What City Does Bible Say Will Never Be Lived in Again

Introduction and Timeline for Revelation 17–22

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

Commentary for Revelation 17–22

Revelation 17–18. The Fall of Babylon

In Revelation 16:17, the 7th affections poured out his vial, signaling the concluding destructive events that will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. These last events include the fall of Babylon, described in Revelation 17–18. Ancient Babylon had destroyed Jerusalem in 587B.C., a traumatic and defining effect in Israel'southward history. Israelite prophets in plow wrote about the eventual destruction of Babylon (come across Isaiah xiii:19–22; 21:9; Jeremiah l:35–36, 40; 51:6–8), and John drew upon their linguistic communication as he described the ultimate devastation of the spiritual enemies of God's people.

"In Rev. fourteen:eight; 16:xix; 17:five; eighteen:2, x, 21, Babylon probably denotes Rome, the great antagonist of Messiah's kingdom" (Bible Dictionary, "Babylon or Babel"). It is probable that Babylon also represents all that is wicked in the world (see D&C ane:16; 133:fourteen). Chapters 17–xviii describe Babylon as a "whore" holding a loving cup "total of abominations and filthiness" and as the "mother of harlots" (Revelation 17:1, 4, five). In this sense, Babylon is the antitype of the righteous bride that represents the Church (run into Revelation xix:7–8) and the antithesis of Zion as "the pure in heart" (D&C 97:21). John'south vision of Babylon parallels much of Nephi's vision of the great and beastly church building (run across one Nephi 13:4–9, 26–29; 14:three–17; 22:13–16, eighteen).

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

Revelation 17. The Adult female and the Beast

Scholars have historically interpreted the fauna with 7 heads equally an allusion to the metropolis of Rome because Rome was founded upon 7 hills, likewise as a reference to a number of Roman emperors in the kickoff century A.D. Though these are possible meanings, a broader estimation may be that Rome represented a seat of corruption in John's twenty-four hour period. As such, this worldly metropolis may exist likened to like centers of corruption in all eras.

The terms used to draw the adult female who rode upon the animal attest to the dandy political and destructive ability she will take over nations and kingdoms and people. John described the adult female as "the great whore that sitteth upon many waters" (Revelation 17:one; encounter also ane Nephi 14:10–13); she commits fornication with kings and inhabitants of the earth (meet verse 2); her habiliment depicts ability and wealth (see verse four); she is the "mother of harlots," which indicates that she gives birth to other prostitutions—organizations, governments, and ideologies that spew forth wickedness (verse 5). John recorded that he was astonished at the greatness of the woman's wickedness (see verse 6, footnotec). Still, in the end she will be overthrown by those she formerly ruled over (see verse xvi; 1 Nephi 22:xiii).

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

In Revelation 17:2–6, John described Babylon as a harlot clothed in fine, jeweled apparel and drunken with blood. One possible meaning of John's clarification in these verses is that in the concluding days, a lifestyle of sexual immorality, wealth, and violence would permeate the world (see as well one Nephi xiii:5–9). Institutions, governments, and people who embrace this lifestyle can be seen as role of Babylon. While serving in the Seventy, Elder David R. Stone spoke of this pervasive corruption:

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

"… That sensuality, corruption, and decadence, and the worshipping of fake gods are to be seen in many cities, not bad and small, scattered beyond the globe. Every bit the Lord has said: 'They seek non the Lord to plant his righteousness, but every homo walketh in his own way, and afterwards the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world' (D&C ane:16). …

"What an insidious thing is this culture among which we live. It permeates our environs" ("Zion in the Midst of Babylon," Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 90–91).

Revelation 17:6. "Drunken with the Blood of the Saints"

Revelation 17:half-dozen describes the woman being "drunken with the blood of the saints," which suggests that throughout the ages, many righteous people have been slain by the wicked. The scriptural language suggests that the slaying of the righteous had an intoxicating outcome on those who carried out the slaughter.

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

John saw that the beast "was, and is not" (Revelation 17:8). He also saw a vision of "seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not all the same come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space" (Revelation 17:10). John'southward language suggests that the wickedness of the globe will be temporary.

