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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

Summary Revelation 2:8-11

Jesus addresses the church in Smyrna. He described himself as the First and the Last and as the one who died and was risen again. He assures the church that he knows about their affictions, poverty, and those who slander them. He says they will suffer, but to not be afraid. If they are faithful, they will receive the victor’s crown.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

10) He described himself as the First and the Last and as the one who died and was risen again. He assures the church that he knows about their affictions, poverty, and those who slander them. Jesus encouraged the people by telling them that they are rich, but if they are faithful, they will receive the victor’s crown. He challenged them to be faithful, even to the point of death and to not be afraid of the suffering ahead.

Jesus’ exhortation or encouragement is, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

11) The believers were rich because they had Jesus! They would not die; they would live forever. They are spiritually rich.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

I love the similarities of Jesus’ introduction, as well as how he encourages believers. Isn’t it comforting that Jesus KNOWS us and our pain? Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

Smyrna is another city controlled by the Romans. It was quite wealthy, but almost everyone there was pagan and practiced emperor worship. By this time, emperor worship was required by the Romans, and many cities (including Smyrna) has temples dedicated to the emperors.

Jesus describes himself as the First and the Last, which only God can do (Isaiah 41:444:6, and 48:12.) Jesus used this terminology when he first appeared to John (Revelation 1:111:17).

He chose to state his resurrection, as he is about to encourage the Christians in Smyrna that although they may face persecution and death, there is home and life after death. Again, Jesus has used this before with John (Revelation 1:18).

Jesus knows the works of the church (like he did with the Ephesians). He also knows their suffering and poverty. Bible scholars speculate that the Christians were poor despite the city’s great wealth because they were being persecuted for their faith.

All of us are rich because we have Jesus!

The Christians were afraid. Jesus tells them their suffering is from the devil, but it is limited to 10 days (Bible scholars debate the actual meaning of 10 days. Some think it is a figurative 10 days. Some think it refers to the reign of 10 Roman emperors. Others say 10 days was an expression used back then for a short time.)

If you were imprisoned, you would most likely be executed.

The attack was to test the Christians according to God’s purpose for their lives. Remember, we suffer to become more like Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-7 Romans 8:17)

Fun Fact: Smyrna is the only church out of the 7 not to have anything bad spoken about them from Jesus. This church is also the only one still surviving to this day.

Remember, crowns were made of leaves and flowers in ancient Rome and given as rewards for contests. Roman emperors wore crowns of laurel. Therefore, receiving the crown of life/victor’s crown was magnificent, indeed!

Jesus tells the church at Smyrna to hear like he told the church at Ephesus.

Polycarp was from Smyrna. He was a great Christian who was martyred. You can read his story HERE.

Those who overcome and stay true to their faith shall never face the second death, which is the final condemnation by Jesus for eternal hell (Revelation 20:14 and 21:8). Jesus conquered death once and for all.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

Summary of Revelation 2:1-7

To the church in Ephesus: Jesus praises the church for their hard work and perseverance. He knows they have endured many hardships. YET: They have forsaken the love they had at first. He asks them to repent and whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), Jesus will grant them eternal life.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

6) Compare what false prophets say against what the Bible says. As you grow and become more with Jesus, you will have a greater understanding of God’s ways and word and be better able to discern false teachings. False teaching may curse Jesus.

7a) Jesus says,”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” Someone who does not back up their words with actions. They no longer walk the walk of loving God or others. They have let evil into their heart when it comes to one or both of these.

b) I express my love by trying to do God’s will for my life and obeying His commands. I also try to help others along their Christian walk. I fall short in many ways. I can be very selfish, very cautious, and think the worst-case scenarios, rather than helping others. I think more about how it will affect me rather than others.

8 ) Repent means to change your ways and go in a different direction. It’s the act of changing your mind and changing the course of your life. Here, Jesus is telling the Ephesians to turn back to their old ways. God could be telling me to turn to him and away from my sins as well.

