You’re probably familiar with the eight Beatitudes or blessings that Jesus gave in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-10) or at least you’ve probably heard about them. But did you know there are seven Beatitudes in the book of Revelation?
The first beatitude
The first one is my favorite because it’s such an easy one to receive. All you need to do to receive this blessing is to either read or hear the book of Revelation. Even if you don’t understand all of it the first time, don’t worry. You’ll still receive the blessing.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 six remaining Beatitudes are blessings promised to those who remain right with God until Christ returns for his church.
Revelation 1:3
The second beatitude
This blessing is for those who are saved before they die.Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”The term “die in Christ” or “die in the Lord” was also used by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:7-8. It means they received salvation from the Lord before they died. This certainly is better than the alternative of dying in your sins.
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Revelation 14:13
This Beatitude also reminds us that, unlike our earthly possessions, our good works follow us into eternity, where neither moth nor rust destroys (Matthew 6:20).
The third beatitude
This blessing also serves as a warning because it tells us that Jesus will come at a time that no one expects. This blessing is promised to those who remain ready until Jesus comes for His church. Otherwise, if we’re unprepared for His return, we will walk in shame because we’ll have missed the rapture. Here's what Jesus said:“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake and who keeps his clothes [that is, stays spiritually ready for the Lord’s return], so that he will not be naked—spiritually unprepared—and men will not see his shame.”This blessing also reminds me of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 which is also a warning to stay alert for the Lord’s return.
Revelation 16:15
The fourth beatitude
The fourth blessing is for those who became members of God's kingdom before the foundation of Christ's church. It can't refer to Christ's church because the bride does not need to be invited to the marriage supper, which is in her honor.Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”These guests represent the Old Testament believers such as the Old Testament prophets of God and everyone mentioned in Hebrews 11. I believe that John the Baptist will also be among the guests as he died as a believer before the foundation of the church.
Revelation 19:9
The fifth beatitude
This blessing is for those who are in the Lord when Jesus returns for His church. The first resurrection refers to those who died in Christ before the rapture and are resurrected from the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16). These blessed saints will be taken to heaven along with the believers who are still alive when the rapture of the church occurs. Together they will rule the Earth with Jesus for a thousand years following the seven-year tribulation.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.The second death is an eternal separation from God and an eternity in the lake of fire, which is what unbelievers will be faced with. But praise God, the second death has no power over those who are in Christ Jesus.
Revelation 20:6
The sixth beatitude
This one is pretty straightforward and is closely related to the first beatitude. Here's what Jesus said:“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”Keeping the words of the prophecy of Revelation includes things like refusing to take the mark of the beast which is something that many people will do who live during the great tribulation and don’t know that the book of Revelation specifically warns against taking the mark of the beast. Of course, to keep the words of the prophecy, you have to know the prophecy, which means that you have to read it or hear it. I’ve read it many times and if the Lord tarries, I’ll read it many more times. Every time I read God's word, I tend to glean even more from it.
Revelation 22:7
The seventh beatitude
This blessing is for those who are obedient to the Lord’s commandments. These blessed servants of Christ will be rewarded with eternal life and the right to enter the Lord’s city, which is the New Jerusalem.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.For those of you who are in the Lord, I pray that these seven beatitudes motivate you to read or hear the book of Revelation, to stay ready for the Lord’s return, and to remain obedient to God's word. If you haven’t already accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I pray that you will do so right now so you can receive these blessings. Believe me, it beats the alternative.
Revelation 22:14
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