Revelation 17:14. "War with the Lamb, and the Lamb Shall Overcome"

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

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

"'At that place are 2 powers on the earth and in the midst of the inhabitants of the globe—the ability of God and the power of the devil. … When God has had a people on the earth, it matters not in what historic period, Friction match, the son of the morning, and the millions of fallen spirits that were cast out of sky accept warred against God, against Christ, confronting the piece of work of God, and against the people of God.' [Deseret Evening News, Oct. 17, 1896.] …

"The war goes on. Information technology is waged across the earth over the bug of agency and compulsion. Information technology is waged by an army of missionaries over the bug of truth and error. Information technology is waged in our own lives, twenty-four hour period in and twenty-four hours 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 information technology. … We are winning, and the future never looked brighter" ("The War We Are Winning," Ensign, Nov. 1986, 43, 45).

Revelation 18:iii–four. Choosing Righteousness Despite the Prevalence of Modern Wickedness

Revelation 18 proclaims the fall of wicked Babylon and describes the lamentation of all who associated with her. In all ages, the Lord has commanded His people to "come out of [Babylon]" and "be not partakers of her sins" (Revelation 18:four; meet D&C 133:5, 7, 14). Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified that it is possible to follow the Lord's teachings and avoid existence contaminated by the world's wickedness:

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

"… Despite pockets of evil, the world overall is majestically cute, filled with many expert and sincere people. God has provided a way 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 past following the programme of protection created by your Begetter in Heaven: His plan of happiness" ("How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil," Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 100).

Revelation xviii:3, 7–xvi. The Wealth and Materialism of Babylon

John used phrases such as "waxed rich" and "lived deliciously" (Revelation 18:3, 7, nine) to highlight the lust for wealth and lavish possessions that ascertain Babylon. These riches will be destroyed, and those who have placed their hearts upon them will lament (see Revelation 18:eight–19; ii Nephi 9:30; D&C 56:16). President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) warned that with prosperity often comes the temptation to comprehend the materialism of Babylon: "We are tested, we are tried, we are going through some of the severest tests today and we don't realize maybe 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 severe test of any examination that nosotros've e'er had in the history of the Church building" ("First Presidency Devotional" [unpublished Christmas devotional for Church employees, Dec. xiii, 1973], 4–v; encounter Jacob 2:18–19).

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

John heard a voice from sky proclaiming that Babylon'due south "sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities" (Revelation 18:5). Some people might think their iniquities are hidden, but these verses are a reminder that sins practice not get undetected by God, though their consequences may not all come up immediately. The vocalism also alleged that Babylon would receive the consequences of her works and would exist punished doubly, reminiscent of terminology used in the law of Moses (see Revelation 18:vi; see also Exodus 22:4, seven, 9).

Revelation 18:eleven–thirteen. Trade and "Souls of Men"

The listing of merchandise sold in Babylon reveals a startling truth: people sell not only aureate, precious stones, fine textiles, and many other luxury items, but fifty-fifty "slaves, and souls of men" (Revelation 18:13). This refers primarily to the abominable practice of human trafficking merely can also be seen as a reference to the spiritually enslaving consequences of materialism and other evils (meet two Nephi 26:10). It may also describe decadent religious practitioners who present themselves equally ministering to people's souls while seeking above all to profit financially; in this sense, they traffic in the "souls of men." Moroni recorded that in the last days "there shall be churches built upwards that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins" (Mormon viii:32). In dissimilarity, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers spiritual nourishment "without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:ane; 2 Nephi 26:25; Alma i:twenty).

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

John recorded that in Babylon "was plant the blood of prophets, and of saints" (Revelation 18:24), meaning that those who uphold Babylon are to arraign for the martyrdom of prophets and Saints throughout earth'southward history. At the 2nd Coming, Babylon and its inhabitants volition be recompensed for their evil works (see Revelation 18:6; D&C 1:10), for the blood of the martyrs will stand up equally a testimony confronting those who take slain them (see Revelation 6:10; 16:6; xviii:24; D&C 109:49). A similar time of judgment was recorded in 3 Nephi 8–9, when whole cities were destroyed "that the claret of the prophets and the saints shall not come any more unto me against them" (3 Nephi 9:5; see also verses 7–9, 11; Alma 14:11; Revelation 19:two; the commentary for Revelation xvi:half-dozen).

