The Church, the Overcomer
Stephen emphasizes the ultimate hope and promise found in Revelation 21 and 22, depicting the glorious future of the Church as the New Jerusalem. This city symbolizes the perfected, redeemed Church, adorned as a bride for Christ, where God's presence dwells fully with His people. In this eternal state, there will be no tears, death, mourning, or pain, and God's glory will illuminate everything. The city is protected by walls and gates that are never closed, representing complete victory over the enemy, signifying that the Church, as the bride of Christ, will ultimately overcome all opposition. Stephen highlights that overcoming is not based on human effort but is a divine gift, freely given by God to those who believe in Jesus Christ. He references scriptures like 1 John 5:4 and 4:4 to affirm that believers, through faith in Christ, are overcomers because Christ in them is greater than the world. The Church's victory is rooted in union with Christ, the ultimate Overcomer. Stephen concludes with a prayer, asking God to keep Christ before believers, especially in times of trial, so they may experience His victory and look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises in eternity.
Outline of Main Points
- Revelation 21-22 depicts the glorious, eternal state of the Church as the New Jerusalem.
- The city symbolizes the redeemed Church, adorned for Christ, with God's presence fully dwelling among His people.
- In eternity, there will be no suffering, death, or tears; God's glory will illuminate the city.
- The city is protected by walls and gates that are never closed, symbolizing complete victory over the enemy.
- Overcoming is a divine gift, not based on human effort, available freely through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Believers are overcomers because Christ in them is greater than the world.
- The victory of the Church is rooted in union with Christ, the ultimate Overcomer.
- Stephen prays for believers to keep Christ before them, especially in trials, trusting in His victory and promises.
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
