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There is often a certain dread that comes over us as we approach a thorough study of John’s Book of Revelation.  “How will I ever understand this book?  How can I figure out all the symbols and mysterious beasts?  Is there application in this book for me personally?”  In this week’s podcast and in one more lesson on Revelation to follow, we will give you some tools and some thoughts that will help you unlock this great book.

You can also find it on any of these platforms by searching for Meridian Magazine-Come Follow Me.

Maurine and Scot Proctor have spent extensive time in the Holy Land, researching the life of Christ. They have taught the New Testament in the Institute program for many years and have written books and numerous articles on the life of the Savior.

Join our study group and let’s delve into the scriptures in a way that is inspiring, expanding and joyful.

Scot

There is often a certain dread that comes over us as we approach a thorough study of John’s Book of Revelation.  “How will I ever understand this book?  How can I figure out all the symbols and mysterious beasts?  Is there application in this book for me personally?”  In this week’s podcast and in one more lesson on Revelation to follow, we will give you some tools and some thoughts that will help you unlock this great book.

Maurine

Hello. We’re Scot and Maurine Proctor and this is Meridian Magazine’s Come Follow Me Podcast.  This week’s lesson is called:  “Glory, and Power, Be unto…the Lamb for Ever” and comprises Revelation, Chapters 1 through 11.

It’s hard to imagine that we’ve made our way together through 26 of the 27 books of the New Testament in this year’s course of study.  This has been a glorious year of learning.

Maurine

Don’t forget that you can still order our beautiful Bicentennial Calendar for 2020 celebrating the First Vision.  This calendar not only features stunning photography of the Sacred Grove and the Smith Farm, it also has significant dates to the Smith Family and inspiring quotes from the Prophet Joseph that will lift you all year long.  Priced at just $15, these make perfect gifts for your family, ministering families, friends and associates.  There’s still time to order them today at latterdaysaintmag.com/calendar Again, that’s latterdaysaintmag.com/calendar

Scot

Just one personal note—and I’ve hesitated to say this, but I wanted you to know why this Podcast episode is four days behind schedule.  My precious, angel Mother, Martha Facer Proctor Flandro, passed away this past weekend and, of course, that was our priority.  My Mom lived to be 100 years, 6 months and 14 days old—and she stayed in her own home, on her own, until four days before her passing.  Now she is with my Dad, my brother, our daughter, her parents, six siblings—well, it’s a VERY joyous reunion.  And though the obituary will say that she died, I testify that she lives.

Maurine

Joseph Smith said, “The book of Revelation is one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written.”[1] Let’s start out our studies of Revelation by trusting that statement and looking for some keys from The Prophet Joseph and others to help us understand this most plain book.

Scot

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught:

“In response to the question, ‘Are we expected to understand the Book of Revelation?’

“Certainly. Why else did the Lord reveal it? The common notion that it deals with beasts and plagues and mysterious symbolisms that cannot be understood is just not true. It is so far overstated that it gives an entirely erroneous feeling about this portion of revealed truth. Most of the book…is clear and plain and should be understood by the Lord’s people. Certain parts are not clear and are not understood by us—which, however, does not mean that we could not understand them if we would grow in faith as we should. The Lord expects us to seek wisdom, to ponder his revealed truths, and to gain a knowledge of them by the power of his Spirit.”[2]

Maurine

Elder McConkie also taught:

“We are in a much better position to understand those portions of Revelation which we are expected to understand than we generally realize. Thanks be to the interpretive material found in sections 29, 77, 88, and others of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants [and other latter-day scriptures], . . . we have a marvelously comprehensive and correct understanding of this otherwise hidden book.”[3]

Scot

This is a great lesson we need to learn in general about our studies in all the Standard Works:  The scriptures are the best commentary on the scriptures!

Maurine

Absolutely.  And once we understand that truth that the scriptures are such a wonderful commentary on the scriptures, we see things we have never seen before.  But Elder McConkie also gave us seven guidelines or tools to our specific study of the Book of Revelation.  Let’s look at them.

These are

1) “know that the book of Revelation deals with things that are to occur after New Testament times, particularly in the last days.”  Well, that’s something, then, that applies directly to us in these the latter days.