Revelation 19:i–half-dozen. Praising the Lord for His Judgment

John heard the inhabitants of heaven crying out "Alleluia" (Revelation xix:1, 3–4, half dozen), which ways "Praise the Lord!" This praise was in response to God's righteous judgment upon Babylon. Knowing that God is a God of judgment enables Saints to endure in faith: "No sooner is the idea of the existence of [God's judgment] planted in the minds of men, than it gives power to the listen for the exercise of organized religion and confidence in God, and they are enabled by religion to lay concur on the promises which are set earlier them, and wade through all the tribulations and afflictions to which they are subjected by reason of the persecution from those who know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, believing that in due time the Lord volition come out in swift judgment against their enemies" (Lectures on Faith, [1985], 53). Knowing that God volition one day guess the enemies of His people can help Saints in the terminal days to endure in "patience and … faith" (Revelation thirteen:10; come across also xiv:12).

Revelation 19:7–ix. "The Wedlock Supper of the Lamb"

Immediately before seeing in vision the Lord'south Second Coming, John heard a voice proclaim, "The matrimony of the lamb is come" and "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:7, nine). State of israel's covenant relationship with God is symbolically portrayed in the scriptures as a marriage covenant (for example, see Isaiah 54; Jeremiah 31; Ezekiel 16; 23; Hosea 2; Matthew 23). Spousal relationship is the human relationship that requires the most fidelity, sacrifice, commitment, and long-suffering of all relationships. The "marriage 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 claim his bride, which is the Church building composed of the faithful saints who have watched for his return. Equally he taught in the parable of the marriage of the king's son, the great marriage supper of the Lamb shall and so be celebrated. (Matt. 22:i–xiv.)" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 3:563).

John saw that the Lamb'south helpmate was clothed "in fine linen" made "clean and white" through the Atonement (Revelation nineteen:8; run across also 7:14; 19:14). This imagery of a bride dressed in white presents a stark contrast to the harlot in extravagant apparel described before in Revelation, who symbolized spiritual Babylon (see 17:3–6; 18:16).

Only the righteous volition be called to "the spousal relationship supper." The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) taught: "Those who proceed the commandments of the Lord and walk in His statutes to the terminate, are the only individuals permitted to sit at this glorious banquet. … Reflect for a moment, brethren [and sisters], and enquire, whether you would consider yourselves worthy [of] a seat at the marriage feast" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 165–66; encounter as well Matthew 22:ii–14; D&C 58:eight–xi; 65:iii).

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

The affections who spoke to John said that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10). Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that a testimony of Jesus Christ is a souvenir received through divine revelation:

"We cannot depend on the testimonies of other people. We need to know for ourselves. …

"The source of this sure noesis and house conviction is divine revelation, 'for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy' (Revelation 19:10).

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

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

For more insight on how all members of the Church building may relish the souvenir of prophecy past having "the testimony of Jesus," see the commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:1–6.

Revelation 19:xi, 13. "A White Horse" and "a Vesture Dipped in Blood"

Christ in red robes sitting upon a white equus caballus

In his vision of the Second Coming, John saw the Savior riding "a white horse" (Revelation 19:xi). The white horse is symbolic of conquest and victory, as horses were used most exclusively for war in John'due south fourth dimension. John likewise saw that the Savior would return to earth wearing "a clothing dipped in blood," meaning that His garments will be the color of blood. This color calls to mind the Savior's suffering in Gethsemane, when His apologetic claret was pressed from His torso but every bit juice is pressed from grapes in a winepress.

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

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

"No wonder, when Christ comes in power and glory, that He volition come in reminding cerise attire (see D&C 133:48), signifying non merely the winepress of wrath, but also to bring to our remembrance how He suffered for each of us in Gethsemane and on Calvary!" ("Overcome … Fifty-fifty as I Besides Overcame," Ensign, May 1987, 72).

The ruby apparel may besides symbolize the destruction of the wicked at the Lord'due south coming (see Isaiah 63:1–4; D&C 133:46–51). When Jesus comes again to the earth, He will bring justice confronting the wicked (see Revelation nineteen:11).

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

The Joseph Smith Translation of Revelation nineteen:fifteen clarifies how Jesus Christ will dominion the world: "And out of his mouth proceedeth the word of God, and with it he will smite the nations; and he will rule them with the give-and-take of his mouth; and he treadeth the winepress in the fierceness and wrath of Omnipotent God" (in Revelation 19:15, footnotea; see likewise ane Nephi 11:25).

