Goimg Through a Sotuation That God Conqueted a Year Ago and Here It Comes Again

Introduction and Timeline for Revelation 17–22

The concluding chapters of Revelation gave promise to Christians facing persecution from outside the Church building and from factions inside the Church that were dissenting from accepted beliefs. Revelation 17–22 also describes the crescendo of final earthly events fulfilling Heavenly Male parent'south plan for the redemption of His children. John heard heavenly servants rejoice in praise for the salvation made possible through the Lamb'due south triumph over evil. John saw the fall of wicked Babylon contrasted with the glories of the 2d Coming and the blessings of exaltation for all those who follow God'south commands. John farther saw that the righteous inhabitants of the earth and those who will come along in the First Resurrection will enjoy a thousand years of millennial peace with Christ. The earth volition then receive angelic glory and become the eternal domicile for all righteous Saints.

Commentary for Revelation 17–22

Revelation 17–18. The Fall of Babylon

In Revelation xvi:17, the seventh affections poured out his vial, signaling the final subversive events that will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. These concluding events include the fall of Babylon, described in Revelation 17–18. Ancient Babylon had destroyed Jerusalem in 587B.C., a traumatic and defining event in Israel'south history. Israelite prophets in plough wrote about the eventual destruction of Babylon (see Isaiah thirteen:19–22; 21:nine; Jeremiah 50:35–36, 40; 51:vi–8), and John drew upon their language as he described the ultimate destruction of the spiritual enemies of God's people.

"In Rev. 14:eight; sixteen:19; 17:5; 18:two, 10, 21, Babylon probably denotes Rome, the great antagonist of Messiah's kingdom" (Bible Lexicon, "Babylon or Boom-boom"). Information technology is probable that Babylon also represents all that is wicked in the world (run into D&C 1:16; 133:14). Capacity 17–18 depict Babylon every bit a "whore" holding a cup "full of abominations and filthiness" and equally the "female parent of harlots" (Revelation 17:1, iv, 5). In this sense, Babylon is the antitype of the righteous bride that represents the Church (see Revelation xix:7–eight) and the antithesis of Zion as "the pure in heart" (D&C 97:21). John's vision of Babylon parallels much of Nephi's vision of the cracking and beastly church (see one Nephi thirteen:4–9, 26–29; fourteen:iii–17; 22:13–16, 18).

Isaiah'due south Vision of the Destruction of Babylon, by Paul Gustave Doré. Isaiah, John, and other biblical prophets foresaw the devastation of Babylon.

Revelation 17. The Adult female and the Beast

Scholars have historically interpreted the beast with seven heads as an allusion to the urban center of Rome because Rome was founded upon seven hills, equally well every bit a reference to a number of Roman emperors in the starting time century A.D. Though these are possible meanings, a broader interpretation may exist that Rome represented a seat of corruption in John's mean solar day. As such, this worldly city may be likened to like centers of corruption in all eras.

The terms used to draw the woman who rode upon the beast adjure to the great political and subversive power she will take over nations and kingdoms and people. John described the woman every bit "the great whore that sitteth upon many waters" (Revelation 17:one; see also 1 Nephi fourteen:10–13); she commits fornication with kings and inhabitants of the earth (meet verse ii); her clothing depicts power and wealth (see verse 4); she is the "mother of harlots," which indicates that she gives birth to other prostitutions—organizations, governments, and ideologies that spew forth wickedness (verse 5). John recorded that he was astonished at the greatness of the woman's wickedness (see verse 6, footnotec). Nevertheless, in the end she will be overthrown by those she formerly ruled over (see poesy xvi; 1 Nephi 22:13).

