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NT#46 Revelation 5-7:1-8; 19—22

I. Revelation Continued

II. Symbols and Interpretations

III. Revelation 5

IV. Revelation 6

V. Revelation 7:1-8

VI. Revelation 19

VII. Revelation 20

VIII. Revelation 21

IX. Revelation 22

X. Conclusions

I. Revelation Continued

We began our study of the book of Revelations with the

first three chapters of Revelation which dealt mainly with

events that pertained to John’s time. The rest of the book,

with the exception of Chapter 12, that addresses our pre-

mortal earth life and the war in Heaven, deals mainly with

events that are future to John. These include the Apostasy

that occurred after the death of John, the Restoration of

Christ’s Church, the Second coming of Jesus Christ, and the

final judgment.

When: Continuation of revelation to John the Beloved

from Jesus Christ while John was on the Isle of

Patmos about A.D. 96.

Whom: While it was surely circulated to all the saints

living at the time, it was written especially

for the members of the Church of Jesus Christ

who would live during the time period of the

sixth seal.

Joseph Smith states,

“The things which John saw had no allusion to

the scenes of the days of Adam, Enoch, Abraham

or Jesus, only so far as is plainly represented

by John…John saw that only which was lying in

futurity and which was shortly to come to pass.”

(The Teachings of Joseph Smith. Compiled by

Joseph Fielding Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret

Book Co., 1976, [1977], 289-290).

Note: In Chapter 5 of Revelation, John is shown

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a book with seven seals. He is desirous of

seeing the contents of the seals and is told

that only Jesus Christ can open them.

The New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s

Manual states,

“The first five seals [a thousand-year-time

period] of the earth’s temporal existence is

covered in 11 verses [Rev. 6:1-11], the sixth

seal [our day] is covered in 14 verses [Rev.

6:12-7:10], and the seventh seal is covered in

216 verses…[Jesus Christ through John’s vision]

gave the most attention to the events of our

time period and the one to come…[so that our

lives may] be blessed as we study and prepare

for the Second Coming of the Savior.” (New

Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual. Salt

Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints, 1997, [2002], 196).

Themes: Taylor Halverson states,

“(1) Satan attacks the work of God and the

saints of God; (2) The suffering righteous

endure through faith until the end; (3) The Lord

comes triumphant to the destruction of the

forces of evil and the justification and

sanctification of the saints; and, (4)…there is

final peace and joy in the righteous with God in

the New Jerusalem on earth.”

www.meridianmagazine.com\NT\Lesson46\

TaylorHalverson.2007

Focus: (1) Satan fights against the righteous;

(2) Satan will be bound and Christ will reign in

triumph during the Millennium; and, (3) After

the last judgment, the righteous will dwell with

God.

In Chapters 5 and 6, we learn that throughout the six time

periods identified in history, Satan’s battle against the

righteous has been continuous and unrelenting. There have

been many martyrs of righteousness. Before this battle

concludes-we learned it commences during our pre-mortal

existence-there will yet be causalities among the

righteous.

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In Chapters 19-20, Satan is finally bound, not by the

righteousness of the saints, but by the power of God.

Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet state,

“Satan is to be bound by the power of God. It will not be a

state of righteousness, purity, or goodness that will bind

Satan at the beginning of the millennial era. Near

countless passages of scripture assure us that the return

of Christ will be a day of wickedness and corruption and

that he will come to take vengeance upon a wicked world.”

(Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol.1. Salt

Lake City: Bookcraft, 1987, [11th Printing, 1999], 175).

During the Millennium, that will last for 1000 years, while

not all citizens will be members of the Church of Jesus

Christ, the earth will be governed under Christ’s

direction, and a spirit of peace and cooperation will be

manifest. Satan and his minions will be bound and have no

power over the earth’s inhabitants.

In Chapters 21-22, we will learn further about the final

judgment. The final judgment, it has been said, will be a

day of rejoicing for the righteous, while it will be a day

of great sadness and sorrow for the wicked. At this time,

the righteous will be blessed with the opportunity to live

with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, while the

wicked will go to another place of lesser glory. One thing

is certain, the judgment of God will be determined by all

to be fair and generous.

II. Symbols And Interpretations

We were introduced to the Lord’s teaching by the use of

symbols during the previous lesson. The Lord spoke to John,

as he did to Isaiah, using the language of symbols in order

to express this vision. There may be three possible

reasons: (1) To help the learner to understand and remember

by comparing unfamiliar ideas or things to those that are

more familiar; (2) The symbols can have different levels of

meaning based upon the individual’s spiritual level of

understanding; and, (3) The symbols can encourage the

learner to think more deeply (inquire) about what is being

taught.

Chart I. Symbols with Interpretations and References:

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Symbol

1. Seven Seals

2. Book with

Seven Seals

3. A Lamb

4. Twelve

horns/Twelve

eyes of Lamb

4. Golden vials

full of odours

5. Horses:

White

Red

Black

Pale

6. Marriage of

the Lamb

7. Fine linen

8. Rod of iron

9. Bottomless pit

10. Gog and Magog

11. Lake of fire

and brimstone

Interpretation

1. Seven one-

thousand-year

periods

2. Contains will,

mysteries, and

works of God

3. Christ

4. Twelve servants

of God

4. Prayers of the

Saints

5. Events of

thousand year

period:

righteousness/

bloodshed/

hunger and

famine/death

and hell

6. The Second

coming

7. Righteousness

of the Saints

8. Word of God

9. Hell

10. Great battle

after the

Millennium

11. Torment of

Disappointment

(hell)

Scripture Reference

1. D&C 77:7

2. D&C 77:6

3. John 1:29, 36

4. JST, John 5:6

4. Rev. 5:8

5. Rev. 6:2, 4-5,

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Lam. 4:8-9

6. Rev. 19:7

7. Rev. 19:8

8. 1 Ne. 15:23-24

9. Rev. 9:1; 20:1

10. Rev. 20:8

11. Rev. 20:10

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12. Another book

(for judgment)

13. New heaven and

new earth

(twice)

14. The bride, the

Lamb’s wife

15. Twelve names

on twelve

gates

16. Twelve names

on twelve

foundations

17. The tree of

life and its

fruit

18. Root of David

19. Morning star

12. Heavenly book

of life

13. Terrestial and

then Celestial

earth

14. The Church; The

New Jerusalem

15. Twelve tribes

16. Twelve apostles

17. Love of God;

celestial glory

18. Christ

19. Christ

12. Rev. 20:12

13. Rev. 21:1

14. D&C 109:73-74;

Rev. 21:2

15. Rev. 21:12

16. Rev. 22:14

17. Rev. 22:2

18. Rev. 22:16

19. Rev. 22:16

References: Jay A. Parry and Donald W. Parry. Understanding

the Book of Revelations. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.,

1998, 316-317; D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner. New

Testament Apostles Testify of Christ. Salt Lake City:

Deseret Book Co., 1998, 308-309.

It is important that each of us strive to gain an increased

understanding of the various symbols in the vision John

received with the understanding that the same symbol may

have multiple meanings.

III. Revelation 5

Revelation 5:1-4

1 And I saw the right hand of him that sat on the

throne a book written within and on the backside,

sealed with seven seals.

2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud

voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose

the seals thereof?

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3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under

the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look

thereon.