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

Revelation 19:17–18, 21. "The Supper of the Great God"

John saw the ultimate destruction of the wicked when their slain bodies would exist eaten past carrion birds (Revelation 19:17–18, 21; come across also D&C 29:18–xx). Ezekiel prophesied of this same destruction (Ezekiel 39:17–22). This dreadful "supper of the nifty God" (Revelation 19:17) stands in stark contrast to the blithesome "union supper of the Lamb" (Revelation nineteen:7–ix), vividly highlighting that the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ volition be a very dissimilar experience for the wicked than for the righteous. The Joseph Smith Translation of Revelation nineteen:18 clarifies that these verses draw the devastation of merely "all who fight against the Lamb" (in Revelation 19:18, footnotea).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "Those with refined senses detect it difficult to excogitate of the desolation, destruction, and death that will prevail during the final great battles ushering in Christ's reign of peace. So dandy shall be the slaughter and mass murder, the carnage and gore, the butchery and violent expiry of warring men, that their decomposable bodies 'shall stop the noses of the passengers' [Ezekiel 39:eleven], and it shall exist a task of mammoth proportions merely to dispose of them" (Doctrinal New Attestation Commentary, three:569).

Revelation xx:one–3. "The Bottomless Pit"

"The bottomless pit" is a term for the realm of Satan and those who follow him (Revelation xx:1, 3). Even there, God holds supreme authority, for it is God'due south angel who has "the fundamental of the bottomless pit" (Revelation 20:1; come across Joseph Smith Translation, Revelation 9:ane [in Revelation 9:one, footnotea]).

Revelation xx:ii–iii. Satan Will Exist Bound

Without Any Ire, past Nancy Glazier-Koehler. The Millennium will be a time of great peace (run across Isaiah 11:half-dozen; 65:25; two Nephi 30:10–18).

John saw that Satan would be spring at the start of the Millennium and that for a thou years he would "deceive the nations no more" (Revelation 20:3) or, as a mod revelation states, "non have ability to tempt any human" (D&C 101:28; run across too 1 Nephi 22:26; D&C 43:31; 88:110–11). During this time, "children shall grow upwardly without sin unto conservancy" (D&C 45:58).

Apropos Satan's bounden, President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) stated: "As to whether the binding of Satan is a literal binding every bit with a chain or not, it matters not. I am inclined to believe that the concatenation spoken of in the Bible, with which Satan is to be spring, is more figurative than real. [Satan] will be bound both by the organized religion of the righteous and the decrees of the Omnipotent during the Millennial reign and will exist cast downwardly into hell" (From Prophet to Son: Advice of Joseph F. Smith to His Missionary Sons, comp. Hyrum Yard. Smith III and Scott Thousand. Kenney [1981], 71). The prophet Nephi taught that considering of the righteousness of the Saints, Satan volition have no power (see 1 Nephi 22:26).

Revelation xx:3, 7–8. "Loosed a Little Season"

The scriptures do non entirely explain why Satan "must be loosed a fiddling season" after having been bound for the grand years following Christ's 2d Coming (Revelation 20:3; see D&C 43:31). However, the Lord has revealed that after the thousand years have ended, people would "over again brainstorm to deny their God" (D&C 29:22). The Volume of Mormon besides describes a time when people once more turned their hearts toward Satan after an extended season of peace and righteousness because of the pride that followed prosperity (see 4 Nephi ane:22–46). Any the reason that Satan will be loosed, John saw that after the Millennium, Satan would "deceive the nations … to gather them together" for a concluding boxing against the Saints (Revelation 20:8; see D&C 88:110–xi; the commentary for Revelation 20:7–10).

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

The enthroned beings John saw in Revelation 20:4 who were given power to judge may represent the Twelve Apostles Jesus called during His mortal ministry building. Jesus said that these Apostles would sit down on thrones and estimate Israel (see Matthew 19:28; ane Nephi 12:9–10; Mormon iii:19; D&C 29:12). Though the Lord has indicated that some of His servants volition help Him as judges, the scriptures also assert that Jesus Christ Himself will exist the bully and final Guess of all (see John v:22; Acts 10:42; 2 Nephi 9:41).

Revelation 20:v. "The First Resurrection" and "the Rest of the Dead"

John saw that many of the expressionless would be resurrected during what is called "the first resurrection" (Revelation 20:5–half dozen). Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained the Starting time Resurrection: "To those who lived before the resurrection of Christ, the day of his coming forth from the dead was known as the first resurrection. Abinadi and Alma, for case, so considered it. (Mosiah 15:21–25; Alma 40.) To those who take lived since that mean solar day, the first resurrection is all the same future and will take identify at the time of the Second Coming. (D. & C. 88:96–102.) Nosotros have no knowledge that the resurrection is going on now or that any persons have been resurrected since the day in which Christ came along 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 angelic and terrestrial bodies volition come forth in the First Resurrection.

