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Read Introduction to Revelation

 

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. 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 I will write on him My new name.”

 

He who overcomes

Every Christian is an overcomer because of Christ and for no other reason. The Greek indicates that this person constantly overcomes.

I will make him a pillar

A “pillar” is a column supporting the weight of a building. Metaphorically, the Bible uses this term for the church (1 Ti 3:15,16) for a permanent position in the eternal temple. Jesus will make the overcomer bear the weight of that temple. Throughout eternity, this believer will be a monumental pillar in the eternal temple.

A pillar is a picture of strength. Philadelphia was in an earthquake zone. Its citizens feared earthquakes. Those who live in earthquakes experience phenomenal insecurity and instability. Jesus offers hope to those who operate in insecurity and instability. When people sojourn to ancient ruins, they note that often all that remains are the pillars. Once a person accepts Christ as his Savior, Jesus will make him a pillar. That pillar will never crumble. He will never lose his salvation. God’s plan is greater than any sin we might commit.

in the temple of My God

The New Testament uses the word “temple” for the inner part of the temple in Jerusalem (Mt 23:35) called the “sanctuary.” This was the shrine. There were many synagogues but only one temple. The temple was the place of God’s presence.

and he shall go out no more

People of Asia Minor fled their cities and buildings when earthquakes occurred. Jesus promises they will flee no more. Once a builder puts the column in place, it does not move from that building. So God will not move the Christian from His eternal temple. This is a picture of permanence and eternal security. We will never get out of God’s plan of salvation.

And I will write on him the name of My God 

Jesus writes three names on the overcomer. The first name is the name of “My God.” On this pillar, God will write His very own name. The believer persevered for this name. He went through trial for that name so that God will write His own name on this pillar.

and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God.

The second name that Jesus writes on the overcomer is “the name of the city of My God.” Chapters 21 and 22 give a resplendent, striking description of the “New Jerusalem.” This is the place of wonderful fellowship with God. To people living in an earthquake zone, this is a picture of stability as over against decay. Christians will eternally fellowship with God.

And I will write on him My new name

The third name Jesus writes on the overcomer is “My new name.” The conquering Christian’s pillar will have the name of God, the city of God, the New Jerusalem, and Jesus’ “new name.” A name symbolizes character. No one knows that name yet, but Revelation 19:12 says that when Jesus appears, He will come with that new name.

Re 19:12,His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.”

Before Jesus step foot on earth, an angel announced to Joseph that Mary would bear a son and that he should call this new baby “Jesus” “because He will save His people from their sins.” Jesus means “Jehovah saves.” Now that Jesus has finished that work He will have a new name. He will have a new role with a new name.

PRINCIPLE:

The Christian is eternally secure once he or she receives Jesus’ death as the only commodity that satisfies a holy God.

APPLICATION:

Jesus will remove a “lampstand” [church] from its place of effectiveness but never a “pillar.” The church is the pillar and ground of the truth.

1 Ti 3:15-16,…but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the Gentiles,

Believed on in the world,

Received up in glory.”

The church is the pillar of Christ’s new name, God’s name, and the name of the New Jerusalem. This is a pillar of permanence, the permanence of eternal life.

The church with “little strength” is now a pillar of strength. The church possesses honor forever in the very presence of God. Every Christian who accepts the finished work on the cross for suffering for sin has eternal life, not temporal life.

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