Scot

2) “have an overall knowledge of the plan of salvation and of the nature of God’s dealing with men on earth.”  I’m glad Elder McConkie gave us that one—we of all people should understand this book because we have the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a correct knowledge of the Great Plan of Happiness and of Salvation.

Maurine

3) “use various latter-day revelations which expand upon the same subjects in similar language.”  Okay, we already heard above that we have whole sections of the Doctrine and Covenants—namely Sections 29, 77 and 88—and, of course, more insights in Section 130—these, then, become some of our keys of understanding this great book of Revelation.

Scot

 4) “study the sermons of Joseph Smith relative to the book of Revelation.”  Joseph Smith spoke a number of times about the Book of Revelation including a major talk given by the Prophet Joseph in General Conference on April 8, 1843.  This is easily found in the History of the Church, Volume 5—beginning on page 339.

Maurine

 5) “use the [Joseph Smith Translation] of the Bible.” This is always great counsel, Scot, in studying the Bible.  The Prophet Joseph gave us 3,410 new, changed or modified verses through his translation of the Bible.  We always need to take note of these verses, use them, study them, note them.  Of the 404 verses in the Book of Revelation, our scriptures footnote 47 of them that Joseph gave us changes or modifications—that’s about 12% of the book!

Scot

You know that I always love to draw from the Joseph Smith Translation, Maurine.  Now number 6) “reserve judgment on those things for which no interpretation is given.” This is a great guideline especially when dealing with intellectuals who are ‘ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth.”

Maurine

And number 7) “seek the Spirit.”[4]  Of course, we should be seeking the Spirit in all that we do and especially in our studies of the scriptures.

Scot

Maurine, may I interject a quick story here?  It does have to do with this last point.  When I was first off my mission I worked at Deseret Book in the University Mall in Orem, Utah.  Around Christmas season we used to be so swamped with customers in the bookstore, we had to hire extra security people just to keep an eye out for shoplifters.  One day we had one—a real, live shoplifter!  He grabbed something and our person saw him and called him out as he began to quickly leave the store.  A chase through the mall ensued with yelling, “Shoplifter! Stop him!” A number of people started in pursuit.  This man was fast—He finally ducked through another store and threw the book in the air behind him and escaped.  He was later caught elsewhere and he was armed and dangerous.  But, ironically, the book he had stolen from us was Seeking the Spirit by Joseph Fielding McConkie.  I guess we should have let him go!  He was trying to reform!  The point is—we should ALL be seeking the Spirit in our studies of the scriptures and of Revelation.

Maurine

Well, we won’t forget that story, Scot!  One more thing that I think is important as we’ve been laying some groundwork to understand the Book of Revelation.  Gerald N. Lund has taught:

“Some portions of the scriptures are less easily understood than others. Many readers are used to fast-moving narratives like the story of the sons of Mosiah and their mission to the Lamanites… The books of Isaiah and Revelation are not that kind of historical record, and Church members who try to read them as narratives have difficulty understanding them. Clearly, one should not expect to read Revelation through once and fully comprehend it.”[5]

Scot

So true!  Revelation has to be studied carefully, systematically and prayerfully.

Now, Maurine, I think it’s very interesting that the Book of Mormon gives a shout out to three specific books of the Bible—Isaiah, Malachi and the Revelation of John.  We know that numerous prophets were given to see the grand vision of the history of the world through the last days, including the Brother of Jared, Nephi, Daniel, Moses—but John was specifically commissioned to write AND publish what he saw.  The others were given to see and to write everything, but none were allowed to give their vision to the world—except for John.

Maurine

Yes, at the end of Nephi’s grand vision he was told:

25 But the things which thou shalt see hereafter thou shalt not write; for the Lord God hath ordained the apostle of the Lamb of God that he should write them.

26 And also other who have been, to them hath he shown all things, and they have written them; and they are sealed up to come forth in their purity…in the own due time of the Lord…

27 And I, Nephi, heard and bear record, that the name of the apostle of the Lamb was John…(1 Nephi 14:25-27)

Scot

That’s such an interesting teaching, that certain prophets are given certain assignments to carry out and were foreordained before the foundation of this world.  It makes me wonder what each one of us listening was foreordained to do and to be!