"The rest of the expressionless" who "lived not again until the one thousand years were finished" (Revelation twenty:5) are those of "the last resurrection" (D&C 76:85)—"the resurrection of the unjust" (D&C 76:17)—which occurs at the end of the Millennium (see 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 merely "get away into the lake of burn and brimstone, with the devil and his angels" (D&C 76:36; see Revelation 20:ten). To read more nigh the social club of the Resurrection, see the commentary for one Corinthians 15:23.

Revelation twenty:seven–10. A Final Battle

John saw that afterward the Millennium, Satan would be loosed, and he and his evil forces would again wage war against "the camp of the saints" and "the honey city," which is Zion, a place of safe and refuge (Revelation xx:8–ix). John referred to Satan'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'southward coming (encounter Ezekiel 38–39), but in Revelation xx:seven–9, "Gog and Magog" refer to the forces of Satan that volition wage another battle at the finish of the Millennium. Though the number of Satan'south forces will be "every bit the sand of the sea," they will be "devoured" past "fire … from God out of sky," and the devil and his followers will be eternally "cast into the lake of fire and brimstone" (Revelation twenty:8–10; meet 2 Nephi nine:16; D&C 43:31–33; 88:110–16). With this final cleansing of evil, the globe will exist prepared to receive celestial celebrity.

Latter-day revelation adds the detail that Michael the archangel, who is Adam (see D&C 27:11), volition play an important role in this last battle by gathering the armies of God together confronting Satan and his armies (see D&C 88:112).

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

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

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

"That lake of fire and brimstone, ever called-for but never consumed, is the description in the scriptures for hell [see Revelation xix:20; 20:ten; 21:8; D&C 63:17; 76:36]" ("The Touch of the Master's Hand," Ensign, May 2001, 23).

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: "A man is his ain tormentor and his own condemner. Hence the saying, They shall get into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone [see Revelation 21:8]. The torment of thwarting in the mind of man 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 last judgment is part of God'southward plan of salvation. John saw the day when all God'southward children would stand before Christ to be "judged out of those things which were written in the books" (Revelation 20:12). These books include: (one) The volume of life (see Philippians 4:3; Revelation iii:5; thirteen:8; 17:8; twenty:15; Alma five:58; D&C 128:half dozen–7; the commentary for Revelation 13:8). (2) Church records that tape the saving ordinances and perhaps other actions of faith and devotion (encounter D&C 127:6–7, nine; 128:six–7). (three) The scriptures, which incorporate the standards and commandments by which we are to live our lives and by which we volition exist judged (see 2 Nephi 29:11; 33:15). In addition to these, "the books" might also refer to other sources of lite and knowledge that were available to people during their lives.

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, "God judges men according to the utilize they make of the light which He gives them" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 405). He also explained, "[The Lord] will award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several desires, their ways of obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed, the facilities afforded them of obtaining right data, and His inscrutable designs" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 404).

Revelation 21:1. "A New Heaven and a New World"

As part of the Fall of Adam, the earth cruel 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 globe volition exist renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory" (Articles of Faith 1:10). Afterward the thousand years of Christ'south reign, the globe volition be transformed yet once again. The Prophet Joseph Smith described this change: "This earth will be rolled back into the presence of God and crowned with celestial glory" (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 258; see D&C 29:22–25; 88:18–20, 25–26).

Revelation 21:two–27; 22:1–v. "The Holy City, New Jerusalem"

The Holy City

John saw in vision "the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down" to globe, symbolizing God's presence amidst His people (Revelation 21:2). The city was depicted as an enormous cube (see Revelation 21:sixteen), which recalls the Holy of Holies in Solomon's temple (see one Kings 6:19–20), also representative of God's domicile place. The symbolic elements John saw that compose the city—clear glass, precious stones, pearls, and gilded—share the traits of reflecting light; resisting decomposable or tarnishing; and symbolizing purity, beauty, and refinement. The walls of the urban center were made with all way of precious stones (encounter Revelation 21:eighteen–21). Precious stones oftentimes stand for the Lord's followers who have been refined and made holy (see Exodus 28:9–10, 17–21; Isaiah 62:3; Malachi 3:17; D&C 60:iv; 101:3).

The gates of the city were made of pearls and the streets of gold (see Revelation 21:21; D&C 137:1–4). Both pearls and golden tin can be seen as symbols of refinement: oysters produce pearls through pain and adversity, and golden requires burn to burn down out impurities. The exalted will likewise have been refined through adversity (see Revelation 7:13–14).

