Revelation 14

In the 5th chapter of Revelations we read that many in the pre-mortal existence as the "Lamb" had taken the book from Him who sat on the throne -

"...they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." (New Testament | Revelation 5:9 - 10)

And again, as the Lamb stood on mount Sion, those that would be kings and priests on a celestialized earth -

"...they sung as it were a new song before the throne..." (New Testament | Revelation 14:3)

I am sure it was a "song of redeeming love" for -

"These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." (New Testament | Revelation 14:4)

In modern revelation, we learn more -

"...with the voice together sing this new song, saying:
99 The Lord hath brought again Zion;
The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel,
According to the election of grace,
Which was brought to pass by the faith
And covenant of their fathers.
100 The Lord hath redeemed his people;
And Satan is bound and time is no longer.
The Lord hath gathered all things in one.
The Lord hath brought down Zion from above.
The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath.
101 The earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength;
And truth is established in her bowels;
And the heavens have smiled upon her;
And she is clothed with the glory of her God;
For he stands in the midst of his people.
102 Glory, and honor, and power, and might,
Be ascribed to our God; for he is full of mercy,
Justice, grace and truth, and peace,
Forever and ever, Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:98 - 102)

We learn more of these "kings and priests" who would reign on the earth as John -

"...saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." (New Testament | Revelation 15:2 - 3)

I believe this new song sung by Moses, the Lamb, and of the righteous and exalted saints is the "song of redeeming love".

Revelation 13

As John describes a beast that did rise up out of the sea, even though I have no idea what the symbolism of the heads, horns, and crowns on the beast, I have to assume that it represents the power of Satan and his great organization and the differing wicked philosophies in the last days. But what caught my attention was -

"...all the world wondered after the beast.
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" (New Testament | Revelation 13:3 - 4)

In my mind, the world began to agree and follow all the wickedness that it represented, even such that -

"...there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies..." (New Testament | Revelation 13:5)

I can't help but think of all the political correctness, personal rights and privileges, and tolerance being argued in our day in justifying and allowing the wickedness of men.

What else caught my attention was -

"...he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." (New Testament | Revelation 13:16 - 17)

A mark of the beast on their foreheads would suggest that their thoughts and works at after the doctrine of the beast. As John wrote -

"...that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark..." (New Testament | Revelation 13:17)

...would, in my mind, suggest financial economics after the doctrine of the beast. My first thoughts was that that would lead to the great disasters described in the latter days - that is debt. The Lord counseled latter-day saints -

"...verily I say unto you, concerning your debts—behold it is my will that you shall pay all your debts." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 104:78)

This is in total contrast to the economic teachings of the beast. Would witness the great chaos today with sovereign, corporate, and personal debt aquired for personal and political gain and satisfaction. L. Tom Perry, and Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ taught the will of the Lord -

"...avoid excessive debt. Necessary debt should be incurred only after careful, thoughtful prayer and after obtaining the best possible advice. We need the discipline to stay well within our ability to pay. Wisely we have been counseled to avoid debt as we would avoid the plague. President J. Reuben Clark fearlessly and repeatedly counseled members of the Church to take action.

“Live within your means. Get out of debt. Keep out of debt. Lay by for a rainy day which has always come and will come again. Practice and increase your habits of thrift, industry, economy, and frugality” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1937, p. 107). We should have displayed in a prominent place President Clark’s description of interest:

“Interest never sleeps nor sickens nor dies. … Once in debt, interest is your companion every minute of the day and night; you cannot shun it or slip away from it; you cannot dismiss it; it yields neither to entreaties, demands, or orders; and whenever you get in its way or cross its course or fail to meet its demands, it crushes you” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1938, p. 103).

Incurrence of debt is such an enticement. Accompanying the ease with which we can obtain debt should be the great caution of avoidance. Take the opportunity to compute how much you would add to your personal net worth if your home mortgage was only for ten or fifteen years instead of thirty. Compute the value of sweat equity if your time and your talents are invested in adding to the size and comfort of your home.

