Scriptural Highlights

• John sees several symbols representing parts of the Church of Jesus Christ.
• The Lord tells the seven branches in Asia about the blessings promised to those who overcome.
• John learns that the Saints overcome Satan through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and their testimonies.

Introduction To The Book Of Revelation

1. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS, WHEN YOU THINK OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION?
• Bruce R. McConkie: "The issue, thus, in delving into the doctrines and truths of this great repository of revealed writ is to rightly divide the word of truth; it is to learn what God has revealed and unfolded in these apocalyptic writings and to lay the remainder aside, knowing that in our present state of understanding any speculation is worse than useless; such speculation not only leads to misunderstanding but so often becomes the basis of gospel hobbies which lead away from that sound view and perspective of all eternal truths which is an essential part of working out one's salvation." (DNTC 3:430)
• Bruce R. McConkie:  "But let us remember that the book of Revelation was written to be understood; true, there are many things in it which we cannot now comprehend; but its true and full meaning will someday be revealed to the faithful and obedient saints; and the more we can learn now, with the interpretive insight already available to us, the better off we are. It was to people in our day that Moroni wrote these prophetic words: 'Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which cloth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you -- yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel. And then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John be unfolded in the eyes all the people.' (Ether 4:15-16.)" (DNTC 3:431-432)
2. WHO IS THE AUTHOR?
• John, brother of James & son of Zebedee, the same as John the Beloved.
• Member of 1st Presidency under Peter.
• Author of the Book of John.
• He was given the special privilege of being allowed to live on the earth as a translated being until the Savior's second coming. (John 21:21-23, D&C 7)
• He was probably banished to the Isle of Patmos during the wave of Christian persecution under the emperor Domitian, abt. A.D. 95.
• Patmos = a small, rocky island off the coast of present day Turkey in the Aegean Sea.  During Roman times, its barren isolation made it ideal as a site for the banishment of political prisoners, ambitious enemies, or others considered undesirable by the imperial state.

• In 1831 the Prophet Joseph Smith indicated that John was then laboring among the lost ten tribes (HC 1:176).
3. WHAT IS THE THEME OF REVELATION?
• "The theme of this work is very simple and is stated by John in the first verse: it is a revelation of Jesus Christ.  The book of Revelation presents a picture of Christ's dealings with men throughout the ages of earth's history.  In particular, for modern man it mirrors the second coming of Jesus, the judgment of mankind, the destruction of the wicked, the Millennium, and the ultimate celestialization of the world." (Life & Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles, p450)
• Bible Dictionary:  "...there will be an eventual triumph on this earth of God over the devil; a permanent victory of good over evil, of the saints over their persecutors, of the kingdom of God over the kingdoms of men and of Satan....  The details about the beasts, the wars, the angels, the men, etc., contribute to the development of this theme.  By a little study, the theme can be perceived even if the details are not completely identified"  (p762).
4. TO WHOM WAS THIS BOOK WRITTEN?
• It was written to the seven churches in Asia (1:4).
• Revelation 1:11: "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."
• It was also written for the saints of the dispensation of the fulness of times.
5. Outline of the Book (see Life & Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles, p447).
• Introduction to the Revelation.
• John bears witness of the truthfulness of the revelation (1:1-8).
• Christ gives special instructions to John (1:9-20).
• Saints are admonished and counseled by the Savior (2:1-29; 3:1-22).
• The Revelation.
• Vision of heaven (4:1-11).
• John sees the Father and the Son in the celestial kingdom.
• Vision of the triumphant destiny of God's kingdom.
• The book with seven seals (chapters 5-11).
• The kingdom of God versus the kingdom of Satan (chapters 12-14).
• The destruction of Satan's kingdom (chapters 15-18).
• Final scenes of the world's history (chapters 19-20).
• Vision of heaven.
• John sees the new heavens and the new earth--the world in its celestialized state (21:1-22:5).
• Conclusion of the Revelation.
• Angel bears witness of the truthfulness of the revelation (22:6-7).
• Special instructions from Christ given to John (22:8-15).
• Saints are given final admonishment and counsel by the Savior (22:16-21).
6. A note on the symbolism found within the Book of Revelation.
• It is important to understand that the culture of John's time was more artistic in its language.
• Jewish culture of that day was more a part of the Oriental than the Occidental or Western culture.
• The Oriental is more concern with effect than form and detail.
• We would say the sun is rising.  An Arab may say that it leaps from its bed of sleeping.
• We cannot read the symbols and images of John's writings as literal. Such an interpretation will lead to baffling pictures and images.
7. NOTE:  Given the complex nature of the Book of Revelation, this outline will adhere closely to the information provided in the Teacher's Manual.

