Charles Spurgeon Commentary Revelation 1:3

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand." — Revelation 1:3 (ASV)

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

I do not perceive that John says, "Blessed are those who understand this Book," for, surely, they would be very few. I do not doubt that there are portions of Scripture which are not meant to be understood yet—things concerning the future that are wrapped up in a phraseology which will be plain enough when that future arrives, but which for now are not intended so much to gratify our curiosity as to stimulate our watchfulness. To keep us constantly on the lookout is the main object of every revelation concerning the future. So far, then, we have the preface of this great Book of the Revelation.

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep these things which are written therein: for the time is at hand (Revelation 1:3).

It is not a book to be put on the shelf. There is practical teaching in it. It is not intended to lead us into vagaries of speculation, but it is meant for practical purposes. We are to keep those things which are written in it, for the time is at hand.