It is so easy to allow consumer debt to get out of hand. If you do not have the discipline to control the use of credit cards, it is better not to have them. A well-managed family does not pay interest—it earns it. The definition I received from a wise boss at one time in my early business career was “Thems that understands interest receives it, thems that don’t pays it.” (October 1995 Address, “If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear”)

The Lord's doctrine is not debt that we consume upon our flesh. Isn't it interesting that John said that he (so we would have to assume also the beast} -

"...stood upon the sand of the sea..." (New Testament | Revelation 13:1)

That Savior taught the consequence when one builds upon the foundation of sand.

Revelation 12

From the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible we learn -

"And the dragon prevailed not against Michael, neither the child, nor the woman which was the church of God, who had been delivered of her pains, and brought forth the kingdom of our God and his Christ." (JST New Testament | Revelation 12:7)

The woman then is the Church and the child is the Kingdom of God. It were these that Satan did and would not prevail even though it appears he had some success. Even though it may be hard to understand the symbolic nature and meaning of this revelation, there is one thing that is very clear. As the the angel opened the bottomless pit, the temptations of Satan were allowed to greatly increase. It is in this part of the revelation that John heard -

"...Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." (New Testament | Revelation 12:12)

Even such that -

"...the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood." (New Testament | Revelation 12:15)

I believe the water our of his mouth was filthy water in order to carry away the righteous. Even such that in the latter days -

"...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." (New Testament | Revelation 12:17)

I'm convinced that in our day, Satan is attacking the righteous in all his strength, for he knows his days are limited. But again, we are reminded that we are not left alone for not only -

"...the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth." (New Testament | Revelation 12:16)

But returning to an earlier portion of this revelation -

"...it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads." (New Testament | Revelation 9:4)

Which again in my mind are the youth, the elect, and the faithful of thise that have the seal (testimony and conversion} upon their foreheads.

Revelation 11

The Prophet Joseph Smith was asked to which he answered -

"Q. What is to be understood by the two witnesses, in the eleventh chapter of Revelation?
A. They are two prophets that are to be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days, at the time of the restoration, and to prophesy to the Jews after they are gathered and have built the city of Jerusalem in the land of their fathers." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 77:15)

Some one hundred and sixteen years from this revelation, the State of Israel declared its independence. The Lord does not say when these two prophets will be raised up, only after the restorations and the Jews are gathered and built up the city of Jerusalem. I would suggest that these prereguisites have been satisfied. John saide that when these two prophets are raised up, the Lord -

"...will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." (New Testament | Revelation 11:3 - 4)

It seems these individuals will be humble, peacemakers, and will be beacons or messengers of gospel light and truth. Which would also mean they would call the wicked to repentance. They also will -

"...have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will." (New Testament | Revelation 11:6)

And -

"...if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed." (New Testament | Revelation 11:5)

Whether that be physical or spiritual, I don't know. But we do know that -


"...when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." (New Testament | Revelation 11:7 - 8)

It is obvious that these two witnesses will not be unknown, for I believe, with the media and technology of our day, that -

"...they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth." (New Testament | Revelation 11:9 - 10)

I believe that leaving their bodies for three and a half days is significant, in that many middle east customs suggest that bodies must be buried quickly or the spirits of men will wander the earth. This will then be intentional. But -

"...after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." (New Testament | Revelation 11:11 - 12)

As the wicked behold this event, I wonder how many will repent. I doubt many. But even so, it seems there will be a period granted for repentance which always seems to be granted by the Lord. I should note then that upon the conclusion of this event -

"The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly." (New Testament | Revelation 11:14)

It is the third "woe" when the wicked will be destroyed.

Revelation 10

Just as John recorded -

"...I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." (New Testament | Revelation 5:1)

...suggesting that this book contained the events of the seven thousand years or in other words, the plan of salvation, John also records -

"...I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
2 And he had in his hand a little book open..." (New Testament | Revelation 10:1 - 2)

And the angel instructed John -

"...Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey." (New Testament | Revelation 10:8 - 9)

Being the book with the seven seals was the plan of salvation of all men, I sensed this small book was a specific plan or calling particularly for John. I could almost compare this to a patriarchal blessing. At this time, John must have been in his nineties. A very aged man. We learn a little bit more of what must have been in the book as the Lord talks to three faithful disciples of the Nephites -

"...I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me.
7 Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven.
8 And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father.
9 And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 28:6 - 9)

The bitterness in the belly that John would experience then would be the sorrow for the sins of the world. John thus recorded to himself -

"AND the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you.
2 And I said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.
3 And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
4 And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter: If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom.
5 I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done.
6 Yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth.
7 And I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James; and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come.
8 Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 7:1 - 8)

I'm sure this is what was written in the "little book".

