It is well known that there are many sevens in Revelation as a symbol of perfection and fullness. There are seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven horns, seven eyes, seven trumpets, seven angels, and so on. However, it is rarely discussed that Revelation also has seven blessings. In this article, we will study the meaning and significance of the seven blessings of Revelation.
The First Blessing
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3
Revelation is a book given especially to those who live in the last days. The final crisis is coming, and the time is coming when every person and nation will need to make a choice that will determine their eternal fate. Therefore, there was never a time as now when it has been so crucial to study this book “for the time is at hand.” Through the book of Revelation, God shows us what will happen to us during the world’s final era.
Indeed, most of these seven blessings in Revelation specifically apply to the remnant people of God. And the first blessing shows us how we must study the book of Revelation to receive all these blessings. Just as we need a key to open a treasure box, we need three elements to understand and receive the prophecies, messages, and blessings of Revelation: Read, hear, and keep.
First of all, if we do not read we cannot receive anything, just as we cannot nourish our bodies without eating. But this reading is not merely the act of reading letters and words. Reading means active participation in seeking the truth and understanding. “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:8
Some Christians take a passive stance. They believe that going to church and listening to sermons is enough to maintain their spiritual life; thus, barely reading and seeking the words of God by themselves. Those who do so are not on safe ground. Only those who seek and read will find the treasures hidden in Revelation.
However, what about the opposite? What if someone studies the Bible alone and does not attend church? That will expose them to a high risk of a wrong interpretation. “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:8. God has entrusted the truth to the church, not independently to individuals.
“God has made His church a channel of light, and through it He communicates His purposes and His will. He does not give one an experience independent of the church. He does not give one man a knowledge of His will for the entire church, while the church, Christ’s body, is left in darkness.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 414
Therefore, the willingness to “hear” and learn from the channel God has assigned and anointed is the key to receiving the treasures found in Revelation.
However, all the reading and hearing would be in vain if we do not “keep” the word. What if we know the future, that there will be a fire in our house tomorrow? Would we not escape to save our lives? What happens if we do not escape? It is the same. God not only shows us the future but also gives us instructions on what we can do to be saved. We will lose our eternal life if we do not keep those words. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
Only when we realize that “the time is at hand” and be ready to “read, hear, and keep,” we will be able to receive the seven blessings of Revelation.
The Second Blessing
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13
The second blessing is given to those who died after receiving three angels’ messages (Revelation 14:6–12) as they will be counted as part of the 144,000 (Revelation 14:1–5) and therefore be privileged to see the second coming of Jesus. This is unlike the great multitude who will be resurrected after Jesus comes to the earth. Those who receive this second blessing will be able to see the complete procession of His second coming.
But that is not all that is contained in this blessing. The blessing continues: “their works do follow them.” What does it mean?
John the Baptist was a servant of God who prepared for the first advent of Jesus, just as we, today, should prepare for the Second Advent.
In human eyes, the life of John the Baptist seemed to be a failure. Even John the Baptist himself had suffered from this idea: “There were hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? Then what meant the message that he himself had been impelled to bear? John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission. He had expected that the message from God would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and of Ezra (2 Chronicles 34; Nehemiah 8, 9); that there would follow a deep-seated work of repentance and returning unto the Lord. For the success of this mission his whole life had been sacrificed. Had it been in vain?
“John was troubled to see that through love for him, his own disciples were cherishing unbelief in regard to Jesus. Had his work for them been fruitless? Had he been unfaithful in his mission, that he was now cut off from labor? If the promised Deliverer had appeared, and John had been found true to his calling, would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor’s power, and set free His herald?” –The Desire of Ages, p. 216
It was the same experience of the Adventist pioneers. They had been looking forward to the second coming of Jesus. They had invested their whole life in preparation for His coming. They sold all their properties and gave up everything on this earth. On October 22, 1844, all their works and labours seemed to be in vain. However, was it indeed in vain?
It is also the same experience we will go through, especially during the time of Jacob’s trouble. Demons will whisper to us that all our faith was in vain. All our repentance was in vain. Demons will tell us that the church of God is gone, all scattered around the world, thus implying that all our works and labours for the gospel were in vain.
However, is it indeed in vain?
“Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant. He knew that John would bear the test. Gladly would the Saviour have come to John, to brighten the dungeon gloom with His own presence. But He was not to place Himself in the hands of enemies and imperil His own mission. Gladly would He have delivered His faithful servant. But for the sake of thousands who in after years must pass from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom. As the followers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself had borne witness, had passed through a similar experience!” –The Desire of Ages, p. 242
The life of John the Baptist was not in vain. Even though he could not see it, his life became a comfort and encouragement for thousands of martyrs throughout the ages. His works did follow him.
