Soon

No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side^[a]—he has revealed him. John 1:18 (CSB)

This verse conveys a lot in few words. Take a look.

• No person has ever seen God.
• Jesus sees and knows God completely.
• Jesus is unique, one of a kind.
• Jesus is God, the Son.
• Jesus is near His Father’s heart (in proximity, but this verse means close as in awareness and in divine love)
• Jesus has revealed the Father to true believers.

This key verse complements today’s study, Revelation 1:1-3. Both books were written by John, the disciple. Revelation – to reveal a secret and a hidden thing. Here is what we are going to look at in these beautifully rich passages.

• Revelation opens with a blessing for every believer who reads it.
• Revelation continues, to include six more blessings throughout this mysterious book.
• Revelation is filled with secrets. Some revealed to us and some we will know in the future.
• Revelation is the perfect picture of the intense closeness shared between God and Jesus.
• Revelation is proof that God loves us and wants us to want more of Him.
• Revelation illustrates God’s wrath for wickedness and His patience with cold, hard hearts.

At the end, you will see the seven blessings that appear throughout the book.

The First Blessing Revelation 1:3

This blessing revealed is for believers who read Revelation intentionally for themselves. Then share this book with other believers, and if you obey it, not only will you be blessed spiritually, but so will your hearers.

Think about this intentionally. Don’t just read the book of Revelation like a task to complete. Read it in anticipation of anything the Spirit has to teach you. That makes it very personal.

These are spiritual blessings that only true believers will desire deeply.

Revelation 1:3 God blesses all who read, obey and share this book.

Revelation 14:3 Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”

Revelation 16:15  “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”

Revelation 19:9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.”

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years.

Revelation 22:7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book

Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.

Look at the relationship between God and Jesus. They live and breathe in unity with one another. They want to include you. Read Jesus’ prayer for you in John 17:20-26.

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.