Revelation 9

During the seventh seal, before the second coming of the Savior, John sees the fifth angel being -

"...given the key of the bottomless pit." (New Testament | Revelation 9:1)

"And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit." (New Testament | Revelation 9:2)

Knowing that Satan had been cast into the bottomless pit, the smoke in my mind is much like in Lehi's dream -

"...there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:23)

...as the people commenced on the strait and narrow path to the Tree of Life. Nephi later is told -

"...the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 12:17)

This temptations of the devil has always been, but in the seventh seal, with the opening of the bottomless pit, it appears Satan is allowed to exert his greatest effort, or create the greatest mist of darkness for -

"...I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" (New Testament | Revelation 8:13)

Or the worst is yet to come, but even so -

"...it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads." (New Testament | Revelation 9:4)

In my mind, the grass would be symbolic of youth or those that are "green" in gospel learning and living. The trees would by symbolic of the faithful. Is it any wonder that within stakes of Zion, Isaiah promised -

"...all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." (Old Testament | Isaiah 54:13 - 14)

Does this not bring great comfort as we read of the pronounced "woes" of the last days.

Revelation 8

As I read the 8th Chapter of Revelations, the following are my thoughts. First, the Prophet Joseph Smith answered -

"...the first seal contains the things of the first thousand years, and the second also of the second thousand years, and so on until the seventh." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 77:7)

He also answered -

"...in the beginning of the seventh thousand years will the Lord God sanctify the earth, and complete the salvation of man, and judge all things, and shall redeem all things, except that which he hath not put into his power, when he shall have sealed all things, unto the end of all things; and the sounding of the trumpets of the seven angels are the preparing and finishing of his work, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years—the preparing of the way before the time of his coming." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 77:12)

It becomes obvious that the seventh seal or 7th thousand years does not begin with come second coming of the Savior, but it is the beginning ofthe cleansing and perfecting of this last seal wherein somewhere early in this period, the Savior will return. As we read a modern day revelation on the last days, the Lord also says in the early 1800's -

"Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:86)

Why?

"For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro as a drunken man; and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse to give light; and the moon shall be bathed in blood; and the stars shall become exceedingly angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig-tree.
88 And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people.
89 For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.
90 And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.
91 And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.
92 And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:87 - 92)

Comparing these events to that of the 8th Chapter of Revelations, I have this feeling that the seventh seal has been opened. One reason is that in recent days we have already heard -

"...the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:90)

I believe the events prophecied of John of the seven angels are as a result of -

"...another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand." (New Testament | Revelation 8:3 - 4)

I see these events of the last day coming not only because of great wickedness upon the earth, but because of the faithful prayers of the righteous. Is it any wonder -

"...the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." (New Testament | Revelation 8:5)

I have a strong feeling that the events described as the seven trumpets of the seven angels sounded, though maybe in some cases literal, the majority of the these events are symbolic and spiritual to the point as revealed -

"...another angel shall sound his trump, saying: That great church, the mother of abominations, that made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, that persecuteth the saints of God, that shed their blood—she who sitteth upon many waters, and upon the islands of the sea—behold, she is the tares of the earth; she is bound in bundles; her bands are made strong, no man can loose them; therefore, she is ready to be burned." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:94)

In other words, the sounding of the seven angels is really the parable of the wheat and tares as the tares are bound.

One more personal thought, when the Lord tells us -

"...angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:92)

...I believe that this prophecy is being fulfilled by angels or priesthood leaders we sustaing as prophets, seers, and revelators, bearing testimony and declaring preparation over satellite, internet, as so forth. What better way than to describe this modern day miracle to those of previous generations as "fly through the midst of heaven".

