Last Days Book Of Revelation, is a book about Bible prophecy. Each chapter of this book in Bible Prophecy deals with a different subject of prophecy. This book will help you to understand what is going on in the Last Days and how we can prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord.
The Last Days Book of Revelation is a study of the last book of the Bible. It explores who wrote Revelation, what it means for us, and how we can learn from its history. The book is written in a straightforward and accessible way with an aim to teach you what happens during that final hour before the end of time.
The last days book of revelation is a thought provoking book about end time events. It has engraved an apocalyptic scenario over the minds of its readers and has become the subject of much debate and controversy. Sometimes the points raised by the author of this book not only clarify many questions regarding biblical explanation, but also show how much hard work is needed in understanding scriptures. The last days book of revelation educates people in a new way, using rich imagery and creative story telling to convey its message.
Last Days Book Of Revelation
The Last Days Book of Revelation is a book that deals with the last days of mankind on planet earth. It presents a new interpretation of the Book of Revelation and is based on modern science and technology. The author believes that we are living in the last days as described in the Bible, and that these are signs of the end times as prophesied by Jesus Christ himself.
The Book of Revelation was written by John, who was one of Jesus’ disciples. It is believed that he wrote it while exiled on Patmos Island off Greece in A.D. 95-96 at the end of Domitian’s reign as Emperor of Rome. John did not understand much about science or technology; therefore, he could not have known what would happen in our time or how it would be interpreted by us today.
This book was written from an apocalyptic perspective, which means that it interprets current events in light of biblical prophecy. It describes many events which will occur during this period such as wars, earthquakes and plagues; however, none of these events have occurred yet! This book also predicts future events such as the Rapture of Christians from earth prior to God’s final judgment against mankind; however, none
The Book of Revelation is the last book of the New Testament, and the only apocalyptic book in the Bible. It is a highly symbolic book, and it has been interpreted in many different ways.
The text describes a series of visions that John had on the island of Patmos, where he was exiled by Roman authorities. The visions were given to him by an angel who had been sent by God to show him what will happen in the future. These visions are about events that will happen during the end times, when Jesus returns to Earth to judge all people and establish His kingdom on Earth.
The Book of Revelation is divided into two parts: chapters 1-3 and chapters 4-22. The first part describes seven churches that existed in Asia Minor at that time, while the second part describes these churches’ reactions to the messages they received from John through his visions (Revelation 2-3).
The Book of Revelation is the last book of the New Testament. It describes God’s final judgment of humanity, preceded by the seven seals, seven trumpets and seven bowls.
The message of the book is that Jesus Christ will return to earth and defeat evil at the end of time. Christians believe this event will be preceded by a terrible period known as the Tribulation.
The name “Revelation” comes from a Greek word meaning “unveiling” or “revelation.” The author claims that his vision was given to him by an angel, who told him not to write it down while he was experiencing it. Instead, he wrote it down only after his vision had ended (Revelation 1:11).
The Book of Revelation is the last book of the Bible. It records a series of visions given to John, who lived on the island of Patmos during the first century AD. The word “Revelation” comes from the Latin word for “unveiling” or “revelation.”
The book contains many symbols, images and pictures that can be interpreted in various ways.
The Book of Revelation is considered by many Christians to be a prophetic vision of what will happen at the end times, when Jesus returns to earth in glory (Revelation 19:11-21). It tells about how God will punish those who do not believe in him and how he will reward those who do.
John was told by an angel that he was chosen by God to reveal these things to mankind (Revelation 1:1-2). He was told that there were seven churches in Asia Minor that needed help in understanding what was happening around them (Revelation 1:3-4).
The Book of Revelation is a book in the Bible that describes events that will happen at the end of time. Many people think of Revelation as a scary book, but it’s not. It’s actually a very hopeful book because it reveals how God will bring about His plan for history and for our lives.
The word “Revelation” comes from the Greek word apokalypsis, which means “unveiling.” In other words, it’s a book that reveals what’s happening behind the scenes in heaven and on earth.
Jesus gave this book to John as he was on the island of Patmos. The apostle John was exiled there because he refused to worship Caesar (the Roman emperor). He was told by Jesus to write down what he saw and heard while he was on the island so that others would know what will happen at the end of time (Revelation 1:11).
