“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14)

When we put our lives in the realm of eternity though our relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we find that we are blessed. Blessed is defined as “the condition or state of being in God’s grace or favor.” (David P. Scaer, “Blessedness,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 69.) This is what we are as followers of Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture, we find many passages detailing the blessedness of God, and to those who are His.

In the book of Proverbs, we find that we are blessed. “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14) “Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.” (Proverbs 8:32-34) We are blessed when we truly listen to what God says through His wisdom. This is the prayer of Paul. “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. (Ephesians 1:16-19)

God speaks to us about His blessings, which come to us through our relationship with Him as we live in the face of a world apart from Him. This is the foundation of Jesus’ teaching as he begins His ministry. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (Matthew 5:3-11) This is how Jesus lived and how we are to live if we are to be blessed, both now and in God’s presence for eternity. Thus, Jesus would conclude this “sermon” by saying, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)

God’s blessedness in our lives begins when we come to Him by faith. Those who continue in their sin will not experience God’s blessedness. We receive it when we find His grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” (Romans 4:7-8) His forgiveness comes to us through His grace and mercy brought to us through the cross. It is offered to us because He rose from death, now He can give us life. It is this life which brings us all His blessings, including His blessing of eternal life with Him. Which is expressed in the last chapter of the New Testament. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14)

When we live our lives walking with the Living Word of God, we find that we are blessed by God now and forever. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block