When we think about winning, we often picture people cheering and smiling, arms raised up in the shape of a “V.” Throughout the world, winning might look like this, but true victory, victory over sin, and death, looks like this.

Such were my thoughts today while reading these verses from Revelation.

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

Revelation 2:10 (NIV)

Who looks upon death and sees it as victorious? The one who is faithful, even to the point of death. Indeed, instead of a crown of gold encrusted with precious jewels, such a person is given eternal life as a victor’s crown.

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Revelation 3:21 (NIV)

Those enemies of Jesus who thought they had won by crucifying him didn’t think Jesus was victorious, as he stood there, nailed to that cross, but we know otherwise. For on that day, sin and death were defeated, and all who believe in Jesus as Christ are brought back into the right relationship with God, are children of God and will walk eternally with him.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.