The apostle John wrote this letter during the last days before Jesus returns to rescue His people (1 Peter 4:7-8).
What Does The Book Of Revelation Say About The Last Days
The final chapters of Revelation gave hope to Christians facing persecution from outside the Church and from factions within the Church that were dissenting from accepted beliefs. Revelation 17–22 also describes the crescendo of final earthly events fulfilling Heavenly Father’s plan for the redemption of His children. John heard heavenly servants rejoice in praise for the salvation 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’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 earth will then receive celestial glory and become the eternal home for all righteous Saints.
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New Testament Student Manual : Religion 211-212
Commentary for Revelation 17–22
Revelation 17–18. The Fall of Babylon
In Revelation 16:17, the seventh angel poured out his vial, signaling the final destructive events that will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. These concluding events include the fall of Babylon, described in Revelation 17–18. Ancient Babylon had destroyed Jerusalem in 587 B.C., a traumatic and defining event in Israel’s history. Israelite prophets in turn wrote about the eventual destruction of Babylon (see Isaiah 13:19–22; 21:9; Jeremiah 50:35–36, 40; 51:6–8), and John drew upon their language as he described the ultimate destruction of the spiritual enemies of God’s people.
“In Rev. 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 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 1:16; 133:14). Chapters 17–18 depict Babylon as a “whore” holding a cup “full of abominations and filthiness” and as the “mother of harlots” (Revelation 17:1, 4, 5). In this sense, Babylon is the antitype of the righteous bride that represents the Church (see Revelation 19:7–8) 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 abominable church (see 1 Nephi 13:4–9, 26–29; 14:3–17; 22:13–16, 18).
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Isaiah’s vision of the destruction of Babylon
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 Beast
Scholars have historically interpreted the beast with seven heads as an allusion to the city of Rome because Rome was founded upon seven hills, as well as 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 day. As 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 destructive power she will have over nations and kingdoms and people. John described the woman 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 (see verse 4); 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, footnote c). Nevertheless, in the end she will be overthrown by those she formerly ruled over (see verse 16; 1 Nephi 22:13).
Revelation 17:2–6. The Culture of Babylon Permeates the World
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 description in these verses is that in the last days, a lifestyle of sexual immorality, wealth, and violence would permeate the world (see also 1 Nephi 13:5–9). Institutions, governments, and people who embrace this lifestyle can be seen as part 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 become sensual, decadent, and corrupt. …
“… That sensuality, corruption, and decadence, and the worshipping of false gods are to be seen in many cities, great and small, scattered across the globe. As the Lord has said: ‘They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after 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, 90–91).
Revelation 17:6. “Drunken with the Blood of the Saints”
Revelation 17:6 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 effect on those who carried out the slaughter.
Revelation 17:8–11. Temporary Nature of the Beast
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 yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space” (Revelation 17:10). John’s language suggests that the wickedness of the world will be temporary.
Revelation 17:12; 20:4; 22:5
How long will the followers of the beast exercise power, compared to those who follow Christ? What do these verses teach about the duration of worldly and heavenly rewards? How should this guide your choices?
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 world (Revelation 17:14). President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) affirmed that the Lord and His people will prevail in the war against evil:
“In the October conference of 1896, President Wilford Woodruff … said:
“‘There are two powers on the earth and in the midst of the inhabitants of the earth—the power of God and the power of the devil. … When God has had a people on the earth, it matters not in what age, Lucifer, the son of the morning, and the millions of fallen spirits that were cast out of heaven have warred against God, against Christ, against the work of God, and against the people of God.’ [Deseret Evening News, Oct. 17, 1896.] …
“The war goes on. It is waged across the world over the issues of agency and compulsion. It is waged by an army of missionaries over the issues of truth and error. 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. … We are winning, and the future never looked brighter” (“The War We Are Winning,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 43, 45).
Revelation 18:3–4. 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 18:4; see 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 being contaminated by the world’s wickedness:
“Much of the world is being engulfed in a rising river of degenerate filth, with the abandonment of virtue, righteousness, personal integrity, traditional marriage, and family life. …
“… Despite pockets of evil, the world overall is majestically beautiful, filled with many good and sincere people. God has provided a way to live in this world and not be contaminated by 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 amid Increasing Evil,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 100).