4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to

open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

Joseph Smith petitioned the Lord so that he might be able

to understand the book of Revelation. He received the

following revelation.

Doctrine and Covenants 77:6-7

6 Q. What are we to understand by the book which John

saw, which was sealed on the back with seven seals?

A. We are to understand that it contains the

revealed will, mysteries, and the works of God; the

hidden things of his economy concerning this earth

during the seven thousand years of its continuance, or

its temporal existence.

7 Q. What are we to understand by the seven seals with

which it was sealed?

A. We are to understand that the first seal contains

the things of the first thousand years, and the second

seal also of the second thousand years, and so on

until the seventh.

The answer which the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith,

regarding the meaning of the book and the seven seals,

provides us with a clearer understanding of the entire book

of Revelation. For further clarity, the following chart is

provided that outlines the Seven Seals in the book of

Revelation with the accompanying major events.

Chart II: The Seven Seals in the book of Revelation:

Seal Major Event

First

Seal

The creation and fall of Adam and Eve, the ministry of Enoch

and the translation of his city into heaven (Rev. 6:1-2)

Second

Seal

Noah and the Flood (Rev. 6:3-4)

Third

Seal

Ministries of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (Rev. 6:5-6)

Fourth

Seal

Ministry of Moses, the Exodus, the period of the reign of the

judges; the period of the reign by kings; the division of the

kingdom; the conquering of the kingdoms (Rev. 6:7-8)

Fifth

Seal

The birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus

Christ; the establishment of his Chruch and the ministry of the

Apostles; martyrdom of the Apostles; the Apostasy (Rev. 6:9-11)

Sixth Continuation of the Apostasy, restoration of the gospel through

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Seal the Prophet Joseph Smith; signs of the times manifest (Rev. 6:

12-17; 7:1-8)

Seventh

Seal

Wars, plagues, and desolation; Second Coming of the Lord (Rev.

8:1-19:21); Millennium of peace (Rev. 20:1-6); Satan loosed for

a season, the last great battle, and the final judgment (Rev.

20:7-15)

After

Seventh

Seal

The earth is celestialized (Rev. 21:1-22:6)

Reference: New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual.

Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints, 1997, [2002], 196.

Revelation 5:5

5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not:

behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of

David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose

the seven seals thereof.

Bruce R. McConkie states,

“Christ is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. (Rev. 5:5) When

Father Jacob gave Judah his patriarchal blessing, Judah was

likened both to a lion’s whelp and to an old lion and was

promised that the scepter should not depart from his

descendants until the coming of Christ. (Gen. 49:8-12)

Accordingly, to denominate our Lord as the Lion of the

Tribe of Judah is to point to his position as a descendant

of Judah, to his membership in that tribe from which kings

were chosen to reign, and also to show his status as the

most pre-eminent of all that house.” (Mormon Doctrine. Salt

Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966, [Second Edition], 449).

Bruce R. McConkie continues,

“This designation (i.e. Root of David) signifies that he

who was the Son of David was also before David, was pre-

eminent above him, and was the root or source from which

the great king of Israel gained his kingdom and power.”

(Mormon Doctrine. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966, [Second

Edition], 657).

Revelation 5:6

6 And beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and

of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders,

stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven [JST.

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twelve] horns and seven [JST. twelve] eyes, which are

the seven Spirits [JST. twelve servants] of God sent

forth into all the earth.

Bryan Richards notes,

“The Prophet Joseph Smith understands the difference

between the seven servants previously mentioned in the

Revelation and the elders that John sees associated with

the Lamb. The twelve servants are the apostles of the Lamb.

Their eyes are a representation of light and knowledge (D&C

77:4). The horns are likely a representation of their

strength in fighting the dragon (Rev. 12:1-11) as they are

‘sent forth into all the earth.”

(www.gospeldoctrine/contents/Rev-5).

Jay A. and David W. Parry state,

“The elder instructs John to ‘weep not’ and to ‘behold the

Lion,’ but unexpectedly John sees a Lamb that possesses the

marks of one who was slain. He sees Christ who,, though

slain for the sins of the world, now stands in great

majesty as a lion stands as the king of all creatures.

Christ stands now in the inner circle of the multitudes in

heaven. He is standing near his Father’s throne, which is

surrounded by the four beasts and the twenty-four elders.

“The expression ‘as it had been slain’ indicates that the

Lamb, although risen from the dead and possessing eternal

life, in the vision to John carried the marks of his

sacrifice in his hands, feet, and side.” (Understanding the

Book of Revelation. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1998,

70).

Revelations 5:8-10

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and

four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb,

having every one of them harps, and golden vials full

of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to

take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou

wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood

out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and

nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:

and we shall reign on the earth.

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Bryan Richards states,

“In the tabernacle of Moses and the temple of Solomon,

there was an altar of incense made of gold. Upon it sat the

candlestick (candelabra) and an altar for offering incense.

Every morning, when the candlestick was dressed and every

evening when the lamps were lit, sweet incense was burned

to the Lord (Ex. 30:7-8; 40:4-6). The smoke of the incense

rising up to heaven was symbolic of the prayers of his

people ascending to God. King David’s petition was, ‘Let my

prayer be set forth before thee as incense.’ (Ps. 141:2).

“Similarly, the golden vials full of sweet odors are a

similitude of the prayers of the saints of God. It would

seem that the prayers of the righteous are the perfume of

heaven.” (www.gospeldoctrine.com/content/Rev-5).

Orson Pratt states regarding “made us…kings and priests,”

“…what are we to understand by this crown of righteousness,

which is to be given to the Saints? We understand that it

is actually a crown of glory; that they are to be kings in

reality…

“If there are to be kings, you may depend upon it that they

will have kingdoms under their control; they will have

authority and dominion, they will give laws to those

subjects over whom they bear rule; they will control them

by the priestly office, for it is combined with the kingly

office…” (Journal of Discourse, Vol. 1. London: Latter-day

Saints’ Book Depot, 1854, 291).

These blessings are promised to those who are righteous.

They will be given authority and responsibility over

others. They will have the responsibility to help each of

them to grow in knowledge and understanding as they

continue in their progression to become like Our Father in

Heaven.

Joseph Fielding Smith states,

“Priesthood is given us for two purposes, first, that we

may ourselves receive exaltation, and, second, that we may

be the means of helping others to obtain like blessings. We

are informed that if we are worthy of exaltation we are to

become like our Father in heaven. We are to become priests

and kings (Rev. 1:6 and Rev. 5:10), and to have dominion

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and be given rule…if we do not use the talents given us now

and do not exercise the responsibility we have received in

this life, that we will not be prepared or worthy to

exercise authority and have responsibility there…Here we

prove ourselves through service as well as through

obedience to the law of the Gospel.” (“The Wisdom of

President Joseph Fielding Smith,” in New Era, July 1972,

21).

Revelation 5:13-14

13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the

earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the

sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying,

Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto

him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb

for ever and ever.

14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and

twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth

for ever and ever.

The Lamb being honored by all the earth is Jesus Christ. As

a result of his atonement, and the sacrifice that he made

for all mankind, without which we all would be doomed, is

deserving of all the honor and praise that we can offer

him.

Bruce R. McConkie states,

“Salvation is in Christ. His is the only name given under

heaven whereby this priceless gift may be won. Without him

there would be no resurrection and all men would be forever

lost. Without him there would be no eternal life, no return

to the presence of a gracious Father, no celestial thrones

for the saints.” (“Be Valiant in the Fight of Faith,” in

Ensign, November 1974, 34).