9) The tree of life was the tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden that God had made. Adam and Eve could eat from the tree of life. Jesus here promises that those who return to him can return to God’s paradise in heaven and have eternal life. Therefore, if I follow God and his ways, I can have eternal life!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

I love how we visit such a great passage twice! Again, we see a repetitive them in Bible and the book of Revelation: if we walk in God’s ways, we’ll have eternal life!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

Most Bible scholars say that the Nicolaitans promoted an incorrect doctrine of Jesus and God’s Word. They could have claimed they were from the body of Christ but then perverted the word.

The Nicolaitans are mentioned in Revelation 2:15-16, too. They are considered a heretical group within the early church. When we see them mentioned again, they are mentioned in association with Balaam. Some say it could have been a reference to a false teacher who taught heretical beliefs. This belief taught Christians to be of the world. Learn more about who the Nicolaitans were HERE

Here, we have the first letter to the first church, Ephesus. They all follow a very similar pattern: Jesus will tell the church what they are doing good and/or bad and then he will offer up a command for reparation. He also promises a reward!

Jesus addresses the church as angel.

The church in Ephesus should be familiar to you. It is mentioned a lot by Paul since he ministered there for 3 years. Aquila, Priscilla, Timothy, and Apollos served there as well. (Acts 18:24-28, Acts 19:1Acts 19:10Acts 20:31, 1 Timothy 1:3)

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located here, the temple of Diana. It was absolutely massive!

Jesus describes himself as John sees him in Chapter 1. Jesus is central in all of this.

Jesus knows all about the church (as he knows everything).

The church left (not lost) their first love. This is a deliberate choice.

Their first love is most likely God AND the people. You have to love both (Matthew 22:37-39)

Jesus tells them to:

  1. Remember the times when they had their priorities right. You must get back to where you were with Jesus.
  2. Repent
  3. Go back to the basics (pray, read God’s Word, be excited about Jesus).

He says another positive word, by pointing out how they hate the Nicolaitans. Not much is known about the Nicolaitans, but you can be sure they were evil.

We don’t see Jesus use the word “hate” much (after all, he’s a God of love), so this is strong indeed.

All (including us) who hear.

If you overcome your cold hearts, you’ll receive eternal life.

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map courtesy of: https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/article/id/1887/truth-revelation-2-3.htm

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

Summary of Revelation 2:1-7

To the church in Ephesus: Jesus praises the church for their hard work and perseverance. He knows they have endured many hardships. YET: They have forsaken the love they had at first. He asks them to repent and whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), Jesus will grant them eternal life.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

3) Jesus identified himself as the one who, “holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” He told them he knows, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”

Jesus offers encouragement by telling them that whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), he will grant them eternal life. He holds against them, “You have forsaken the love you had at first.”

The consequences of not repenting/doing what Jesus is asking them to do are, “If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” i.e. remove his blessing from them.

Jesus’ final exhortation or encouragement is, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

4a) The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

b) He walks among the 7 lampstands; he also encourages them and chastizes them. Jesus walks with his church/me is wonderful news! I am not alone, and I can always turn to Jesus for anything: advice, help, praise, and worship!

5) I work hard, and I persevere. I would like to love others more and put Jesus first in my life more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

I love how first Jesus speaks positive things and praises the church before telling them what they are doing wrong. He also is gracious enough to give them directions on what they need to do to do right: repent and return to their old ways. While it sounds simple, we know it is hard, but each day is new, so we try, try again!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

Here, we have the first letter to the first church, Ephesus. They all follow a very similar pattern: Jesus will tell the church what they are doing good and/or bad and then he will offer up a command for reparation. He also promises a reward!

Jesus addresses the church as angel.

The church in Ephesus should be familiar to you. It is mentioned a lot by Paul since he ministered there for 3 years. Aquila, Priscilla, Timothy, and Apollos served there as well. (Acts 18:24-28, Acts 19:1Acts 19:10Acts 20:31, 1 Timothy 1:3)

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located here, the temple of Diana. It was absolutely massive!