Revelation 18:3, 7–16. The Wealth and Materialism of Babylon
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hands holding euro bills
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 define Babylon. These riches will be destroyed, and those who have placed their hearts upon them will lament (see Revelation 18:8–19; 2 Nephi 9:30; D&C 56:16). President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) warned that with prosperity often comes the temptation to embrace 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 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 severe test of any test that we’ve ever had in the history of the Church” (“First Presidency Devotional” [unpublished Christmas devotional for Church employees, Dec. 13, 1973], 4–5; see Jacob 2:18–19).
Revelation 18:5–6. “Her Sins Have Reached unto Heaven”
John heard a voice from heaven proclaiming that Babylon’s “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 do not go undetected by God, though their consequences may not all come immediately. The voice 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 (see Revelation 18:6; see also Exodus 22:4, 7, 9).
Revelation 18:8, 10, 17, 19
What is said in these verses about how quickly Babylon would fall? What message do you learn from these verses about worldly wealth and power?
Revelation 18:11–13. Merchandise and “Souls of Men”
The list of merchandise sold in Babylon reveals a startling truth: people sell not only gold, 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 but can also be seen as a reference to the spiritually enslaving consequences of materialism and other evils (see 2 Nephi 26:10). It may also describe corrupt religious practitioners who present themselves as 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 up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins” (Mormon 8:32). In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers spiritual nourishment “without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1; 2 Nephi 26:25; Alma 1:20).
Revelation 18:24. “The Blood of Prophets, and of Saints”
John recorded that in Babylon “was found the blood of prophets, and of saints” (Revelation 18:24), 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 will be recompensed for their evil works (see Revelation 18:6; D&C 1:10), for the blood of the martyrs will stand as a testimony against those who have slain them (see Revelation 6:10; 16:6; 18:24; D&C 109:49). A similar time of judgment was recorded in 3 Nephi 8–9, when whole cities were destroyed “that the blood 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 19:2; the commentary for Revelation 16:6).
Revelation 19:1–6. Praising the Lord for His Judgment
John heard the inhabitants of heaven crying out “Alleluia” (Revelation 19:1, 3–4, 6), which means “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 mind for the exercise of faith and confidence in God, and they are enabled by faith to lay hold on the promises which are set before 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 will come out in swift judgment against their enemies” (Lectures on Faith, [1985], 53). Knowing that God will one day judge the enemies of His people can help Saints in the last days to endure in “patience and … faith” (Revelation 13:10; see also 14:12).
Revelation 19:7, 11, 13, 16
What do the names and titles in these verses reveal about the eternal mission of Jesus Christ? What thoughts and feelings do you have as you consider these names and titles?
Revelation 19:7–9. “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb”
Immediately before seeing in vision the Lord’s Second Coming, John heard a voice proclaim, “The marriage of the lamb is come” and “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:7, 9). 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). Marriage is the 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 dispensation the Bridegroom, who is the Lamb of God, shall come to claim his bride, which is the Church composed of the faithful saints who have watched for his return. As he taught in the parable of the marriage of the king’s son, the great marriage supper of the Lamb shall then be celebrated. (Matt. 22:1–14.)” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 3:563).
John saw that the Lamb’s bride was clothed “in fine linen” made “clean and white” through the Atonement (Revelation 19:8; see also 7:14; 19:14). This imagery of a bride dressed in white presents a stark contrast to the harlot in extravagant apparel described earlier in Revelation, who symbolized spiritual Babylon (see 17:3–6; 18:16).
Only the righteous will be 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 end, are the only individuals permitted to sit at this glorious feast. … 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; see also Matthew 22:2–14; D&C 58:8–11; 65:3).
Revelation 19:10. “The Testimony of Jesus Is the Spirit of Prophecy”
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Capture the Ministry. Bednar
The angel 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 gift received through divine revelation:
“We cannot depend on the testimonies of other people. We need to know for ourselves. …
“The source of this sure knowledge and firm conviction is divine revelation, ‘for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy’ (Revelation 19:10).