Joseph Smith states,

“The grand secret was to show John what there was in

heaven. John learned that God glorified Himself by saving

all that His hands had made, whether beasts, fowl, fishes

or men; and He will glorify Himself with them.” (Teachings

of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Compiled by Joseph Fielding

Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976, [1977],

291).

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Doctrine and Covenants 77:5

5 Q. What are we to understand by the four and twenty

elders, spoke of by John?

A. We are to understand that these elders whom John

saw, were elders who had been faithful in the spirit

of the ministry and were dead; who belonged to the

seven churches, and were then in the paradise of God.

It is important to understand that God the Father receives

further glory as his creations gain and receive eternal

life. This is confirmed by his words to Moses.

PGP, Moses 1:39

39 For behold, this is my work ad my glory—to bring to

pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

IV. Revelation 6

In the following verses, we will address the events that

occurred with the opening of the six seals. As noted

previously, the “first five seals will be covered in 11

verses, the sixth seal is covered in 14 verses.” (New

Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual. Salt Lake City:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1997,

[2002], 196).

Revelation 6:1

1 And I saw when the Lamb

opened one of the seals, and

I heard, as it were the noise

of thunder, one of the four

beasts saying, Come and see.

JST, Revelation 6:1

1 And I saw when the Lamb

opened one of the seals, one

of the four beasts, and I

heard, as it were, the noise

of thunder, saying, Come and

see.

According to the Joseph Smith Translation, it was not one

of the four beasts that directed John to “Come and see.”

It is reasonable to assume that the one who directs John to

“Come and see,” is not a beast, but Jesus Christ as it is

he who was providing the vision to John.

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Revelation 6:2

2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat

on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and

he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Bryan Richards states,

“Adam was the greatest priesthood leader of the first

Millennium. The white horse represents his righteousness

and premiere position as a member of God’s cavalry in the

fight against the powers of Satan. He is a type for the

Savior who was also seen on a white horse.

“We remember that it was the archangel Michael who led the

armies of God in the war in heaven (Rev. 12:7). The main

figures on each side of the conflict remain the same,

either before or after the Fall. If Michael led the fight

against the dragon in the pre-mortal sphere, he continued

this fight in mortality, and will again assume a premiere

position when the powers of Satan are destroyed at the end

of the world.” (www.gospeldoctrine.com/content/Rev-6).

Joseph Smith clarified who Michael is,

“The Priesthood was first given to Adam; he obtained the

First Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation

to generation. He obtained it in the Creation, before the

world was formed, as in Genesis 1:26, 27, 28. He had

dominion given him over every living creature. He is the

Michael the Archangel, spoken of in the Scriptures.”

(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Compiled by Joseph

Fielding Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976,

[1977], 157).

Michael, who had a prominent position, serving under the

direction of the Father and the Son during the war in the

pre-existence, became known as Adam during his mortal

probation.

Revelation 6:3-4

3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the

second beast say, Come and see.

4 And there went out another horse that was red: and

power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace

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from the earth, and that they should kill one another:

and there was given unto him a great sword.

Bryan Richards states,

“The second thousand years was a time of great

righteousness and great wickedness. Noah and his sons

walked with God, but most of humanity had turned to

corruption and violence.”

(www.gosepeldoctrine.com/content/Rev-6).

Bryan Richards continues,

“It is not a coincidence that the wicked riders described

in the second and fourth seals have power given to them. Of

the righteous messengers of the first and third seals, no

mention is made of their source of power. The reason is

that the righteous angels mentioned have priesthood power

of an eternal nature. By contrast, the wicked riders serve

Satan and hold no priesthood of their own. They perform

their work through Satan’s power, but their power is

temporary. Neither Satan’s priesthood, not their power, is

permanent. Because of the Fall, the Father allows Satan and

his hosts to afflict and torment man. Satan may boast,‘Now

is the great day of my power,’ but that day will shortly

come to an end.” (www.gospeldoctrine.com/content/Rev-6).

Revelation 6:5-6

5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the

third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a

black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of

balances in his hand.

6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts

say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three

measures of barley for a penny; and see that hurt not

the oil and the wine.

Jay A. and Donald W. Parry state,

“The time represented by the third seal was an era of great

famine. John sees a black horse, black being the color of

extreme hunger and famine (Lam. 4:8-9). In the hand of the

rider he sees a pain of balances, which are used to measure

the food during the famine, a practice known from earlier

times (Lev. 26:26).

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“During this thousand-year time span, Abraham records, ‘a

famine prevailed throughout all the land of Chaldea, and my

father was sorely tormented because of the famine…Now the

Lord God caused the famine to wax sore in the land of Ur,

insomuch that Haran, my brother died’ (Abr.1:30; 2:1).

“We recall that Joseph, the great-grandson of Abraham,

interpreted Pharaoh’s dream of a famine that would last

seven years and would ‘consume the land’ (Gen.41:30).”

(Understanding the Book of Revelation. Salt Lake City:

Deseret Book Co., 1998, 81).

Revelation 6:7-8

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the

voice of the beast say, Come and see.

8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name

that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.

And power was given unto them over the fourth part of

the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and

with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Bryan Richards states,

“The fourth horse has two riders. Death and hell, the twin

enemies, are represented by these soldiers of Satan. When

hell is understood to mean spiritual death, we see that

these riders carried both physical and spiritual death. The

second is worse than the first. We are reminded of the

warning of the Master, ‘fear not them which kill the body,

but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him

which is able to destroy both the soul and body in hell.’

(Matt. 10:28).” (www.gosepeldoctrine.com/content/Rev-6).

Richard D. Draper states,

“Surely no period before this saw more vicious generals and

armies. It was the time when some of the world’s greatest

empires rose and fell: Babylon, Assyria, Persia, and

Macedonia among them. As armies marched, men died in

droves, and Hell gaped wide its jaws to receive them.

“Caught up in all this strife were the people of Jehovah.

Palestine was often a hotly contested area. Pulled by the

forces of the day, its political leaders tried to play

power politics to their shame and destruction. The great

prophets, Hosea, Amos, Isaiah, and later Jeremiah and Lehi,

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tried to warn them of their folly. They would not heed. Too

caught up in idolatry to repent, too licentious to reform,

too hard-hearted to feel, they warred among themselves and

weakened their nation. As a consequence, they left Jehovah

and life eternal. Hell was truly their reward.” (Opening

the Seven Seals: The Visions of John the Revelator. Salt

Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1991, 67).

Revelation 6:9-11

9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under

the altar the souls of them that were slain for the

word of God, and of for the testimony which they held:

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long,

O Lord, holy and true, doest thou not judge and avenge

our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

11 And white robes were given unto every one of them;

and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet

for a little season, until their fellowservants also

and their brethren, that should be killed as they

were, should be fulfilled.

Richard D. Draper states,

“At the breaking forth of the fifth seal, no horse thunders

forth. Instead the Revelator sees the fulfillment of a

prophecy given for his own day. The fifth seal represents

John’s era, the era in which the Son of God was born,

ministered, and atoned for all mankind. It was the era

during which the new covenant was established and the keys

of resurrection were first manifested. Interestingly, John

depicts none of these things. The event on which the vision

focuses is the deliberate destruction of those who stood as

witnesses of the Word of life…John already knew the way his

dispensation would end. The Lord had made it abundantly

clear. He told his disciples that after he departed, “then

shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill

you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s

sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one

another, and shall hate one another” (Matt. 24:9-10, KJV).

