Category: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable, but this book comes with a special benefit attached:
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near (Rev. 1:3).
This benediction is repeated at the end of The Revelation, "And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book" (22:7). It is reminiscent of the beatitudes where Jesus pronounces blessing on the poor in spirit, the meek, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for His name's sake, etc.
Three people are blessed: the one who reads, those who hear the prophecy, and those who guard/keep the things which have been written in it. Here is a brief description of each:
He who reads. A public reader (as opposed to a man who is alone down in his study). The Revelation, it would seem, was meant for congregational reading.
Those who hear the words. Those in the congregation who are present to listen to this glorious prophecy.
Those who guard/keep the things which have been written in it. A blessing is promised to all who learn its contents and obey its commands.
If it is only applicable to the seven churches, then how is the blessing available to the 21st century church? On the other hand, if it only applies to those alive when Jesus returns, in what way were the seven churches of the first or early second century blessed by keeping the things written herein?
John identifies this letter as prophecy. Later, we are told that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev. 19:10). Just prior in v2, John affirms that he "testified to the testimony of Jesus Christ. This is a book about Jesus. Prophecy reveals Jesus. This writing will reveal Jesus Christ. And all who take care to learn about Him through it will be blessed.
The blessing of reading, hearing, and heeding the prophecies of Jesus Christ as depicted in The Revelation comes to those who understand its urgency. If you think that this book is irrelevant, either because its fulfillment is long past or long future, then you will completely miss out on its benefit. In every generation, we must look into John's testimony expecting to find it writing of things which are at hand and beneficial to us.