The World Is Once Again Deceived by Justice Unwavering

Introduction and Timeline for Revelation 17–22

The final chapters of Revelation gave promise to Christians facing persecution from exterior the Church and from factions inside the Church that were dissenting from accepted beliefs. Revelation 17–22 also describes the crescendo of concluding earthly events fulfilling Heavenly Father's plan for the redemption of His children. John heard heavenly servants rejoice in praise for the salvation fabricated possible through the Lamb's triumph over evil. John saw the fall of wicked Babylon contrasted with the glories of the 2nd Coming and the blessings of exaltation for all those who follow God's commands. John further saw that the righteous inhabitants of the earth and those who volition come forth in the First Resurrection will bask a thousand years of millennial peace with Christ. The earth volition so receive celestial celebrity and become the eternal home for all righteous Saints.

Commentary for Revelation 17–22

Revelation 17–18. The Fall of Babylon

In Revelation 16:17, the seventh angel poured out his vial, signaling the final destructive events that will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. These concluding events include the fall of Babylon, described in Revelation 17–xviii. Ancient Babylon had destroyed Jerusalem in 587B.C., a traumatic and defining event in Israel's history. Israelite prophets in plow wrote about the eventual destruction of Babylon (see Isaiah 13:xix–22; 21:ix; Jeremiah 50:35–36, 40; 51:half dozen–8), and John drew upon their language equally he described the ultimate destruction of the spiritual enemies of God's people.

"In Rev. fourteen:viii; xvi:19; 17:five; 18:2, 10, 21, Babylon probably denotes Rome, the great antagonist of Messiah'south kingdom" (Bible Dictionary, "Babylon or Babel"). Information technology is likely that Babylon also represents all that is wicked in the world (see D&C 1:16; 133:14). Chapters 17–18 describe Babylon as a "whore" holding a cup "total of abominations and filthiness" and as the "mother of harlots" (Revelation 17:1, 4, 5). In this sense, Babylon is the antitype of the righteous bride that represents the Church (encounter Revelation 19:7–8) and the antithesis of Zion as "the pure in heart" (D&C 97:21). John's vision of Babylon parallels much of Nephi'southward vision of the groovy and abominable church building (encounter ane Nephi thirteen:iv–9, 26–29; xiv:3–17; 22:xiii–xvi, 18).

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

Revelation 17. The Woman and the Beast

Scholars have historically interpreted the creature with seven heads equally an innuendo to the city of Rome because Rome was founded upon seven hills, as well equally a reference to a number of Roman emperors in the offset century A.D. Though these are possible meanings, a broader interpretation may be that Rome represented a seat of corruption in John'south day. As such, this worldly city may be likened to like centers of abuse in all eras.

The terms used to describe the woman who rode upon the beast attest to the great political and subversive power she will take over nations and kingdoms and people. John described the woman as "the neat whore that sitteth upon many waters" (Revelation 17:1; see also 1 Nephi 14:10–thirteen); she commits fornication with kings and inhabitants of the earth (see verse 2); her clothing depicts power and wealth (run into verse 4); she is the "female parent of harlots," which indicates that she gives nascence to other prostitutions—organizations, governments, and ideologies that spew forth wickedness (verse 5). John recorded that he was astonished at the greatness of the adult female's wickedness (run into verse 6, footnotec). Nevertheless, in the cease she will be overthrown by those she formerly ruled over (come across verse 16; one Nephi 22:13).

Revelation 17:ii–6. The Culture of Babylon Permeates the World

In Revelation 17:2–6, John described Babylon as a harlot clothed in fine, jeweled apparel and drunken with blood. 1 possible meaning of John'south clarification in these verses is that in the final days, a lifestyle of sexual immorality, wealth, and violence would permeate the world (run into also 1 Nephi thirteen:five–9). Institutions, governments, and people who embrace this lifestyle tin exist seen as office of Babylon. While serving in the Seventy, Elderberry David R. Stone spoke of this pervasive corruption:

"At that place is no item city today which personifies Babylon. Babylon was, in the fourth dimension of ancient State of israel, a city which had become sensual, decadent, and corrupt. …

"… That sensuality, abuse, and decadence, and the worshipping of false gods are to be seen in many cities, great and small, scattered across the globe. As the Lord has said: 'They seek non the Lord to establish his righteousness, just every man walketh in his own way, and afterwards the image of his own god, whose epitome is in the likeness of the globe' (D&C 1:sixteen). …

"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:half-dozen. "Drunken with the Blood of the Saints"

Revelation 17:6 describes the woman being "drunken with the claret of the saints," which suggests that throughout the ages, many righteous people have been slain by the wicked. The scriptural linguistic communication suggests that the slaying of the righteous had an intoxicating effect on those who carried out the slaughter.

