When Will Jesus Throw Satan in Th Pit Again

Introduction and Timeline for Revelation 17–22

The last chapters of Revelation gave hope to Christians facing persecution from exterior the Church and from factions within the Church building that were dissenting from accepted behavior. Revelation 17–22 also describes the crescendo of final earthly events fulfilling Heavenly Male parent'southward programme for the redemption of His children. John heard heavenly servants rejoice in praise for the conservancy made possible through the Lamb's triumph over evil. John saw the fall of wicked Babylon contrasted with the glories of the Second Coming and the blessings of exaltation for all those who follow God'due south commands. John further saw that the righteous inhabitants of the globe and those who will come up forth in the Offset Resurrection will enjoy a thousand years of millennial peace with Christ. The globe will so receive celestial glory and get the eternal domicile for all righteous Saints.

Commentary for Revelation 17–22

Revelation 17–18. The Fall of Babylon

In Revelation 16:17, the seventh affections poured out his vial, signaling the last destructive events that will precede the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. These concluding events include the fall of Babylon, described in Revelation 17–eighteen. Ancient Babylon had destroyed Jerusalem in 587B.C., a traumatic and defining event in Israel'southward history. Israelite prophets in turn wrote about the eventual destruction of Babylon (see Isaiah 13:19–22; 21:9; Jeremiah 50:35–36, 40; 51:vi–8), and John drew upon their language as he described the ultimate destruction of the spiritual enemies of God'southward people.

"In Rev. 14:8; 16:nineteen; 17:5; 18:two, 10, 21, Babylon probably denotes Rome, the great antagonist of Messiah's kingdom" (Bible Dictionary, "Babylon or Babel"). It is likely that Babylon also represents all that is wicked in the world (see D&C 1:sixteen; 133:fourteen). Capacity 17–18 draw Babylon as a "whore" belongings a cup "full of abominations and filthiness" and as the "mother of harlots" (Revelation 17:1, iv, 5). In this sense, Babylon is the antitype of the righteous bride that represents the Church (run into Revelation 19:vii–viii) and the antithesis of Zion as "the pure in heart" (D&C 97:21). John's vision of Babylon parallels much of Nephi's vision of the great and beastly church (see one Nephi 13:four–9, 26–29; fourteen:3–17; 22:thirteen–16, 18).

Isaiah's 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 Animal

Scholars have historically interpreted the beast with 7 heads as an allusion to the city of Rome considering Rome was founded upon 7 hills, as well equally a reference to a number of Roman emperors in the first century A.D. Though these are possible meanings, a broader interpretation may be that Rome represented a seat of corruption in John's twenty-four hours. Every bit such, this worldly city may be likened to similar centers of corruption 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 have over nations and kingdoms and people. John described the adult female as "the great whore that sitteth upon many waters" (Revelation 17:1; see also 1 Nephi 14:10–13); she commits fornication with kings and inhabitants of the earth (see verse 2); her clothing depicts power and wealth (meet verse four); she is the "mother of harlots," which indicates that she gives birth to other prostitutions—organizations, governments, and ideologies that spew along wickedness (poetry 5). John recorded that he was astonished at the greatness of the woman's wickedness (see poetry six, footnotec). Even so, in the cease she volition be overthrown by those she formerly ruled over (see verse 16; i Nephi 22:13).

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

In Revelation 17:2–six, John described Babylon as a harlot clothed in fine, jeweled apparel and drunken with blood. One possible pregnant of John'southward description in these verses is that in the terminal days, a lifestyle of sexual immorality, wealth, and violence would permeate the world (run into also 1 Nephi xiii:5–ix). Institutions, governments, and people who embrace this lifestyle can be seen as part of Babylon. While serving in the Seventy, Elder David R. Rock spoke of this pervasive corruption:

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

"… That sensuality, abuse, and decadence, and the worshipping of fake gods are to be seen in many cities, great and minor, scattered across the globe. Equally the Lord has said: 'They seek not the Lord to institute his righteousness, but every homo walketh in his own way, and afterward the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world' (D&C 1:16). …

"What an insidious thing 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:six describes the adult female beingness "drunken with the blood 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:viii–11. Temporary Nature of the Fauna

John saw that the beast "was, and is not" (Revelation 17:8). He also saw a vision of "seven kings: 5 are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short infinite" (Revelation 17:ten). John'southward language suggests that the wickedness of the world will exist temporary.

