Despite What You Have Been Told, The Book Of Revelation Is A Story Of Hope For All Who Believe

By Pastor Gary Hamrick for
Harbinger's Daily

When you think of the book of Revelation, what comes to mind? Fire? Destruction? 666? Whether you have read the book many times or your experience is limited to a youth group showing of Left Behind, the terrifying scenes don’t always spur excitement for the future. And yet, the book that concludes the story of the Bible—and the story of the world as we know it—is a story of hope.

Here are four reasons to get excited about Revelation:

1. Justice Unleashed

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why does a good God allow bad things to happen?” Back in the book of Genesis, God provided humans with free will. But free will not under the control of the Holy Spirit leads to sin, and sin leads to destruction and death. Mankind has been dealing with the ramifications of its sin ever since Adam and Eve first fell to temptation. But Revelation tells us that there will come a day when enough will be enough.

The world will suffer seven years of intense tribulation. Jesus will defeat enemy nations in the Battle of Armageddon. And ultimately, Satan will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, and the unrighteous will be subject to the Great White Throne Judgment.

God will bring justice for all the bad things, and we will never question His judgment again.

2. A Rescue Mission

This leads to another question: “How could a good God send people to hell?” The truth is, God doesn’t send people to hell. He wants no one to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). People choose hell for themselves when they refuse to accept the free gift of salvation. God—because of His great love for us—sent His Son on a rescue mission to provide a way for us to escape punishment. Christ’s death on the cross paid the price that we were meant to pay. Revelation tells us that the Great White Throne Judgment will be a display of Christ’s justice, and unbelievers will be judged according to their works, and ultimately sentenced to the Lake of Fire for their sins. Believers, on the other hand, will be rewarded at a separate Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:12-15)

3. The End of Pain

After the Great White Throne Judgment, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and the reign of sin will be over. For anyone who believes in Jesus as Savior, pain has an end date: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Revelation assures us that, for the believer, the troubles and tribulations of today will disappear on the other side of eternity.

4. Eternity in the Presence of God

The center of this new earth will be the new Jerusalem, and there will be “no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it.” (Revelation 21:23). Believers in Jesus will experience the total satisfaction and joy of eternity in the fullness of God’s presence. Revelation gives us a vivid glimpse into the beauty that awaits all who would believe.

Mankind has committed horrendous evils, but justice is coming. But because of His great love for us, God sent His Son on a rescue mission so that as many as would come to Him would not be separated from Him, but rather spend eternity in the glory of His presence.

Revelation is the story of how God will make all things right and all things new. Revelation is a story of hope for all who believe.

Gary Hamrick is the senior pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, VA. Pastor Gary is also on the Advisory Board for The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., and serves as the Chief Chaplain for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

https://harbingersdaily.com/despite-what-you-have-been-told-the-book-of-revelation-is-a-story-of-hope-for-all-who-believe/

 

[1LoverofGod]

By Pastor Gary Hamrick for
Harbinger's Daily

When you think of the book of Revelation, what comes to mind? Fire? Destruction? 666? Whether you have read the book many times or your experience is limited to a youth group showing of Left Behind, the terrifying scenes don’t always spur excitement for the future. And yet, the book that concludes the story of the Bible—and the story of the world as we know it—is a story of hope.

Here are four reasons to get excited about Revelation:

1. Justice Unleashed

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why does a good God allow bad things to happen?” Back in the book of Genesis, God provided humans with free will. But free will not under the control of the Holy Spirit leads to sin, and sin leads to destruction and death. Mankind has been dealing with the ramifications of its sin ever since Adam and Eve first fell to temptation. But Revelation tells us that there will come a day when enough will be enough.

The world will suffer seven years of intense tribulation. Jesus will defeat enemy nations in the Battle of Armageddon. And ultimately, Satan will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, and the unrighteous will be subject to the Great White Throne Judgment.

God will bring justice for all the bad things, and we will never question His judgment again.

2. A Rescue Mission

This leads to another question: “How could a good God send people to hell?” The truth is, God doesn’t send people to hell. He wants no one to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). People choose hell for themselves when they refuse to accept the free gift of salvation. God—because of His great love for us—sent His Son on a rescue mission to provide a way for us to escape punishment. Christ’s death on the cross paid the price that we were meant to pay. Revelation tells us that the Great White Throne Judgment will be a display of Christ’s justice, and unbelievers will be judged according to their works, and ultimately sentenced to the Lake of Fire for their sins. Believers, on the other hand, will be rewarded at a separate Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:12-15)

3. The End of Pain

After the Great White Throne Judgment, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and the reign of sin will be over. For anyone who believes in Jesus as Savior, pain has an end date: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Revelation assures us that, for the believer, the troubles and tribulations of today will disappear on the other side of eternity.