Revelation 7

As I read the 7th Chapter of Revelations, my interpretations may not necessarily be the more common, for John testified -

"...I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree." (New Testament | Revelation 7:1)

I see these four angels having power not only to destroy the earth but also protect the earth, for there was -

"...another angel ascending from the east (or heaven), having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." (New Testament | Revelation 7:2 - 3)

May I suggest that this angel was bringing the sealing power as Malachi revealed for -

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (Old Testament | Malachi 4:5 - 6)

This is the very power to bind on earth and in heaven. And with these keys or power also keys of Elias to gather the tribes of Israel (see D&C 110). Now with this power, John then saw that -

"...there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel." (New Testament | Revelation 7:4)

In modern day it was revealed -

"...that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 77:11)

So it is these faithful brethren that will assist in the great missionary effort throughout the world. For with them, would come many converts as John records -

"...I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands..." (New Testament | Revelation 7:9)

"...saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." (New Testament | Revelation 7:10)

Some probably have felt that this event was literally in the Celestial Kingdom, but I perceive it, while yet in His presence, here on earth during the sixth seal as the Elders answered -

"...What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
...These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (New Testament | Revelation 7:13 - 17)

I believe these are those that serve Him "day and night in his temple". I believe that this is taking place today. These are they that are being sealed. For it is out of the temples that living fountains of waters" flow.

In vision, Ezekiel came -

"...unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house..." (Old Testament | Ezekiel 47:1)

And Joel saw -

"And it shall come to pass in that day... a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley...". (Old Testament | Joel 3:18)

For -

"...whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (New Testament | John 4:14)

This is the "marvelous work and a wonder" taking place in latter days.

Revelation 6

As I read of the Savior opening the six seals of the book or the first six thousand years of the "plan", I was touched with the fifth seal or the period of the Savior's ministry and the conversion and faithfulness of the saints for -

"...when he had opened the fifth seal, I [John] saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held..." (New Testament | Revelation 6:9)

Of whom even cried -

"...O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" (New Testament | Revelation 6:10)

I thought, this sounds much like the Prophet Joseph Smith while in Liberty Jail -

"O GOD, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?
2 How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?
3 Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:1 - 3)

What touched me was to these faithful saints -

"...white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." (New Testament | Revelation 6:11)

These are those in paradise, with the promise of white robes or exaltation awaiting the resurrections of the just.

Revelation 5

I don't think there is another writing in scripture of our premortal existence that seems to bring forth great emotion and love for the Savior as we John - -

"...saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." (New Testament | Revelation 5:1)

There is no doubt that this book contained the plan of salvation for all of the spirit children of our Father in Heaven as -

"...a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon." (New Testament | Revelation 5:2 - 3)

And thus John -

"...wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon." (New Testament | Revelation 5:4)

Can you imagine the disappointment and hopelessness of God's offspring in seeing no opportunity to be involved in this plan. That is to grow and progress and receive a body as God possessed. And than one declared -

"...Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."
(New Testament | Revelation 5:5)

Is is any wonder when the Lord asked Job where he was -

"When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (Old Testament | Job 38:7)

That is what John saw also. For John beheld -

"...in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven (JST:Twelve) horns and seven (JST:Twelve)eyes, which are the seven(JST:Twelve)Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." (New Testament | Revelation 5:6 - 10)

Is there any wonder the spirit children of our Father in Heaven did shout with joy! I couldn't help but as I read "they sung a new song", think of Alma's inquiry if the people had -

"...felt to sing the song of redeeming love..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:26)

I believe this was the new song as the Savior was worthy to take the book and open the seals.

Revelation 4

As John saw into heaven in order to see the -

"...things which must be hereafter." (New Testament | Revelation 4:1)

...he writes -

"And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." (New Testament | Revelation 4:2)

I noted that in order to have beheld the presence of our Father in Heaven, it was necessary that he be quickened in some manner by the Holy Ghost. It must have been very difficult to try to explain the voice he heard as well as the glory of God using his limited resources of experiences here on earth.