SO, our John here was specifically assigned to see and write down and publish this revelation.  Now, let’s understand that there is much more to it than what we have, but we are so grateful for the portion that we do have.

Maurine

First of all, let’s learn about the original title:

“The title of the book in Greek is Apocalypsis, from which we get its other common name, the Apocalypse. Apocalypsis is formed from two Greek words—apo, a preposition denoting separation or removal, and kalypto, a verb meaning to cover, hide, or veil. Apocalypsis, then, literally means removal of the veil or covering. Hence its title in English, the book of Revelation (or the uncovering or unveiling).”[6]

Scot

And isn’t it interesting, Maurine, that the person who would be called to write this great revelation of the end of the earth would also be given the blessing and privilege, at his own request, to be able to tarry on the earth and to not only see all these things in vision, but to be an eyewitness of the end of the world? John is truly a unique apostle, with the Three Nephites (and others) who have been granted to stay on the earth and bring souls to the Lord.  We could certainly do a number of podcasts on translated beings and angels who are here to assist us and turn our hearts to Christ.

Maurine

It helps to understand the setting and context of John as he is given this vision and revelation.  He had been banished to the Isle of Patmos.  Patmos sits just 40 miles off the western shore of Turkey in the Aegean Sea.  John directs his revelation and writing of this book “to the seven churches which are in Asia.”  These are seven congregations of Saints who are located in the Roman province called Asia in Western Turkey.

Scot

That’s right—and you will recognize the first Church:  Ephesus—which was the closest Church to Patmos—about 63 miles away.  The other six churches are Smyrna (which is the modern day Turkish port city of Izmir), Pergamos (which is the site of Pergamom); Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia (which is not the same Philadelphia that is of the Decapolis in Israel) and Laodicia.  So, the number seven plays out a great deal in the Book of Revelation. 

Maurine

And remember what we said about the scriptures being the greatest commentary on the scriptures?  Let’s walk through a few of these symbols and see how the meanings and interpretations of these symbols are right in the text of the vision.  Now, on this part, you may want to turn to the actual transcript for Podcast 48 at latterdaysaintmag.com/podcast That will help you see the scriptures references as we go along.

Again, these are just the meanings of these symbols explained right from the scripture text:

The “seven golden candlesticks” in the first chapter (Revelation 1:12) are “the seven churches.” (Revelation 1:20)

Scot

The “golden vials full of odours” mentioned in chapter 5 (Rev. 5:8) are “the prayers of the saints (Rev. 5:8).

The “great red dragon” in Chapter 12 (Rev. 12:3) is “that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan (Rev. 12:9)

The “many waters” upon which the whore sits in Revelation 17 (Rev. 17:1) are peoples, and multitudes, and nations and tongues” (Rev. 17:15)

Maurine

The “fine linen, clean and white” in Revelation 19 (Rev 19:8) is “the righteousness of saints.” (Rev. 19:8)

Often you have to search around for the meaning and commentary in the scriptures—like Nephi when he went to have the same vision as his father Lehi—then Nephi gives us a lot of commentary and interpretation of the vision.

The “morning star” in chapter 2 of Revelation (Rev. 2:28) we find out in chapter 22 (Rev. 22:16) is Jesus Christ.

Scot

The “seven heads” of the beast in chapter 13 (Rev. 13:1) are “seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth” and “seven kings.” (Rev. 17:9-10).

The “tree of life” in Revelation Chapter 2 (Rev. 2:7), whose fruit the faithful may eat, is “the love of God” and we find that commentary and explanation in 1 Nephi 11:25.

Michael in Revelation 12 (Rev. 12:7) is Adam, which we learn in Section 107 of the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 107:54).

Maurine

See, isn’t that a great tool—to know that very often you can find commentary and interpretation and meanings and explanations for difficult passages right there in other passages of scripture.  Once you have that tool in your mind, you will see it all the time.  You’ll see us using that tool next year as we study the Book of Mormon together.  That Book is full of scriptural commentary and explanations!

And by the way, please go to the December 1987 Ensign (it’s right there online) and look for Gerald N. Lund’s article entitled:  Seeing the Book of Revelation As a Book of Revelation.  That could be a very helpful study guide for you and your family for these two lessons on Revelation.  You’ll love it.

