In Christ, we are conquerors.
Let’s briefly look at just one verse that explains what we’ll receive as conquerors, through Christ. The verse is Revelation 3:12:
“The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” (NIV)
As conquerors in Christ, we often struggle with our identity and value in this world. But Jesus reveals our true, eternal identity: we are conquerors, and the implications are more glorious than we can imagine.
1. We are Pillars in God’s Temple
Jesus says He will make us a pillar in the temple of His God. This means we occupy an unshakeable position as part of Christ’s body, the Church. We’re not just visitors or guests, just passing through. No, we are each integral, permanent parts of God’s dwelling place, the Church. And in the first century, pillars weren’t just structural elements. They were adorned with beauty, bringing glory to the entire building. Similarly, our lives are meant to reflect and amplify the beauty and the glory of Christ.
2. We Bear God’s Name
Jesus promises to write on us the name of his God. In Scripture, a name reflects character. Bearing God’s name means we’ll fully reflect His nature – His love, holiness, and power will be evident in us.
3. We Belong to the New Jerusalem
We’ll also bear the name of the city of His God, the new Jerusalem. There are a few ways to interpret this, and I personally lean toward the idea that this symbolizes our citizenship in God’s eternal kingdom. Similar to how Paul said we actually are God’s temple – both individually and collectively, so too here, we don’t just visit God’s city, we are God’s city. We embody it as he makes His dwelling inside us.
4. We’ll Know Christ in a New Way
Finally, Jesus will write on us His “own new name.” This is incredible because it suggests an ever-deepening revelation of who Christ is. Throughout eternity, we’ll continually discover new aspects of who He is. And we’d expect that if he’s an infinite Creator God, and we’re finite created beings, right? Even with glorified bodies, we’ll still be finite. We’ll get to enjoy getting to know Him for eternity.
These promises are more than simply information about our future state. They should actively shape how we live today. That’s why Jesus had John write these things down, so they’d be useful to us today. As conquerors, secure in Christ with our eternal identity, we can face life’s challenges with confidence and hope.
Are we living as the pillars God declares us to be? Are we reflecting His character in our daily lives? Are we eagerly anticipating the deeper revelations of Christ that await us?
Let’s embrace our identity as conquerors, not through our own strength, but through the finished work of Christ. In Him, we are established, adorned, and eternally secure. If this is who we truly are, let’s live like it today.