John viewed the terrible fulfillment of that dire prophecy.

Those men and women he saw in vision who had died for the

Word’s sake were in reality yet giving up their lives.

“John saw the souls of the righteous under the altar of

heaven. The image of the altar suggest sacrifice. The

direct association of these saints with the altar implies

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that their lives had been given in sacrifice because of

their loyalty to God. Their position under the altar

suggests that they were martyrs, their souls resting there

only because their lives had been offered, as it were, upon

it.” (Opening the Seven Seals: The Vision of John The

Revelator. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1991, 68-69).

Revelation 6:12-13

12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal,

and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun

became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became

as blood;

13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even

as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is

shaken of a mighty wind.

Richard D. Draper states,

“With the sixth seal, we enter into the modern era. As the

Lamb broke it, a terrible scene of cosmic proportions met

the eyes of the Seer [John]. A tremendous earthquake rocked

the planet, affecting every mountain and island. The sun

ceased to shine, the moon hung blood red, and the stars

seemed to fall from heaven.

“Thus by use of the earthquake, the Lord shows his

incredible power as he begins to warn the nations. Such

power will be sufficiently terrifying to drive men to wish

for death rather than face vengeance. John’s forceful

symbols dramatically convey the great natural disasters

that bring the sixth millennium to a close and act as

forerunners to the final catastrophes.” (Opening the Seven

Seals: The Vision of John The Revelator. Salt Lake City:

Deseret Book Co., 1991, 71-72).

Revelations 6:14

14 And the heaven departed as

a scroll when it is rolled

together; and every mountain

and island were moved out of

their places.

JST, Revelations 6:14

14 And the heavens opened as

a scroll is opened when it is

rolled together; and every

mountain, and island was

moved out of its place.

From the Joseph Smith Translation we learn that the heavens

will not depart, but will be opened. Also, every mountain

and island will be moved out of its place. The events that

17

will occur during this time period will affect not only the

relationship between heaven and earth, but also there will

be a rearrangement of the geology of this planet.

Revelations 6:15-17

15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and

the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty

men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid

themselves in the dens and the rocks of the mountains;

16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us,

and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the

throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who

shall be able to stand?

Richard D. Draper states,

“The Seer [John] notes seven consequences to the wickedness

of mankind: (1) the earthquake, (2) the darkened sun, (3)

the reddening of the moon, (4) the stars falling, (5) the

heavens rolling up, (6) the mountains and islands moving

out of their places, and (7) the universal consternation of

mankind. Further, he notes seven classes of men who will be

affected: (1) kings, (2) great men, (3) rich men, (4) chief

captains, (5) mighty men, (6) bondmen, and (7) free men.

Such numbering seems deliberate on his part. It emphasizes

the idea of completeness; no enemy of God, not matter how

high or low born, will escape the wrath of the Lamb. He

will move in his fury when patience ceases to be a virtue:

‘It shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the

world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they

will not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full;

for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me

not’ (D&C 29:17).” (Opening the Seven Seals: The Visions of

John The Revelator. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1991,

72).

In view of the terrible calamites that John the Revelator

saw in a vision that are about to occur, the question, “Who

shall be able to stand?” is an important one for each of us

to consider.

Wilford Woodruff states,

“Can you tell me where the people are who will be shielded

and protected from these great calamities and judgments

18

which are even at our doors? I’ll tell you. The priesthood

of God who honor the priesthood, and who are worthy of the

blessings are the only ones who shall have this safety and

protection. They are the only mortal beings. No other

people have a right to be shielded from these judgments.

They are at our very doors; not even this people will

escape them entirely. They will come down like the

judgments of Sodom and Gomorrah. And none but the

priesthood will be safe from the fury…Calamities and

troubles are increasing in the earth, and there is meaning

to these things. Remember this, and reflect upon these

matters. If you do your duty, and I do my duty, we’ll have

protection, and shall pass through the afflictions in peace

and safety…It’s by the power of the gospel that we shall

escape.” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff. Edited by C.

Homer Durham. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946, [Second

Collector’s Edition Printing, 1995], 230-231).

These words by Wilford Woodruff on June 24, 1894, remain as

valid today as when they were given. If we want to be

prepared for the calamities and afflictions that are

coming, now is the time for us to keep the commandments and

to continue to follow and obey the words of the living

Prophets and Apostles.

V. Revelation 7:1-8

Revelation 7:1-3

1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on

the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds

of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the

earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

2 And I saw another angel ascending form the east,

having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a

loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to

hurt the earth and the sea,

David R. Minert states,

“After being shown in vision the destruction that awaits

the wicked in the last days, John now sees four heavenly

angels hovering over the four points of the compass. It is

they who have authority concerning the destruction of the

kingdoms of the earth. These angels will hold in check

their power to destroy the things of the earth while the

restored gospel spreads across the world (D&C 77:8).

19

“John next sees an angel descending from heaven with the

authority to give a message to the four angels, having the

sealing power of God that will bind families together

throughout eternity. This angel came in the spirit of

Elias, and his visit to the earth was part of the

restoration of the gospel. This angel loudly proclaims his

message to the four destroying angels as follows (D&C 77:9;

128:132).” (The Book of Revelations Simplified for the

Latter-Day Saints. Orem, Utah: Granite Publishing &

Distribution L.L.C., 2007, 48-49).

Revelation 7:3-4

3 Saying, Hurt not the

earth, neither the sea, nor

the trees, till we have

sealed the servants of our

God in their foreheads.

4 And I heard the number of

them which were sealed: and

there were sealed an hundred

and forty and four thousand

of all the tribes of the

children [sons] of Israel.

JST, Revelation 7:3-4

3 Saying, Hunt not the earth,

neither the sea, nor the

trees, till we have sealed

the servants of our God in

their foreheads.

4 And the number of them who

were sealed, were an hundred

and forty and four thousand

of all the tribes of the

children of Israel.

[JST delets: “I heard”, “and

there…sealed.” Changes

“which” to “who.”]

David R. Minert states,

“Do not bring your scourges and punishment upon the wicked

inhabitants of the world until the servants of God are

protected from the calamities by being sealed to their

families in the Lord’s temple and have their calling and

election made sure” (Revelations 9:4).

“John was given to know that the number of righteous saints

who would be sealed up unto the Lord would be innumerable

and that these members of the church would come from all

the nations of the earth and from throughout the

generations of man (symbolically 144,000). Among them will

be high priests ordained after the holy order of God to

administer the principles of salvation (D&C 77:11).” (The

Book of Revelations Simplified for the Latter-Day Saints.

20

Orem, Utah: Granite Publishing & Distribution L.L.C., 2007,

49-50).

Revelation 7:5 [6-8]

5 Of the tribe of Juda [Judah] were sealed twelve

thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve

thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve

thousand.

[6-8] Continues with (vs.6) Aser [Asher], Nepthalim

[Naphtali]; Manasses [Manasseh]; (vs.7) Simeon; Levi;

Issachar; (vs.8) Zabulon; Joseph [Ephraim]; Benjamin;

[Dan is excluded].

