==A Basic Concept, #12==
<p><em>And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. (Revelation 3:26,27) </em></p>
<p>Notice that the promises to the victorious saint outlined in the second and third chapters of the Book of Revelation do not stress residence in Paradise. They have to do with eternal life, with authority, with nearness to the Lord, with opportunities for service. </p>
<p>To attain eternal residence in Paradise may have been our goal to this point. Now we are beginning to see that as members of the Lord's elect we have a much higher calling. We must seek the Lord as never before. Personal transformation and union with the Lord are possible only as we overcome our love of the world, our love of sin, and our self-will. The eternal purposes of God in His universe are possible only as the elect experience personal transformation and union with the Lord. </p>
<p>Let us think about some of the purposes of God. God will satisfy His needs and desires and the needs and desires of His creation by creating the saints in the image of Christ and bringing them into perfect union with Himself. Then they will be able to serve in the following roles: </p>
<p>The Bride of the Lamb </p>
<p>The Temple of God </p>
<p>The Body of Christ </p>
<p>The vehicle for the end-time revival </p>
<p>The restorers of Paradise on earth </p>
<p>The royal priesthood </p>
<p>The witnesses of God </p>
<p>The sons of God </p>
<p>The brothers of Christ </p>
<p>The overcomers of the accuser </p>
<p>The governors of the nations </p>
<p>The judges of men and angels </p>
<p>The wall of defense around the Glory of God </p>
<p>The revelation of Himself—God in Christ in the saints </p>
<p>[[To be continued A Basic Concept 13]]
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