Jesus describes himself as John sees him in Chapter 1. Jesus is central in all of this.

Jesus knows all about the church (as he knows everything).

The church left (not lost) their first love. This is a deliberate choice.

Their first love is most likely God AND the people. You have to love both (Matthew 22:37-39)

Jesus tells them to:

  1. Remember the times when they had their priorities right. You must get back to where you were with Jesus.
  2. Repent
  3. Go back to the basics (pray, read God’s Word, be excited about Jesus).

He says another positive word, by pointing out how they hate the Nicolaitans. Not much is known about the Nicolaitans, but you can be sure they were evil.

We don’t see Jesus use the word “hate” much (after all, he’s a God of love), so this is strong indeed.

All (including us) who hear.

If you overcome your cold hearts, you’ll receive eternal life.

Contact me today!

map of Ephesus www.atozmomm.com

map courtesy of: https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/article/id/1887/truth-revelation-2-3.htm

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Friday’s Digest BSF Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF REVELATION: THE HOPE LESSON 3

  • Jesus is the central focus of the Book of Revelation
  • Jesus offers us hope and purpose
  • Jesus lives in our hearts always
  • God has an eternal plan that we can embrace

TAKE AWAY: We are fully known and fully loved.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

Summary of Revelation 1:17-20

When John saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. Jesus tells John he is the First and the Last and is alive forever. Write what he has seen and what will take place later. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

13) When John saw Jesus, he fell at his feet as though dead. We need to understand that we are nothing before Jesus, and we need to show him reverence at all times.

14a) “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

b) “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place later.”

c) He explained that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

Jesus is always concerned with our feelings, as he comforts John and tells him not to be afraid. What a Savior we have!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

Jesus is the Lord of all eternity. Jesus is the one who holds the keys to Hades (or Hell), not the devil.

Here is the 2nd command to write what he has seen: the past, present, and future.

Revelation will go over the past in chapter 1, the present in chapters 2 and 3, and then the rest of the book of Revelation will deal with future events.

Bible scholars debate what the angels are: some say the pastors of the 7 churches, some say actual angels, others say the spirit of the churches.

The 7 angels are at Jesus’ right hand. That’s where I want to be!

We can know Jesus as John did. In fact, this is our life mission. Jesus is also often the closest when we are at our most desperate hour.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

Summary of Revelation 1:9-16

Here, we read John’s vision of Christ: He says that he was on the island of Patmos where he heard a loud voice that told him to write what he sees and send it to the 7 churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. He saw 7 golden lampstands and Jesus dressed in a robe with a golden sash. He had white hair and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

10a) John was on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea near Greece, and he was suffering because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

b) Stephen: The first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death for preaching about Jesus. James: The brother of John, who Herod killed. Peter: He was arrested by Herod and intended to be executed. Saul of Tarsus (later Paul): A Pharisee who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus and went on to suffer greatly to build up the church. Job is said to have suffered more than anyone in the Bible. David faced hard times and was exiled to a cave cause Saul wanted to kill him. Joan of Arc and anyone who did anything in the name of Jesus.

c) To know that this side of heaven is temporary and on the other side is God and Jesus. Pray for a relief from the hardships and that they are merely temporary and that you grow from them and become stronger in your faith because of them.

11) The details of what Jesus looked like! So amazing!

12) The Son of Man is Jesus. We learned what he will look like when he comes again. He will come in clouds. Jesus has authority to forgive sins. People will mourn when he comes again, and he’ll have great power and glory. He sits at God’s right hand.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

It’s hard to doubt John when he is so detailed about what he sees. The Bible is Truth, indeed!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

Patmos is a small island that was used as a place to send prisoners (think of Australia, too). It is rocky and not the best place to live in the first century A.D.