David R. Minert states,

“He sees that all worthy priesthood holders (and their

families) are to be sealed or protected by the coming

judgments of the wicked in the last days. John is also

shown that each of the tribes are to be included in the

priesthood blessings of the Lord. (This was in contrast to

the practice anciently which allowed only the tribe of Levi

to be given the opportunity to hold the priesthood and

officiate in the duties of the temple.)” (The Book of

Revelations Simplified for the Latter-Day Saints. Orem,

Utah: Granite Publishing & Distribution L.L.C., 2007, 50-

51).

Richard D. Draper states,

“The signs associated with the sixth seal—the earthquake,

the plagues on the sun and moon, the stars falling—play a

major role in the objectives of the sixth seal. Their

function is primarily destruction. They represent

additional effort on the part of God to bring all men to

him. The four angels symbolize the spiritual forces that

oversee and assist in fulfilling this objective. But one

must keep in mind that the same power that can …[destroy]

the nations also can…[save] them. That power is Jesus

Christ. During the sixth seal, the fullness of his gospel

will be restored to the earth and both natural and

supernatural forces will combine to see that it spreads to

all lands and cultures. Those who respond with fullness of

heart will enter into the rest of the Lord and find peace

and safety. Those who reject it will find vexation and

21

misery.” (Opening the Seven Seals: The Visions of John The

Revelator. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1991, 78).

This concludes our review of the events of the six seal’s

as seen in John’s vision. There are times in the earth’s

history when the only way that God is able to get the

attention of his children is through his display of the

forces of nature. As we stand helpless in view of these

disasters, often our hearts are softened as to our own

nothingness in view of God’s majesty. It is also during

these times that our hearts are often more sensitive to the

whisperings of his Spirit for guidance and direction. It

may be that we will choose to make changes in our lives so

that we may be in a better position to find the peace and

happiness that has so far alluded us. As we turn to God to

seek his divine intervention in our lives, the disasters we

have experienced may be a blessing in disguise. If instead

we choose to ignore the impressions, it is likely, based

upon John’s vision, that our mortal journey is going to be

even more difficult.

VI. Revelation 19

At this point in John’s vision, we are nearing the

conclusion of the wars, plagues and desolation. The members

of the Church of Jesus Christ, who have been faithful and

steadfast during the previous calamities, are anxiously

awaiting in preparation for the return of Jesus Christ to

the earth.

Revelation 19:1-2

1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much

people in heaven saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and

glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.

2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he

hath judged the great whore [church of the Devil],

which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and

hath avenged the blood of his servants [JST-saints] at

her hand.

Alleluia is the Greek form of the Hebrew, Hallelujah,

meaning, “Praise Jehovah.” These words of praise and honor

are offered by the members of the Church to the Lord for

his judgments upon Satan and those who were responsible for

the death of the saints. The deaths of the innocent saints

have been avenged.

22

Revelation 19:7-9

7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him:

for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife

hath made herself ready.

8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in

fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the

righteousness of the saints.

9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which

are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And

he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Jay A. and Donald W. Perry state,

“The marriage of the Lamb, who is Christ (D&C 33:17-18) to

his bride, who is the Church (D&C 109:73-74) as well as the

New Jerusalem (D&C 21:2, 9-10), is a metaphor for the union

between the Lord and his people, made possible through the

atonement of Christ…There is no sweeter or more meaningful

relationship on earth than that between a holy husband and

a holy wife; that is the kind of relationship (in depth of

feeling and completeness of union) that the Lord is

inviting us to. That marriage is between Christ and the

church—but the Church is not just an organization on the

earth, it also individual souls who belong to that

organization.” (Understanding the Book of Revelation. Salt

Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1998, 251-252).

Joseph Smith asks,

“…those who keep the commandments of the Lord and walk in

His statues to the end…are the only individuals permitted

to sit at this glorious feast…Reflect for a moment,

brethren, and enquire, whether you would consider

yourselves worthy to a seat at the marriage feast with Paul

and others like him, if you had not been faithful? Had you

not fought a good fight, and kept the faith, could you

expect to receive?” (History of the Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints, Vol. 2. Introduction and notes by

B.H. Roberts. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints, 1948, [Seventh Printing, 1878], 19-20).

Revelation 19:11

11 And I saw the heavens opened, and behold a white

horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful

23

and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make

war.

Revelation 19:15

15 And out of his mouth goeth

a sharp sword, that with it

he should smite the nations:

and he shall rule them with a

rod of iron: and he treadeth

the winepress of the fierce-

ness and the wrath of

Almighty God.

JST, Revelation 19:15

15 And out of his mouth

proceedth the word of God,

and, with it he will smite

the nation; and he will rule

them with the word of his

mouth; and he treadeth the

wine-press in the fierceness

and wrath of Almighty God.

Revelation 19:16

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name

written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Certainly he that sat on the white horse, who shall rule

the nations with the [JST. word of his mouth], and has a

name written on his thigh, is Our Lord and Savior, Jesus

Christ. It is He who will reign during the thousand years

of the millennium.

Revelation 19:18

18 That ye [vs.17 all the

fouls that fly] may eat the

flesh of captains, and the

flesh of mighty men, and the

flesh of horses, and of them

that sit on them, and the

flesh of all men, both free

and bond, both small and

great.

JST, Revelation 19:18

18 That ye may eat the flesh

of kings, and the flesh of

captains, and the flesh of

mighty men, and the flesh of

horses, and of them that sit

on them, and the flesh of all

who fight against the Lamb,

both bond and free, both

small and great.

Just prior to the Second coming of the Savior, a great

battle will commence in which the forces of evil and those

of righteousness. It will be involve the ancient city of

Jerusalem. This battle is often referred to as the battle

of Armageddon. (See Zechariah 12:9-10; 13:6;14:2-

4);Revelation 11:2-13.) The battle will conclude with

deliverance coming through Jesus Christ. As a result of his

intervention, the righteous will be victorious and the Holy

City of Jerusalem will be spared from destruction. The Jews

will inquire of him who just saved them, the cause of the

24

wounds in his hands. He will reply, “Those with which I was

wounded in the house of my friends” (Zechariah 13:6). The

Jews will then recognize Jesus as he whom they crucified.

Following the conclusion of the battle, the numerous bodies

of those who were slain will lie in the fields. It is then

that the fouls and scavengers will come and eat the flesh

of all who died in this great battle fighting against the

righteous.

VII. Revelation 20

Revelation 20:1-3

1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the

key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his

hand.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent,

which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him for a

thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him

up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive

the nation no more, till the thousand years should be

fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little

season.

Bruce R. McConkie states,

“The bottomless pit is the depths of hell. It is not a

literal pit without a bottom, for such is a contradiction

in terms. But it is a pit or prison where the inhabitants

suffer, as mortals view suffering, to an infinite,

unlimited, or bottomless extent. Referring to finite

inability to comprehend the vastness of the suffering of

those reaping the full measure of this status, the

revelation says: ‘The end, the width, the height, the

depth, and the misery thereof, they understand not, neither

any man except those who are ordained unto this

condemnation.’ (D&C 76:48).” (Mormon Doctrine. Salt Lake

City: Bookcraft, 1966, [Second Edition], 101).

