FROM THE INTERNET

I have been rather busy of late, so I have not been responsive to the posts about the group of believers who are referred to as being the "OVERCOMERS."

I would like to, now, respond, if I may. And, since it is one of my favorite topics, I may get a bit long winded, and you might find it profitable to print this out for future reference.

First, it is necessary to establish the difference between being SAVED, and becoming an OVERCOMER, or coming to MATURITY in our Christian walk.

John 1:12 states But as many as received him, to them gave he power (the right, privilege, opportunity) to BECOME (develop, grow up into) the SONS (huios-- fully developed) of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

In other words, SALVATION (whatever your understanding of it is) is the STARTING POINT in our life as a Christian. When we receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, we are given a VERY SMALL allotment of the Eternal Spirit which spoke the worlds into existence. Eph 1:13,14 tells us that we are SEALED with that Holy Spirit of Promise, but that it is ONLY AN EARNEST of what we can attain to, if we "do our homework" from that beginning.

The REDEMPTION OF THE PURCHASED POSSESSION spoken of here is referring to an experience which is attainable in mortality, rather than in immortality-- as we have formerly been taught. Romans 8:23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the FIRSTFRUIT of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the ADOPTION, [to wit], the REDEMPTION OF OUR BODY.

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost DID NOT PARTIALLY IMMORTALIZE US. So, the REDEMPTION (buying back, restoring) will only affect the human mortal body.

WHEN WE RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST, a work is STARTED in our spirits which is the essence of the finger of God BEGINNING to write HIS DESIRES on the tables of our hearts. The process of guiding us into the TRUTH is HELPED or HINDERED in direct ratio to our RESPONSES to the voice of the Spirit as we acquaint ourselves with the Word of God. IT IS NOT AUTOMATIC.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, is come, he will GUIDE you into ALL TRUTH: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: AND HE WILL SHEW YOU THINGS TO COME.

It is a sad reality that multitudes of people who are GENUINELY SAVED have never caught a glimpse of the possibilities of development in God, and the REWARDS which accompany that development.

ADOPTION is one of those REWARDS. We are battling against the element of TIME in receiving both the ADOPTION and THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Notice that Paul said he HAD NOT YET ATTAINED, NEITHER WAS ALREADY PERFECT (MATURE, COMPLETE), but there was ONE THING I DO. I "FOLLOW AFTER"-- a very strong word in the Greek, and "I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK"-- another very strong expression of intense desire.

Now, let me remind you that Paul was "SAVED" in the sense the word is used today, all the time he was pursuing after something better.

This group of CHRISTIANS is described in Malachi 3:16 Then they that FEARED THE LORD spake (consulted) often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance (earmarked for adoption, overcomers) was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought (reckoned, guided their lives) upon his name. AND THEY SHALL BE MINE, saith the LORD of hosts, IN THAT DAY WHEN I MAKE UP MY JEWELS; and I will spare them (from the great White Throne Judgment), as a man spareth (in the FIRST (BETTER) RESURRECTION) his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return (look around), and discern (be able to know) between the righteous (now) and the wicked, between him that serveth God (now) and him that serveth him not (now).

TWO CLASSES OF CHRISTIANS mingle on a weekly basis, but no one is capable of knowing the heart of each individual-- except God. BUT HE DOES KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

WHEN IT IS TIME for the OVERCOMERS to be USHERED INTO THEIR PLACE in the economy of God-- they will be found from every walk of life, from every strata of society, from every race and nationality. PROBABLY FROM EVERY DENOMINATION also.

There will be a WORK for them to do. Revelation 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.