Revelation 3:12

A pillar in the temple. A metaphorical “pillar” would, of course, be part of a metaphorical “temple.” In the NT the word translated “temple” (naos) generally refers to the inner sanctuary containing the holy and most holy places, not to the whole complex of buildings that constituted the ancient Temple. Accordingly, this promise would mean that the overcomer will hold a permanent, important place in the very presence of God. For similar metaphorical usage of the word “pillar” see Gal. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:15.

Go no more out. That is, be permanent. In harmony with the figure, to “go … out” would be to leave the presence of God, deliberately, as Lucifer did. Such a promise as this could be made only to those who overcome, permanently. In this life the possibility of going “out” remains, but in the future life no one will choose to go out.

Name of my God. See on Acts 3:16; Rev. 2:3; cf. Rev. 2:17; 14:1; 22:4. This continues the figure of speech introduced by the pillar, and is therefore also to be taken figuratively. Inasmuch as a “name” implies personality and character, the promise here is that those who overcome will receive the permanent impress of God’s character; the image of their Creator will be fully restored in them. This figure of speech may also be understood to imply that the victorious saints will be completely God’s own, as attested by His name, or sign of ownership, thus affixed upon them.

Name of the city. The pillar not only has the divine name inscribed upon it, but also bears the name of the New Jerusalem. This may be taken to signify that the victorious Christian is a citizen of the New Jerusalem and has a right to reside there (ch. 22:14).

New Jerusalem. Not “new” in the sense of being a replica of the literal city by the same name, but in supernal contrast with its earthly counterpart. Ancient Jerusalem was to have become the metropolis of this earth and to have stood forever (see Vol. IV, pp. 29, 30), but because of its failure to carry out its assigned task that role will be accorded the New Jerusalem. The term New Jerusalem is limited to the Revelation, but the thought is anticipated in Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22. For the meaning of the name Jerusalem see on Joshua 10:1.

Cometh down. See on ch. 21:2.

My new name. The third name written on the symbolic pillar is that of Christ Himself. The overcomer’s reception of the divine character, represented by the name (see on Acts 3:16), is mediated by Christ. It is only by virtue of the fact that God became man in Jesus Christ that man may once more be restored to the image of God. This is accomplished by the gift of the life and character of Christ to the believer (see Gal. 2:20). To receive Christ’s name is also to receive confirmation of His ownership (see on 2 Cor. 1:22).