"White garments" undoubtedly refers to the righteousness of the saints. In the Old Testament days to be blotted out of the book of life meant to forfeit the privileges of the Theocracy—to be shut out forever from God's favor. Here the certainty of the believer's eternal security is assured. Christ will rejoice over him and gladly confess that He knows him as one who belonged to Him and served and confessed Him on the earth.
f) 3:12—The Believer Will Be a Pillar in the Temple of God; He Shall Go Out No More; God Will Write Upon Him His Own New Name.
Philadelphia, the place in which was situated the church to whom these words were written, was subject to earthquakes, and quite frequently the massive pillars of the temple were shattered. It shall not be so with the believer—he shall never be moved. He will go in and out no more—no possibility of falling then. He will have the name of God written upon him—no danger of anyone else making claim to him. Then the believer's period of probation will have passed away; he shall have a permanent and eternal place in the kingdom of the Father.
g) 3:21, R. V.—"I Will Give to Him to Sit Down With Me in My Throne."
Not "on" or "upon" but "in" my throne. Christ will exalt us with
Himself. James and John wanted to sit by Christ's side in the coming
kingdom. Here is something infinitely better—to sit with Him in
His throne.
VI. THE BELIEVER WILL ENTER INTO A NEW CONDITION AND ABODE OF LIFE.
1. A NEW SPHERE OF LIFE FOR THE SAINTS.
New Heavens and a new Earth: Paradise regained; new spiritual environment; new physical conditions. Not surrounded by the temptations and defects of this mortal life. "No more sea"—to the Jew a symbol of unmixed peril, trouble, and restlessness.
2. A NEW HOME FOR THE SAINTS.
Rev. 21-22:5—A picture of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is to be the final and eternal abode of the people of God.