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The Beatitudes of Revelation. Introduction. Seven beatitudes, i.e., declarations of blessedness, are found in the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14). Happiness Defined. The Greek word makarios occurs in each of these passages.
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Introduction • Seven beatitudes, i.e., declarations of blessedness, are found in the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14).
Happiness Defined • The Greek word makarios occurs in each of these passages. • Thomas defines the adjective makarios as from makar [happy], meaning “blessed, happy” [3107]. • BDAG say it (1) pertains to being fortunate or happy because of circumstances, fortunate, happy; (2) pertains to being especially favored, blessed, fortunate, happy, privileged.”
A Recurring Theme • The beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount have similar emphasis (Matt. 5:3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11). • So also do a variety of other New Testament passages (John 13:17; Acts 20:35; James 1:25).
Beatitudes of Revelation • Emphasize The Need for Persistence • Emphasize The Need for Perceptiveness • Emphasize The Need for Participation • Emphasize The Need for Preparation • Emphasize The Need for Purity
The Need for Persistence • Blessed are those who remain faithful, even unto martyrdom (Rev. 14:13; cf. 20:4-6). • Persecution often affects the lives of faithful disciples (2 Tim. 3:10-12; Rev. 2:10, 13). • Will we persist in our faith, and be eternally blessed, or fall away, and be eternally cursed?
The Need for Perceptiveness • Blessed are those who hear and heed the words of divine prophecy (Rev. 1:3; 22:7). • Unfortunately, the people of God are often unresponsive to the message of inspiration (Jer. 23:16-22; Hos. 5:1-7). • Will we demonstrate spiritual perceptiveness, and be eternally blessed, or close our minds to truth, and be eternally cursed?
The Need for Participation • Blessed are those who participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9). • Unfortunately, many reject the Great Invitation (Matt. 22:1-14; Luke 14:16-24). • Will we willingly participate in God’s plan and purpose, and be eternally blessed, or reject the gospel call, and be eternally cursed?
The Need for Preparation • Blessed are those who are awake/alert and properly attired (Rev. 16:15). • Similar admonitions are repeatedly offered in Sacred Scripture (1 Cor. 16:13; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; Rev. 3:4-5; 3:18-19). • Will we evidence proper preparation, and be eternally blessed, or delay, and be eternally cursed?
The Need for Purity • Blessed are those who wash their robes in the blood of the lamb (Rev. 22:14; cf. 7:14). • The New Testament oft emphasizes the need for such cleansing (Acts 22:16; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 5:25-27; Titus 3:3-7). • Will we submit to Christ’s baptism, and be eternally blessed, or refuse, and be eternally cursed?
Conclusion • Do you desire happiness, both in this life, and in the world to come? • Jesus Christ is the answer! • Obey the gospel while there is time and opportunity (Acts 3:17-26).