NT#46: Revelation 6, 18-22 Questions & Commentary

(From the Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, Class Member Study Guide, and Student Manual)

Consider pondering Revelation 21:3, which tells of a future time when “the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”

“The first three chapters of the book of Revelation pertain to John’s time. The rest of the book deals with events that were future to John, from the Apostasy that occurred after the death of the Apostles to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the final judgment.” (New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual [NTGDTM], 193.)

This week's lesson directs us to Revelation 6, in which four beasts identify some of the ways Satan has fought against the followers of Christ.. Regarding these four beasts, D&C 77:3-4 tells us “They are … four individual beasts, which were shown to John, to represent the glory of [such] beings … in the enjoyment of their eternal felicity… Their eyes are a representation of light and knowledge ... and their wings are a representation of power, to move, to act” and just as with us their bodies are in likeness of their spirits. 

... The Prophet Joseph Smith further explained, “Any man who would tell you [he] cannot believe in the salvation of beast ... would tell you that the revelations are not true. John heard the words of the beast giving glory to God, and understood them. God who made the beasts could understand every language spoken by them. The beasts were four of the most noble animals that filled the measure of their creation” (See History of the Church 5:343–44.)

... President Brigham Young said, “The animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms … the whole earth and all things pertaining to it, except men, abide the law of their Creator … and will be exalted.” (Journal of Discourses 2:302-303; 9:246).

In Revelation chapter 6, these beasts identify some of the ways Satan has fought against the followers of Christ. According to verses 4–8, what are some ways he has done this? 

re: Revelation 6:4 . . .
. . . President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “That war, so bitter, so intense, has gone on, and it has never ceased. It is the war between truth and error … between the followers of Christ and those who have denied Him. His enemies have used every stratagem in that conflict. They’ve indulged in lying and deceit. They’ve employed money and wealth. They’ve tricked the minds of men.…

“[Opposition] has been felt in the undying efforts of many, both within and without the Church, to destroy faith, to belittle, to demean, to bear false witness, to tempt and allure and induce [us] to practices inconsistent with the [wisdom] of God. …

“The war goes on…. It is waged in our own lives, day in and day out, in our homes, in our work, in our school associations; it is waged over questions of love and respect, of loyalty and fidelity, of obedience and integrity. We are all involved in it …” (See October 1986 Conference Report, 58; quoted in NTGDTM, 193.)

. . . President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle.” (See First Presidency Message, September 1988 Ensign, 2; quoted in NTGDTM, 194.)

Revelation 6:6 “indicates that a day’s wages would only buy a day’s worth of food for one person” (NTGDTM, 193; see also 3 Nephi 24:5). 

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “Profiting from others' weaknesses displeases God. Clean money is … income received from transactions where all parties profit. Filthy lucre is that money which comes … from exploitation … the sale of worthless goods … deceptions, excessive pricing, oppression to the poor ….

“[U]nprotected people are often oppressed, when economic circumstances place them in the position where they must accept what is offered or remain unemployed. And we sometimes justify ourselves in underpaying and even boast about it….

“There is the workman who steals time, [but also] the employer who oppresses and takes advantage of his employees . . . the merchant selling goods at marked-up prices … [the landlord] raising rents because of house shortage not because of increased costs of maintenance ...” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp.356, 359,196.)

President Brigham Young said that "the wine and the oil" represent "the virtue, truth, and holiness of this Gospel" and taught: "Let this people called Latter-day Saints examine themselves and be sure that they are right before God, and do as they should in all things, and hurt not the oil and the wine. Never pray for riches [Alma 3914; D&C 6:7; 11:7]; do not entertain such a foolish thought  . In my deep poverty, when I knew not where I could procure the next morsel of food for myself and family, I have prayed God to open the way that I might get something to [provide for the needs of] myself and family ... Those who do more than this are off more or less from the track that leads to life eternal." (Journal of Discourses 8:32; 7:41.)

Revelation 18:11–16) What are the dangers of setting our hearts on worldly things?

Citing Revelation 18:11-12 ...

... Joseph F. Smith said: “We should be prepared, not only to [make] our own wearing apparel, but also to make all our … household furniture [and] all that is necessary for the righteous and legitimate use of man, that when Babylon shall fall we may be prepared for it, and not be found among those who shall wail and lament” (Journal of Discourses 20:341).

.... President Brigham Young said: “Let us sustain ourselves, for by and by Babylon will fall.... The merchants will ...  look here and there for a customer; but there will be no one to buy their merchandise ... Is this day coming? Yes ... We are hastening it with all possible speed” (Journal of Discourses 13:87.)

re: Revelation 18:13  “‘… slaves, and souls of men’ … refers primarily to the abominable practice of human trafficking, but can also be seen as a reference to the spiritually enslaving consequences of materialism”(New Testament Student Manual).

Revelation 19:7-8) What does John’s (and Jesus's) symbolism for the Second Coming suggest about the relationship between the Lord and His Church?

“Those who keep the commandments of the Lord and walk in His statutes to the end are the only individuals permitted to sit at this glorious feast. … Reflect for a moment … and inquire whether you would consider yourselves worthy [of] a seat at the marriage feast.” (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 165–66.)

Revelation 19:15) [How will the Savior reign during the Millennium?]

 (See also 1 Nephi 15:23-24)

Revelation 20:1–3, ) [How will Satan be bound during the Millennium?]

 (See also 1 Nephi 22:26)

President Joseph F. Smith suggested that “the chain spoken of in the Bible, with which Satan is to be bound is figurative,” that he “will be bound… by the faith of the righteous” (New Testament Student Manual).

How can you limit the power of Satan in your life right now?

What are some Millennial conditions you would most like to experience?

See, for example, Isaiah 11:6-9: 65:21-24; D&C 101:26.

What is our role is bring these conditions about?

. . . The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “How will the serpent ever lose his venom, while [men] continue to make war upon it? … [W]hen men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb [will] dwell together, and the child can play with the serpent in safety.” (History of the Church 2:71-72.)

. . . President George Q. Cannon of the First Presidency taught that during the Millenium “there will be no hunger, no thirst, no nakedness, no vagrants, no houseless people; all will have that which is necessary to supply their physical wants. But there will be no waste. One man will not be allowed to lord it over another and take possession of more than he needs.”  (See Cannon, Gospel Truth, 70.)

[Why will the Millennium end?]

re: Revelation 20:7 . . .
. . . Elder Orson Pratt explained: “When the period called the Millenium has passed … some … will rebel against God; not rebel in ignorance or dwindle in unbelief, as the Lamanites did; but they will sin willfully …” (Journal of Discourses 16:22).
. . . President George Q. Cannon taught: "After the thousand years [Satan] will regain some of his present power.  It will be as it was among the Nephites…. Men will arise who will object to working for the benefit of others; class distinctions will [reemerge]…” (Gospel Truth, 71.)

Revelation 21:3–7) After the last great battle and the final judgment, what blessings will the righteous enjoy?

Re: Revelation 21:8, “the lake that burns with fire and brimstone” symbolizes the “torment of disappointment in the mind.” (See Teachings: Joseph Smith, 224.)

Revelation 21:22) Why won’t there be a temple in the celestial city?

Rev. 22:14) What must we do to be able to enter and live in that city?

President David O. McKay saw a beautiful vision of the celestial city “and the people following [the Savior who] were to abide there in peace and eternal happiness.  But who were they?  As if the Savior read my thoughts, He answered … These are they who have overcome the world.” (See NTGDTM, 195.)