NASB)
The Greek word for “overcomes” occurs several times in the New Testament. The Greek word is nikao which means “to overpower,” “to overcome,” or “to be victorious over.” This promise was given to those in the church at Ephesus who overcome (Revelation 2:1-7). So, who are those who overcome? The answer is given in 1 John 5:4-5.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5 (NASB)
Overcomers, the victorious, are those who believe that Jesus Christ is God. Overcomers are Christians. They are the victorious ones, not in the sense of winning a war, but in terms of being released from slavery to sin (Romans 6:5-7, 14). Overcomers are no longer under the control of Satan (1 John 5:19). Overcomers are no longer sentenced to eternal death (Romans 6:23). Overcomers have finally been freed from condemnation (Romans 8:1). These overcomers are true Christians.
Therefore, according to Revelation 2-3 they will be given seven rewards. Revelation 2:7 says believers will eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God. Revelation 22:2 says the tree of life will be in the eternal heaven.
More Promises to Overcomers
The second promise given to those who overcome is given in Revelation 2:11. It says believers will not be hurt by the second death. That is, they will escape eternity in the lake of fire, and spend eternity in the eternal heaven.
The third promise is given in Revelation 2:17.
To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it. Revelation 2:17 (NASB)
The fourth promise is given in Revelation 2:26-28.
He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, bAS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. Revelation 2:26-28 (NASB)
The fifth promise is given in Revelation 3:5.
He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Revelation 3:5 (NASB)
The sixth promise given in Revelation 3:12.
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. Revelation 3:12 (NASB)
The seventh promise given in Revelation 3:21-22.
He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:21 (NASB)
These passages are promises for real Christians – to those who continue believing in Christ and do not leave as the result of persecution or for any other reason. Real believers will remain (1 John 2:19). These promises are encouraging as they promise a close relationship and living with God.
Conclusion:
There is a special study related to your discussion entitled “Saved Only Once — Once Saved Always Saved” that you may want to read. It is the Christian who overcomes, not the “overcomer” who becomes a Christian. The forgiveness of our sins does not depend on our performance. Jesus made it clear that we cannot earn His favor when He said,
And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. Luke 18:19 (NASB)
Our forgiveness depends on Jesus’ mercy and love. He asks only that we believe in Him. Find out how you can be forgiven on the page “Searching for God.”