Revelation 17:2–6. The Culture of Babylon Permeates the Globe

In Revelation 17:ii–half dozen, John described Babylon as a harlot clothed in fine, jeweled apparel and drunken with blood. One possible meaning of John's description in these verses is that in the last days, a lifestyle of sexual immorality, wealth, and violence would permeate the world (run into also ane Nephi 13:5–nine). Institutions, governments, and people who embrace this lifestyle tin can be seen as function of Babylon. While serving in the Seventy, Elder David R. Stone spoke of this pervasive corruption:

"There is no item urban center today which personifies Babylon. Babylon was, in the time of aboriginal Israel, a city which had become sensual, corrupt, and decadent. …

"… That sensuality, corruption, and decadence, and the worshipping of faux gods are to be seen in many cities, swell and small, scattered across the globe. As the Lord has said: 'They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own fashion, and after the image of his ain god, whose prototype is in the likeness of the world' (D&C 1:16). …

"What an insidious affair is this culture amidst which we live. It permeates our environment" ("Zion in the Midst of Babylon," Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, xc–91).

Revelation 17:6. "Drunken with the Blood of the Saints"

Revelation 17:6 describes the adult female beingness "drunken with the blood of the saints," which suggests that throughout the ages, many righteous people take been slain by the wicked. The scriptural language suggests that the slaying of the righteous had an intoxicating effect on those who carried out the slaughter.

Revelation 17:viii–11. Temporary Nature of the Beast

John saw that the brute "was, and is not" (Revelation 17:8). He also saw a vision of "7 kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must go along a short space" (Revelation 17:10). John'due south language suggests that the wickedness of the world will be temporary.

Revelation 17:fourteen. "War with the Lamb, and the Lamb Shall Overcome"

Though the scenes John saw in Revelation 17 can seem frightening, he also saw that "the Lamb shall overcome" the wickedness of the world (Revelation 17:14). President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) affirmed that the Lord and His people volition prevail in the war against evil:

"In the October briefing of 1896, President Wilford Woodruff … said:

"'In that location are ii 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, Match, the son of the morning, and the millions of fallen spirits that were bandage out of heaven take warred against God, against Christ, against the work of God, and confronting the people of God.' [Deseret Evening News, Oct. 17, 1896.] …

"The war goes on. It is waged across the world over the issues of bureau and coercion. It is waged by an ground forces of missionaries over the problems of truth and error. It is waged in our own lives, day in and day out, in our homes, in our work, in our schoolhouse associations; it is waged over questions of love and respect, of loyalty and fidelity, of obedience and integrity. Nosotros are all involved in it. … We are winning, and the future never looked brighter" ("The State of war We Are Winning," Ensign, November. 1986, 43, 45).

Revelation 18:3–4. Choosing Righteousness Despite the Prevalence of Mod Wickedness

Revelation 18 proclaims the fall of wicked Babylon and describes the lamentation of all who associated with her. In all ages, the Lord has commanded His people to "come out of [Babylon]" and "be not partakers of her sins" (Revelation 18:4; run across D&C 133:5, 7, 14). Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified that information technology is possible to follow the Lord's teachings and avert being contaminated by the world's wickedness:

"Much of the earth is beingness engulfed in a rising river of degenerate filth, with the abandonment of virtue, righteousness, personal integrity, traditional marriage, and family life. …

"… Despite pockets of evil, the globe overall is majestically beautiful, filled with many skilful and sincere people. God has provided a style to live in this world and not be contaminated by the degrading pressures evil agents spread throughout it. You tin can alive a virtuous, productive, righteous life past following the plan of protection created by your Father in Heaven: His program of happiness" ("How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil," Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 100).

Revelation xviii:iii, 7–16. The Wealth and Materialism of Babylon

John used phrases such as "waxed rich" and "lived deliciously" (Revelation 18:iii, 7, 9) to highlight the lust for wealth and lavish possessions that define Babylon. These riches volition exist destroyed, and those who have placed their hearts upon them will lament (run into Revelation 18:viii–19; 2 Nephi nine:30; D&C 56:16). President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) warned that with prosperity oftentimes comes the temptation to embrace the materialism of Babylon: "We are tested, nosotros are tried, we are going through some of the severest tests today and we don't realize perhaps the severity of the tests that we're going through. … Today we are basking in the lap of luxury, the similar of which nosotros've never seen before in the history of the world. It would seem that probably this is the near astringent test of any test that nosotros've always had in the history of the Church building" ("First Presidency Devotional" [unpublished Christmas devotional for Church employees, Dec. 13, 1973], 4–5; see Jacob 2:18–19).