Revelation 17:8–11. Temporary Nature of the Beast

John saw that the creature "was, and is non" (Revelation 17:8). He also saw a vision of "seven kings: 5 are fallen, and ane is, and the other is non even so come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space" (Revelation 17:10). John'south language suggests that the wickedness of the world will be temporary.

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

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

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

"'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 globe, it matters not in what age, Friction match, the son of the morning, and the millions of fallen spirits that were cast out of sky have 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 compulsion. Information technology is waged by an regular army of missionaries over the issues of truth and error. It is waged in our own lives, day in and day out, in our homes, in our piece of work, in our school associations; information technology is waged over questions of love and respect, of loyalty and fidelity, of obedience and integrity. Nosotros are all involved in information technology. … We are winning, and the future never looked brighter" ("The State of war We Are Winning," Ensign, Nov. 1986, 43, 45).

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

Revelation 18 proclaims the autumn 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; come across D&C 133:five, 7, 14). Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified that it is possible to follow the Lord'south teachings and avoid being contaminated by the world'south wickedness:

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

"… Despite pockets of evil, the world overall is majestically beautiful, filled with many good and sincere people. God has provided a fashion to live in this world and non exist contaminated by the degrading pressures evil agents spread throughout information technology. You can live a virtuous, productive, righteous life by following the plan of protection created by your Male parent in Sky: His programme of happiness" ("How to Live Well among Increasing Evil," Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 100).

Revelation 18:3, 7–sixteen. The Wealth and Materialism of Babylon

John used phrases such as "waxed rich" and "lived deliciously" (Revelation xviii:3, vii, 9) to highlight the lust for wealth and lavish possessions that define Babylon. These riches will be destroyed, and those who have placed their hearts upon them will lament (come across Revelation 18:8–19; 2 Nephi nine:thirty; D&C 56:16). President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) warned that with prosperity often comes the temptation to encompass the materialism of Babylon: "Nosotros are tested, we are tried, nosotros are going through some of the severest tests today and we don't realize perchance the severity of the tests that we're going through. … Today we are basking in the lap of luxury, the like of which nosotros've never seen before in the history of the earth. Information technology would seem that probably this is the most severe test of any exam that we've e'er had in the history of the Church" ("Outset Presidency Devotional" [unpublished Christmas devotional for Church employees, Dec. 13, 1973], 4–v; see Jacob 2:18–19).

Revelation 18:5–6. "Her Sins Take Reached unto Heaven"

John heard a vox from heaven proclaiming that Babylon'south "sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities" (Revelation eighteen:five). Some people might think their iniquities are hidden, but these verses are a reminder that sins practice not become undetected past God, though their consequences may non all come immediately. The voice also declared that Babylon would receive the consequences of her works and would exist punished doubly, reminiscent of terminology used in the law of Moses (see Revelation 18:6; run across also Exodus 22:4, seven, 9).

Revelation eighteen:11–13. Merchandise and "Souls of Men"

The list of merchandise sold in Babylon reveals a startling truth: people sell not only gold, precious stones, fine textiles, and many other luxury items, but even "slaves, and souls of men" (Revelation 18:thirteen). This refers primarily to the abominable practice of human trafficking simply can likewise be seen as a reference to the spiritually enslaving consequences of materialism and other evils (see 2 Nephi 26:10). Information technology may also draw corrupt religious practitioners who present themselves as ministering to people's souls while seeking above all to profit financially; in this sense, they traffic in the "souls of men." Moroni recorded that in the concluding days "there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come up unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins" (Mormon viii:32). In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers spiritual nourishment "without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1; two Nephi 26:25; Alma 1:20).

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

John recorded that in Babylon "was constitute 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 exist recompensed for their evil works (meet Revelation 18:half-dozen; D&C 1:ten), for the blood of the martyrs volition stand up as a testimony against those who accept slain them (see Revelation 6:10; 16:vi; 18:24; D&C 109:49). A similar time of judgment was recorded in 3 Nephi 8–9, when whole cities were destroyed "that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come any more unto me against them" (iii Nephi 9:5; see also verses 7–9, 11; Alma 14:11; Revelation 19:2; the commentary for Revelation sixteen:vi).