Chapter 1:  Symbols Representing Parts of The Church of Jesus Christ

1. Revelation 1:1-3:  "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

    "Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
    "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
• Hyrum M. Smith and J.M. Sjodahl, in their Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, made reference to this verse in regards to studying the revelations in the D&C, but certainly applies to a study of any revelations from God: "Reading is not sufficient. We must KEEP THE REVELATIONS in our memories and meditate upon them; we must keep them in our affection, so that we love them, as we would a message from our dearest friends; we must put their teachings into practice. If we are weary and exhausted, hungry and thirsty, it is no satisfaction to sit down to a table laden with food and pure water, and to admire the things provided; we must partake thereof, until our wants are supplied, and we must do so every day. It is the same with the spiritual nourishment. We must make it part of ourselves by putting into practice the truths revealed" (p863).
2. READ REVELATION 1:12-20.  John sees seven candlesticks.
• WHAT DID THE CANDLESTICKS REPRESENT?
• "...and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches" (v20).
• The seven churches are referenced in v11:  "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."
• WHY ARE CANDLESTICKS AN APPROPRIATE SYMBOL FOR BRANCHES OF THE CHURCH?
• 3 Nephi 18:24:  "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up--that which ye have seen me do."
• Bruce R. McConkie:  "Candlesticks carry light; they do not create it.  Their function is to make it available, not to bring it into being.  So by using seven candlesticks to portray the seven churches to whom John is now to give counsel, the Lord is showing that his congregations on earth are to carry his light to the world." (DNTC, 3:442)
• HOW CAN WARDS AND BRANCHES TODAY ACT AS CANDLESTICKS?
• One of the unique things about the Church is the geographical nature of wards and branches.  I am assigned to a ward based on my residence.  The ward or branch is as a candlestick planted within a community, designed to not only serve that membership, but to give light to all who live within the ward or branch boundaries.  It is done as we share our testimonies with our neighbors.  It is done as we perform service.  It is done as we carry out our civic duties through participation in our schools, serving on school boards and city councils, and assisting with worthy community projects.  It is done as we give our voice at public hearings.  President Kimball admonished us to keep our homes and yards in order.  Everything we do as ward and branch members reflects on the Church.
3. WHERE WAS THE SAVIOR IN RELATION TO THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS?
• "And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man" (v13).
• HOW IS THE SAVIOR IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCH TODAY?
• D&C 88:3:  "Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John."
• D&C 68:2:-4:  "And, behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth--

    "And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
    "And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation."
• WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR US TO KNOW THAT HE IS IN THE MIDST OF HIS PEOPLE?
4. WHAT WAS THE SAVIOR HOLDING IN HIS RIGHT HAND WHEN HE STOOD IN THE MIDST OF THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS?
• "And he had in his right hand seven stars" (v16).
• WHAT DID THE SEVEN STARS REPRESENT?
• "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches" (v20).
• JST: "The seven stars are the servants of the seven churches".
• "Throughout the Joseph Smith Translation of Revelation 1-3, the word angels is changed to servants, making it clear that the stars represent the leaders of the seven branches of the Church."  (Teacher's Manual, p188)
• HOW ARE CHURCH LEADERS LIKE THE STARS?
• Up until modern times, stars were essential in aiding one in navigation, particularly upon the sea.  Our Church leaders serve much the same purpose, they give spiritual direction to those who look for it.  If the ancient mariners turned away from the stars, they were sure to be lost.  We must look to, sustain and support our Church leaders, or we too will be lost.
• George F. Richards:  "I want to give you a guide that is sure and safe. If you will be one with the Presidency of this Church, and with the twelve apostles, you will never go astray. You will be on firm footing. There has never been a moment since the organization of this Church when the President of the Church and the Twelve Apostles or a majority of the Twelve Apostles have gone astray. You are safe to follow their lead."  (CR, Oct 1929)
5. WHAT CAME OUT OF THE SAVIOR'S MOUTH IN THIS VISION?
• "...and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword" (v16).
• WHAT DID THIS SWORD REPRESENT?
• D&C 6:2:  "Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words."
• IN WHAT WAYS IS THE WORD OF THE LORD LIKE A SWORD?
• Hebrews 4:12:  "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
• Helaman 3:29:  "Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked--"
• As I read the above verse, I see a picture in my mind of one struggling through an overgrown forest or jungle path  (a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery) towards a desirable destination.  Here in the Pacific Northwest, paths are often overgrown with blackberry vines which which snag and discourage one's forward progress.  Though the path clearly lies below the vines, one cannot move forward without a machete or other cutting tool because of prickly nature of the vines (the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil).  Without the word of God, it is as impossible to cut through the snares and wiles of the devil as it is to go through a forest overgrown with blackberry vines without a cutting tool.
• Recall the words from Lehi's dream:  "And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.