Scot

Let’s briefly look at a few other symbols and images that you see in John’s vision. 

We will just go through fourteen of these to give you some sense of the symbolism and imagery John gives us.  We will however leave a list of 44 different symbols here in the Podcast Notes that will be accessible at latterdaysaintmag.com/podcast and then just look for Podcast 48.  Again, the whole list will be in the notes for Podcast 48 at latterdaysaintmag.com/podcast

We are taking this list from Kelly Ogden and Andy Skinner’s book called Verse by Verse, The New Testament, Volume 2.  Their two volume series is wonderful.

Maurine

“Modern prophets and the scriptures have explained many of the symbolic terms and expressions in the Revelation:

1. Seven spirits, or angels: seven servants (see Revelation 1:4)

2. Seven candlesticks: seven churches (see Revelation 1:12)

3. Nicolaitans: those who want to be Church members and worldly (see Revelation 2:6)

4. New Jerusalem from heaven: City of Enoch (see Revelation 3:12)

5. Sea of glass: the celestialized, sanctified earth (see Revelation 4:6)

6. Four beasts: beasts (see Revelation 4:6)

7. Book with seven seals: seven thousand-year periods of world history (see Revelation 5:1)”

8. A Lamb: Christ (see Revelation 5:6)

Scot

9. Horses: representative of events in the thousand-year periods (see Revelation 6:2, 4–5, 8)

10. Sealing in foreheads: have one’s calling and election made sure (see Revelation 7:3)

11. Half hour of silence in heaven: the meaning is unknown (see Revelation 8:1)

12. A star fallen from heaven: Lucifer, or Satan (see Revelation 8:10)

13. Locusts: armies in the battle of Armageddon (see Revelation 9:7)

14. Abaddon or Apollyon: Satan (see Revelation 9:11)

15. The little book: John’s mission to gather the tribes of Israel (see Revelation 10:2)

16. Forty and two months: the Great Apostasy (see Revelation 11:2)

17. Two witnesses: two prophets in Jerusalem (see Revelation 11:3)

18. A woman: the Church of God (see Revelation 12:1)”

19. Twelve stars: twelve apostles (see Revelation 12:1)

20. Great red dragon: Satan (see Revelation 12:3)

21. Third part of the stars of heaven: the third who followed Satan (see Revelation 12:4)

22. Man child given birth by the woman: millennial kingdom of God (see Revelation 12:5)

Maurine

23. War in heaven: dispute over eternal plan of salvation (see Revelation 12:7)

24. Michael: Adam (see Revelation 12:7)

25. 666 (the number of the beast): the meaning is unknown (see Revelation 13:18)

26. Mount Zion: New Jerusalem in Missouri (usually) (see Revelation 14:1)

27. 144,000: special missionaries or high priests (see Revelation 14:1)

28. Angel flying in the midst of heaven: Moroni—and others (see Revelation 14:6)

29. Babylon: the wicked world (see Revelation 14:8)”

30. The harvest: separation of the righteous and the wicked at Christ’s second coming (see Revelation 14:15)

31. Vials: judgments or plagues (see Revelation 15:7)

32. The great whore: church of the devil (see Revelation 17:1)

33. Scarlet apparel: the blood of worldliness (opposite the blood of the Atonement)—(see Revelation 17:4)

34. Marriage of the Lamb: the Second Coming (see Revelation 19:7)

35. Bottomless pit: hell (see Revelation 20:1; 9:1)

36. Gog and Magog: great battle after the Millennium (see Revelation 20:8)

37. Lake of fire and brimstone: torment of disappointment (hell) (see Revelation 20:10)

38. Another book (for judgment): heavenly book of life (see Revelation 20:12)

39. New heaven and new earth (twice): terrestrial and then celestial earth (see Revelation 21:1)”

“40. The bride, the Lamb’s wife: the New Jerusalem (see Revelation 21:9)

41. Twelve names on twelve gates: twelve tribes (see Revelation 21:12)

42. Twelve names on twelve foundations: twelve apostles (see Revelation 21:14)

43. The tree of life and its fruit: love of God, celestial glory (see Revelation 22:2)

44. Root of David: Christ (see Revelation 22:16)[7]

Again, come to our Podcast notes published on Meridian to see 30 more symbols you can study in your home.  They are at latterdaysaintmag.com/podcast then look for Podcast 48.