The lives of Adventist pioneers were not in vain. Even though they may not have recognized it at the moment, they were laying the foundation for the last church of God on this earth. Their works did follow them.
So it will be with our lives. They will not be in vain. There will be moments when they seem to be in vain. However, God has promised in His blessing that our works will follow us. We might not be able to see it. However, it does not matter. What matters is that God can see it.
This promise has more meaning, just as many Bible verses have multiple layers of lessons for us to learn from. Work was given to human beings as a blessing. However, labour was cursed as a result of our sins.
“To the dwellers in Eden was committed the care of the garden, ‘to dress it and to keep it.’ Their occupation was not wearisome, but pleasant and invigorating. God appointed labor as a blessing to man, to occupy his mind, to strengthen his body, and to develop his faculties. In mental and physical activity Adam found one of the highest pleasures of his holy existence. And when, as a result of his disobedience, he was driven from his beautiful home, and forced to struggle with a stubborn soil to gain his daily bread, that very labor, although widely different from his pleasant occupation in the garden, was a safeguard against temptation and a source of happiness. Those who regard work as a curse, attended though it be with weariness and pain, are cherishing an error. The rich often look down with contempt upon the working classes, but this is wholly at variance with God’s purpose in creating man. What are the possessions of even the most wealthy in comparison with the heritage given to the lordly Adam? Yet Adam was not to be idle. Our Creator, who understands what is for man’s happiness, appointed Adam his work. The true joy of life is found only by the working men and women. The angels are diligent workers; they are the ministers of God to the children of men. The Creator has prepared no place for the stagnating practice of indolence.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 50
For our sake, labour was cursed and became difficult. When we think about the impact of work on our lives, it seems to be a great loss, but we will still work in heaven, however, the labours in heaven will be totally different from the labours here on earth. Just as it was at the beginning, our work will be our highest pleasure and enjoyment. In this way, our labour will be restored to that which God intended for us.
The Third Blessing
“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15
It was not only the joyous labour that we lost in the Garden but also our garments. What was the garment that our first parents wore? What was it made of? It was neither silk, cotton, nor leather.
“As man came forth from the hand of his Creator, he was of lofty stature and perfect symmetry. His countenance bore the ruddy tint of health and glowed with the light of life and joy. Adam’s height was much greater than men who now inhabit the earth. Eve was somewhat less in stature; yet her form was noble, and full of beauty. The sinless pair wore no artificial garments; they were clothed with a covering of light and glory, such as the angels wear. So long as they lived in obedience to God, this robe of light continued to enshroud them.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 45
The light and glory of God comes from His character, His righteousness. For this reason, Adam and Eve lost their garments of light as soon as they committed sin. They lost His character through sin, and naturally, their garments were lost also. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” Genesis 3:6–7
Since then, the human race has tried to hide their nakedness through their works. Many have attempted to become righteous through their own efforts. Sometimes, they have tried to keep the law of God in their own strength. Sometimes, they went on long journies to visit “sacred places.” Sometimes, they even tortured their bodies. However, none of these works could hide their nakedness.
However, in His mercy, God has given us a garment. “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” Genesis 3:21
And this is how we can restore the garments that we lost, through God’s little Lamb. Yes, Jesus Christ. He is our righteousness and the only way to salvation. As the light became brighter and brighter, this garment has been called by many different names and terms: the present truth, the Three Angels’ Message, Christ Our Righteousness, the 1888 Message, and so on.
Revelation shows us that we live in a time where we are being investigated to see if we are keeping on these garments. “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son. . . . And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Matthew 22:2, 11–13; Revelation 14:6–7
Yes, the time in which we live—the investigative judgment—is when we need to keep our garments more than
at any other time.
The Bible verses we just read provide an important connection between the first three blessings and the following three. We have a place to go, dressed in this garment of Christ Our Righteousness.
The Fourth Blessing
“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:9
The Seven Blessings of Revelation has a Chiasmus format. Chiasmus means “a rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or a modified form.” There are many Chiasmi in the Bible. For example, the Bible’s first two chapters describe the creation of the earth. Correspondingly, the last two chapters of the Bible describe the recreation of the world. Also, the third chapter of Genesis describes how sin entered into the world, and the third chapter from the last of Revelation describes how sin will vanish.
The Seven Blessings of Revelation has the same pattern. The first and sixth, the second and fifth, and the third and fourth correspond to each other, leaving the seventh as a conclusion.
The wedding ceremony that we will attend with the restored garment will be that of Christ and the New Jerusalem. This ceremony will take place at the end of the Great Controversy. In other words, this event will mean the end of sorrow, suffering, and sin. It will be our honour to attend this ceremony that represents the great and eternal victory of Jesus.
