CHECKPOINT I

• Used with permission of Scripture Union, Adelaide South Australia. Copyright holder. Original edition (C) 1986.
• Designed for the Christian setting out to read the Bible for the first time.

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• H O L D

CHECKPOINT I Introduction to the Selections from the first letter of John and the book of Revelation * Fellowship with God * (Readings 90 to 93) * What’s it all coming to? * (Readings 94 to 100)

1 JOHN

The three letters bearing John’s name have great similarities to John’s Gospel and are generally assumed as coming from the same author. The themes of light, darkness, truth and love appear in both the letters and the Gospel. The letter deals with fellowship with God, eternal life and love – the love from God and the love of Christians for each other. At the outset it emphasizes clearly that Jesus really existed in the flesh but that he was also the divine Son.

REVELATION

The last book in the Bible is a book of encouragement for Christians who are experiencing persecution. It is written in a special style – called apocalyptic – which features visions or revelations. God will overthrow the forces of evil, says John, so take heart in tough times! The central figure of the book is a Lamb – a picture of Jesus the sacrifice, now alive, victorious and ready to judge his enemies. The book closes with a dazzling picture of heaven.