Revelation 17:14. "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 world (Revelation 17:xiv). President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) affirmed that the Lord and His people will prevail in the war against evil:

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

"'There are two powers on the world and in the midst of the inhabitants of the world—the power of God and the power of the devil. … When God has had a people on the earth, it matters not in what historic period, Lucifer, the son of the morning, and the millions of fallen spirits that were cast out of heaven take warred against God, against Christ, against the work of God, and against the people of God.' [Deseret Evening News, October. 17, 1896.] …

"The war goes on. It is waged beyond the earth over the issues of agency and compulsion. It is waged by an ground forces of missionaries over the issues of truth and mistake. It is waged in our own lives, twenty-four hour period in and mean solar day out, in our homes, in our piece of work, in our school associations; it is waged over questions of dearest and respect, of loyalty and fidelity, of obedience and integrity. We are all involved in information technology. … We are winning, and the future never looked brighter" ("The War Nosotros Are Winning," Ensign, Nov. 1986, 43, 45).

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

Revelation xviii proclaims the fall of wicked Babylon and describes the lamentation of all who associated with her. In all ages, the Lord has allowable His people to "come up out of [Babylon]" and "be not partakers of her sins" (Revelation 18:4; see D&C 133:5, seven, 14). Elderberry Richard One thousand. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified that it is possible to follow the Lord'southward teachings and avert beingness contaminated by the world's wickedness:

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

"… Despite pockets of evil, the earth 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 past the degrading pressures evil agents spread throughout it. You can live a virtuous, productive, righteous life by following the plan of protection created by your Father in Heaven: His plan of happiness" ("How to Live Well amongst Increasing Evil," Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 100).

Revelation eighteen:3, 7–16. The Wealth and Materialism of Babylon

John used phrases such as "waxed rich" and "lived deliciously" (Revelation 18:3, 7, 9) to highlight the lust for wealth and lavish possessions that ascertain Babylon. These riches volition be destroyed, and those who have placed their hearts upon them will lament (see Revelation eighteen:8–19; 2 Nephi 9:xxx; D&C 56:sixteen). President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) warned that with prosperity often comes the temptation to encompass the materialism of Babylon: "We are tested, we are tried, we are going through some of the severest tests today and nosotros don't realize perhaps the severity of the tests that we're going through. … Today we are basking in the lap of luxury, the like of which we've never seen before in the history of the world. It would seem that probably this is the most astringent test of any examination that we've always had in the history of the Church" ("Showtime Presidency Devotional" [unpublished Christmas devotional for Church employees, Dec. 13, 1973], 4–five; see Jacob ii:18–19).

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

John heard a voice from sky proclaiming that Babylon's "sins accept reached unto sky, and God hath remembered her iniquities" (Revelation 18:five). Some people might think their iniquities are hidden, but these verses are a reminder that sins practice not go undetected past God, though their consequences may not all come immediately. The vocalisation also declared that Babylon would receive the consequences of her works and would be punished doubly, reminiscent of terminology used in the law of Moses (run into Revelation 18:6; come across also Exodus 22:4, 7, 9).

Revelation 18:xi–13. Merchandise and "Souls of Men"

The listing of merchandise sold in Babylon reveals a startling truth: people sell not only golden, precious stones, fine textiles, and many other luxury items, but even "slaves, and souls of men" (Revelation 18:13). This refers primarily to the abominable practice of human trafficking just tin also be seen as a reference to the spiritually enslaving consequences of materialism and other evils (encounter 2 Nephi 26:x). It may besides describe corrupt religious practitioners who nowadays themselves as ministering to people's souls while seeking to a higher place all to turn a profit financially; in this sense, they traffic in the "souls of men." Moroni recorded that in the last days "there shall exist churches congenital up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins" (Mormon eight:32). In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers spiritual nourishment "without money and without toll" (Isaiah 55:1; two Nephi 26:25; Alma 1:twenty).