“We receive this testimony when the Holy Spirit speaks to the spirit within us. We will receive a calm and unwavering certainty that will be the source of our testimony and conviction irrespective of our culture, race, language, or socioeconomic background. These promptings of the Spirit, rather than human logic alone, will be the true foundation upon which our testimony will be built.
“The core of this testimony will always be the faith 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 gift of prophecy by having “the testimony of Jesus,” see the commentary for 1 Corinthians 14:1–6.
Revelation 19:11, 13. “A White Horse” and “a Vesture Dipped in Blood”
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Book of Revelation Transparencies
Christ in red robes sitting upon a white horse
In his vision of the Second Coming, John saw the Savior riding “a white horse” (Revelation 19:11). The white horse is symbolic of conquest and victory, as horses were used almost exclusively for war in John’s time. John also saw that the Savior would return to earth wearing “a vesture 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 atoning blood 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 red His raiment must have been in Gethsemane, how crimson that cloak!
“No wonder, when Christ comes in power and glory, that He will come in reminding red 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 red apparel may also symbolize the destruction of the wicked at the Lord’s coming (see 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 19:15–16. “He Shall Rule 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 will rule them with the word of his mouth; and he treadeth the winepress in the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (in Revelation 19:15, footnote a; see also 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 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 be eaten by carrion birds (Revelation 19:17–18, 21; see also D&C 29:18–20). Ezekiel prophesied of this same destruction (Ezekiel 39:17–22). This dreadful “supper of the great God” (Revelation 19:17) stands in stark contrast to the joyful “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:7–9), vividly highlighting that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will be a very different experience for the wicked than for the righteous. The Joseph Smith Translation of Revelation 19:18 clarifies that these verses describe the destruction of only “all who fight against the Lamb” (in Revelation 19:18, footnote a).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: “Those with refined senses find it difficult to conceive of the desolation, destruction, and death that will prevail during the final 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 violent death of warring men, that their decaying bodies ‘shall stop the noses of the passengers’ [Ezekiel 39:11], and it shall be a task of mammoth proportions merely to dispose of them” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:569).
Revelation 20:1–3. “The Bottomless Pit”
“The bottomless pit” is a term for the realm of Satan and those who follow him (Revelation 20:1, 3). Even there, God holds supreme authority, for it is God’s angel who has “the key of the bottomless pit” (Revelation 20:1; see Joseph Smith Translation, Revelation 9:1 [in Revelation 9:1, footnote a]).
Revelation 20:2–3. Satan Will Be Bound
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Without Any Ire
Without Any Ire, by Nancy Glazier-Koehler. The Millennium will be a time of great peace (see Isaiah 11:6; 65:25; 2 Nephi 30:10–18).
John saw that Satan would be bound at the beginning of the Millennium and that for a thousand years he would “deceive the nations no more” (Revelation 20:3) or, as a modern revelation states, “not have power to tempt any man” (D&C 101:28; see also 1 Nephi 22:26; D&C 43:31; 88:110–11). During this time, “children shall grow up without sin unto salvation” (D&C 45:58).
Concerning Satan’s binding, President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) stated: “As to whether the binding of Satan is a literal binding as 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 figurative than real. [Satan] will be bound 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 III and Scott G. Kenney [1981], 71). The prophet Nephi taught that because of the righteousness of the Saints, Satan will have no power (see 1 Nephi 22:26).
Revelation 20:3, 7–8. “Loosed a Little Season”
The scriptures do not entirely explain why Satan “must be loosed a little season” after having been bound for the thousand years following Christ’s Second Coming (Revelation 20:3; see 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 also describes a time when people again turned their hearts toward Satan after an extended season 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 gather them together” for a final battle against the Saints (Revelation 20:8; see D&C 88:110–11; 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 represent the Twelve Apostles Jesus called during His mortal ministry. Jesus said that these Apostles would sit on thrones and judge Israel (see Matthew 19:28; 1 Nephi 12:9–10; 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 will be the great and final Judge of all (see John 5:22; Acts 10:42; 2 Nephi 9:41).
