Paul prays for the Ephesians that they will have the eyes of their hearts enlightened to know the hope of their calling in Ephesians 1:18. It seems that God wants us to be motivated by the astonishing things promised to those who are called. So what awaits them, what is the hope of their calling? Here is a list of things Jesus promises to those who overcome in Revelation 2-3:
- The right to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (Rev 2:7).
- To the one who is faithful unto death, the crown of life (Rev 2:10).
- Protection from the second death (Rev 2:11).
- The hidden manna and a white stone, with a new name written on it that no one knows except the one who receives it (Rev 2:17).
- Authority over the nations, ruling them with a rod of iron (Rev 2:26).
- Given the morning star by Jesus (Rev 2:28).
- Those who do not soil their garments will walk with Jesus in white (Rev 3:4).
- White garments, and a name never to be blotted out of the book of life, a name confessed by Jesus before the Father and his angels (Rev 3:5).
- Made a pillar in the temple of God by Jesus, never to go out, on whom the name of Jesus and the new Jerusalem, and Jesus’ own new name are written (Rev 3:12).
- Communing with Jesus (Rev 3:20)
- Sitting on the throne with Jesus, as Jesus sits with his Father on his throne (Rev 3:21).
Jim, good stuff. A good reminder that Revelation is a book of promise, encouragement and hope and not simply a time-table for the final assize.