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What advice would you give a new Christian who wants to read the book of Revelation?
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I would advise anyone ( not just a new Christian) who wants to really understand the book of Revelation to seek out others who have done research and who have studied this book and its symbolism (i.e. taking courses such as this one), before they try to make sense of the book of Revelations. I, too, used to take it literally and became very confused as a result. Through studies and lectures such as these, I no longer feel confused about Revelations and am looking forward to gaining a better understanding of this book.
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Read with an open mind, asking the Holy Spirit to help you “rightly divide the word of truth.”
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I would remind them first that this book can be challenging BUT that it reminds us we are blessed if we read it and heed the things which are written in it. I recognize that we could say the same of ALL the Bible but I believe that this is the only book of the Bible that specifically states such. It is an encouragement to me then, to keep reading and studying it, learning from the many different perspectives communicated in various commentaries.
Like others below, I would encourage others to read the rest of the Bible and then study Revelation with commentaries aside it. It is helpful to hear the varying perspectives of major theologians. -
Since approaching this book may seem overwhelming ODBU provides several courses that will help remove the stigma by breaking it down into easier overviews of how to read and the and understsnd the overall purpose of the book.
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I would advise people to read that book last. I wouldn’t want them to get discouraged. I would tell them to save that book for last, after they’ve read the rest of the Bible. They would definitely understand it better after reading the other books first.