a) Revelation 2:7 -- "Eat of the
Tree of Life, Which is in the Midst of the Paradise of God."
The tree of life, which has been
practically unmentioned since Genesis 3, where it was lost through sin, is here
restored in accordance with the restitution of all things in Christ. This
figure expresses participation in life eternal -- the believer shall die no more.
b) Revelation 2:11 -- "Shall not
be Hurt of the Second Death."
He who is born but once -- "of the
flesh" -- dies twice: physically, and eternally. He (the believer) who is
born twice -- "of the flesh" and "of the spirit" -- dies
but once; that is, he passes through only that physical dissolution of soul and
body which is called death. The "second death" means, to say the
least, utter exclusion from the presence of God. To say that the believer shall
not be hurt of the second death is equivalent to saying that he shall eternally
behold the face of the Father which is in heaven.
c) Revelation 2:17 -- He shall Receive
a "Stone with a New Name Written" Thereon; To the Believer also will
be Given to Eat of the "Hidden Manna."
This figure may mean that to the
believer is given the white stone of acquittal. In courts of justice in those
days a black stone was given to the condemned. Reference may here be made to
the white stone (diamond?) which was not among the stones in the high priest's
ephod, and thought by some to be the Urim and Thummim. The partaking of the
hidden manna may refer to the fact that they who had resisted the eating of
meat offered in sacrifice to idols would, as a reward, be allowed to feast on
the bread of God, the divine food. The new name mentioned may stand for a new
nature and character which the believer will possess in that new country.
d) Revelation 2:26, 27 -- Authority over
the Nations.
There is doubtless a reference here to
the reign of the saints with the Lord Jesus Christ on the millennial earth.
Those that have suffered with Him shall also reign with Him.
e) Revelation 3:4, 5 -- He Shall Be
"Arrayed in White Garments," and His Name Shall in No Wise be Blotted
Out of the Book of Life.
"White garments" undoubtedly
refers to the righteousness of the saints. In the Old Testament days to be
blotted out of the book of life meant to forfeit the privileges of the
Theocracy -- to be shut out forever from God's favor. Here the certainty of the
believer's eternal security is assured. Christ will rejoice over him and gladly
confess that He knows him as one who belonged to Him and served and confessed
Him on the earth.
f) Revelation 3:12 -- The Believer Will
Be a Pillar in the Temple of God; He Shall Go Out No More; God Will Write Upon
Him His Own New Name.
Philadelphia, the place in which was
situated the church to whom these words were written, was subject to
earthquakes, and quite frequently the massive pillars of the temple were
shattered. It shall not be so with the believer -- he shall never be moved. He
will go in and out no more -- no possibility of falling then. He will have the
name of God written upon him -- no danger of anyone else making claim to him.
Then the believer's period of probation will have passed away; he shall have a
permanent and eternal place in the kingdom of the Father.
g) Revelation 3:21 -- "I Will Give
to Him to Sit Down With Me in My Throne."
Not "on" or "upon"
but "in" my throne. Christ will exalt us with Himself. James and John
wanted to sit by Christ's side in the coming kingdom. Here is something
infinitely better -- to sit with Him in His throne.
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