An Introduction to the Book of Revelation

a) "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of
this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it" 1:3.
This is the only scripture which opens with a pronounced blessing to
its readers or hearers who keep it through obedience. This denotes
the importance of its message.
b) The previous blessing is offered to those who strive to
obey the word of God. Now He blesses those who had departed
from this world to meet the Word of God Himself, face to face:
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on" 14:13.
c) Lest one should thing that he should depart from this
world to receive the blessing, consequently longing for death and
hating his temporal life, the book offers a blessing for those who live
on earth watching for the Lord's coming: "Blessed is he who
watches and keeps his garments" 16:15.
d) Whether we live watching for the Lord's coming (16:15),
or die in the Lord (14:13), we enjoy a blessing, for we are invited to
the marriage supper: "Blessed are those who are called to the marriage
supper of the Lamb" 19:9. We will not only meet Him face to
face but will also unite with Him, as a bride with her heavenly
Groom, and participate in His glorious heritage.
e) We are not waiting for the general resurrection to receive
the blessing, but through enjoying His resurrected life, we rise from
the death of sin, and receive the first resurrection as a new life,
blessed in the Lord: "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first
resurrection" 20:6.
f) "Behold, I am coming quickly; blessed is he who keeps the
words of the prophecy of this book" 22:7.
g) "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" 22:14. In the previous blessing we are encouraged
to keep the words of the prophecy by trusting it, and here it
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