MISCONCEPTION
The subject of overcoming.
THE TRUTH IS:
We must overcome to be saved (Rev. 2:7). We overcome by keeping and performing daily the deeds that Jesus came here to show us. We must endure, keeping them, and stay true to Jesus right up to the end of our lives in order to be saved (Rev. 2:26). If only those who overcome will not be hurt in the second death, then what will happen to those precious people who are searching for God in all the wrong places who have never even heard of the message of overcoming (Rev. 2:11)? If overcoming is required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ or your name is erased from the book of life, doesn’t it stand to reason that there is more to the watered-down salvation message than the world is being told by those who are spiritually blind (Rev. 3:5; Matt. 15:14)? Look at all the Scriptures on overcoming that are left out of this world’s message of salvation: Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 5:5; 21:7.
Jesus was righteous. He came to show us how to live righteously and be righteous like He was. To be righteous, you must do acts of righteousness toward others for God (Matt. 25:40), using your body as an instrument of righteousness for God as Jesus did and gave us example to do (Rom. 6:13). We are to live like Dorcas did, who was abounding with deeds of kindness toward others, which she continually did (Acts 9:36). We purify ourselves and allow the Lord to change us by always being zealous for doing good (Titus 2:7, 14; 1 Peter 3:13).
This is how we overcome the evil one in our lives—by continually doing good for others (Psalm 34:14; 37:27; 1 Peter 3:11; Rom. 12:21; Rev. 2:26). The fear of the Lord is to seek God and show Him respect by doing good daily (Rom. 3:10-12). This is how to show God reverence daily (Psalm 34:9-14). Now, if it is with great difficulty that the righteous people we have just mentioned are saved (1 Peter 4:18), you know the world has not heard the true message of the gospel; but now you have. Now you know how to overcome. You have been told how it’s done daily.
God’s word says we are to put to death the evil deeds of the body with His Spirit daily if we are to live forever (Rom. 8:13-14). If we walk by the Spirit, we will not carry out the evil desires of the body, says Galatians 5:16. Walking by the Spirit means keeping God’s Ways. Walk with God like Enoch walked. Keep Jesus Christ’s words, and if you keep them, that means you do them or perform them in your life daily (Luke 6:46; John 8:31). How many people do you know or have you met who have crushed the flesh with its evil passions and desires and fulfilled Galatians 5:24? Now you know how to fulfill this Scripture in your life, and have no more excuse for your sins (John 15:22; Heb. 10:26-27).
For more on this subject click on one of the following:
GRAIN OF TRUTH: What is Required for Repentance?
PODCAST: Repent the Kingdom Message