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The apostle John wrote this holy book during a very difficult time. In a a period when public authorities were fiercely persecuting Christians, God spoke to Christians through the words of this holy book, words that can be a great comfort to believers who are suffering because of Satan's efforts.
In this book, Jesus starts by speaking to groups of believers through seven letters. He says that he knows all their deeds, whether good or bad. This is a rule applied to all human beings. God knows everything. We must know that none of our actions is hidden from God. He forgets none of our works. It is words like these that can bring us comfort when we suffer for the sake of God. But these same words can still frighten us when we do something wrong.
This book also tells us that God knows the events taking place in the world. God knows Satan's works, he knows how he deceives people. Satan believes he can destroy God's power, but this is a pure lie. The powerful words in this book constitute God's victory. Satan will wage war against God and believers, and he will cause them to suffer greatly. But in the end, God will destroy Satan and his allies, and he will throw them into the fire and brimstone of hell, where they will remain for ever. Then, God will take his people and bring them into Paradise, which is called the ‘New Jerusalem.’ There, people will experience a salvation that is unrivalled. Death will no longer exist, nor will suffering. In this place, there will be only abundant life with God.
Reading this holy book is a bit difficult, as the writings use many similes and images, which sometimes makes it difficult to understand. The reader should not dwell on a simile that is difficult to grasp. Let's read the entire book so we can see the larger teaching that emerges. This is not too difficult even though the writer uses similes and comparisons.
May God grant us knowledge in this reading. Amen!