4. Eternity in the Presence of God

The center of this new earth will be the new Jerusalem, and there will be “no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it.” (Revelation 21:23). Believers in Jesus will experience the total satisfaction and joy of eternity in the fullness of God’s presence. Revelation gives us a vivid glimpse into the beauty that awaits all who would believe.

Mankind has committed horrendous evils, but justice is coming. But because of His great love for us, God sent His Son on a rescue mission so that as many as would come to Him would not be separated from Him, but rather spend eternity in the glory of His presence.

Revelation is the story of how God will make all things right and all things new. Revelation is a story of hope for all who believe.

Gary Hamrick is the senior pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, VA. Pastor Gary is also on the Advisory Board for The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., and serves as the Chief Chaplain for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

https://harbingersdaily.com/despite-what-you-have-been-told-the-book-of-revelation-is-a-story-of-hope-for-all-who-believe/

Revelation is the only book in the Bible that promises blessings for those who read it and keep the things written it it.......

"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."
Revelation 1:3


What are the 7 blessings in Revelation?

The Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John, contains seven distinct blessings scattered throughout its chapters. These pronouncements of blessing, sometimes called “beatitudes,” serve as encouragements and promises to believers who adhere to the message and remain steadfast in faith. Below is a comprehensive exploration of each blessing, its location, and its significance within the broader context of Revelation.

II. The First Blessing (Revelation 1:3)

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)

1. Context and Setting

- This blessing occurs near the beginning of Revelation, anchoring the entire prophecy in the importance of hearing and heeding God’s Word.

- John, exiled on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9), addresses the Seven Churches in Asia Minor (Revelation 1:4).

2. Key Emphasis

- The act of reading Scripture aloud in early Christian assemblies was central to worship.

- There is a strong admonition not only to hear these words but also to put them into practice. Hearing and obeying remain inseparably linked.

3. Practical Implication

- Believers are urged to treat Revelation seriously by receiving it as God’s revelation of future events and divine truths.

- This blessing underscores that genuine faith involves both understanding Scripture intellectually and applying it devotionally.

III. The Second Blessing (Revelation 14:13)

“Then I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, ‘Blessed are the dead-those who die in the Lord from this moment on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.’” (Revelation 14:13)

1. Context and Setting

- Occurring amidst prophecies of judgment and the harvest of the earth, this blessing confirms that believers who faithfully endure, even unto death, will receive a glorious rest.

2. Key Emphasis

- Dying “in the Lord” refers to those who remain faithful until the end, despite persecution or hardship.

- Their works-acts of service, love, obedience-follow them, indicating eternal reward.

3. Practical Implication

- Martyrdom and suffering, while daunting, are not the end for believers; rather, they usher in a state of rest and reward.

- The Spirit’s affirmation in this verse offers comfort, reminding readers that faithfulness in adversity brings ultimate blessing.

IV. The Third Blessing (Revelation 16:15)

“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” (Revelation 16:15)

1. Context and Setting

- Found between the sixth and seventh bowls of God’s wrath, it highlights vigilance among believers as the final judgments intensify.

2. Key Emphasis

- The image of staying awake and clothed points to spiritual alertness and moral readiness.

- Coming “like a thief” emphasizes the unexpected nature of Christ’s return, seen also in other New Testament passages (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:2).

3. Practical Implication

- True disciples maintain constant readiness, guarding against spiritual complacency.

- This warning and blessing encourage reflection on holiness of life and attentiveness to God’s plan in times of turmoil.

V. The Fourth Blessing (Revelation 19:9)

“Then the angel told me to write, ‘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)

1. Context and Setting

- This blessing erupts in the midst of heavenly praise as the final defeat of evil unfolds, celebrating the consummation of Christ’s union with His people.

2. Key Emphasis

- The “wedding supper of the Lamb” vividly depicts the intimate bond between Christ (the Bridegroom) and the Church (His Bride).

- Receiving an invitation to this wedding signifies acceptance into the eternal fellowship with God.

