He That Overcometh (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “He that Overcometh” – I start by reminding you that the name of “the city of God” (Psalm 46:4) is the name of the “new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from…God” (Revelation 3:12). Beloved, by simply turning to the Book of Revelation, we find that the new Jerusalem is the Bride – the Lamb’s wife (Jesus’ wife, Revelation 21:9, 19). We know that Jesus is our heavenly Bridegroom – that no one will deny – but I must remind you that “the Lamb’s” wife must bear the name of her husband. More importantly, the Bride cannot wait until she gets to the new Jerusalem before she decides to bear Jesus’ Name. All who desire to be Jesus’ Bride, must take and bear His Name right here on this earth first. Only true overcomers who are not ashamed to bear the Name of Jesus now will be accepted as His Bride then (see Mark 8:38).

Chosen Ones, Isaiah teaches us this principle. He says, “thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called” (Isaiah 54:5). We learn two principles here: (1) Because Jesus is the “Maker” and “Redeemer” on this earth, (2) Isaiah says that we must “call” Him our husband and bear His Name on this earth. Now it makes sense when Jesus says, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation [right here on this earth]; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father [when Jesus is restored to His shekinah glory] with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38). Overcomers, let us not be reluctant to tell this sinful world that we are the Bride of Christ. Although the wedding hasn’t yet taken place, we are engaged to be married, and by faith we proclaim His Name before we get to heaven. Again, for clarity, let us conclude this letter with the words of our God – “If my people, which are called by my name [not in heaven only, but right here on earth], shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14). This promise applies to all of us who have taken on Jesus’ Name in baptism. Congratulations, overcomers!

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this…

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Your Humble Servant

Pastor William L. McCoy