curse (Revelation 22:3). These blessings are sometimes called the seven beatitudes of Revelation.
Q: What are beatitudes?
Beatitude is a fancy way of saying blessed, based on the
Latin word. The most well-known beatitudes are the ones Jesus spoke in
the Sermon on the Mount, starting with, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:3.The Greek word makarios, which is translated blessed, means -- blessed, possessing the favor of God, that state of being marked by
fullness from God. It indicates the state of the believer in Christ.
The first beatitude, Revelation 1:3
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this
prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is
near.
The second beatitude, Revelation 14:13
Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: Blessed
are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.The third beatitude, Revelation 16:15
Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.
The fourth beatitude, Revelation 19:9
Then he said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are called to
the marriage supper of the Lamb’.
The fifth beatitude, Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection.
Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of
God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.The sixth beatitude, Revelation 22:7
Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
The seventh beatitude, Revelation 22:14
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the
right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the
city.
From the beginning, God has sought those who would obey Him, thus
avoiding the forbidden fruit that produces eternal death and seeking the
tree of life that brings the blessing of eternal life. The end of the
book not only takes us back to Eden, but forward to the incomparably
glorious New Jerusalem."
Mike Bennett