3. Practical Implication

- Believers’ ultimate future is not merely rescue from tribulation but joyous participation in an eternal banquet of divine fellowship.

- This blessing comforts those who face trials now, assuring them of future celebration and belonging.

VI. The Fifth Blessing (Revelation 20:6)

“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)

1. Context and Setting

- Occurring after the defeat of the beast and false prophet, John depicts a thousand-year reign (often called the Millennium).

- The “first resurrection” is understood here as the resurrection unto life, as opposed to the final resurrection of the condemned.

2. Key Emphasis

- Sharing in the first resurrection indicates protection from the “second death,” a biblical term for final judgment (Revelation 20:14).

- Believers destined for resurrection life will function as priests, intimately connecting them with God’s service and rulership in Christ’s kingdom.

3. Practical Implication

- Eternal security in Christ provides a strong incentive to follow God, no matter the challenges.

- The role of “priests and kings” points to a restored dominion of humanity under the ultimate rule of Christ.

VII. The Sixth Blessing (Revelation 22:7)

“Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of prophecy in this book.” (Revelation 22:7)

1. Context and Setting

- Near the close of Revelation, this blessing reaffirms that Christ’s coming remains imminent.

- John’s vision draws to a conclusion with a strong exhortation to guard and obey the contents of this prophecy.

2. Key Emphasis

- “Keeping” or obeying these words shows the inseparability between biblical knowledge and faithful living.

- The phrase “I am coming soon” conveys urgency for moral and spiritual preparation.

3. Practical Implication

- Believers are encouraged to treasure Revelation’s teachings and maintain their anticipation for Christ’s return.

- This blessing links the authenticity of the prophecy with the responsibility of its readers.

VIII. The Seventh Blessing (Revelation 22:14)

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates.” (Revelation 22:14)

1. Context and Setting

- Concluding the book, this statement reiterates a key salvation motif-that purification through Christ grants eternal access to God’s presence.

2. Key Emphasis

- “Washing their robes” symbolizes cleansing from sin exclusively through Christ’s sacrificial blood (cf. Revelation 7:14).

- Access to “the tree of life” and entrance “by the gates” recalls Eden’s imagery (Genesis 2-3), now restored in the new creation.

3. Practical Implication

- This final blessing accentuates humanity’s triumphant return to unhindered fellowship with God.

- The repeated emphasis on purity highlights the necessity of ongoing spiritual transformation.

IX. Thematic Connections of the Seven Blessings

1. Endurance and Obedience

- From the opening blessing (Revelation 1:3) to the closing ones (Revelation 22:7 and 22:14), the theme of persevering in obedience to God resonates powerfully.

- These blessings emphasize hearing, reading, and faithfully keeping the words of the prophecy.

2. Hope and Reward

- Each blessing assures believers that steadfast loyalty, even in the face of martyrdom (Revelation 14:13), results in eternal rest and reward.

- Participation in the wedding supper (Revelation 19:9) and the promise of reigning with Christ (Revelation 20:6) highlight complete fulfillment and purpose.

3. Purity and Preparedness

- Spiritual vigilance and moral rectitude (Revelation 16:15; 22:14) reflect believers’ response to the impending return of Christ.

- The call to remain awake and clothed encourages readiness for the final fulfillment of God’s plan.

X. Concluding Reflections

Across the Book of Revelation, these seven blessings weave a tapestry of hope, perseverance, purity, and ultimate restoration. They offer a consistent message that:

• Scripture is meant to be read, heard, and acted upon (Revelation 1:3; 22:7).

• Faithful endurance in trial is eternally rewarded (Revelation 14:13; 19:9).

• Spiritual vigilance prepares believers for the sudden return of Christ (Revelation 16:15).

• Cleansing and holiness in Christ ensure participation in His kingdom and unbroken fellowship with God (Revelation 20:6; 22:14).

These blessings stand as promises from God-verified within the broader context of biblical revelation and supported by the earliest manuscript traditions that affirm the text’s authenticity. Their assurance remains a beacon of hope, pointing to the joy of God’s eternal presence and the victory believers share through the risen Christ.

What are the Seven Blessings in the Book of Revelation?

 

[Kaatje]

I agree. The terrible years of judgement are a last call to an unbelieving world, to repent.
God in His infinite Grace and Mercy, wants no one to die, but to live and have eternal life.
Thank God, as we read Revelation, we can see that a multitude repents, and go into glory.