Scot

As we’ve been speaking of all these symbols I’ve been thinking about the number seven and specifically the Seven Promises given to those faithful saints who overcome the world.  They are talked about in the chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation. 

Elder McConkie says:  “…what is said applies, in principle, to all congregations of saints in all the world, in all ages.  In each instance, the promises given are conditioned upon the requirement that the recipients shall overcome the world.”[8]

Let’s look at them closely.

Promise Number One:  To him (or her) that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Rev. 2:7)

What a promise to live for!  The Tree of Life, we learn from the Book of Mormon, is not only the “love of God” but it is the love of God as manifest in His Holy Son Jesus Christ.  This means if we overcome the world, we will be able to sup with the Savior Himself and partake of His eternal nature.

Maurine

Promise Number Two:  He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Rev. 2:11)  That is a promise worth living for as well!  The first death is our parting from this mortal sphere.  The Resurrection of Jesus Christ will allow all who have ever received a body here on this earth to be able to overcome the first death.  The second death is spiritual death and would keep us from the presence of God.

Scot

Promise Number Three:  To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Rev. 2:17)  This one is a bit deeper and is very exciting for the faithful.  We have some commentary on this in Section 130 of the Doctrine and Covenants:

10 Then the white stone…will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known;

11 And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it.  The new name is the key word. (D&C 130:10,11)

The white stone is a personal Urim and Thummim and will be given to the faithful in the celestial world.

Maurine

And the “hidden manna” has reference to not living by bread alone but by every word which proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.  Elder McConkie taught, “In the miracle of the loaves and the fishes was manifest the same gracious goodness shown forth upon all Israel anciently: 1) Food came to hungry mouths to satisfy their temporal needs; and 2) it was done to bear record of that heavenly bread, that hidden manna, that spiritual food, of which all men must eat if they are to gain eternal life.”[9]  In other words, we are to be fed in this life by earthly means to keep our bodies alive and by spiritual or heavenly means, to keep our spirits alive and well fed.

Promise Number Four:  He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 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. And I will give him the morning star. (Rev. 2:26-28)

Scot

At that time Rome ruled the world with a rod of iron, but the promise to the faithful here is a temple reference and that the faithful are promised to rule as Kings and Queens in the Kingdom of God over kingdoms in heaven and they will be given the Son of God as their King.

Promise Number Five:  He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Maurine

There is no greater blessing than to have the great Advocate, the Redeemer of the world confess your name before the Father and plead your cause before Him.  And this book of life is an actual book whereon the names of the faithful are written and they—the faithful—become joint heirs with Christ and heirs to all that the Father has.

Promise Number Six:  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. (Rev. 3: 12)

Scot

We don’t have time to expound upon this one but he is talking here about the Temple of God in Heaven—the actual temple where God our Heavenly Father dwells and rules from on high.  The faithful will become pillars in this temple, ever standing in the presence of God in His Holy House.  And the new Jerusalem or the City of Enoch, will come down out of heaven and become the City of Holiness, or the City of the Man of Holiness—the City of our God.  Wouldn’t you love to sit down and just talk about this promise and search out all the teachings of the prophets and scriptures just on this one promise?

Maurine

That actually sounds delightful. 

And finally, Promise Number Seven:  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. (Rev. 3:21)

This is the ultimate blessing.  This is the promise of becoming a King and a Queen WITH the Father and the Son.  This is the culminating blessing of the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood—“Therefore all that my Father hath shall be given him.” (D&C 84:38) 

These seven promises are so far beyond this veiled world of sorrow and darkness.  These are, taken together, the promises of eternal life in the presence of God.

And, of course, as you have probably been noticing:  “All of the promises relate to Temple worship: the tree of life (see Revelation 2:7); the crown of life (see Revelation 2:10); the hidden manna and the new name (see Revelation 2:17); the rod (or scepter) and morning star (see Revelation 2:27–28); the white raiment (see Revelation 3:5); the pillar in the Temple (see Revelation 3:12); and the feast, the messianic banquet, and the marriage supper of the Lamb (see Revelation 3:20–21).[10]  This is all temple language.

