Is the book of Revelation a great blessing to those who read it?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: The letters to the churches found in Revelation 2 and 3 are hard to understand – and I am a pastor! The seminary I attended did not teach this book in light of how it impacts society today. But I hear people say that the book of Revelation is a great blessing to those who read it. How so? – L.C.
A: The book of Revelation contains seven letters dictated by Jesus – the Head of His church – to the Apostle John to be sent to the seven churches in Asia. Pastors today would do well to take up a serious study of this Scripture. Jesus says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:11, NKJV).
Christ’s examination of His churches at that time is also an indictment on the church today. While His words sting with truth, they are also full of wonderful promises of what can happen when we heed God’s warnings and follow His commands, which bring conviction, repentance, and purification. Only then can the church really be effective.
Some people say Jesus can’t help us in our sin. In reply: Is penicillin a failure when a patient refuses to accept and follow its directions? The church – the body of Christ – will never fail; however, when “churches” turn away from God’s Word to chase after the worldly system, they stumble and fall.
The church was not designed to stop wars or to solve misery. The church was designed to be holy and proclaim God’s love and forgiveness to all people and declare that Jesus Christ came to eradicate sin in people’s hearts. He returned to His Father in Heaven, to make intercession for us, leaving the church to be His light in a dark and hostile world. There will always be skeptics, but Jesus said, “I will build My church, and the gates of [Hell] shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18, NKJV).
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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