Revelation xviii:v–6. "Her Sins Accept Reached unto Heaven"

John heard a voice from sky proclaiming that Babylon's "sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities" (Revelation 18:5). Some people might think their iniquities are hidden, merely these verses are a reminder that sins do not go undetected past God, though their consequences may not all come immediately. The vocalism also alleged that Babylon would receive the consequences of her works and would exist punished doubly, reminiscent of terminology used in the law of Moses (run into Revelation 18:vi; encounter also Exodus 22:iv, seven, 9).

Revelation eighteen:11–thirteen. Trade and "Souls of Men"

The list of trade sold in Babylon reveals a startling truth: people sell non only aureate, precious stones, fine textiles, and many other luxury items, merely even "slaves, and souls of men" (Revelation xviii:13). This refers primarily to the abominable do of human trafficking just can also be seen equally a reference to the spiritually enslaving consequences of materialism and other evils (see 2 Nephi 26:10). It may also describe decadent religious practitioners who present themselves as ministering to people's souls while seeking in a higher place all to profit financially; in this sense, they traffic in the "souls of men." Moroni recorded that in the terminal days "in that location shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your coin you shall exist forgiven of your sins" (Mormon 8:32). In dissimilarity, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers spiritual nourishment "without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:i; 2 Nephi 26:25; Alma 1:20).

Revelation xviii:24. "The Blood of Prophets, and of Saints"

John recorded that in Babylon "was plant the blood of prophets, and of saints" (Revelation 18:24), meaning that those who uphold Babylon are to arraign for the martyrdom of prophets and Saints throughout earth's history. At the Second Coming, Babylon and its inhabitants volition be recompensed for their evil works (see Revelation 18:6; D&C 1:10), for the blood of the martyrs volition stand as a testimony against those who have slain them (see Revelation 6:10; 16:6; 18:24; D&C 109:49). A similar time of judgment was recorded in three Nephi eight–9, when whole cities were destroyed "that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come any more unto me against them" (3 Nephi 9:5; come across also verses 7–nine, 11; Alma 14:11; Revelation xix:2; the commentary for Revelation 16:6).

Revelation 19:1–half dozen. Praising the Lord for His Judgment

John heard the inhabitants of heaven crying out "Alleluia" (Revelation 19:1, 3–iv, 6), which means "Praise the Lord!" This praise was in response to God's righteous judgment upon Babylon. Knowing that God is a God of judgment enables Saints to endure in faith: "No sooner is the idea of the existence of [God's judgment] planted in the minds of men, than information technology gives power to the mind for the exercise of faith and confidence in God, and they are enabled by faith to lay hold on the promises which are set before them, and wade through all the tribulations and afflictions to which they are subjected by reason of the persecution from those who know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, believing that in due time the Lord will come out in swift judgment against their enemies" (Lectures on Faith, [1985], 53). Knowing that God will one day judge the enemies of His people tin help Saints in the last days to endure in "patience and … religion" (Revelation thirteen:10; run into also xiv:12).

Revelation xix:vii–9. "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"

Immediately earlier seeing in vision the Lord'due south Second Coming, John heard a voice proclaim, "The matrimony of the lamb is come" and "Blessed are they which are chosen unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:seven, 9). Israel'south covenant relationship with God is symbolically portrayed in the scriptures as a matrimony covenant (for example, see Isaiah 54; Jeremiah 31; Ezekiel 16; 23; Hosea two; Matthew 23). Marriage is the human relationship that requires the most fidelity, cede, commitment, and long-suffering of all relationships. The "marriage supper of the Lamb" is a symbolic reference to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained: "In this dispensation the Bridegroom, who is the Lamb of God, shall come to claim his bride, which is the Church equanimous of the true-blue saints who have watched for his return. Equally he taught in the parable of the marriage of the king's son, the great marriage supper of the Lamb shall then be celebrated. (Matt. 22:1–14.)" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 3:563).