As we learned in John's precious writings that we may "sit" in His throne (Rvelations 3:21) that His throne is not limited to one, so to speak, chair. Again we learn that elders and beasts were -

"...in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne..." (New Testament | Revelation 4:6)

I can't help but assume that those that -

"...had on their heads crowns of gold." (New Testament | Revelation 4:4)

...were those that had qualified to be kings and priests were "in the midst of the throne". Nonetheless, all did -

"...rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." (New Testament | Revelation 4:8)

(Have you ever noticed the significance and importance when words are repeated three times.}

Even those that were considered "joint-heirs" with Christ did -

"...fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (New Testament | Revelation 4:10 - 11)

For those that struggle with the concept that as children of God with potential to be like him, should come to understand the order of things and the eternal worship of our Father in Heaven and His Only Begotten Son.

Revelation 3

Yesterday, I commented on -

"...a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 52:14)

As the Lord continued to counsel and rebuke His "stars" or servants of the Churches in Asia, he explains -

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten..." (New Testament | Revelation 3:19)

To one servant he acknowledges -

"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (New Testament | Revelation 3:15 - 16)

Explaining -

"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked..." (New Testament | Revelation 3:17)

A direct warning that we are commanded to -

"...visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 44:6)

Therefore, being on that He loves -

"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." (New Testament | Revelation 3:18)

In my mind, the Lord's "gold" is the gospel, exaltation or eternal life that has been tried or "proven". So again in chastening love, He counsels -

"...be zealous therefore, and repent." (New Testament | Revelation 3:19)

With that counsel, who can doubt that repentance is required to receive of God's gold for -

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (New Testament | Revelation 3:20)

Again, the Lord teaches the promises to those that repent and keep His commandments -

"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." (New Testament | Revelation 3:12)

This is His "gold". And again to emphasize our potential, the Lord declares -

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (New Testament | Revelation 3:21)

As children of our Father in Heaven, the more we ponder that declaration, the clearer our potential becomes.

Revelation 2

The Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...I will give unto you a pattern in all things..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 52:14)

I see a pattern or method of administration as the Lord talks to his "stars" or servants that preside in the seven Churches or "wards" in Asia. First, the Lord expresses praise and gratitude to His servants. For example to the priesthood leader in Ephesus He expresses -

"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." (New Testament | Revelation 2:2 - 3)

But then, where appropriate, He lovingly says -

"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee..." (New Testament | Revelation 2:4)

After explaining why, he continues to teach doctrine and remind the leader of the blessings that He has promised if they are faithful. He then counsels -

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith..." (New Testament | Revelation 2:7)

The counsel is clear. As priesthood leaders, listen to and follow the promptings or revelations of the Holy Ghost in their duty.

This seems to be the same pattern with leaders in Pergamos, Thyatira, and so forth. I was touched with the reminder -

"...he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star." (New Testament | Revelation 2:26 - 28)

In other words, to have power over the nations, even ruling with a rod of iron or the "word of God", even as the Savior did receive would again suggest that we have the capacity -

"...heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ..." (New Testament | Romans 8:17)

Revelation 1

During His ministry, the Savior promised -

"where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (New Testament | Matthew 18:20)

As a vision was opened to John, he recounts -

"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet..." (New Testament | Revelation 1:10)

"And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks..." (New Testament | Revelation 1:12)

John later shares the symbolic nature that -

"...the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." (New Testament | Revelation 1:20)

And after seeing the seven candlesticks or local congregations, he saw -

"...in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man..." (New Testament | Revelation 1:13)

But not only was the Savior in their midst, but -

"...he had in his right hand seven stars..." (New Testament | Revelation 1:16)

Again John shares this symbolic nature being -

"...The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches..." (New Testament | Revelation 1:20)

The Prophet Joseph Smith said that the angels were the "servants" or in other words, the priesthood leaders of the seven churches. As I pondered being in his right or covenant hand, I thought of Nephi, the Sons of Mosiah, Gideon (servant of Limhi), Alma where the scriptures teach were all -

"...instruments in the hands of God..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 35:14)

What a humbling thought that as priesthood leaders, He promises to be in our midst as we are instruments in His hand in doing His work.