    "And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree" (1 Nephi 8:23-24).
    When Laman and Lemuel asked the meaning of the rod of iron, Nephi responded, "...that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction" (1 Nephi 15:24).
6. WHAT OTHER SYMBOL DID THE LORD POSSESS IN THIS REVELATION?
• Keys:  "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (v18).
• WHAT WILL THE SAVIOR DO WITH THESE KEYS?
• He will deliver all people from physical death, and he will deliver the righteous from spiritual death.
• See 2 Nephi 9:10-13.

Chapters 2 & 3:  Blessings Promised To Those Who Overcome

1. "Chapters 2 and 3 contain the words of the Lord to each of the seven branches of the Church in Asia.  The Lord reviewed some of the strengths and weaknesses in each branch and warned the Saints to correct their weaknesses." (Teacher's Manual, p188)
• As you review the admonitions of the Lord to the seven churches, consider what the Lord might commend us for and what the Lord has told us to correct.
2. To Ephesus - Revelation 2:1-7.
• The Lord warned the Ephesians of their need to repent (v5), but he also promised, "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life" (v7).
• 1 Nephi 11:21-22:  "And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?

    "And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things."
• WHY IS THIS THE MOST DESIRABLE OF ALL BLESSINGS?
3. To Smyrna - Revelation 2:8-11.
• A word of warning was given to the Saints in Smyrna that they would suffer tribulation, but they were also promised, "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death" (v11).
• WHAT IS THE LORD TELLING THESE SAINTS?
• Keep the eternal perspective.  Though we may suffer tribulation during this mortal probation, by remaining true and faithful, one will obtain eternal life.
• Though the Lord was speaking to these ancient Saints, this promise remains in force for us today.  When we become discouraged as we continue our "course across that everlasting gulf of misery" dealing with "the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil", we should be strengthened by the Lord's promise.
4. To Pergamos - Revelation 2:12-17.
• "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication" (2:14).
• Balaam was an Old Testament prophet who desired earthly honors and rewards more than he desired to follow the Lord's will.
• WHAT EARTHLY HONORS AND REWARDS MIGHT WE HAVE TO GIVE UP TO OBEY THE LORD'S WILL?
• "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna" (2:17).
• "The word hidden in this context means sacred, or not evident to everyone." (Teacher's Manual, p189)
• WHAT COULD HIDDEN MANNA REPRESENT?
• John 6:35:  "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
5. To Thyatira - Revelation 2:18-29.
• READ REVELATION 2:26-28.  Promises to those who overcome.
• WHAT DID THE LORD PROMISE TO THOSE WHO OVERCOME?  WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
• "These promises refer to the blessings of exaltation and eternal life, when the righteous will rule over heavenly kingdoms." (Teacher's Manual, p189)
• WHAT IS THE ROD OF IRON WITH WHICH THE RIGHTEOUS WILL RULE OVER NATIONS?
• "And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God" (1 Nephi 11:25).
• JST:  "And he shall rule them with the word of God; and they shall be in his hands as the vessels of clay in the hands of a potter, and he shall govern them by faith, with equity and justice, even as I received of my Father."
• HOW CAN WE USE THE WORD OF GOD TO RULE OUR OWN LIVES?
• The "word of God", the scriptures and those things spoken by the prophets, serves as our road map along the "strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery".  I recently took a work related trip to San Francisco.  Since I was doing this on a budget, I used public transportation to get between the Oakland Airport, my hotel near Fisherman's wharf, and the place of my appointment in downtown San Francisco.  I obtained a map and transportation guides to aid me in my travel between my various destinations.
      I took a bus from the airport to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit train) station near the Oakland Coliseum.  I got on the first train heading north.  I soon discovered I was on the wrong train by consulting the map and Bart guide.  I switched trains at the next station, paying attention to see that I was taking the correct train.  Once in San Francisco, I started walking in the direction I thought I should be going.  I found, after consulting my map, that I was completely turned around.  By using the map, I reoriented myself and found my way to the appropriate bus stop that took me on to my hotel.  In the morning, I utilized the map to find my way to my appointment through unfamiliar streets.
      The "word of God" is more essential as a road map in life than my guides through San Francisco.  When we fall on to a wrong path, or get turned around in life, the scriptures and counsel from the Brethren can guide us back to the correct course.  In time, I probably could have found my way around San Francisco without the use of maps and guides.  Such is not the case in our eternal quest.  It is essential to depend on "the word of God" if we are to be eternally successful.
• WHAT IS THE MORNING STAR MENTIONED IN VERSE 28?
• Revelation 22:16:  "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."
• WHAT MIGHT IT MEAN TO BE GIVEN THE MORNING STAR?
• To receive Christ into our lives.
• To receive the blessings of the Atonement.
6. To Sardis - Revelation 3:1-6.
• 3:5:  "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
• WHAT IS THE BOOK OF LIFE?
• D&C 128:7  "You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened; and another book was opened, which was the book of life; but the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works; consequently, the books spoken of must be the books which contained the record of their works, and refer to the records which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life is the record which is kept in heaven".
• WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THOSE WHOSE NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN THE BOOK AND ARE NOT BLOTTED OUT BECAUSE OF WICKEDNESS?
• READ REVELATION 21:10, 23-27.  They shall be part of the great city of God.
• Alma 5:58:  "For the names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life, and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right hand."
7. To Philadelphia - Revelation 3:7-13.
• "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" (3:10).
• WHAT DID THE LORD SAY HE WOULD DO FOR THE SAINTS IN PHILADELPHIA BECAUSE THEY HAD "KEPT" HIS WORD?
• HOW DOES RIGHTEOUS LIVING MAKE IT EASIER TO RESIST TEMPTATION?
• Anything we do on a regular basis becomes a knit habit.  It becomes a way of life and we don't only give temptation a glance in passing.  More important than that, be keeping or covenants and living the commandments we invite the Spirit into our life.  Like a highly sensitive motion detector, the Spirit can warn us off when temptation comes lurking around.
• "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name" (3:12).
• WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE THE NAME OF GOD AND THE NAME OF HIS CITY WRITTEN ON US?
• "We become like God and become citizens in his eternal kingdom." (Teacher's Manual, p189)
• Bruce R. McConkie: "God's name is God. To have his name written on a person is to identify that person as a god. How can it be said more plainly? Those who gain eternal life become gods!  Their inheritance is both a fulness of the glory of the Father and 'a continuation of the seed forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.' (D. & C. 132:19-20.)" (DNTC 3:458)
8. To Laodicea - Revelation 3:14:22.
• READ REVELATION 3:15-16.  Those that are lukewarm are unacceptable.
• HOW MIGHT WE SOMETIMES BE SPIRITUALLY LUKEWARM?
• Joseph Fielding Smith:  "This means responsibility. Now, it is a self-evident truth, that 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. If such authority is given us here and we have refused to use it, then we surely could have no right to the reward and cannot receive responsibility and power there, for responsibilities then will be many times greater than now. Here we prove ourselves through service as well as through obedience to the law of the Gospel. It is not sufficient that we be good, that is, that we do not violate the law, and only observe the regulations required of laymen in the Church. He that does nothing is good for nothing, and there should be no laymen in the Church." (The Way to Perfection, p221-222)
• HOW CAN WE INCREASE OUR COMMITMENT TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST?