John saw that the Lamb's bride was clothed "in fine linen" made "clean and white" through the Atonement (Revelation 19:viii; run into likewise seven:14; xix:14). This imagery of a helpmate dressed in white presents a stark contrast to the harlot in extravagant wearing apparel described earlier in Revelation, who symbolized spiritual Babylon (run across 17:iii–6; 18:16).

Only the righteous will exist called to "the marriage supper." The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) taught: "Those who go along the commandments of the Lord and walk in His statutes to the end, are the only individuals permitted to sit down at this glorious feast. … Reflect for a moment, brethren [and sisters], and enquire, whether you lot would consider yourselves worthy [of] a seat at the marriage feast" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 165–66; see also Matthew 22:ii–14; D&C 58:8–11; 65:3).

Revelation 19:10. "The Testimony of Jesus Is the Spirit of Prophecy"

The angel who spoke to John said that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10). Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that a testimony of Jesus Christ is a gift received through divine revelation:

"We cannot depend on the testimonies of other people. We need to know for ourselves. …

"The source of this sure knowledge and firm conviction is divine revelation, 'for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy' (Revelation 19:10).

"Nosotros receive this testimony when the Holy Spirit speaks to the spirit inside the states. We volition receive a at-home and unwavering certainty that will be the source of our testimony and conviction irrespective of our civilization, race, linguistic communication, or socioeconomic background. These promptings of the Spirit, rather than homo logic lonely, will be the true foundation upon which our testimony volition be built.

"The core of this testimony will ever be the faith in and the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His divine mission" ("The Power of a Personal Testimony," Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 38).

For more insight on how all members of the Church may enjoy the souvenir of prophecy by having "the testimony of Jesus," meet the commentary for 1 Corinthians fourteen:1–six.

Revelation nineteen:11, thirteen. "A White Horse" and "a Article of clothing Dipped in Blood"

Christ in red robes sitting upon a white equus caballus

In his vision of the 2d Coming, John saw the Savior riding "a white horse" (Revelation xix:xi). The white horse is symbolic of conquest and victory, equally horses were used almost exclusively for state of war in John'due south time. John as well saw that the Savior would return to earth wearing "a vesture dipped in blood," meaning that His garments volition exist the color of claret. This colour calls to mind the Savior's suffering in Gethsemane, when His atoning blood was pressed from His body just as juice is pressed from grapes in a winepress.

Commenting on the Savior's ruby-red robes, Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated:

"Having bled at every pore, how cherry-red His raiment must have been in Gethsemane, how crimson that cloak!

"No wonder, when Christ comes in power and glory, that He volition come up in reminding red attire (see D&C 133:48), signifying non just the winepress of wrath, but also to bring to our remembrance how He suffered for each of us in Gethsemane and on Calvary!" ("Overcome … Even equally I Also Overcame," Ensign, May 1987, 72).

The ruby apparel may also symbolize the destruction of the wicked at the Lord'due south coming (run across Isaiah 63:i–4; D&C 133:46–51). When Jesus comes once more to the world, He will bring justice confronting the wicked (meet Revelation 19:11).

Revelation 19:15–16. "He Shall Rule Them with a Rod of Atomic number 26"

The Joseph Smith Translation of Revelation xix:xv clarifies how Jesus Christ will rule the earth: "And out of his mouth proceedeth the word of God, and with it he will smite the nations; and he volition rule them with the discussion of his mouth; and he treadeth the winepress in the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" (in Revelation 19:fifteen, footnotea; see also ane Nephi 11:25).

The titles of the Savior recorded in Revelation 19:sixteen—"King of kings, and Lord of lords"—make clear that Jesus Christ will dominion over the whole globe and over every earthly ruler. He will also reign over heavenly kings and lords.