Scot

It’s all very exciting.  Now, we have to touch briefly on Revelation Chapter 5.  Be sure and include this chapter in your studies at home.

Here we see a book sealed with seven seals.  Each of these represent a thousand years of the earth’s history.  But there is a dilemma in this vision. 

2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is aworthy 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.

4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

Maurine

So John weeps because he cannot see how the Great Plan of Salvation will be carried out—who will execute the plan?

5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the aLion of the tribe of bJuda, the cRoot of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a aLamb as it had been slain…

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 aodours, which are the bprayers of saints.

9 And they asung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast bredeemed us to God by thy blood out of every ckindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Scot

So there is great rejoicing in the heavens because the Lamb of God, who is the Great Jehovah, even Jesus Christ—the Holy One of Israel—He steps forward and He will open the seals and carry out the will of the Father in all things.  You can feel that rejoicing in your own soul if you ponder upon this very long.  You were there to witness this.  What a glorious moment this was!

Maurine

And John says in verse 11 of chapter 5 that he heard the voice of a hundred million angels and then millions and millions beyond that—all rejoicing and crying aloud: Worthy is the Lamb!  These numbers are figurative and underestimate the numbers that were there rejoicing.

These are great thoughts to have when you are in the kitchen with a sink full of dishes and feeling a little low about things.  We are a part of something so great and so wonderful.

Scot

Now, we have to end with a little discussion about the Two Witnesses—the Two Prophets who are spoken of in Revelation Chapter 11.

In the last of the last days, two special witnesses, prophets of the most high God who have been raised up to the Jewish nation,[11] will prophesy 42 months (which is 3 ½ years or 1,260 days—and the whole world will bear down against them.  These two will have great power given them from God.

6 These 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. (Rev. 11:6)

Maurine

They will clearly not be popular.  They will not have the support of the world whatsoever.  This will be at the time of Armageddon when the entire world will have turned against the nation of Israel. 

And as the book of Revelation says:  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. (Rev 11:5)

Then when they have finished their testimonies in this covenantal time of 42 months, “the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

Scot

This is Satan who wars against the Saints, who hates and spurns the scriptures, who fights against the Lamb of God from before the foundation of the world. 

8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city [Jerusalem]…

9 And [all] people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and a 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 dwell on the earth.

Maurine

11 And 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.

13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake…

These are all scenes and prophecies of these last days and they will come to pass.  Things will certainly get much worse than they are now for this prophecy to come about.  This is a very specific prophecy to watch for. (See Revelation 11:3-13)

Scot

Thanks so much, our dear listeners, for joining us again this week—and thanks for your patience in waiting for this podcast.  Thank you to Paul Cardall for his beautiful music that opens and closes this podcast.

Next week we will have a special Christmas lesson entitled “Good Tidings of Great Joy.”

Don’t forget to make your final orders of the beautiful Bicentennial First Vision Calendar at latterdaysaintmag.com/calendar That’s latterdaysaintmag.com/calendar

Maurine

We’ll see you next week—and have the most joyous and merry of Christmas seasons.

[1] History of the Church, 5:342.

[2] Bruce R. McConkie, “Understanding the Book of Revelation,” Ensign, September 1975, 87.

[3]McConkie, Bruce R. Doctrinal New TestamentCommentary, 3 vols. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1973), 3:431.

[4] Ensign, September 1975, 87.

[5] Lund, Gerald N. Ensign, Seeing the Book of Revelation as a Book of Revelation, December 1987.

[6] Ibid, Ensign, December 1987.

[7] D. Kelly Ogden, Andrew C. Skinner, Verse by Verse, The New Testament Vol. 2: Acts Through Revelation

[8] McConkie, Bruce R. Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Volume 3:446.

[9] McConkie, Bruce R. Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, Volume 2:366.

[10] For an analysis of these promises in their Temple setting, see Madsen “The Temple and the Restoration,” 13–16. — Verse by Verse, The New Testament Vol. 2: Acts Through Revelation

[11] See D&C 77:15.