Revelation xix:ane–half-dozen. Praising the Lord for His Judgment

John heard the inhabitants of heaven crying out "Alleluia" (Revelation 19:ane, 3–iv, six), which means "Praise the Lord!" This praise was in response to God'due south righteous judgment upon Babylon. Knowing that God is a God of judgment enables Saints to suffer in faith: "No sooner is the idea of the existence of [God's judgment] planted in the minds of men, than it gives power to the mind for the exercise of faith and conviction in God, and they are enabled by religion to lay agree on the promises which are set earlier 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, assertive that in due fourth dimension the Lord will come out in swift judgment against their enemies" (Lectures on Organized religion, [1985], 53). Knowing that God will 1 solar day judge the enemies of His people can assistance Saints in the concluding days to endure in "patience and … faith" (Revelation 13:10; see also 14:12).

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

Immediately before seeing in vision the Lord's 2nd Coming, John heard a phonation proclaim, "The marriage of the lamb is come" and "Blessed are they which are called unto the wedlock supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:7, ix). Israel'south covenant human relationship with God is symbolically portrayed in the scriptures equally a marriage covenant (for case, run across Isaiah 54; Jeremiah 31; Ezekiel 16; 23; Hosea 2; Matthew 23). Marriage is the relationship that requires the most allegiance, sacrifice, commitment, and long-suffering of all relationships. The "marriage supper of the Lamb" is a symbolic reference to the 2d Coming of Jesus Christ. Elderberry 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 helpmate, which is the Church composed of the faithful saints who have watched for his return. As he taught in the parable of the matrimony of the king's son, the great spousal relationship supper of the Lamb shall then be historic. (Matt. 22:i–xiv.)" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 3:563).

John saw that the Lamb'due south bride was clothed "in fine linen" made "make clean and white" through the Atonement (Revelation 19:viii; see besides vii:14; 19:14). This imagery of a bride dressed in white presents a stark contrast to the harlot in improvident clothes described earlier in Revelation, who symbolized spiritual Babylon (see 17:3–6; eighteen:16).

Only the righteous will exist called to "the matrimony 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 merely individuals permitted to sit at this glorious banquet. … Reflect for a moment, brethren [and sisters], and ask, whether you would consider yourselves worthy [of] a seat at the marriage banquet" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church building: Joseph Smith [2007], 165–66; see likewise Matthew 22:ii–fourteen; D&C 58:8–11; 65:3).

Revelation 19:x. "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 xix: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).

"We receive this testimony when the Holy Spirit speaks to the spirit within u.s.a.. We volition receive a calm and unwavering certainty that volition be the source of our testimony and confidence irrespective of our culture, race, language, or socioeconomic groundwork. These promptings of the Spirit, rather than human logic alone, will be the true foundation upon which our testimony will exist built.

"The core of this testimony will always 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 building may savour the gift of prophecy by having "the testimony of Jesus," see the commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:1–vi.

Revelation nineteen:xi, 13. "A White Horse" and "a Wearable Dipped in Blood"

Christ in red robes sitting upon a white horse

In his vision of the Second Coming, John saw the Savior riding "a white equus caballus" (Revelation nineteen:11). The white equus caballus is symbolic of conquest and victory, every bit horses were used almost exclusively for war in John's fourth dimension. John also saw that the Savior would render to earth wearing "a clothing dipped in blood," meaning that His garments will be the color of blood. This color calls to heed the Savior's suffering in Gethsemane, when His atoning claret was pressed from His body just as juice is pressed from grapes in a winepress.

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

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

"No wonder, when Christ comes in power and glory, that He will come in reminding red attire (meet D&C 133:48), signifying non only 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 as I Also Overcame," Ensign, May 1987, 72).

The scarlet apparel may likewise symbolize the devastation of the wicked at the Lord's coming (see Isaiah 63:1–4; D&C 133:46–51). When Jesus comes again to the earth, He will bring justice against the wicked (see Revelation 19:11).

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

The Joseph Smith Translation of Revelation 19:fifteen clarifies how Jesus Christ volition dominion the earth: "And out of his oral fissure proceedeth the discussion of God, and with it he will smite the nations; and he will rule them with the word of his mouth; and he treadeth the winepress in the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" (in Revelation xix:fifteen, footnotea; see too 1 Nephi xi:25).

The titles of the Savior recorded in Revelation nineteen:16—"King of kings, and Lord of lords"—make clear that Jesus Christ will rule over the whole globe and over every earthly ruler. He will too reign over heavenly kings and lords.

