88. To him that overcometh, signifies he that fights against his evils and falsities, and is reformed. Now since in what is written to the seven churches is described the state of all in the Christian church who can receive the doctrine of the New Jerusalem, and live according to it, thus who by combats against evils and falsities can be reformed; therefore it is said to each, "He that overcometh" as here:
To the church of Ephesus: to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life (Rev. 2:7).
To the church in Smyrna; he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (Rev. 2:11).
To the church in Pergamos: to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna (Rev. 2:17).
To the church in Thyatira: to him that overcometh and keepeth My works unto the end I will give power over the nations (Rev. 2:26).
To the church in Sardis; he that overcometh the same shall be clothed in white raiment (Rev. 3:5).
To the church in Philadelphia; he that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God (Rev. 3:12).
And to the church in Laodicea: to him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne (Rev. 3:21).
"He that overcometh" in these places signifies he who fights against evils and falsities, and thus is reformed.