OVER COMERS

We find this term used to describe certain people in all 7 churches singled out by Jesus to receive a special letter from John the Apostle (Rev 2 and 3). The word "over comer" refers to one who overcomes, or is victorious or a conqueror in a battle. From the context here in these chapters of Revelation, we can see that not all church members qualify to be classed as over comers. Scripture seems clear that salvation is a gift from God, given to everyone who confesses their sin of being separated from God because of the sinful old nature inherited from Adam. (Eph 2:1-10). Once we are "born again" into the family of God, we are all equal members in the family, but with different gifts and talents. The body of Christ is composed of many members with different roles to fill (1 Cor 12:12-31), and yet we are all one body. Our "standing" in the body of Christ is a gift that God never withdraws, in other words we are secure as part of the family of God "For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus", (Eph 2:6). However our inheritance in the Kingdom of God depends on our behavior as believers. When we read (1 Cor 6:9-11), or (Gal 5:19-21) we see clearly that the type of behavior listed will prevent us from receiving our planned inheritance that has been reserved in heaven for us. (1 Peter 1:3-5). Remember these letters were written to believers and not to pagans!

We are born into God's family, but we are "transferred" into the Kingdom (Col 1:13-14), these are not the same! In other words our position in God's family is not affected by our behavior, but our inheritance in His Kingdom certainly is. I believe this could be the answer to some believers becoming classed as "over comers" but not all. To be an over comer indicates to me that we have certain things that must be faced in our lives that demand a choice be made, If we make the right choice, we will be classed as an over comer, but if we make the wrong choice we could lose all or part of our inheritance that is being reserved up there for us. This should make us more conscious of our behavior as a believer, especially our attitude toward worldly activities. Do we have an eternal perspective when confronted with hard choices? Or do we let our apathy prevent us from getting involved in moral issues, like abortion, for example ? Maybe we need to check up on a few things in our lives!

Sincerely submitted.

Gramp