Revelation nineteen:17–xviii, 21. "The Supper of the Great God"

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

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "Those with refined senses find it difficult to conceive of the desolation, destruction, and expiry that volition prevail during the final not bad battles ushering in Christ's reign of peace. So great shall be the slaughter and mass murder, the carnage and gore, the slaughter-house and tearing death of warring men, that their decaying bodies 'shall stop the noses of the passengers' [Ezekiel 39:xi], and information technology shall be a task of mammoth proportions merely to dispose of them" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:569).

Revelation 20:ane–3. "The Bottomless Pit"

"The bottomless pit" is a term for the realm of Satan and those who follow him (Revelation twenty:1, iii). Even in that location, God holds supreme authority, for it is God's angel who has "the cardinal of the bottomless pit" (Revelation 20:1; run into Joseph Smith Translation, Revelation 9:one [in Revelation 9:1, footnotea]).

Revelation 20:2–3. Satan Will Exist Bound

Without Any Ire, by Nancy Glazier-Koehler. The Millennium will be a time of groovy peace (meet Isaiah 11:6; 65:25; 2 Nephi 30:ten–18).

John saw that Satan would be spring at the beginning of the Millennium and that for a thousand years he would "deceive the nations no more" (Revelation 20:iii) or, as a modern revelation states, "not have power to tempt whatever man" (D&C 101:28; see also i Nephi 22:26; D&C 43:31; 88:110–11). During this fourth dimension, "children shall grow up without sin unto salvation" (D&C 45:58).

Apropos Satan'southward binding, President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) stated: "As to whether the binding of Satan is a literal binding as with a chain or not, information technology matters not. I am inclined to believe that the concatenation spoken of in the Bible, with which Satan is to exist bound, is more figurative than real. [Satan] will be bound both past the religion of the righteous and the decrees of the Almighty during the Millennial reign and will be bandage down into hell" (From Prophet to Son: Advice of Joseph F. Smith to His Missionary Sons, comp. Hyrum G. Smith III and Scott G. Kenney [1981], 71). The prophet Nephi taught that considering of the righteousness of the Saints, Satan will have no ability (see 1 Nephi 22:26).

Revelation twenty:3, 7–8. "Loosed a Little Flavor"

The scriptures do not entirely explain why Satan "must be loosed a little season" after having been spring for the m years following Christ'south Second Coming (Revelation 20:iii; run into D&C 43:31). Notwithstanding, the Lord has revealed that after the g years have ended, people would "again begin to deny their God" (D&C 29:22). The Book of Mormon also describes a fourth dimension when people again turned their hearts toward Satan afterwards an extended season of peace and righteousness considering of the pride that followed prosperity (run across 4 Nephi 1:22–46). Whatever the reason that Satan volition be loosed, John saw that later the Millennium, Satan would "deceive the nations … to gather them together" for a terminal battle against the Saints (Revelation xx:8; encounter D&C 88:110–11; the commentary for Revelation xx:7–10).

Revelation 20:4. "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 chosen during His mortal ministry. Jesus said that these Apostles would sit on thrones and judge State of israel (run across Matthew 19:28; 1 Nephi 12:9–ten; Mormon 3:xix; D&C 29:12). Though the Lord has indicated that some of His servants will assist Him every bit judges, the scriptures besides affirm that Jesus Christ Himself will be the great and final Judge of all (run across John 5:22; Acts x:42; two Nephi 9:41).

Revelation xx:5. "The Offset Resurrection" and "the Residuum of the Dead"

John saw that many of the dead would be resurrected during what is called "the first resurrection" (Revelation xx:v–6). Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained the Get-go Resurrection: "To those who lived before the resurrection of Christ, the twenty-four hour period of his coming along from the expressionless was known equally the beginning resurrection. Abinadi and Alma, for instance, so considered it. (Mosiah 15:21–25; Alma xl.) To those who have lived since that 24-hour interval, the kickoff resurrection is yet hereafter and volition take place at the fourth dimension of the 2d Coming. (D. & C. 88:96–102.) Nosotros have no knowledge that the resurrection is going on now or that any persons have been resurrected since the solar 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 celestial and terrestrial bodies will come up forth in the First Resurrection.

"The remainder of the expressionless" who "lived not over again 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 cease of the Millennium (come across D&C 88:100–101). This resurrection volition include those who will inherit a telestial celebrity and those who will "remain filthy still" (D&C 88:102), meaning the sons of perdition who inherit no caste of celebrity simply "become away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels" (D&C 76:36; come across Revelation xx:10). To read more about the order of the Resurrection, see the commentary for 1 Corinthians 15:23.