Revelation 18:24. "The Claret of Prophets, and of Saints"

John recorded that in Babylon "was found the claret of prophets, and of saints" (Revelation eighteen:24), meaning that those who uphold Babylon are to blame for the martyrdom of prophets and Saints throughout earth's history. At the Second Coming, Babylon and its inhabitants volition be recompensed for their evil works (see Revelation 18:vi; D&C ane:10), for the claret of the martyrs will stand every bit a testimony against those who have slain them (see Revelation 6:10; 16:6; 18:24; D&C 109:49). A similar fourth dimension of judgment was recorded in three Nephi 8–9, when whole cities were destroyed "that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall non come whatsoever more unto me against them" (3 Nephi 9:5; come across too verses 7–9, 11; Alma xiv:11; Revelation 19:2; the commentary for Revelation sixteen:six).

Revelation 19:i–6. Praising the Lord for His Judgment

John heard the inhabitants of heaven crying out "Alleluia" (Revelation 19:1, iii–4, 6), which means "Praise the Lord!" This praise was in response to God'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 information technology gives power to the mind for the exercise of religion and confidence in God, and they are enabled by religion to lay hold on the promises which are fix before them, and wade through all the tribulations and afflictions to which they are subjected by reason of the persecution from those who know non God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, assertive that in due time the Lord volition come out in swift judgment against their enemies" (Lectures on Faith, [1985], 53). Knowing that God will i twenty-four hour period judge the enemies of His people can assistance Saints in the last days to endure in "patience and … faith" (Revelation 13:10; run into also fourteen:12).

Revelation 19:7–9. "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"

Immediately before seeing in vision the Lord'due south Second Coming, John heard a phonation proclaim, "The marriage of the lamb is come up" and "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Revelation nineteen:7, 9). State of israel's covenant human relationship with God is symbolically portrayed in the scriptures as a marriage covenant (for example, run into Isaiah 54; Jeremiah 31; Ezekiel xvi; 23; Hosea 2; Matthew 23). Wedlock is the relationship that requires the near fidelity, sacrifice, commitment, and long-suffering of all relationships. The "matrimony supper of the Lamb" is a symbolic reference to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained: "In this impunity the Bridegroom, who is the Lamb of God, shall come to merits his bride, which is the Church composed of the faithful saints who have watched for his render. As he taught in the parable of the marriage of the rex's son, the nifty marriage supper of the Lamb shall and then be celebrated. (Matt. 22:i–fourteen.)" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], three:563).

John saw that the Lamb'due south bride was clothed "in fine linen" fabricated "clean and white" through the Atonement (Revelation 19:8; see also 7:14; xix:14). This imagery of a bride dressed in white presents a stark contrast to the harlot in improvident apparel described earlier in Revelation, who symbolized spiritual Babylon (come across 17:3–half dozen; xviii:16).

Only the righteous volition exist called to "the marriage supper." The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) taught: "Those who keep the commandments of the Lord and walk in His statutes to the stop, are the only individuals permitted to sit at this glorious feast. … Reflect for a moment, brethren [and sisters], and enquire, whether y'all would consider yourselves worthy [of] a seat at the marriage feast" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 165–66; run across likewise Matthew 22:2–14; D&C 58:8–11; 65:3).

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

The angel who spoke to John said that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation nineteen:ten). Elderberry 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. Nosotros need to know for ourselves. …

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

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

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

For more insight on how all members of the Church may enjoy the souvenir of prophecy by having "the testimony of Jesus," encounter the commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:1–six.

Revelation 19:11, thirteen. "A White Horse" and "a Vesture Dipped in Blood"

Christ in cerise robes sitting upon a white equus caballus

In his vision of the 2nd Coming, John saw the Savior riding "a white horse" (Revelation 19:11). The white equus caballus is symbolic of conquest and victory, as horses were used virtually exclusively for war in John's time. John as well saw that the Savior would return to earth wearing "a clothing dipped in blood," meaning that His garments will be the color of claret. This colour 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's red robes, Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated:

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

"No wonder, when Christ comes in power and glory, that He volition come in reminding carmine attire (see D&C 133:48), signifying not 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 cherry-red apparel may besides symbolize the destruction of the wicked at the Lord'southward coming (run into 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 nineteen:15–16. "He Shall Dominion Them with a Rod of Iron"

The Joseph Smith Translation of Revelation 19:15 clarifies how Jesus Christ will rule the earth: "And out of his mouth proceedeth the word of God, and with it he will smite the nations; and he volition rule them with the word of his oral fissure; and he treadeth the winepress in the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" (in Revelation 19:15, footnotea; see too 1 Nephi 11:25).

