Seven Beatitudes of Revelation

Seven symbolizing completeness and perfection.

These seven beatitudes appear to be in progression.

First Blessing

First Blessing

1:3 – “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

** One (Singular) who reads (customary as from the early church where scripture was read to everyone – similar to a pastor)

** Those (Plural) who hear (those who are listening in the congregation)

** Both are blessed.

** James 1:22 says “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

** He continues to tell us exactly what we need to do! There is no guessing.

Second Blessing

14:13 – “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

** Although you will suffer in this life – you will get rest in heaven.

Third Blessing

16:15 – “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

** This is not literal clothing – this is what represents our values and priorities. Therefore be compassionate in your heart, be kind, show humility and show patience – this is what others see (like clothing – it is what represents you). Where it with dignity and don’t take it off (being naked – not literally naked)

** Romans 13:14 says – “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

** 2 Corinthians 5:2-5 – “We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.”

Fourth Blessing

19:9 – “Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

** In Matthew 22:1-14 it talks about the Parable of the Wedding Banquet –

** Jesus said the Kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.

** Servants went out to get those who had been invited. (The Jewish people)

** Those invited went about their business (everyone who can be saved but chose not to believe) – others mistreated or killed the servants. (believers martyred)

** The king, enraged, had them killed.

** The king said to go out into the streets to invite anyone – good and bad. (Jesus wants all to be saved)

** He saw one man not wearing wedding clothes and the king had him thrown out. (non-believers – showing insolence – I deserve to be here)

** Jesus than says “For many are invited, but few are chosen”

Fifth Blessing

20:6 – “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”

** Daniel 12:2 – “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Sixth Blessing

22:7 – “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

** Hearing the Word is NOT enough – follow it with obedience!

Seventh Blessing

22:14 – “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”

** Revelation 7:13 - 14 – “Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

** Only His blood-washed believers will have the right to the tree of life.