Most likely, John was a prisoner, sent there for his religious beliefs, but it is possible he was a missionary there, too.

John received a vision from the Holy Spirit. We will see this terminology again used later in Revelation: (Revelation 4:2), (Revelation 17:3), (Revelation 21:10).

Note that “the Lord’s Day” here is not the same as the “Day of the Lord” in the Old Testament. Bible scholars are unsure what day this was.

The loud voice is Jesus’.

Fun Fact: John was commanded to write 12 times in the book of Revelation.

Sometimes, we are given visions that are meant to be only for us; other times, we are meant to share them. Here, Jesus makes it clear to write and share this, and he directs whom to share this information with: the 7 churches.

Why these 7 churches? They were in a circular pattern, so it would be easy to deliver the messages. 7 is the number of completeness in the Bible, and the book of Revelation completes the church.

map of 7 churches in revelation

Fun Fact: Paul wrote to 7 churches, too: Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Colosse, Philippi, and Thessalonica. Coincidence?

The 7 lamps are set on stands specifically designed to hold them. In the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-37), there was one lampstand with 7 lamps. The lampstands display the light given to them by Jesus.

Jesus’ clothing shows he is of the upper class, kingly, and authoritarian. The golden band symbolizes the priesthood.

White hair indicates age, which speaks to wisdom and knowledge. White symbolizes purity.

Fire symbolizes judgment. (Matthew 5:222 Peter 3:7)

Brass had to be refined in the fire. It is also the metal that altars were made from (Exodus 27:1-6). Brass was the strongest metal known in the ancient world at that time.

7 stars represent the 7 leaders of the church. Note that Jesus is holding them, aka holding the church/us in his hands.

The sword is Jesus’ weapon. It comes from his mouth, meaning the power is in Jesus’ words (Ephesians 6:17). This is merely a comparison, not literal.

Jesus’ glory is like the sun. This same language is used at Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:2).

Fun Fact: This is the ONLY physical description given to us of Jesus in all of the Bible. Isaiah 53:2 came close.

We see Jesus as he is: omnipotent, omniscient, strong, full of majesty and authority, pure and righteous, and our Lord and Savior!

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

Summary of Revelation 1:4-8

John greets the 7 churches in the province of Asia. He praises Jesus and quotes Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10 about Jesus’ Second Coming. The Lord says he is the Alpha and the Omega and is the One who is, was, and is to come. Jesus has freed us from our sins by his blood.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

6) God is, who was, and who is to come. He is eternal. There are seven spirits before his throne. Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. God has existed since the beginning. Only He knows all things and creates all things. He is perpetual, never changing, and always. Jesus is God’s faithful witness to His almighty power.

7)

John 3:16-17: This says that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, and whosoever believes in him will have everlasting life. Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth as God’s Son and will free us from our sins by his blood.

1 Corinthians 15:3: This says that Christ died for our sins as predicted in God’s Word. Jesus freed us from our sins by his blood.

1 Corinthians 15:20: This says that Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Jesus Christ is the firstborn from the dead.

Philippians 2:9-11: This says that God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name and that every knee shall bow before him and acknowledge his greatness. Revelation says that Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth.

8 ) God is never changing. He has been here since the beginning and will be there at the end. He loves us enough to send us his Son to die for our sins so that we can be with him forever. What greater love is there than that? God forgives our sins and shortcomings, so we should forgive ourselves.

9a)  All of mankind has pierced him, including God’s people, the Jews. Mankind will mourn for him. They will mourn because they pierced/killed him. We’ll all witness Jesus’ return (all the peoples of the earth).

b) Christ has conquered all of evil for us with his sacrifice. No matter what we are facing, we are saved eternally. There is no better “good news” than that! We can be strengthened and comforted by his power over evil as we await his return.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

I love how Jesus is the end-all! As long as we hold fast to Jesus, we’ll all be okay!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

John brings a greeting from God to these 7 churches.