The titles of the Savior recorded in Revelation 19:16—"King of kings, and Lord of lords"—make clear that Jesus Christ will rule over the whole earth and over every earthly ruler. He will as well reign over heavenly kings and lords.

Revelation 19:17–xviii, 21. "The Supper of the Great God"

John saw the ultimate destruction of the wicked when their slain bodies would be eaten past feces birds (Revelation 19:17–xviii, 21; come across also D&C 29:xviii–20). Ezekiel prophesied of this same destruction (Ezekiel 39:17–22). This dreadful "supper of the not bad God" (Revelation 19:17) stands in stark contrast to the blithesome "marriage supper of the Lamb" (Revelation xix:7–9), vividly highlighting that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ volition exist a very different experience for the wicked than for the righteous. The Joseph Smith Translation of Revelation 19:xviii clarifies that these verses describe the devastation of only "all who fight against the Lamb" (in Revelation 19:eighteen, footnotea).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "Those with refined senses observe it difficult to conceive of the desolation, devastation, and death that will prevail during the terminal great battles ushering in Christ's reign of peace. So great shall be the slaughter and mass murder, the carnage and gore, the butchery and trigger-happy expiry of warring men, that their decomposable bodies 'shall stop the noses of the passengers' [Ezekiel 39:11], and information technology shall be a job of mammoth proportions just to dispose of them" (Doctrinal New Attestation 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 20:i, 3). Even at that place, God holds supreme authority, for it is God's affections who has "the cardinal of the abysmal pit" (Revelation 20:1; see Joseph Smith Translation, Revelation 9:1 [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 great peace (see Isaiah 11:half dozen; 65:25; 2 Nephi 30:10–xviii).

John saw that Satan would be spring at the beginning of the Millennium and that for a thou years he would "deceive the nations no more than" (Revelation 20:3) or, as a modernistic revelation states, "not have power to tempt any man" (D&C 101:28; see likewise 1 Nephi 22:26; D&C 43:31; 88:110–11). During this time, "children shall abound upwardly without sin unto conservancy" (D&C 45:58).

Concerning Satan'south binding, President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) stated: "Equally to whether the binding of Satan is a literal binding equally with a chain or not, it matters not. I am inclined to believe that the chain spoken of in the Bible, with which Satan is to be bound, is more than figurative than real. [Satan] will be spring both by the faith of the righteous and the decrees of the Almighty during the Millennial reign and will be cast down into hell" (From Prophet to Son: Advice of Joseph F. Smith to His Missionary Sons, comp. Hyrum M. Smith Three and Scott Grand. Kenney [1981], 71). The prophet Nephi taught that because of the righteousness of the Saints, Satan will accept no power (see i Nephi 22:26).

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

The scriptures do not entirely explain why Satan "must be loosed a fiddling flavour" subsequently having been jump for the k years following Christ's 2nd Coming (Revelation 20:three; meet D&C 43:31). However, the Lord has revealed that after the thousand years have ended, people would "again begin to deny their God" (D&C 29:22). The Book of Mormon as well describes a time when people again turned their hearts toward Satan after an extended flavor of peace and righteousness because of the pride that followed prosperity (see 4 Nephi 1:22–46). Whatever the reason that Satan will be loosed, John saw that after the Millennium, Satan would "deceive the nations … to assemble them together" for a final battle against the Saints (Revelation xx:viii; see D&C 88:110–xi; the commentary for Revelation 20:7–10).

Revelation 20:4. "Judgment Was Given unto Them"

The enthroned beings John saw in Revelation 20:4 who were given power to judge may correspond the Twelve Apostles Jesus called during His mortal ministry. Jesus said that these Apostles would sit on thrones and judge Israel (encounter Matthew 19:28; 1 Nephi 12:ix–10; Mormon 3:19; D&C 29:12). Though the Lord has indicated that some of His servants will assist Him as judges, the scriptures also affirm that Jesus Christ Himself volition be the great and terminal Estimate of all (come across John v:22; Acts 10:42; 2 Nephi nine:41).

