Study Desk

We believe human testimony; but God's testimony is much stronger, and he has given this testimony about his Son.

So those who believe in the Son of God have this testimony in their own heart; but those who do not believe God, have made a liar of him, because they have not believed what God has said about his Son.

The testimony is this: God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in his Son.

We have courage in God's presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will.

We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life.

My dear friends, I was doing my best to write to you about the salvation we share in common, when I felt the need of writing at once to encourage you to fight on for the faith which once and for all God has given to his people.

Not even the chief angel Michael did this. In his quarrel with the Devil, when they argued about who would have the body of Moses, Michael did not dare condemn the Devil with insulting words, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"

It was Enoch, the seventh direct descendant from Adam, who long ago prophesied this about them: "The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels

and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence—

This book is the record of the events that Jesus Christ revealed. God gave him this revelation in order to show to his servants what must happen very soon. Christ made these things known to his servant John by sending his angel to him,

and John has told all that he has seen. This is his report concerning the message from God and the truth revealed by Jesus Christ.

From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of his throne,

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first to be raised from death and who is also the ruler of the kings of the world. He loves us, and by his sacrificial death he has freed us from our sins

and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father. To Jesus Christ be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

I am John, your brother, and as a follower of Jesus I am your partner in patiently enduring the suffering that comes to those who belong to his Kingdom. I was put on the island of Patmos because I had proclaimed God's word and the truth that Jesus revealed.

and among them there was what looked like a human being, wearing a robe that reached to his feet, and a gold band around his chest.

His hair was white as wool, or as snow, and his eyes blazed like fire;

his feet shone like brass that has been refined and polished, and his voice sounded like a roaring waterfall.

He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came out of his mouth. His face was as bright as the midday sun.