What practical steps help us inherit "all these things" mentioned in Revelation? Setting the Scene “ He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.” – Revelation 21:7 The promise is breathtaking: every blessing bound up in the new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-6) becomes the believer’s inheritance. Scripture shows how we collaborate with God’s grace so that this promise becomes our reality. Defining “All These Things” • Eternal life in God’s unveiled presence (21:3) • Freedom from death, mourning, crying, and pain (21:4) • Access to the spring of the water of life (21:6) • Citizenship in the radiant New Jerusalem (21:10-27) • A secure, unbreakable Father-child relationship with God (21:7) The Call to Overcome The term “overcome” (Greek: nikaō) links Revelation 21:7 to every letter in Revelation 2–3. Overcoming is not heroic self-effort; it is faith in Christ that triumphs. “ For everyone born of God overcomes the world… Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” – 1 John 5:4-5 Practical Steps Toward Inheritance 1. Receive Christ by faith • John 1:12: “to all who did receive Him… He gave the right to become children of God.” • A decisive, personal trust in Jesus’ finished work launches the overcoming life. 2. Abide in the Spirit’s power • Galatians 5:16: “walk by the Spirit.” • Daily rely on the Spirit, not flesh-powered willpower, to subdue sin. 3. Practice ongoing repentance and cleansing • 1 John 1:9 keeps fellowship open and garments clean (Revelation 22:14). 4. Obey Christ’s commands • Hebrews 12:14 urges the pursuit of holiness; Revelation 22:14 ties obedience to access. • Holiness is evidence that grace is active, not a substitute for it. 5. Persevere through trials • Revelation 2:10; James 1:12; Matthew 24:13—all link endurance to reward. • Trials refine faith, proving it genuine and fitting us for glory (1 Peter 1:6-7). 6. Reject worldliness • 1 John 2:15-17 warns that love for the world cannot coexist with love for the Father. • Simplify affections; let eternal values steer decisions. 7. Cultivate expectant hope • 2 Peter 3:11-13 and Colossians 3:1-4 urge a heaven-focused mindset that shapes conduct now. • Hope energizes holiness and fortifies perseverance. 8. Love the family of God • John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:14 show that love authenticates sonship. • Practical service, forgiveness, and generosity display the Father’s nature. Daily Rhythms That Keep Us Overcoming • Scripture intake—hear, read, study, memorize, meditate • Prayerful dependence—consistent, honest, Spirit-led conversation with God • Corporate worship—encouragement and accountability within a local church • Self-examination—regularly invite the Spirit’s searchlight (Psalm 139:23-24) • Witness—share Christ; overcoming faith loves not life even unto death (Revelation 12:11) Encouragement from Our Status “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…” – Romans 8:16-17 Because God already calls us His children, overcoming is not uncertain. Our victory is grounded in Christ’s finished work and the Spirit’s ongoing ministry. Living in Anticipation Keep eyes fixed on the coming city whose architect and builder is God. Every act of faithfulness today echoes into eternity, preparing us to inherit “all these things.” |
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