Here’s our first reference to the number 7 and its symbolism. The 7 spirits refer to the Holy Ghost. Seven is the number of completion here, so the Holy Spirit is the perfect completion.

The early believers understood this reference, as it appears in Isaiah 11:2 where Isaiah describes the 7 aspects of the Holy Spirit.

John also brought a greeting from Jesus. Jesus is the faithful witness to God and to us. Witness in Greek means martyr.

Firstborn is a reference to always in existence.

Jesus will take over all the earthly kingdoms when he comes again.

Jesus’ death is the ultimate proof that God loves us immensely and indescribably.

Jesus cleansed us of our sins once and for all.

God loves us so much that he cleansed us for him!

Jesus makes us kings and priests to God the Father! This is a status that Adam never obtained.

Therefore, we give Christ the glory.

Amen means, “Yes” in Hebrew. This means that it will be so with God.

John describes Jesus’ coming using the Bible and what other prophets have said. Jesus will come in clouds. Believers can be called God’s cloud, too. All will see him, even the Jews and those who pierced him.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” is the beginning of Jesus introducing himself to his listeners.

Bible scholars debate whether this refers to Jesus or God, but most agree that Jesus is speaking here. After all, this is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. He uses those titles to refer to himself (Revelation 22:13).

Most of us know that Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Therefore, Jesus is saying he was before all else and he will continue after all things. Jesus directs all things and has control of all things from the beginning to the end.

“Who is and was and who is to come” references Yahweh and the idea of Jesus’ eternal nature.

Fun Fact: “Almighty” is used 10 times in the New Testament and 9 times in the Book of Revelation. It means “the one who has his hand on everything” in Greek.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 2: Revelation 1:1-3

Summary of Revelation 1:1-3

John writes that the book of Revelation was truth given to him by an angel whom Jesus sent to tell him the following to share with others. Those who read and hear it and believe it will be blessed for the time is near.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 2: Revelation 1:1-3

3a) Jesus Christ

b) An angel gave this testimony to John to show his servants (believers) what soon will take place. Those who read and hear it and believe it will be blessed.

4) Blessed here means “endowed with divine favor and protection.” I anticipate growing closer to God through His son, Jesus. I hope to be blessed in unknown ways, too, such as growing more like Jesus, having more patience, and just reflecting Jesus more, too.

5) Take to heart means to live out what you hear, really embrace it, and make an effort to implement it into your daily life. I hope to truly grasp more of the book of Revelation and what it is telling me and implement it into my daily life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 2: Revelation 1:1-3

Yeah! Finally, the Word!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 2: Revelation 1:1-3

Here, we see the revelation, or apokalupsis in the Greek, that will reveal a prophet’s dreams and visions. It’s a prophecy to tell us what is to come so that we can prepare. Apocalypse means “unveiling” or “revealing.”

John will use lots of symbols from the Old Testament that his readers should be familiar with.

Jesus is both the person this book is about and the one doing the revealing.

This is predictive prophecy because the events will happen “soon.”

The book of Revelation would have made sense to the 1st century Jews and Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament.

We see the first blessing of Revelation here, and it is offered to those who read or hear this message and take it to heart.

Fun Fact: There are almost 500 allusions to the Old Testament in the Book of Revelation, making up almost 70% of the entire book!

Here, we see the first of the book of Revelations’ 7 Beatitudes:  (Revelation 1:314:1316:1519:920:622:7, and 22:14).

The Book of Revelation was first written about in the works of Justin Martyr around AD 135, so we know it was written before then.

Prepare to be blessed this year!

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7 Blessings of Revelation

7 Blessings in Revelation

  1. Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”
  2. Revelation 14:13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.’”
  3. Revelation 16:15 “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
  4. Revelation 19:9 “Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’”
  5. 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.”
  6. Revelation 22:7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
  7. Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”

Again, we see the number 7, which represents the number of completeness or wholeness.

Great commentary HERE

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