Joseph Fielding Smith states,

“There are many among us who teach that the binding of

Satan will be merely the binding which those dwelling on

the earth will place upon him by their refusal to hear his

enticing. This is not so. He will not have the privilege

25

during that period of time to tempt any man.” (Church

History and Modern Revelation, Vol. 1. Salt Lake City:

Deseret Book Co., 1953, 192).

It is of importance to note that at the conclusion of the

Millennium, the Devil or Satan, will be released “a little

season” (Revelation 20:3). At that time, the forces of good

headed by Michael/Adam will battle against the forces of

evil, directed by the devil in a final battle referred to

as Gog and Magog [Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith, 280).

At the conclusion of this battle, the devil will be cast

forever into prison by Jesus Christ.

Revelation 20:4

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and

judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of

them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and

for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the

beast, neither his image, neither had received his

mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they

lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Bruce R. McConkie states,

“Under Christ, selected agents and representatives shall

sit in judgment upon specific peoples and nations.

Scriptural intimations indicate that there will be a great

judicial hierarchy, each judge acting in his own sphere of

appointment and in conformity with the eternal principles

of judgment which are in Christ.” (Mormon Doctrine. Salt

Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966, [Second Edition], 399).

Bryan Richards states,

“The Millennial earth will usher in a terrestrial state of

glory. Hence, those capable of living a terrestrial law

will be spared the associated destruction. However, Christ,

the ancient saints, and the righteous latter-day saints

will all have been resurrected to a celestial glory. In a

way, they don’t belong on a terrestrial earth but on a

celestial one. This may be why the prophet said that

resurrected saints may not reside on the terrestrial earth

the entire time.” (www.gospeldoctrine.com/content/Rev-20).

26

Revelation 20:6

6 Blessed and holy is he that

hath part in the first

resurrection: on such the

second death hath no power,

but they shall be priests of

God and of Christ, and shall

reign with him a thousand

years.

JST, Revelation 20:6

6 Blessed and holy are they

who have part in the first

resurrection: on such the

second death hath no power,

but they shall be priests of

God and of Christ, and shall

reign with him a thousand

years.

We learn from the Joseph Smith Translation that there will

be many who will be resurrected at the beginning of the

Millennium. These are those who were valiant in their

service to God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Those

not resurrected will come forth at a later time to receive

their eternal reward and glory.

Bruce R. McConkie states regarding the “Second death,”

“After the separation of body and spirit, which is the

natural death, the wicked and ungodly die a second death, a

spiritual death, meaning they are cast out of the presence

of the Lord and are dead as pertaining to the things of

righteousness, which are the things of the Spirit. ‘I, the

Lord, have said that the fearful, and the unbelieving, and

all liars, and whosoever loveth and maketh a life, and the

whoremonger, and the sorcerer, shall have their part in

that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is

the second death. Verily I say, that they shall not have

part in the first resurrection.’ (D&C 63:17-18).

“But when those…designated have suffered for their own

sins, after they have paid the utmost farthing in hell,

after they have suffered ‘the wrath of Almighty God, until

the fullness of times, they shall come forth in the second

resurrection and receive their inheritance in the telestial

kingdom (D&C 76:103-106).” (Doctrinal New Testament

Commentary, Vol.3. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1973, [9th

Printing, 1976], 583-584).

Revelation 20:7-10

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall

be loosed out of his prison,

8 And [Satan] shall go out to deceive the nations

which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and

27

Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number

of whom is as the sand of the sea.

9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and

compassed the camp of the saints about, and the

beloved city: and fire came down from God out of

heaven, and devoured them.

10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the

lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the

false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and

night for ever and ever.

The final battle, following the Millennium, as had been

noted, is referred to as Gog and Magog. It will be the last

great battle prior to the judgment of Satan and his

servants. Satan’s defeat by the forces of good, marks the

conclusion of the power of Satan.

Revelation 20:12, 14-15

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before

God; and the books were opened: and another book was

opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were

judged out of those things which were written in the

books, according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of

life was cast into the lake of fire.

Bruce R. McConkie states,

“The books were opened. What books? The Standard Works of

the Church, the holy scriptures wherein the law of the Lord

is recorded and the instructions given as to how men should

walk in this mortal probation; also, the records of the

Church wherein are recorded the faith and good works of the

saints—the records of baptism, celestial marriage, tithe

paying, missionary service, and their acts of devotion and

worship.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Vol.3. Salt

Lake City: Bookcraft, 1973, [9th Printing, 1976], 579).

Spencer W. Kimball states,

“The wicked may prosper for a time, the rebellious may seem

to profit by their transgressions, but the time is coming

when, at the bar of justice, all men will be judged, ‘every

28

man according to his works.’ (Rev. 20:13). No one will ‘get

by’ with anything. On that day no one will escape the

penalty of his deeds, no one will fail to receive the

blessings he has earned. Again, the parable of the sheep

and the goats gives us assurance that there will be total

justice. (See Matt. 25:31-46).” (The Miracle of

Forgiveness. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969, [13th

Printing, 1972], 305).

VIII. Revelation 21

Revelation 21:1

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the

first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and

there was no more sea.

Of all the transcending events to occur, this event will be

among the most marvelous and eventful as it involves the

transformation of the earth as we know it. It will occur

following the Millennium, the judgment, and the battle of

Gog and Magog.

Bryan Richards states,

“After the Millennium and the short season, the heaven and

earth will pass away. The earth must die and be

resurrected; the heavens will change as the earth takes it

place in a new position in space. Just like the souls of

the righteous, the resurrected earth is brought back to

life with a celestial glory. Never again, does it need to

be cleansed, renewed, or sanctified.”

(www.gospeldoctrine.com/content/Rev-21).

Doctrine and Covenants 88:18-20

18 Therefore, it [earth] must needs be sanctified from

all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the

celestial glory;

19 For after it hath filled the measure of its

creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with

the presence of God the Father;

20 That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may

possess it forever and ever; for, for this intent was

it made and created and for this intent are they

sanctified.

29

The earth, having gone thought the process of being

purified and sanctified, has now become a place of dwelling

for those of the celestial glory, including God the Father

and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Revelation 21:2-3

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming

down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride

adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,

Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will

dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God

himself shall be with them, and be their God.

James E. Talmage states,

“The Church in this day teaches that the New Jerusalem seen

by John and by the prophet Ether [Ether 13:3-8}, as

descending from the heavens in glory, is the return of

exalted Enoch and his righteous people; and that the people

of Zion of Enoch, and the modern Zion, or the gathered

saints on the western continent, will become one people.”

(Articles of Faith. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1924, [Forty-second Edition,

1961], 352).

PGP, Moses 7:63-64

63 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Then shalt thou and

all thy city meet them there, and we will receive them

into our bosom, and they shall see us; and we will

fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our

necks, and we will kiss each other;

64 And there shall be mine abode, and it shall be

Zion, which shall come forth out of all the creations

which I have made; and for the space of a thousand

years the earth shall rest.

According to revelation, the event of the city of Enoch

being united with those who have established the city of

Zion shall occur at the beginning of the Millennium.

Brigham Young states regarding the return of the city of

Enoch,

30

“We have no business here other than to build up and

establish the Zion of God. It must be done according to the

will and law of God, after the pattern and order by which

Enoch built up and perfected the former-day Zion, which was

taken away to heaven, hence the saying that went abroad

that Zion had fled. (See JST, Genesis 14:34.) By and by it

will come back again, and as Enoch prepared his people to

be worthy of translation, so we through our faithfulness

must prepare ourselves to meet Zion from above when it

shall return to earth, and to abide the brightness and

glory of its coming.” (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 18.