Revelation 20:vii–10. A Concluding Battle

John saw that after the Millennium, Satan would exist loosed, and he and his evil forces would once more wage war against "the camp of the saints" and "the beloved city," which is Zion, a identify of prophylactic and refuge (Revelation 20:8–9). John referred to Satan'southward host by the symbolic names "Gog and Magog." Ezekiel used these names to refer to strange invaders who would attack Israel earlier the Lord's coming (encounter Ezekiel 38–39), but in Revelation 20:7–ix, "Gog and Magog" refer to the forces of Satan that will wage some other battle at the end of the Millennium. Though the number of Satan's forces will be "every bit the sand of the sea," they will be "devoured" past "fire … from God out of sky," and the devil and his followers will be eternally "cast into the lake of burn and brimstone" (Revelation 20:8–10; run into ii Nephi nine:sixteen; D&C 43:31–33; 88:110–16). With this final cleansing of evil, the earth volition exist prepared to receive celestial celebrity.

Latter-solar day revelation adds the detail that Michael the archangel, who is Adam (see D&C 27:xi), will play an important part in this terminal battle by gathering the armies of God together confronting Satan and his armies (meet D&C 88:112).

Revelation twenty:10. What Is "the Lake of Burn down and Brimstone"?

The Old Testament describes the destruction of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire and brimstone from heaven (come across Genesis 19:24). In the book of Revelation, burn down and brimstone symbolize the destruction and ultimate abode of the wicked. President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

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

"That lake of burn and brimstone, e'er burning only never consumed, is the description in the scriptures for hell [see Revelation xix:xx; xx:ten; 21:viii; D&C 63:17; 76:36]" ("The Touch of the Master'due 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 [see Revelation 21:eight]. The torment of thwarting in the mind of human being is as exquisite as a lake burning with burn down and brimstone" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 224).

Revelation twenty:12–15. Judged "According to Their Works"

The terminal judgment is part of God's plan of conservancy. John saw the day when all God'southward children would stand before Christ to be "judged out of those things which were written in the books" (Revelation 20:12). These books include: (i) The volume of life (see Philippians four:3; Revelation 3:five; 13:eight; 17:8; 20:15; Alma 5:58; D&C 128:6–seven; the commentary for Revelation 13:viii). (two) Church records that record the saving ordinances and perhaps other actions of faith and devotion (see D&C 127:6–7, 9; 128:half dozen–7). (3) The scriptures, which contain the standards and commandments by which we are to live our lives and by which we will exist judged (see 2 Nephi 29:11; 33:15). In improver to these, "the books" might also refer to other sources of light and knowledge that were available to people during their lives.

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, "God judges men according to the utilize they make of the light which He gives them" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 405). He as well explained, "[The Lord] will laurels judgment or mercy to all nations co-ordinate to their several desires, their means of obtaining intelligence, the laws past which they are governed, the facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information, and His inscrutable designs" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 404).

Revelation 21:ane. "A New Heaven and a New Earth"

As part of the Fall of Adam, the earth vicious 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 be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory" (Manufactures of Organized religion i:ten). After the thousand years of Christ'due south reign, the earth will be transformed yet again. The Prophet Joseph Smith described this alter: "This earth 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:two–27; 22:ane–v. "The Holy Urban center, New Jerusalem"

The Holy Urban center

John saw in vision "the holy urban center, new Jerusalem, coming down" to globe, symbolizing God's presence among His people (Revelation 21:2). The city was depicted every bit an enormous cube (meet Revelation 21:xvi), which recalls the Holy of Holies in Solomon's temple (see 1 Kings 6:nineteen–20), also representative of God's dwelling place. The symbolic elements John saw that etch the city—articulate drinking glass, precious stones, pearls, and gold—share the traits of reflecting light; resisting decomposable or tarnishing; and symbolizing purity, beauty, and refinement. The walls of the city were made with all manner of precious stones (see Revelation 21:eighteen–21). Precious stones often represent the Lord's followers who have been refined and made holy (see Exodus 28:9–10, 17–21; Isaiah 62:iii; Malachi 3:17; D&C 60:4; 101:3).

The gates of the city were made of pearls and the streets of aureate (see Revelation 21:21; D&C 137:i–4). Both pearls and gold tin can be seen as symbols of refinement: oysters produce pearls through pain and adversity, and gold requires burn down to burn out impurities. The exalted will likewise accept been refined through adversity (run into Revelation 7:13–14).