Revelation xix:17–18, 21. "The Supper of the Great God"

John saw the ultimate destruction of the wicked when their slain bodies would be eaten past feces birds (Revelation 19:17–18, 21; see as well D&C 29:eighteen–20). Ezekiel prophesied of this aforementioned destruction (Ezekiel 39:17–22). This dreadful "supper of the great God" (Revelation 19:17) stands in stark dissimilarity to the joyful "matrimony supper of the Lamb" (Revelation xix:7–9), vividly highlighting that the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ will be a very different feel for the wicked than for the righteous. The Joseph Smith Translation of Revelation 19:18 clarifies that these verses depict the devastation of only "all who fight confronting the Lamb" (in Revelation nineteen:18, footnotea).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "Those with refined senses find it hard to conceive of the desolation, devastation, and expiry that volition prevail during the terminal great battles ushering in Christ's reign of peace. And then great shall be the slaughter and mass murder, the carnage and gore, the butchery and violent death of warring men, that their decomposable bodies 'shall stop the noses of the passengers' [Ezekiel 39:11], and it shall be a chore of mammoth proportions just to dispose of them" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:569).

Revelation 20:1–3. "The Abysmal Pit"

"The bottomless pit" is a term for the realm of Satan and those who follow him (Revelation xx:one, 3). Even there, God holds supreme authority, for it is God's angel who has "the cardinal of the bottomless pit" (Revelation 20:1; see Joseph Smith Translation, Revelation ix:1 [in Revelation 9:i, footnotea]).

Revelation twenty:2–3. Satan Will Be Bound

Without Any Ire, by Nancy Glazier-Koehler. The Millennium will be a time of great peace (see Isaiah xi:six; 65:25; 2 Nephi thirty:ten–18).

John saw that Satan would be bound at the beginning of the Millennium and that for a grand years he would "deceive the nations no more" (Revelation 20:3) or, as a modern revelation states, "not have power to tempt any human" (D&C 101:28; see also 1 Nephi 22:26; D&C 43:31; 88:110–xi). During this time, "children shall grow up without sin unto salvation" (D&C 45:58).

Concerning Satan's binding, President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) stated: "As to whether the binding of Satan is a literal binding equally with a chain or not, it matters not. I am inclined to believe that the chain spoken of in the Bible, with which Satan is to be jump, is more than figurative than real. [Satan] volition exist bound both by the organized religion of the righteous and the decrees of the Almighty during the Millennial reign and will exist cast downwardly into hell" (From Prophet to Son: Communication of Joseph F. Smith to His Missionary Sons, comp. Hyrum M. Smith III and Scott G. Kenney [1981], 71). The prophet Nephi taught that because of the righteousness of the Saints, Satan will have no power (run across i Nephi 22:26).

Revelation 20:3, 7–viii. "Loosed a Piddling Season"

The scriptures do not entirely explain why Satan "must exist loosed a picayune season" after having been bound for the chiliad years following Christ'south 2nd Coming (Revelation 20:3; see D&C 43:31). Withal, the Lord has revealed that afterwards the thousand years have ended, people would "again begin to deny their God" (D&C 29:22). The Book of Mormon as well describes a time when people again turned their hearts toward Satan after an extended season of peace and righteousness considering of the pride that followed prosperity (see 4 Nephi 1:22–46). Whatever the reason that Satan will be loosed, John saw that afterwards the Millennium, Satan would "deceive the nations … to get together them together" for a final battle against the Saints (Revelation 20:viii; see D&C 88:110–11; the commentary for Revelation 20:seven–10).

Revelation 20:iv. "Judgment Was Given unto Them"

The enthroned beings John saw in Revelation 20:4 who were given power to judge may represent the Twelve Apostles Jesus called during His mortal ministry. Jesus said that these Apostles would sit on thrones and judge Israel (run across Matthew 19:28; 1 Nephi 12:nine–ten; Mormon 3:19; D&C 29:12). Though the Lord has indicated that some of His servants will assist Him every bit judges, the scriptures besides assert that Jesus Christ Himself will be the not bad and terminal Gauge of all (run across John v:22; Acts 10:42; 2 Nephi 9:41).