London: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1877, 356).

Revelation 21:4

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;

and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor

crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the

former things are passed away.

James E. Faust states regarding our reunion with the Father

and His Son,

“In the celestial glory, we are told, [He then quotes

Revelation 21:4]. Then faith and hope will replace

heartache, disappointment, torment, anguish, and despair,

and the Lord will give us strength, as Alma says, that we

‘should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were

swallowed up in the joy of Christ’ (Alma 31:38). Of this I

have a testimony, and I so declare it in the name of Jesus

Christ, amen.” (“Spiritual Healing,” in Ensign, May 1992,

8).

What a joyous event it will be when once again we are

united with God the Father and His Son, having been

faithful to the covenants we have made and worthy to be in

their presence once again.

Revelation 21:7

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I

will be his God, and he shall be my son.

David O. McKay shares a vision he had,

“In the distance I beheld a beautiful white city…I then saw

a great concourse of people approaching the city. Each one

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wore a white flowing robe, and a white headdress. Instantly

my attention seemed centered upon their Leader, and though

I could see only the profile of his features and his body,

I recognized him at once as my Savior!…The city, I

understood, was his. It was the City Eternal; and the

people following him were to abide there in peace and

eternal happiness.

“But who were they?

“As if the Savior read my thoughts, he answered by pointing

to a semicircle that that appeared about them, and on which

were written in gold the words:

“These Are They Who Have Overcome The World—Who Have Truly

Been Born Again!” (Cherished Experiences from the Writings

of President David O. McKay. Compiled by Clare Middlemiss.

Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1955, 102).

These words penned by David O. McKay give further evidence

to the words of John as they relate to the reunion that

those who are righteous will experience with their beloved

Father.

Revelation 21:10-11

10 And he [Rev. 21:9-“one of the seven angels who had

the seven vials of the seven last plagues] carried me

away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and

shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem,

descending out of heaven from God,

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like

unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone,

clear as crystal;

Joseph Smith states,

“Now many will feel disposed to say, that this New

Jerusalem spoken of, is the Jerusalem that was built by the

Jews on the eastern continent. But you will see, from

Revelation 21:2, there was a New Jerusalem coming down from

God out of heaven, adorned as a bride for her husband; that

after this, the Revelator was caught away in the Spirit, to

a great and high mountain, and saw the great and holy city

descending out of heaven from God. Now there are two cities

spoken of here.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

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Compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret

Book Co., 1976, [1977], 86).

Chart III. Comparison of Heavenly New Jerusalem and

Heavenly Old Jerusalem:

Heavenly New Jerusalem Heavenly Old Jerusalem Description: a city which is to

come from heaven and be joined

with the New Jerusalem

Description: a city which is to come

from heaven and be joined with the

Old Jerusalem

Timing: beginning of Millennium Timing: after the Millennium

Location: Jackson Co., Missouri Location: site of ancient Jerusalem

Temple: large temple in the city

will be the site of extensive

temple work during the

Millennium

Temple: no temple is necessary

because the work has already been

done, hence John saw no temple

therein (Rev. 21;22)

Inhabitants: the people of Enoch

(Moses 7:62-64)

Inhabitants: an innumerable company

of angels…the general assembly and

the church of the firstborn

(Heb.12:22-23

Glory: the earth will be renewed

and enjoy a terrestrial

(paradisiacal) glory

during the Millennium

Glory: after heaven and earth pass

away, the earth becomes a

celestialized sphere

Leadership: The Son of God will

dwell with men for a thousand

years

Leadership: Both the Father and the

Son will reign, for the Lord God

Almighty and the Lamb are the temple

of it (Rev. 21:22)

Reference: Bryan Richards.

(www.gospeldoctrine.com/content/Rev-21).

Bruce R. McConkie describes the city and its size,

“Here is a city, in size and dimensions, in splendor and

glory, which is so far beyond human experience or

comprehension that there is no way to convey to the finite

mind what the eternal reality is. Hence, expressions

relative to precious stone, to streets of gold, and to

pearly gates. It is noteworthy that the city is cubic in

shape. Calculated on the basis of 606 feet, 9 inches to the

furlong, its outer limits will stretch nearly 1400 miles in

length and breadth and height. This means there will be

approaching 2,744,000,000 cubic miles of dwelling space

within its sacred portals.” (Doctrinal New Testament

Commentary, Vol.3. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1973, [9th

Printing, 1976], 588).

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Revelation 21:22

22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God

Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Bruce R. McConkie states,

“Temples, now and during the millennium, are to prepare men

for a celestial inheritance. When that glorious goal is

gained, heaven itself becomes a temple. The holy of holies

in the Lord’s earthly houses are symbols and types of the

Eternal Holy of Holies which is the highest heaven of the

celestial world.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary,

Vol.3. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1973, [9th Printing,

1976], 588).

IX. Revelation 22

Revelation 22:1

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life,

clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God

and of the Lamb.

William J. Bohn states,

“Those who overcome all things, including persecution for

His name’s sake (3 Ne. 12:10), will experience ‘great joy’

(3 Ne. 12:12) of having their hungering and thirsting for

righteousness satisfied by the Savior, who grants them a

steady diet of righteousness from the ‘living fountains of

waters,’ which represent the love of God and whose source

flows from His throne in the temple of heaven. (Rev. 7:16-

7; Rev. 22:1; 1 Ne. 11:25). This is the living water that

quenches the spiritual thirst everlastingly. Like the seed

that becomes a fruitful tree (Alma 32), so this living

water can be in men ‘a well of water springing up into

everlasting life’ (John 4:14).” (“Three Other New Testament

Temples,” in Ensign, July 1991, 24-25).

Revelation 22:2

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side

of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare

twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every

month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing

of the nations.

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Richard D. Draper notes,

“Note that the tree stands alone. It has no competition.

The tree of good and evil has ceased to exist because the

inhabitants of the city, knowing good from evil, have

spurned all evil and eternally chose the good. In

consequence the cherubim, placed to guard the tree of life,

have been removed, allowing God’s people to eat freely of

the fruit…

“But one must not overlook the meaning of the tree itself,

for ‘it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in

the hearts of the children of men…[which is] the most

joyous to the soul’ (1 Ne. 11:22-23). Thus, the tree and

the water symbolize the same thing. The continuous flow of

the water and the perpetual bearing of the tree emphasize

the limitlessness of God’s love. It flows forever and

unconditionally. All who wish to partake may do so.”

(Opening the Seven Seals: The Visions of John the

Revelator. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1991, 241-

242).

Revelation 22:4

4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be

in their foreheads.

Bruce R. McConkie states,

“If we keep the commandments and are true and faithful in

all things, we shall inherit eternal life in our Father’s

kingdom. Those who attain this high state of glory and

exaltation shall dwell in the presence of God. They shall

see his face and converse with him mouth to mouth. They

shall know him in the full sense of the word because they

have become like him.” (The Promised Messiah: The First

Coming of Christ. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 578).