Revelation 20:5. "The First Resurrection" and "the Residue of the Dead"

John saw that many of the dead would be resurrected during what is chosen "the first resurrection" (Revelation xx:5–half dozen). Elderberry Bruce R. McConkie explained the Kickoff Resurrection: "To those who lived before the resurrection of Christ, the twenty-four hour period of his coming forth from the dead was known as the first resurrection. Abinadi and Alma, for instance, then considered it. (Mosiah xv:21–25; Alma 40.) To those who take lived since that day, the first resurrection is yet future and will take place at the time of the 2nd Coming. (D. & C. 88:96–102.) Nosotros have no knowledge that the resurrection is going on now or that whatsoever persons take been resurrected since the twenty-four hour period 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 volition receive celestial and terrestrial bodies will come along in the Outset Resurrection.

"The residual of the dead" who "lived not over again until the m years were finished" (Revelation 20:5) are those of "the concluding resurrection" (D&C 76:85)—"the resurrection of the unjust" (D&C 76:17)—which occurs at the end of the Millennium (run into D&C 88:100–101). This resurrection will include those who will inherit a telestial glory and those who volition "remain filthy notwithstanding" (D&C 88:102), significant the sons of perdition who inherit no degree of glory but "go abroad into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels" (D&C 76:36; run across Revelation 20:ten). To read more than about the guild of the Resurrection, encounter the commentary for one Corinthians 15:23.

Revelation 20:7–10. A Final Battle

John saw that after the Millennium, Satan would be loosed, and he and his evil forces would again wage state of war against "the military camp of the saints" and "the beloved city," which is Zion, a place of rubber and refuge (Revelation 20:eight–9). John referred to Satan'due south host by the symbolic names "Gog and Magog." Ezekiel used these names to refer to foreign invaders who would attack Israel before the Lord'due south coming (encounter Ezekiel 38–39), but in Revelation xx:7–9, "Gog and Magog" refer to the forces of Satan that volition wage some other battle at the cease of the Millennium. Though the number of Satan's forces will exist "every bit the sand of the sea," they volition be "devoured" by "fire … from God out of heaven," and the devil and his followers volition exist eternally "bandage into the lake of burn down and brimstone" (Revelation 20:8–10; see 2 Nephi 9:xvi; D&C 43:31–33; 88:110–16). With this final cleansing of evil, the earth will be prepared to receive celestial glory.

Latter-day revelation adds the item that Michael the archangel, who is Adam (run into D&C 27:xi), volition play an of import role in this final battle by gathering the armies of God together against Satan and his armies (encounter D&C 88:112).

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

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

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

"That lake of fire and brimstone, ever burning but never consumed, is the description in the scriptures for hell [run into Revelation 19:20; xx:10; 21:eight; D&C 63:17; 76:36]" ("The Affect of the Master's Paw," Ensign, May 2001, 23).

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: "A human being is his ain tormentor and his own condemner. Hence the maxim, They shall go into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone [see Revelation 21:8]. The torment of disappointment in the mind of human is as exquisite equally a lake burning with burn down and brimstone" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 224).

Revelation 20:12–15. Judged "According to Their Works"

The final judgment is part of God'southward programme of salvation. John saw the solar day when all God's children would stand earlier Christ to exist "judged out of those things which were written in the books" (Revelation 20:12). These books include: (1) The volume of life (see Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 13:eight; 17:viii; 20:15; Alma 5:58; D&C 128:6–7; the commentary for Revelation thirteen:8). (two) Church records that record the saving ordinances and peradventure other actions of organized religion and devotion (see D&C 127:6–vii, nine; 128:6–vii). (3) The scriptures, which contain the standards and commandments past which we are to alive our lives and by which we will be judged (see 2 Nephi 29:11; 33:xv). In improver to these, "the books" might also refer to other sources of lite and cognition that were bachelor 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 also explained, "[The Lord] will award judgment or mercy to all nations co-ordinate to their several desires, their ways 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 21:1. "A New Heaven and a New Globe"

As role of the Fall of Adam, the earth fell 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 will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory" (Articles of Faith ane:ten). After the grand years of Christ's reign, the world will be transformed yet once again. The Prophet Joseph Smith described this change: "This world will be rolled back into the presence of God and crowned with celestial glory" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 258; meet D&C 29:22–25; 88:18–xx, 25–26).