There is no demand of temples in the Holy Metropolis because all of the angelic kingdom will be as a temple; God Himself and Jesus Christ dwell there. There is no need of the sun there, for "the Lamb is the light thereof" (Revelation 21:23). John saw that a key characteristic of the Holy Metropolis was the tree of life, representative of the healing and eternal life constitute in the celestial kingdom (run into Revelation 22:2). The tree of life in the Garden of Eden was guarded by cherubim after the Autumn (see Genesis iii:24), merely those who dwell in the Holy Urban center accept been redeemed from the Autumn, and all there are free to partake of the everbearing tree of life in the celestial kingdom.

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

Revelation 21:four highlights the corking restorative ability of Christ'southward Atonement, which will ultimately brand all things correct. Through the Amende, all of life's disadvantages, contradictions, injustices, and unfairness will be fabricated right. Elder Richard Grand. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles affirmed: "The Atonement will non only help us overcome our transgressions and mistakes, but in His time, it will 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:vii. "He That Overcometh"

Revelation 21:vii echoes the promises of exaltation plant in Revelation ii–3 to those who overcome (encounter Revelation 2:vii, xi, 17, 26–28; 3:5, 12, 21; see also D&C 76:58–60). In Revelation 21:seven, the promise of inheriting "all things" does not hateful that those who are exalted volition no longer worship God; the relationship of God to each of His exalted children is even so articulate: "I will be his God, and he shall be my son" (Revelation 21:7). For more data on worshipping Heavenly Male parent in the eternities, see the commentary for Revelation 4:8–eleven.

Revelation 21:viii. "The 2nd Death"

For information about the second expiry, meet the commentary for Revelation 2:11.

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

Equally in earlier passages in Revelation, to bear a name on one's brow indicates fidelity (run into Revelation 3:12; 7:iii; 13:sixteen; 14:1; the commentary for Revelation 3:12). Bearing the name also suggests taking on the characteristics of the i named. Bearing God'due south proper noun on one'south forehead may too be connected to images of priesthood and temple service (come across Exodus 28:36–38; Revelation i:6; v:10; 7:15). Elder 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 Begetter 'that thy servants may go along from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may exist upon them' (D&C 109:22). He also asked for a blessing 'over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this business firm' (v. 26). And as the Lord appeared in and accepted the Kirtland Temple as His business firm, He declared, 'For behold, I accept accustomed this firm, and my proper noun shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house' (D&C 110:7).

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

Revelation 22:vii. "I Come Quickly"

Elderberry Bruce R. McConkie helps us sympathise what it means that the Lord will "come quickly" (Revelation 22:7): "Non soon, but in a quick manner; that is, with speed and suddenness after all of the promised weather condition precedent accept occurred" (Doctrinal New Attestation Commentary, 3:590).

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

Subsequently all that John had seen and heard in his vision, he roughshod down to worship at the feet of the angel, but the angel replied, "Run across one thousand do it not: for I am thy fellowservant" (Revelation 22:9). From modern scripture we learn about the angels who government minister to the inhabitants of this globe: "At that place are no angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it" (D&C 130:five). Hence, when messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this world, they are not strangers merely are from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and swain servants.

Revelation 22:18–19. "If Any Man Shall Add unto These Things"

The passage "If any man shall add unto these things" (Revelation 22:18) has been often misunderstood as a proclamation that no scripture was to come forth after the writing of the book of Revelation. Elderberry Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles antiseptic that this statement refers only to the volume of Revelation, not to the Bible every bit 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:xviii: 'For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of … this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add together unto him the plagues that are written in this volume.' However, in that location is now overwhelming consensus among virtually all biblical scholars that this verse applies only to the book of Revelation, not the whole Bible. Those scholars of our day acknowledge a number of New Attestation 'books' that were nearly certainly written after John's revelation on the Isle 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. Perchance there are fifty-fifty more these.

"But there is a simpler answer as to why that passage in the terminal volume of the electric current New Testament cannot utilise to the whole Bible. That is because the whole Bible every bit we know information technology—ane collection of texts spring in a single volume—did not be when that verse was written. For centuries subsequently John produced his writing, the individual books of the New Testament were in circulation singly or possibly in combinations with a few other texts just about never as a consummate collection. Of the entire corpus of 5,366 known Greek New Attestation manuscripts, only 35 contain the whole New Attestation equally we now know information technology, and 34 of those were compiled after A.D. 1000" ("My Words … Never Cease," Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 91–92).

gibsonamis1962.blogspot.com

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

Share this post