What does being "blessed" in Revelation 19:9 mean for believers? Setting the Scene • Revelation 19:9: “Then the angel told me to write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’” • The context is the climactic celebration that follows the fall of Babylon and precedes Christ’s visible return (19:11-16). • The picture: Jesus, the Lamb, has redeemed His bride—the Church—and now hosts a wedding banquet. Understanding “Blessed” • “Blessed” (Greek: makarios) = divinely favored, secure, joyful, fulfilled. • Not a temporary feeling; it is the settled condition of all who belong at this supper. • It flows from God’s declaration, not human effort, so it cannot be revoked (Romans 11:29). The Wedding Supper of the Lamb • Isaiah 25:6-9 foretells a feast prepared by the LORD for “all peoples,” swallowing up death forever. • Jesus previewed it at the Last Supper: “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29). • The invite list is every true believer—Old and New Covenant saints united in Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). Linked Blessings in Revelation • Revelation opens with a blessing on those who read, hear, and keep its words (1:3). • Mid-book blessings: – 14:13 – the blessedness of saints who die in the Lord. – 16:15 – blessing for the watchful, clothed, and ready. • Closing blessings: – 20:6 – blessed are those who share the first resurrection; they reign with Christ. – 22:7, 22:14 – blessings on those who keep Christ’s words and “wash their robes.” • Together these form a chain: hearing ⇒ persevering ⇒ dying or being taken ⇒ rising ⇒ feasting ⇒ reigning. What This Blessing Means for Believers Today • Certainty of future joy—God’s promise is “true words,” unbreakable (Titus 1:2). • Identity—You are an honored wedding guest, not a bystander (John 15:15). • Fellowship—Perfect, unending communion with Christ and all the redeemed (1 Thessalonians 4:17). • Vindication—Participation in the feast signals Babylon’s defeat and the saints’ triumph (Revelation 18-19). • Motivation—Knowing the seat is reserved fuels holy living and evangelism (2 Peter 3:11-12). How to Live in Light of This Blessing • Guard the invitation—hold fast the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). • Wear the right garments—walk in practical righteousness, the “fine linen” of the bride (Revelation 19:8). • Cultivate expectancy—daily anticipate the Supper; it purifies (1 John 3:2-3). • Celebrate now—gather for communion and worship as foretastes of the banquet (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Invite others—urge people to respond while RSVP is still open (Luke 14:23). Key Takeaways • “Blessed” in Revelation 19:9 is God’s irrevocable declaration of favor on believers invited to Christ’s wedding feast. • The blessing assures joy, security, and eternal fellowship with Jesus. • Its certainty energizes present obedience, purity, and mission. |
    |