Revelation 22:7

7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth

the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Orson Pratt states,

“The time is near—how near, no man knoweth; the day and the

hour when the Son of Man shall come is a secret…But the

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great question is, brethren and sisters, Are we ready?—are

we perfect enough for this day? Are we honest enough? and

Are we filled with integrity enough to be ready for the the

Saviour and his holy angels? Is there a sufficiency of

union? Have we that firmness in our minds that we can stand

in their presence—that we can look them in the eye and say

that all is right?” (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 8. London:

Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1854, 49-50).

Now is the time for us to make a careful evaluation of

ourselves and to make the necessary changes that will

enable us to say, “Lord, I am clean. I have done all that I

promised to do. I have kept thy commandments. I have been

kind and generous with the poor and needy. I am ready to

return to thy presence.” If we can not say that, let us

today take the steps that will enable us to do so.

Revelation 22:11

11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he

which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that

is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that

is holy, let him be holy still.

The time is going to arrive for each of us, the filthy and

the holy, when the day of our repentance is past. We will

have to stand on our record as we are called upon to give

an accounting of our mortal probation before the Son. May

we not delay our repentance until it is everlastingly too

late.

Revelation 22:14, 17

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that

they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter

in through the gates into the city.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him

that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athrist

come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of

life freely.

If I want to be among those who will be able to enter into

the Holy City, I believe I must do more than “just dream of

my mansions above” (Hymn #223 Have I Done Any Good?). I

must find and then join the Church of Jesus Christ. I must

strive to keep his commandments. I must seek and heed the

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promptings of the Holy Ghost. I must follow the counsel of

the Prophets and Apostles. I must do my part to assist in

the building of the kingdom of God on earth. I need to

attend the Holy temple and do the work for the dead. I must

be kind to others. I must repent when I make a mistake.

When all is said and done, I must then endure in

faithfulness to the end. These nine “Seek, Need to, and

Must do’s,“ will strengthen me as I daily strive to keep

the covenants I have made. As I do so, someday I will be

prepared to live with my Heavenly Father and His Son. They

have provided us with a plan of happiness to follow. If we

do so, we will have joy and happiness while on earth and

eternal joy hereafter. With His help, I can do it. I

believe you can too.

Revelation 22:16

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you

these things in the churches. I am the root and the

offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Bryan Richards states,

“For Christ to be the root and offspring seems to be a

contradiction. While the offspring is the branch, the root

comes before the main trunk as the main source of

sustenance. Such was Jehovah to King David—he was the root

of his success, the source of his power. In an irony that

the Jews of Christ’s day never resolved, Jehovah [Pre-

mortal Christ] was born through the lineage of David. While

they knew the Messiah would come through David’s line, they

did not understand that Jehovah himself would take upon him

flesh and blood as the long awaited Messiah [Mortal

Christ]. Therefore, Christ came before David [Jehovah] and

after David [Messiah]. He was both root and offspring. [See

Matthew 22:41-46; Isaiah 11:1].”

(www.gospeldoctrine.com/content/Rev-22).

Revelation 22:18-19

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words

of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add

unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues

that are written in this book:

19 And if any man shall take away from the words of

the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his

part out of the book of life, and out of the holy

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city, and from the things which are written in this

book.

Some, unfortunately, have interpreted this warning to apply

not only to the book of Revelation, but to the Bible in its

entirety. They have, therefore, declared that the heavens

are sealed and there can be no further revelation beyond

that which is contained in the Bible.

Another perspective is that while this warning is serious

and does have application, it is to the book of Revelation,

and not to the Bible as a whole. This reasoning is

supported by the fact that the Bible, as we now have it,

was not assembled in its current form with Revelation being

the last book until hundreds of years later.

Secondly, a similar warning is noted in the book of

Deuteronomy in two separate verses. The first states, “Ye

shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither

shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the

commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you”

(Deuteronomy 4:2); the second states, “What thing soever I

command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto,

nor diminish from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32).

Third, John himself ignored the warning if it were strictly

to apply to any further revelation. He himself wrote his

Gospel and then his three epistles, after he wrote the book

of Revelation. Each contain words of revelation from the

Lord.

It is the position of the Church of Jesus Christ that the

warning noted applies specifically to the book of

Revelation and not to the ability of the Lord to continue

to reveal his word to his Prophets and Apostles and for

them to record it as scripture. The heavens are not closed.

We continue to need the word of the Lord. He does speak,

even today, through his current Prophets and Apostles.

X. Conclusions

As we come to the conclusion of the book of Revelation, we

have an opportunity to reflect upon its contents and the

lessons we have learned. As we continue our effort to

become familiar with John’s vision, our knowledge and

understanding will continue to be enhanced.

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In Chapter 5, we were introduced to the seven seals which

only Christ could open. We learned that they represent

seven one-thousand-year-periods of time. We learn of the

honor that Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God received in

heaven as a result of his sacrifice and atonement upon the

earth.

In Chapter 6, we learn that the each of the seals do not

receive equal consideration.

New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual states,

“The first five seals are covered in eleven verses; sixth

seal [our day is] covered in fourteen verses. The seventh

seal covers 216 verses…[It is apparent that Jesus Christ,

through John’s vision] gave the most attention to the

events of our time period and the one to come.” (New

Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual. Salt Lake City:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1997,

[2002], 196).

In Chapter 7, verses 1-8, we learn of the restoration of

the Gospel and the spreading of the word by the

missionaries across the world. It is also a time of Temple

work and the sealing of families in preparation for the

events to come.

In Chapter 19, we learn of the Marriage feast that is

prepared for the righteous. Prior to the Millennium of one

thousand years and the reign of Jesus Christ upon the

earth, there will be a great battle between the forces of

evil and the forces of good. Just prior to the conclusion

of the battle, Christ will manifest himself to those in

Jerusalem and will reveal himself unto them.

In Chapter 20, with the beginning of the Millennium, those

who do not qualify for terrestrial glory will be destroyed.

Satan and his servants will be bound. Christ and those whom

he calls to be his rulers will reign on the earth. Those

who have not previously been resurrected, but qualify for

celestial glory will come forth. At the conclusion of the

Millennium, Satan will be loosed and he will gather his

forces, and the final battle of Gog and Magog will occur.

At its conclusion, Satan and his servants will be cast into

a lake of fire.

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In Chapter 21, the earth is sanctified and will receive its

celestial glory. Only those who qualify for membership in

the Celestial kingdom will be able to live there. God the

Father will wipe away all tears, and there will be no more

death or sorrow. Heavenly New Jerusalem will return to the

earth.

In Chapter 22, the concluding chapter, we learn that those

who inhabit the Celestial kingdom, will experience great

joy as they are blessed with God’s limitless love. As these

events will soon occur, now is the time for us to live

worthy for the great blessings that await those who are

faithful.

At the conclusion of John’s writing, we are warned that

there are penalties attached to those who would be so bold

as to add to the vision that John had received. Upon close

inspection, we understand that this warning was meant to

apply only to John’s revelation. Just as God spoke to those

who lived on the Eastern Hemisphere, his words were

recorded. These words make up our Bible today. It is

important to know that He continues to speak, even today,

through his Prophets and Apostles. As the world become more

and more wicked, we especially need the word of God, as

spoken through his servants, to guide us through these

perilous times. Turbulent times yet await those who are

striving to live their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.

The promised blessings of the Seventh and most glorious

seal, yet to be opened, are reserved for those who are now

faithful.