Revelation 20:5. “The First Resurrection” and “the Rest of the Dead”
John saw that many of the dead would be resurrected during what is called “the first resurrection” (Revelation 20:5–6). Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained the First 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 instance, so considered it. (Mosiah 15:21–25; Alma 40.) To those who have lived since that day, the first resurrection is yet future and will take place at the time of the Second Coming. (D. & C. 88:96–102.) We have no knowledge that the resurrection is going on now or that any persons have been resurrected since the day 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 will receive celestial and terrestrial bodies will come forth in the First Resurrection.
“The rest of the dead” who “lived not again until the thousand years were finished” (Revelation 20:5) 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 both those who will inherit telestial glory and those who will “remain filthy still” (D&C 88:102), which refers to the sons of perdition who do not inherit any degree of glory but instead “go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels” (D&C 76:36; see Revelation 20:10). To read more about the order of the Resurrection, see the commentary for 1 Corinthians 15:23.
Last Line In The Book Of Revelations
I’ve noticed various opinions regarding the term “the last days” amongst Christian circles: The first group claims the last days are already upon us. These are the ones who seem to anticipate Jesus’ coming at any moment. And yet there is another group of Christians I’ve noticed who tend to roll their eyes at such assumptions, claiming that every generation of Christians has said the same. After all, the Bible warns us that in the last days there will be much suffering. This kind of destruction has continued throughout the centuries. So what does the Bible say about the last days, and how can we prepare for the second coming of Jesus?
What Are the Last Days?
You may have heard those end-of-time predictions by Christians who have foretold a specific date and time in which Jesus is sure to return. This never fails to amuse me, especially since the Bible states we do not know the specific day or hour of His return (see Matthew 24:36). But is predicting Jesus’ second coming the same as claiming that we are living in the last days?
Not exactly. “The Last Days” doesn’t necessarily refer to a set amount of time; after all, God uses a different measurement for time than us humans. 2 Peter 3:8 says, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”
We are, in fact, living in the last days. Each day draws us closer to the second arrival of our King.
If we want to know whether or not we are living in the “end of times,” let’s become aware of the signs and warnings provided for us in Scripture. We can specifically take note of the condition that the world will be in at the time of His return, described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5:
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.”
Wouldn’t you agree that the times we are living in today could fit that description?
As the evil increases in the last days, so will God’s spirit:
“‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams” Acts 2:17.
I love how author Don Finto, in his book The Handbook for the End Times, describes the last days. He explains how one of Jesus’ parables paints the perfect picture of what it will be like during this time.
In this parable, found in Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus illustrates the Kingdom of Heaven by describing how it is “like a farmer who planted good seed in his field” (verse 24). But during the night, the enemy snuck and planted weeds among the wheat. Therefore, both the weeds and the grain grew alongside of each other simultaneously.
Referring to this parable, Don Finto said, “The ‘people of the evil one’ will flourish, mature and ripen into the wickedest, the most lustful, the most terrorizing, the most idolatrous, the most selfish generation in the history of the world. But at the same time, the ‘people of the Kingdom’ will mature, flourish and ripen as we move into our destiny of becoming the most powerful, godly, miracle-working, radiant body of believers the world has ever known. Both growing side by side until the end!”
What Must Happen before the Events of Revelation Take Place?
In the last days, we know that…
The Good news will be preached throughout the earth:
“And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come” Matthew 24:14.
There will be wars and rumors of wars:
“And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately”Matthew 24:6.
There will be false messiahs and false prophets:
“Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones” Matthew 24:23-24.
The antichrist will appear:
“Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come” John 2:18.
There will be signs in the sky:
“‘Immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken” Matthew 24:29.
There will be those who mock the promise of Jesus’ coming:
“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, ‘What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created’” 2 Peter 3:3-4
People will receive the Mark of the Beast:
“He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666” Revelation 13:16-18.
People will turn away from true faith and embrace demonic teachings (which sounds similar to the popular New Age teachings of today):
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons…” 1 Timothy 4:1.
There will be terrifying disasters and miraculous signs:
“There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven” Luke 21:11.
Christians will be hated, and many will turn away from Christ and turn against each other:
“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other” Matthew 24:9-10.
Sin will be widespread:
“Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold” Matthew 24:12.