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The Blessings of Revelation – Part 3

We began this study of the blessings of Revelation a couple of days ago. Yesterday, we went through the first three blessings. Today we will discuss the final four blessings.

Fourth Blessing

Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” – Revelation 19:9

Since the time of Jesus, His Church has been called the Bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9, 2 Corinthians 11:2, John 3:9). Jesus is the head of the Church as a husband to her (Ephesians 5:25-27). The Church submits herself to Him by being faithful to Him while He was away.

Those who are invited to the marriage supper are those who trust in Jesus, not just those who profess Jesus (Titus 1:16). Anyone can profess Jesus, even demons (Luke 4:41, James 2:19). Jesus does not accept professors. To them, He says, “I never knew you,” (Matthew 7:21-23).

This blessing comes just prior to His return to take the Earth back for Himself (Revelation 19:11-13). The Church, those who trust in Christ, is in Heaven with Jesus before His Second Coming.

Before His return, the Church is the Bride of Christ at the wedding feast. After the marriage supper, we become the army of Christ coming down with Him to watch Him defeat those who have rejected Him (Revelation 19:14).

Notice however, that this blessing is to those who are invited to the wedding feast, not to the Bride!

Those invited to the feast are those who are in heaven but were not part of the Church. They are the Old Testament saints as well as all who came to Christ after the Church was brought into Heaven. The blessing is that all who have received Christ will celebrate with Him just prior to His Return. Then they will join Him at His Return to witness His power and sovereignty as He takes control of the whole Earth.

Fifth Blessing

Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years. – Revelation 20:6

This blessing is for those who are part of the first resurrection. They are described two verses earlier (Revelation 20:4). They died because of their faith in Jesus and the Bible, they did not worship the Beast (Antichrist), or take the mark of Satan. This blessing is two-fold: they will escape the second death (Hell) and they will be priests who reign with Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, for a thousand years.

Sixth Blessing

“And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.” – Revelation 22:7

This blessing is an inclusio and bookends the Book of Revelation. In the first chapter, we read the first blessing to those who keep the words of this prophecy. Here, we see the same blessing repeated.

If it is not a new blessing, then why add it here? Two reasons: It is for emphasis and for completeness.

It emphasizes the fact that there will be a blessing for those who heed the Book of Revelation. This means that we don’t forget it. We keep it in the forefront of our hearts and minds. We need to listen to and understand this Book so that it affects our lives and activities.

This blessing also brings a sense of completeness: of wholeness, fullness and finality. It is to those who heed the Book of Revelation: keeps, pays attention to, studies and thinks about it.

Seventh Blessing

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. – Revelation 22:14

Washed robes are made white by the blood of Christ. In other words, this blessing is for all those who have received Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The blessing is twofold: We have the right to the tree of life and we can enter into the city.

To “have the right to the tree of life” means we can now partake of eternal life. Adam and Eve lost access to that tree when they ate from the forbidden fruit. Now that God has restored all things, we regain access to it. Adam and Eve brought death into the world. God has given eternal life.

Not only do we have this life, but we have it with Him. He has given us an eternal pass into the New Jerusalem. This is the city that is not built by human hands (Hebrews 11:10). The New Jerusalem is the city that has come down from Heaven (Revelation 21:1-2). It is the city where God will live with us forever (Revelation 21:3-4).

Eternal life with God! What a blessing! It doesn’t get better than that!

Your Turn

Which of these four blessings mean the most to you personally? Why? Or is your preference for one of the Blessings we discussed yesterday? What do you think about studying the Book of Revelation? Let me know in the comments below.