Revelation 20:five. "The Offset Resurrection" and "the Rest of the Dead"

John saw that many of the expressionless would exist resurrected during what is called "the outset resurrection" (Revelation 20:five–6). Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained the First Resurrection: "To those who lived earlier the resurrection of Christ, the day of his coming forth from the dead was known as the first resurrection. Abinadi and Alma, for example, so considered it. (Mosiah 15:21–25; Alma forty.) To those who have lived since that day, the offset resurrection is nonetheless future and will have place at the fourth dimension of the 2d Coming. (D. & C. 88:96–102.) Nosotros have no cognition that the resurrection is going on now or that any persons accept been resurrected since the day in which Christ came forth excepting Peter, James, and Moroni, all of whom had special labors to perform in this day which necessitated tangible resurrected bodies" (Mormon Doctrine,639). Those who will receive angelic and terrestrial bodies will come forth in the Offset Resurrection.

"The rest of the dead" who "lived not once more until the thousand years were finished" (Revelation 20:5) are those of "the last resurrection" (D&C 76:85)—"the resurrection of the unjust" (D&C 76:17)—which occurs at the end of the Millennium (see D&C 88:100–101). This resurrection volition include those who will inherit a telestial glory and those who will "remain filthy still" (D&C 88:102), meaning the sons of perdition who inherit no degree of glory simply "get abroad into the lake of burn and brimstone, with the devil and his angels" (D&C 76:36; run across Revelation 20:10). To read more about the guild of the Resurrection, meet the commentary for 1 Corinthians 15:23.

Revelation 20:vii–10. A Final Battle

John saw that after the Millennium, Satan would be loosed, and he and his evil forces would again wage war against "the camp of the saints" and "the beloved city," which is Zion, a place of safety and refuge (Revelation xx:8–9). John referred to Satan'southward host past the symbolic names "Gog and Magog." Ezekiel used these names to refer to foreign invaders who would attack Israel before the Lord's coming (come across Ezekiel 38–39), just in Revelation 20:seven–ix, "Gog and Magog" refer to the forces of Satan that volition wage some other battle at the end of the Millennium. Though the number of Satan's forces will be "as the sand of the ocean," they will exist "devoured" by "fire … from God out of heaven," and the devil and his followers will be eternally "cast into the lake of fire and brimstone" (Revelation 20:eight–10; see 2 Nephi ix:16; D&C 43:31–33; 88:110–16). With this final cleansing of evil, the earth will be prepared to receive angelic glory.

Latter-day revelation adds the detail that Michael the archangel, who is Adam (come across D&C 27:11), will play an important function in this final boxing past gathering the armies of God together against Satan and his armies (see D&C 88:112).

Revelation 20:10. What Is "the Lake of Fire and Brimstone"?

The Old Testament describes the destruction of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire and brimstone from sky (see Genesis nineteen:24). In the book of Revelation, fire and brimstone symbolize the destruction and ultimate habitation of the wicked. President Boyd 1000. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

"The prophets speak of the 'gall of bitterness' [Acts 8:23; Alma 41:11] and often compare the hurting of guilt to fire and brimstone. Brimstone is another name for sulfur. …

"That lake of fire and brimstone, ever burning merely never consumed, is the description in the scriptures for hell [run into Revelation 19:20; twenty:10; 21:8; D&C 63:17; 76:36]" ("The Touch of the Main'south Hand," Ensign, May 2001, 23).

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: "A man is his own tormentor and his own condemner. Hence the saying, They shall go into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone [meet Revelation 21:8]. The torment of thwarting in the listen of man is every bit exquisite as a lake called-for with burn and brimstone" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 224).

Revelation 20:12–xv. Judged "According to Their Works"

The final judgment is part of God's program of salvation. John saw the 24-hour interval when all God's children would stand before Christ to be "judged out of those things which were written in the books" (Revelation xx:12). These books include: (1) The book of life (encounter Philippians four:3; Revelation 3:5; thirteen:8; 17:8; twenty:15; Alma five:58; D&C 128:half dozen–7; the commentary for Revelation 13:8). (ii) Church records that record the saving ordinances and mayhap other actions of faith and devotion (see D&C 127:6–7, 9; 128:half-dozen–7). (3) The scriptures, which incorporate the standards and commandments past which we are to live our lives and by which nosotros will be judged (see ii Nephi 29:11; 33:15). In addition to these, "the books" might also refer to other sources of light and noesis that were available to people during their lives.