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

The Holy Metropolis

John saw in vision "the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down" to earth, symbolizing God'due south presence amidst His people (Revelation 21:2). The city was depicted equally an enormous cube (see Revelation 21:16), which recalls the Holy of Holies in Solomon's temple (encounter one Kings 6:19–twenty), also representative of God's dwelling identify. The symbolic elements John saw that compose the city—articulate glass, precious stones, pearls, and gold—share the traits of reflecting light; resisting decaying or tarnishing; and symbolizing purity, dazzler, and refinement. The walls of the city were fabricated with all fashion of precious stones (see Revelation 21:18–21). Precious stones often represent the Lord's followers who have been refined and made holy (see Exodus 28:nine–ten, 17–21; Isaiah 62:3; Malachi three:17; D&C 60:4; 101:3).

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

There is no need of temples in the Holy Urban center because all of the celestial kingdom will exist every bit a temple; God Himself and Jesus Christ dwell there. There is no need of the sun there, for "the Lamb is the low-cal thereof" (Revelation 21:23). John saw that a central characteristic of the Holy Metropolis was the tree of life, representative of the healing and eternal life plant in the celestial kingdom (see Revelation 22:2). The tree of life in the Garden of Eden was guarded by cherubim after the Autumn (see Genesis 3:24), but those who dwell in the Holy City have been redeemed from the Fall, and all there are free to partake of the everbearing tree of life in the celestial kingdom.

Revelation 21:4–5. No More Tears, Decease, Sorrow, or Hurting

Revelation 21:4 highlights the great restorative power of Christ's Atonement, which will ultimately make all things right. Through the Atonement, all of life's disadvantages, contradictions, injustices, and unfairness will be fabricated correct. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles affirmed: "The Atonement will not only help us overcome our transgressions and mistakes, just 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 21:7. "He That Overcometh"

Revelation 21:vii echoes the promises of exaltation institute in Revelation ii–three to those who overcome (see Revelation 2:seven, xi, 17, 26–28; three:five, 12, 21; see also D&C 76:58–60). In Revelation 21:7, the hope of inheriting "all things" does not mean that those who are exalted will no longer worship God; the relationship of God to each of His exalted children is still clear: "I will be his God, and he shall exist my son" (Revelation 21:vii). For more data on worshipping Heavenly Begetter in the eternities, see the commentary for Revelation 4:8–xi.

Revelation 21:8. "The Second Death"

For information about the second expiry, see the commentary for Revelation two:11.

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

As in earlier passages in Revelation, to bear a name on one's forehead indicates allegiance (encounter Revelation 3:12; seven:3; 13:sixteen; 14:1; the commentary for Revelation three:12). Begetting the name also suggests taking on the characteristics of the 1 named. Bearing God's proper name on one'due south forehead may also exist connected to images of priesthood and temple service (meet Exodus 28:36–38; Revelation one:6; 5:10; 7:xv). Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how receiving this blessing is associated with temple worship:

"In the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet Joseph Smith petitioned the Father 'that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy proper name may be upon them' (D&C 109:22). He also asked for a blessing 'over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house' (5. 26). And as the Lord appeared in and accepted the Kirtland Temple every bit His house, He declared, 'For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall exist here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house' (D&C 110:vii).

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

Revelation 22:7. "I Come up Quickly"

Elderberry Bruce R. McConkie helps united states of america understand what it means that the Lord volition "come speedily" (Revelation 22:7): "Not soon, only in a quick manner; that is, with speed and suddenness after all of the promised conditions precedent have occurred" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:590).

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

Afterward 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, "See thou practise it not: for I am thy fellowservant" (Revelation 22:9). From modernistic scripture nosotros larn about the angels who government minister to the inhabitants of this earth: "In that location are no angels who government minister to this earth merely those who do belong or have belonged to it" (D&C 130:five). Hence, when messengers are sent to government minister to the inhabitants of this globe, they are not strangers simply are from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and beau servants.

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

The passage "If any man shall add unto these things" (Revelation 22:eighteen) has been often misunderstood as a declaration that no scripture was to come forth subsequently the writing of the volume of Revelation. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles antiseptic that this statement refers only to the book of Revelation, non to the Bible as a whole:

"One of the arguments often used in any defence of a closed canon is the New Testament passage recorded in Revelation 22:18: 'For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of … this book, If whatsoever human being shall add unto these things, God shall add together unto him the plagues that are written in this book.' However, there is now overwhelming consensus among nearly all biblical scholars that this verse applies only to the book of Revelation, not the whole Bible. Those scholars of our solar day admit a number of New Testament 'books' that were near certainly written after John'south 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. Perhaps there are fifty-fifty more than these.

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

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