In order to remain faithfully in the situation we find ourselves we must hold to the belief that Jesus is the Son of God. But it is not the belief that is the victory, the overcoming, it is the integrity and faithfulness we demonstrate that bring the victory. Can you see the difference?

Actually it is not all that important how you define to overcome, the important thing is to remain faithfully where God places you. It is your faith and patience that will bring the rewards designated for the overcomer.

To just say "I believe and therefore I am an overcomer" is spiritual schizophrenia. There is an awful lot of that around!

Rather we should say, "I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and because of my belief I am cooperating with the Holy Spirit as He gives me victory over sin." Then we really are an overcomer.

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Revelation 2:14)

Does it appear to you that the issue here is believing that Jesus is the Son of God?

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (Revelation 2:20)

Does this sound like the issue is believing that Jesus is the Son of God? There is a considerable amount of adultery, fornication, child molestation, and reading of pornography in the Christian churches of our day. If you are practicing immorality you cannot say in truth I am an overcomer because I believe Jesus is the Son of God. Rather your belief that Jesus is the Son of God provides a basis on which you can proceed to turn away from your sin. If you do not turn away from your sin you are not an overcomer and the rewards assigned to the overcomer are not yours. You certainly will not inherit "all these things."

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. (Revelation 2:22)

Does this sound to you like the Lord Jesus is telling the Christians in Thyatira they must begin to believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Wouldn't that be kind of stretching it?

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Revelation 2:23)

"I will give unto every one of you according to your works." Does this translate "I will bless those who believe I am the Son of God"?

To be continued.