Revelation 1

Can you imagine what it would be like to receive a letter from an apostle and a member of the First Presidency, written specifically to seven bishops of individual wards in a stake, directly from the Savior, where he writes -

"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:
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
3 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." (New Testament | Revelation 1:1 - 3)

Because that is exactly what happend as we read -

"JOHN to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
5 And from Jesus Christ..." (New Testament | Revelation 1:4 - 5)

I would expect that there would be a great excitement in hearing and following the word. As John writes these priesthood leaders we learn something very significant. Not only that the saints had been elected to exaltation, but the Lord -

"...hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father..." (New Testament | Revelation 1:6)

Of course, based upon our faithfulness. But the second most significant truth that at His second coming -


"...he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him..." (New Testament | Revelation 1:7)

That very verse suggests that all will see him at his second coming. As he mentions even those that pierced him, would suggest even the wicked that had previously passed on. I have always argued, by scriptural reference that the world of spirits remains here on earth. That would suggest that all that have do and have ever lived (except those that have been resurrected) are here on the earth. So at his second coming both the living and the dead will "see him at his second coming". I'm sure this will include the resurrected in the the just will be with him.

Jude 1

John shares the same feelings that any God-fearing loving parent feels -

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (New Testament | 3 John 1:4)

But as we turn to the writing of Jude, herein we find another priesthood leaders again warning the saints of apostasy, immorality, and failure to keep the commandments writing -

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness..." (New Testament | Jude 1:3 - 4)


"Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities." (New Testament | Jude 1:7 - 8)

"These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage." (New Testament | Jude 1:16)

"...remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit." (New Testament | Jude 1:17 - 19)

We have to remember from where these teachings and temptations of the flesh flow, from -

"...the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation..." (New Testament | Jude 1:6)

That is from Lucifer and his followers that rebelled in the first estate or the pre-existent state and were cast out never being allowed to receive a physical body or a habitation for their spirits -

"...for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him." (Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:17)

Again, a righteous servant of the Lord (Jude) pleads -

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." (New Testament | Jude 1:20 - 23)

1 John 4

John seems to provide a simple theme of love and keeping the commandments in most of his teachings -

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (New Testament | 1 John 4:7 - 8)

Therefore -

"If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit." (New Testament | 1 John 4:12 - 13)

For -

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." (New Testament | 1 John 4:20 - 21)

And -

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." (New Testament | 1 John 5:2 - 3)

"And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it." (New Testament | 2 John 1:6)

It is through faith, love, and keeping the commandments that we overcome the world -

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (New Testament | 1 John 5:4)

1 John 1

To those that -

"...confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart..." (New Testament | Romans 10:9)

...and -

"...say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth..." (New Testament | 1 John 1:6)

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (New Testament | 1 John 1:7)

To walk in His light is to keep His commandments and to strive for righteousness and holiness, for -

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us..." (New Testament | 1 John 1:8)

But -

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (New Testament | 1 John 1:9)

You can sense that faith, repentance, and obedience is a condition of forgiveness and cleansing. For example -

"He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness..." (New Testament | 1 John 2:9)

Therefore -

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (New Testament | 1 John 2:15)

We are to love God over the world for -

"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." (New Testament | 1 John 3:21 - 24)

Therefore -

"...every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." (New Testament | 1 John 3:3)

And if we do this, have faith in Hims, and keep His commandments -

"BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (New Testament | 1 John 3:1 - 2)

Could it be any more clear of man's potential is.

2 Peter 2

As Peter addressed the saints of his day, I couldn't help but compare the current events of our day writing -

"...there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." (New Testament | 2 Peter 2:1 - 2)

"...chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled [arrogant], they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities." (New Testament | 2 Peter 2:10)

"...these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption..." (New Testament | 2 Peter 2:12)

"...they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you..." (New Testament | 2 Peter 2:13)

"Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices..." (New Testament | 2 Peter 2:14)

"For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption..." (New Testament | 2 Peter 2:18 - 19)

"...they willingly are ignorant of..." (New Testament | 2 Peter 3:5)

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts..." (New Testament | 2 Peter 3:3)

Know this, of that which is corrupt -

"...the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (New Testament | 2 Peter 3:10)

"...seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (New Testament | 2 Peter 3:17 - 18)