Why is it important to heed the prophecy in Revelation 22:7 today? Setting the Scene “ ‘And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of prophecy in this book.’ ” (Revelation 22:7) What It Means to “Keep” the Prophecy • “Keep” (Greek tēreō) = guard, treasure, put into daily practice • Implies active obedience, not passive admiration (John 14:23) • Treat Revelation as authoritative, practical instruction—just as binding as any New Testament command Reasons This Matters Right Now • Jesus’ imminent return: “I am coming soon.” Urgency presses obedience today (Matthew 24:44) • Spiritual alertness: prophetic words warn against deception (2 Peter 3:3–4, 17) • Moral purity: “Everyone who has this hope purifies himself” (1 John 3:3) • Steadfast hope amid turbulence: prophecy anchors believers when headlines unsettle (Hebrews 6:19) • Evangelistic urgency: knowing time is short prompts sharing the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:11) The Promised Blessing • “Blessed” (makarios) = deeply satisfied, approved by God • Present blessing: peace, purpose, discernment (Psalm 119:105) • Future blessing: reward at Christ’s judgment seat (Revelation 22:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10) Practical Ways to Heed the Prophecy 1. Read Revelation regularly—aloud if possible (Revelation 1:3) 2. Compare it with Old Testament prophecy (Daniel 7; Ezekiel 38–39) 3. Let its visions shape priorities: eternal kingdom over earthly gains (Colossians 3:1–4) 4. Worship the Lamb now as heaven does (Revelation 5:9–14) 5. Keep garments clean—daily repentance and obedience (Revelation 16:15) 6. Encourage one another: “The Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:8) Living with Expectation • Expectant believers live differently—generous, watchful, courageous (Titus 2:11–13) • Prophecy produces stability, not fear: God has revealed the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9–10) • Our hope is a Person, not a timeline: “Yes, I am coming soon.” (Revelation 22:20) Quick Takeaways • Heeding Revelation is an act of love toward Christ who spoke it • The blessing is both present peace and future reward • Urgency, purity, and hope flourish when the prophecy is treasured today |
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