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, "God judges men according to the use they make of the light which He gives them" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 405). He besides explained, "[The Lord] volition award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several desires, their means of obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed, the facilities afforded them of obtaining correct data, and His inscrutable designs" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 404).

Revelation 21:1. "A New Sky and a New Earth"

As role of the Autumn of Adam, the earth roughshod from a terrestrial (paradisiacal) state to a telestial state. When Christ returns and wickedness is destroyed, "Christ will reign personally upon the world; and … the earth volition exist renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory" (Manufactures of Faith i:ten). After the k years of Christ'southward reign, the earth will exist transformed yet again. The Prophet Joseph Smith described this change: "This globe volition be rolled back into the presence of God and crowned with celestial glory" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 258; see D&C 29:22–25; 88:18–20, 25–26).

Revelation 21:2–27; 22:1–5. "The Holy City, New Jerusalem"

The Holy City

John saw in vision "the holy urban center, new Jerusalem, coming downwards" to earth, symbolizing God'southward presence among His people (Revelation 21:two). The city was depicted as an enormous cube (come across Revelation 21:xvi), which recalls the Holy of Holies in Solomon's temple (run into 1 Kings half dozen:xix–xx), as well representative of God's dwelling identify. The symbolic elements John saw that etch the city—clear glass, precious stones, pearls, and gold—share the traits of reflecting lite; resisting decaying or tarnishing; and symbolizing purity, beauty, and refinement. The walls of the city were made with all style of precious stones (see Revelation 21:eighteen–21). Precious stones oftentimes stand for the Lord'due south followers who have been refined and fabricated holy (see Exodus 28:nine–10, 17–21; Isaiah 62:3; Malachi 3:17; D&C 60:4; 101:3).

The gates of the metropolis were fabricated of pearls and the streets of gold (see Revelation 21:21; D&C 137:1–4). Both pearls and gilt can be seen as symbols of refinement: oysters produce pearls through pain and adversity, and gilt requires burn down to burn out impurities. The exalted will likewise take been refined through adversity (see Revelation vii:13–xiv).

At that place is no need of temples in the Holy Urban center because all of the celestial kingdom volition exist every bit a temple; God Himself and Jesus Christ dwell there. In that location is no need of the sun in that location, for "the Lamb is the light thereof" (Revelation 21:23). John saw that a central characteristic of the Holy City was the tree of life, representative of the healing and eternal life found in the celestial kingdom (see Revelation 22:2). The tree of life in the Garden of Eden was guarded by cherubim later the Fall (meet Genesis 3:24), just those who dwell in the Holy City have been redeemed from the Fall, and all at that place are free to partake of the everbearing tree of life in the angelic kingdom.

Revelation 21:4–v. No More Tears, Expiry, Sorrow, or Hurting

Revelation 21:4 highlights the nifty restorative power of Christ's Amende, which will ultimately make all things right. Through the Atonement, all of life's disadvantages, contradictions, injustices, and unfairness will be fabricated right. Elder Richard Yard. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles affirmed: "The Atonement will not only aid u.s. overcome our transgressions and mistakes, but in His fourth dimension, information technology volition resolve all inequities of life—those things that are unfair which are the consequences of circumstance or others' acts and not our own decisions" ("Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer," Ensign, May 1997, 54).

Revelation 21:7. "He That Overcometh"

Revelation 21:7 echoes the promises of exaltation found in Revelation two–3 to those who overcome (see Revelation 2:seven, eleven, 17, 26–28; 3:five, 12, 21; see also D&C 76:58–60). In Revelation 21:7, the promise of inheriting "all things" does not mean that those who are exalted will no longer worship God; the relationship of God to each of His exalted children is nonetheless articulate: "I volition be his God, and he shall be my son" (Revelation 21:seven). For more information on worshipping Heavenly Father in the eternities, see the commentary for Revelation 4:viii–11.