There is no demand of temples in the Holy Urban center because all of the celestial kingdom will be as a temple; God Himself and Jesus Christ dwell there. There is no need of the sun at that place, for "the Lamb is the lite thereof" (Revelation 21:23). John saw that a central feature of the Holy Metropolis was the tree of life, representative of the healing and eternal life institute in the celestial kingdom (see Revelation 22:2). The tree of life in the Garden of Eden was guarded by cherubim later on the Autumn (see Genesis 3:24), merely those who dwell in the Holy City have been redeemed from the Autumn, and all there are complimentary to partake of the everbearing tree of life in the celestial kingdom.

Revelation 21:four–5. No More Tears, Expiry, Sorrow, or Pain

Revelation 21:iv highlights the slap-up restorative power of Christ's Amende, which will ultimately make all things right. Through the Amende, all of life'southward disadvantages, contradictions, injustices, and unfairness volition be fabricated correct. Elderberry Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles affirmed: "The Amende volition non only help us overcome our transgressions and mistakes, but in His time, it volition 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 found in Revelation 2–three to those who overcome (meet Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26–28; 3:five, 12, 21; see too 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 however articulate: "I will be his God, and he shall be my son" (Revelation 21:7). For more information on worshipping Heavenly Father in the eternities, see the commentary for Revelation four:8–11.

Revelation 21:8. "The Second Death"

For information well-nigh the second death, see the commentary for Revelation 2:11.

Revelation 22:four. "His Name Shall Be in Their Foreheads"

As in before passages in Revelation, to bear a name on one's brow indicates allegiance (see Revelation three:12; 7:3; 13:16; 14:i; the commentary for Revelation 3:12). Bearing the name also suggests taking on the characteristics of the one named. Bearing God's proper name on 1'due south forehead may likewise be continued to images of priesthood and temple service (see Exodus 28:36–38; Revelation 1:6; v:10; 7:15). Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how receiving this approving is associated with temple worship:

"In the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet Joseph Smith petitioned the Father 'that thy servants may go forth from this business firm armed with thy ability, 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 exist put in this house' (v. 26). And as the Lord appeared in and accepted the Kirtland Temple as His house, He declared, 'For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house' (D&C 110:seven).

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

Revelation 22:7. "I Come Rapidly"

Elder Bruce R. McConkie helps united states empathise what it ways that the Lord will "come up quickly" (Revelation 22:seven): "Not soon, but in a quick way; that is, with speed and suddenness afterwards all of the promised conditions precedent take occurred" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:590).

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

Later all that John had seen and heard in his vision, he barbarous down to worship at the feet of the angel, just the affections replied, "See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant" (Revelation 22:nine). From modern scripture we learn virtually the angels who minister to the inhabitants of this globe: "In that location are no angels who minister to this globe but those who do vest or accept belonged to information technology" (D&C 130:5). Hence, when messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers simply are from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and fellow servants.

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

The passage "If any man shall add unto these things" (Revelation 22:18) has been often misunderstood as a declaration that no scripture was to come along after the writing of the book of Revelation. Elder Jeffrey R. The netherlands of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles antiseptic that this argument refers only to the book of Revelation, not to the Bible as a whole:

"One of the arguments frequently used in whatsoever 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 any human shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.' However, in that location is now overwhelming consensus amongst virtually all biblical scholars that this poesy applies simply to the book of Revelation, not the whole Bible. Those scholars of our mean solar day acknowledge a number of New Testament 'books' that were virtually certainly written after John's revelation on the Island of Patmos was received. Included in this category are at least the books of Jude, the iii Epistles of John, and probably the entire Gospel of John itself. Peradventure there are even more than than these.

"Simply there is a simpler answer equally to why that passage in the concluding volume of the current New Testament cannot apply to the whole Bible. That is considering the whole Bible every bit we know it—ane collection of texts bound in a single book—did not exist when that verse was written. For centuries after John produced his writing, the individual books of the New Attestation were in circulation singly or perhaps in combinations with a few other texts simply nigh never as a complete collection. Of the entire corpus of 5,366 known Greek New Attestation manuscripts, simply 35 comprise the whole New Attestation as we now know information technology, and 34 of those were compiled after A.D. thou" ("My Words … Never Cease," Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 91–92).

robymoker1952.blogspot.com

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

Share this post