Notes of Faith April 2, 2025
Promised Blessings
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation 1:3
Those starting a career in sales are taught the principle of “features and benefits.” That is, after describing the features of a product, it’s important to convey the benefits the product provides. The principle of “features and benefits” is evident everywhere in commercial advertising.
While the Bible is not selling a product, it clearly notes the benefits that will accrue to those who read it and put its words into practice. This is most clearly seen in the book of Revelation. Both the apostle John and Jesus Christ Himself say that keeping the prophetic words of Revelation will bring blessings to those who read and embrace its words. In other words, Revelation provides its own motivation for reading the book and being guided by what it says. Given the apocalyptic nature of the book, perhaps the Spirit added the promise of blessing as extra motivation for reading this last book of the Bible.
Set a goal to read through Revelation in the coming days and anticipate how God will keep His promise of blessing to you.
Those who would have the blessings of God’s testimonies must come under the bonds of his statutes.
Matthew Henry
Rev 22:6-7
6 And he said to me, "These words are faithful and true"; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.
7 "And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book."
The entire Word of God, the sixty-six books as originally inspired and written, are faithful and true. We need to read the Scriptures, understand what they say, that we might truly know God, believe in His Son, Jesus the Christ, to be free from our guilt of sin and its penalty of death. True faith is exemplified by God’s giving His Spirit to live within the believer. But no one will know these things without hearing/reading the truth of the Word and the Holy Spirit giving them understanding to be able to believe. God loves His creation. We must respond to His love with reverence, awe, obedience and trust! You will be blessed if you will get in and stay in the Word of God!
Pastor Dale