Also, this wedding will have significant meaning for the marriage institution itself. As there will be no more marriages in heaven, the union of Christ and New Jerusalem will be the last marriage in history. In this way, the marriage institution will be made complete and sealed, fulfilling its sacred purpose since the beginning. Also, God will declare the end to the great suffering brought to marriage institutions, families, and societies by sin. In this way, God not only restores the marriage but also completes and fulfills it.
The Fifth Blessing
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
In contrast to the special resurrection in the second blessing, we can see the first resurrection in the fifth blessing, which applies to the great multitude, which includes all the saved people except the 144,000.
Here, just as in other blessings, God has promised a restoration. In the beginning, humans were given dominion over the earth. “Adam was crowned king in Eden. To him was given dominion over every living thing that God had created. The Lord blessed Adam and Eve with intelligence such as He had not given to any other creature. He made Adam the rightful sovereign over all the works of His hands. Man, made in the divine image, could contemplate and appreciate the glorious works of God in nature.” –The Review and Herald, February 24, 1874
However, we have given this rulership to Satan by yielding to his temptations. Since then, we have become slaves to Satan and to our sins. However, Jesus came to this earth, defeated our enemies, and set us free. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
However, Jesus did not stop by just setting us free. He has promised to make us His kings and priests again. “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9–10
The Sixth Blessing
“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:7
We can see that this verse corresponds with the first blessing. However, there are some differences. Unlike the first blessing, it does not have “readeth” and “hear.” By the time we come to the sixth blessing, we reach the last chapter of Revelation. It means that those who reached this verse have been reading and hearing. Therefore, there is no need to talk about reading and hearing again. Still, the Bible reemphasizes the need to “keep”.
By this time, readers and hearers should have a good idea regarding the events of the future. However, if we are not doers of His word, all the reading and hearing will be in vain. We need to be doers to complete these seven blessings and receive them.
The Seventh Blessing
“Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14
Probably among all seven blessings, this promise will have the most personal and emotional meaning for human beings. The story of sin and misery started when our first parents chose the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil instead of the Tree of Life. Immediately after sin, the gate to the Garden of Eden was closed, and we lost access to the Tree of Life and eternal life.
“But after man’s fall, holy angels were immediately commissioned to guard the tree of life. Around these angels flashed beams of light having the appearance of a glittering sword. None of the family of Adam were permitted to pass the barrier to partake of the life-giving fruit; hence there is not an immortal sinner.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 60
The Garden of Eden remained on this earth until the flood. Throughout their lives, Adam and his family could see the Tree of Life beyond the gate. “The beautiful garden of Eden, from which our first parents had been driven, remained until God determined to destroy the earth by a flood. The Lord had planted that garden, and especially blessed it; and in His wonderful providence He withdrew it from the earth, and will return it again, more gloriously adorned than before it was removed. God purposed to preserve a specimen of His perfect work of creation free from the curse which sin had brought upon the earth.” –The Signs of The Times, February 20, 1879
Picture yourself watching this tree along with the other families of Adam. What feelings it would have brought about, seeing the tree yet without having access to it, due to our sins! And ever since that time, it has become the desire of our human race to return to this tree, calling the end to the long history of sin. We have gone to the wrong tree. How exceedingly we have been wishing to have a second chance to choose the right tree again!
The last blessings of Revelation close as it gives promise to our long desire. “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14
The gates will not be closed again. They will be wide open. There will be no more glittering swords to stop us. We will enter as people who have a right to eat from the Tree of Life, thus enjoying eternal life.
“While seated in this beautiful, retired park, free from all confusion and bustle, a sweet peace came over my spirits. I seemed to be taken away from myself, and the bright home of the saints was presented vividly before me. In imagination I gathered with the saints around the wide-spreading tree of life. Friends and dear home relatives who had been separated from us by death were gathered there. The redeemed, white-robed multitude, who had washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, were there. No flashing guard stood around the tree of life, barring our approach. With happy, joyous songs of praise, the voices were blended in perfect harmony as we plucked of the fruit from the tree of life.” –Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 3, Lt 30, 1882
This promise has a condition: “they that do His commandments.” Do you think it is a difficult requirement? Not at all. As we discussed already, we earn the right to this tree, not by our works, but by God’s little Lamb. The central message of Revelation, more specifically the Present Truth and the Three Angels’ Messages, is Christ Our Righteousness. Simply, it means that we can keep the law of God through His power, not ours. Through faith, we will “do His commandments.” By faith, we will be “doers of the word.”
My dear brothers and sisters, are you ready to receive the seven blessings of Revelation? Are you ready to read, hear and keep? God has prepared so many gifts for us. God is about to show us the future. God is about to restore our labour, garments, wedding, dominion, and the Tree of Life. God is inviting you today to come and receive all of these. May God bless us that we all will be partakers of these blessings. Amen.
Makoto Matsumoto