The Beatitudes of Revelation (Part 2)

“Blessed are those…”
Revelation 19:9 (NIV UK)

“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 labour, for their deeds will follow them.’” (Revelation 14:13)
“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.’” (Revelation 19:9)
“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.” (Revelation 20:6)
“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 22:14)

Three beatitudes of Revelation were reviewed in part 1; this study reviews the remaining four. In these beatitudes Jesus, the author of the book of Revelation, gives some precious promises and a powerful message of hope and encouragement to all Christians.

Death is inevitable, but those that die in the Lord are blessed. Death has no power over them; they have a share in the first resurrection; their earthly trials and tribulations are over. God does not forget their good deeds, but they do not go before them but follow them—it is not a works based salvation. Christians are invited or called (it is not something that is earned), to the wedding supper of the Lamb; they are invited to partake in the blessings of salvation and will reign with Christ in his kingdom. As a defence against a fallen sceptical world we are reminded that these are the true words of God. Blessed are those that have their clothes washed metaphorically in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14) since they have the right or privilege (granted by God) to the tree of life and may go through the gates of the eternal city.

The book of Revelation also includes a gospel invitation to all humanity to freely participate in the blessings outlined in it. The Spirit and the Church (the bride) in unison jointly proclaim this invitation, “…the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17 NKJV)

Prayer
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with God’s people. Amen” (Revelation 22:21)
Amen

Study by Eddie Marsh

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About the Author:
Eddie Marsh attends Grace Communion International in Sheffield.

Local Congregation:
Grace Communion, Sheffield
Please email for Meeting Place

Meeting time:
Saturday 10:30am
Local Congregational Contact:
Email: sheffield@gracecom.org.uk