Revelation 21:8. "The 2nd Decease"

For data about the 2nd death, meet the commentary for Revelation 2:xi.

Revelation 22:4. "His Name Shall Be in Their Foreheads"

Equally in before passages in Revelation, to bear a proper noun on one'south forehead indicates allegiance (see Revelation 3:12; vii:3; 13:16; 14:1; the commentary for Revelation 3:12). Bearing the proper noun also suggests taking on the characteristics of the one named. Bearing God's name on one's forehead may also be connected to images of priesthood and temple service (see Exodus 28:36–38; Revelation 1:half dozen; 5:10; vii:15). Elderberry David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how receiving this approving is associated with temple worship:

"In the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet Joseph Smith petitioned the Father 'that thy servants may go along from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them' (D&C 109:22). He also asked for a blessing 'over thy people upon whom thy proper noun shall be put in this house' (v. 26). And as the Lord appeared in and accustomed the Kirtland Temple every bit His business firm, He declared, 'For behold, I take accepted this house, and my name shall be hither; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house' (D&C 110:7).

"These scriptures aid u.s. understand that the process of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ that is commenced in the waters of baptism is continued and enlarged in the house of the Lord. … In the ordinances of the holy temple we more completely and fully take upon the states the proper noun of Jesus Christ" ("Honorably Hold a Proper noun and Standing," Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 98).

Revelation 22:7. "I Come Quickly"

Elder Bruce R. McConkie helps us understand what it means that the Lord will "come quickly" (Revelation 22:7): "Not shortly, simply in a quick manner; that is, with speed and suddenness after all of the promised atmospheric condition precedent take occurred" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, iii:590).

Revelation 22:8–9. "I Am Thy Fellowservant"

Afterwards all that John had seen and heard in his vision, he fell down to worship at the anxiety of the affections, just the angel replied, "See k exercise it non: for I am thy fellowservant" (Revelation 22:9). From modern scripture we learn about the angels who minister to the inhabitants of this earth: "There are no angels who minister to this globe just those who practise belong or take belonged to information technology" (D&C 130:5). Hence, when messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers but are from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and boyfriend servants.

Revelation 22:18–xix. "If Any Man Shall Add unto These Things"

The passage "If whatsoever man shall add unto these things" (Revelation 22:18) has been ofttimes misunderstood as a announcement that no scripture was to come along after the writing of the book of Revelation. Elderberry Jeffrey R. Kingdom of the netherlands of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles antiseptic that this argument refers only to the book of Revelation, not to the Bible as a whole:

"One of the arguments often used in any defense force of a closed catechism is the New Testament passage recorded in Revelation 22:18: 'For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of … this book, If any human shall add unto these things, God shall add together unto him the plagues that are written in this volume.' However, there is now overwhelming consensus among virtually all biblical scholars that this poetry applies simply to the book of Revelation, not the whole Bible. Those scholars of our day admit a number of New Testament 'books' that were almost certainly written after John's revelation on the Island of Patmos was received. Included in this category are at least the books of Jude, the three Epistles of John, and probably the entire Gospel of John itself. Peradventure in that location are even more than than these.

"But there is a simpler answer as to why that passage in the final book of the current New Testament cannot apply to the whole Bible. That is because the whole Bible equally we know it—one drove of texts bound in a single volume—did non exist when that poetry was written. For centuries after John produced his writing, the individual books of the New Testament were in circulation singly or peradventure in combinations with a few other texts but almost never as a complete collection. Of the unabridged corpus of 5,366 known Greek New Testament manuscripts, only 35 contain the whole New Attestation equally we now know it, and 34 of those were compiled after A.D. chiliad" ("My Words … Never Cease," Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 91–92).

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Source: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/new-testament-student-manual/revelation/chapter-56-revelation-17-22?lang=eng

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