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the blessing is not for this class. “And keep those things which are
written therein”—many refuse to heed the warnings and instructions
contained in the Revelation. None of these can claim the blessing
promised. All who ridicule the subjects of the prophecy, and mock at
the symbols here solemnly given, all who refuse to reform their lives,
and prepare for the coming of the Son of man, will be unblest.
In view of the testimony of Inspiration, how dare men teach that
the Revelation is a mystery, beyond the reach of human understanding?
It is a mystery revealed, a book opened. The study of the Revelation
directs the mind to the prophecies of Daniel, and both present most
important instruction, given of God to men, concerning events to take
place at the close of this world’s history.
To John were opened scenes of deep and thrilling interest in the
experience of the church. He saw the position, dangers, conflicts,
and final deliverance of the people of God. He records the closing
messages which are to ripen the harvest of the earth, either as sheaves
for the heavenly garner or as fagots for the fires of destruction. Subjects
of vast importance were revealed to him, especially for the last church,
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that those who should turn from error to truth might be instructed
concerning the perils and conflicts before them. None need be in
darkness in regard to what is coming upon the earth.
Why, then, this widespread ignorance concerning an important part
of Holy Writ? Why this general reluctance to investigate its teachings?
It is the result of a studied effort of the prince of darkness to conceal
from men that which reveals his deceptions. For this reason, Christ
the Revelator, foreseeing the warfare that would be waged against the
study of the Revelation, pronounced a blessing upon all who should
read, hear, and observe the words of the prophecy.
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