The Seven "Blesseds"
ThERE are seven benedictions in the book of Revelation which will repay every Christian’s closest study The first occurs in the opening lines of John’s Apocalypse: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” Just at the close of the Apocalypse is another similar passage:” Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” These two verses are like the golden clasps, one on each lid, that hold together a dear old family Bible. The divine commendation is here pronounced on the Bible-reader and the Bible-keeper. God’s Word always honors itself. No man is fit to preach it who ever whiffles over the truthfulness and authority of its every page.
The next benediction is pronounced upon the gospel-guests: “Blessed are they who are called unto the marriage-supper of the I,amb.”
This is what our sound old fathers style “effectual calling.” They who are drawn by the attraction of the cross, and yield to that drawing, are renewed by the Holy Spirit. Theirs is a place at the celestial banquet. Upon them is put the clean linen and white which is the righteousness of Christ. How careful should every disciple be to walk unspotted from the world, for every stain looks ugly upon a white ground. Why should we wait until our arrival in heaven to look clean!
There is a hint as to the method of keeping thus, clearly given in the third benediction: “Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” No believer can preserve the purity of his character without prayerful vigilance. “Watch!” And one reason for this watchfulness is that Christ’s coming is to be as unannounced as the midnight visit of a burglar. The thief never sends us word that he is coming to steal our clothes. It will be a terrible thing to lose our wedding-garment. Old Dr. Alexanthe seven “bussseds.” 159
der used to say with solemn tenderness, “I wont answer for any Christian while in an awful state of backsliding.”
Upon the gospel-doers rests the sweet approval of the fourth benediction. It is the blessing upon those uthat do His commandments.” The evidence and the joy of discipleship both lie in obedience to Christ. This is what the world has a right to demand from us — a religion of fruits. Away with the wretched delusion that “good works” have no place in the Christian’s salvation! Faith without works is dead.
He, and he only, who is born of Christ will be able to pass this searching ordeal. Christ’s approval at the last great day will be,” Ye did it unto me.”
The next blessing in John’s wonderful Revelation is that angelic voice that floats over the resting-place of the pious dead. l ‘Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.” To them the perils of the voyage are over. They have cast anchor in the haven. They are safe. Peter shall never deny again, and Paul will no more be obliged to battle with an unruly “body.” Calvin and Wesley can clasp hands over the glorious fact that neither one of them shall ever fall from grace. That is a joyful anthem which sings itself so sweetly over a. believer’s dust, “Blessed is he, for he died in the Lord.”
About the last one of the benedictions in this sublime book there has been no little controversy: “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection.” Our Miilenarian brethren make much of this passage; but none of their ingenious speculations seem to clarify the mystery that hangs over that word ’ ( first. “It is enough for me that if I fall to sleep in Jesus, I shall awake with him. Little does the date trouble me, or the question of precedence. There is not an unmarked grave in all Christ’s household of the slumberers. He will call them up at the last day. “Them which sleep in Jesus will God bring together with him.” And when we all reach that celestial home, we shall see these seven “blesseds” shining like the seven candlesticks before the throne*