Chapter 12:  How The Saints Overcome Satan

1. As part of his revelation, John saw a symbolic version of the War in Heaven and its continuation on earth.
2. READ REVELATION 12:1-2, 5.  A great wonder in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun.
• "The woman...represents the Church of God.  The child she brought forth represents the kingdom of God--the government that will exist on the earth during Jesus Christ's millennial reign." (Lesson Manual, p190)
• Joseph Fielding Smith:  "When our Savior comes to rule in the millennium, all governments will become subject unto his government, and this has been referred to as the kingdom of God, which it is; but this is the political kingdom which will embrace all people whether they are in the Church or not. Of course, when every kindred, tongue and people become subject to the rule of Jesus Christ such will be in that political kingdom. We must keep these two thoughts in mind. But the kingdom of God is the Church of Jesus Christ, and it is the kingdom that shall endure forever." (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:229)
3. Chapter 12 refers to a dragon.
• WHAT DOES THE DRAGON REPRESENT?
• "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him" (12:9).
• WHAT DID THE DRAGON DO AFTER HE WAS CAST OUT?
• "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (12:17).
• Wilford Woodruff:  "There are two powers on the earth and in the midst of the inhabitants of the earth--the power of God and the power of the devil....  When God has had a people on the earth, it matters not in what age, Lucifer, the son of the morning, and the millions of fallen spirits that were cast out of heaven, have warred against God, against Christ, against the work of God, and against the people of God.  And they are not backward in doing it in our day and generation.  Whenever the Lord set His hand to perform any work, those powers labored to overthrow it." (Collected Discourses, Vol.5, October 5, 1896)
• HOW WILL THE CHURCH AND KINGDOM OF GOD FINALLY OVERCOME SATAN?
• "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" (12:11).
• HOW CAN THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST AND OUR TESTIMONIES OF IT HELP US IN OUR INDIVIDUAL STRUGGLES AGAINST SATAN?

Lesson 46: Revelation 5-6; 19-22