Smith translated an ancient text by the gift and power of god to produce the book of mormon, lds sacred text. Consequently, there are a wide variety of interpretations about the meaning of the book, particularly in the traditional christian world. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Containing about fifty copied revelations, this manuscript book was an important source text for the 1835 doctrine and covenants. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. Reading the book of revelation is like stepping inside a red corvette. I highly recommend this book for those wanting to gain a greater understanding of the book of revelation, especially from an lds perspective. Previous to this book bh roberts project of synthesizing and editing the journals and history of the church, which was eventually published as the 7 volume series, as the history of the church, was the only project like this. Nov 20, 2008 understanding the book of revelation is an excellent christian booklet with revelation bible charts that explain the symbols. It is no exaggeration to describe the book of revelation as a story of horrors and destructions. Numerous verses in the book of mormon and the doctrine and covenants aid our understanding of the apocalypse.
Book of revelation read, study bible verses online. So, the book of mormon, brought forth through the prophet joseph smith. Joseph smith said, the book of revelation is one of the plainest books god ever. Revelation for kids the book of revelation made simple for. In the face of apparently insuperable evil, either from within or from without, all christians are called to trust in jesus promise, behold, i am with you always, until the end of the age mt 28. To be the progressive church that dares to embrace the higher greater things as per the urantia book revelations, the lds church can continue its original charge and responsibility to lead fathers children into an era of the true fatherhood of god and brotherhood of man. At the time that john was exiled by rome to patmos and received the revelations recorded here, apostasy was already creeping into christs true church. This book was great surprise and will be a reference on my book shelf for many years to come. Rating system is not about how well the book is written, but on its contribution to the lds community 1 avoid, 2 if desperate, 3 good book for the topic, 4 best book for topic, 5 must read for your christian development.
Eve and adam lds living in early march, listeners of the all in podcast were introduced to melinda wheelwright brown and her upcoming book, eve and adam. As such, this can be ordered online, through the church or purchased at any deseret book. Revelation for kids the book of revelation made simple. The things john had already seen are recorded in chapter 1.
The book of revelation made easier in bible lds bookstore. Read the revelation with the same spirit that you would any gospel subject. Of all the books in the bible, the book of revelation is one of the most difficult to understand. If you want to better understand the book of revelation and the end times. The book of revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, but it remains valid and meaningful for christians of all time. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ. How understanding words meanings can unlock the book of. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. The books second and third chapters contain vital warnings to the seven churches that existed in asia minor in the first century a. From as early as justin martyr in the second century a. In the book s last chapter god reiterates that his words were given to reveal and not to be sealed revelation 22. The versebyverse commentary on revelation introduction this commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue. Latter day saints are in an excellent position to decipher and understand these symbols.
Revelations in context audiobook by the church of jesus. The manual states, john was one of the saviors original apostles. Since the rest of the vision is what john sees as each of the seven seals are opened, understanding the symbolism of the book and the seals is critical to understanding the book of revelation. Thanks be to the interpretive material found in sections 29, 77, 88, and others of the revelations in the doctrine and covenants and other latterday scriptures. A need exists for good, ldsoriented commentaries on the scriptures, especially biblical texts, and these two volumes begin to meet that need. This book was great surprise and will be a reference on my book shelf for many years to. As the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth 1. Revelation book 2, which is titled book of revelations and has often been known as the kirtland revelation book, was begun in early 1832. Get to know mother eve and father adam with the lds living book club pick for may. The book of revelation explained takes you on a easy to understand and eyeopening journey through the book of revelation.
At the time that john was exiled by rome to patmos. In these chapters god tells us what eternity with him will be like. Four times the author identifies himself as john 1. Applying the best available sources of commentary from a variety of scholars, donald and jay parry show that the book of revelation is meant for us to understand. The doctrine and covenants are a collection of writings revelations given to joseph smith. This is the best book hands down on the lds perspective of revelation that i have read thus far there are parts of the book of revelation whose meaning has yet to be revealed but where these are encountered the authors are candid enough to acknowledge this and to give us their best understanding as of now about those parts. Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john. The book of revelation, part 1 the challenges of the seven churches. The book of revelation is the last book of the bible in our canon for good reason. Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about jesus christ 1. Use scriptures and prophetic revelations that are more easily understood. In our study of the book of revelation, we must start out with the clear understanding that.
While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. The key to understanding the book of revelation is to interpret it as literally as possible. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. Apr 28, 2015 the book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols. Making sense of the doctrine and covenants deseret book. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. In his book understanding the book of mormon, hardy concedes that the deuteroisaiah problem is more crucial than many apologists will admit, but that a more promising avenue for faithful latterday saints is to acknowledge that we probably know less about what constitutes an inspired translation than we do about ancient israel. Latter day saints teach that the latter day saint movement began with a revelation from god. In short, the book of revelation is arguably the most important book you will read in your life time. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. And no other book of the bible promises blessings to those who read it, hear it and take to heart what is written in it. The book of mormon states that john the apostle is the author of revelation and that he was foreordained by god to write it.
It is the only biblical book that is wholly composed of apocalyptic literature. Jan 02, 2020 chapters 21 and 22 describe what is referred to as the eternal state. Continuous revelation provides individual latter day saints with a testimony, described by richard bushman as one of the. The author of the book of revelation, saint john the divine, offers a transcription of seven letters and later describes strange beasts, visions of judgments, governments, demonic battles, heaven, and a new world order a prophetic vision for the end of the world. If we did not realize already that it takes a lifetime to understand the bible and thats a good thing, the point is driven home when we get to the last book in the biblerevelation. The book of revelation takes an approach to the plan of salvation that is found nowhere else in all of our inspired writings. Paul spilsburys book is a close runnerup for my go to book for an introduction to revelation. Overall i really enjoyed the book and gained new insights. It also is available on audio file for listening, as well as through. This framework is primarily laid out in daniel and. According to the book of mormon, the bible went through the hands of a great and abominable. Lds discussions examines the changes to revelations joseph smith claimed to receive, and why the changes were made. With brief, easy to understand versebyverse notes, renowned educator and seasoned gospel scholar david j.
May 16, 2007 this is the best book hands down on the lds perspective of revelation that i have read thus far there are parts of the book of revelation whose meaning has yet to be revealed but where these are encountered the authors are candid enough to acknowledge this and to give us their best understanding as of now about those parts. Understanding the book of revelation is an excellent christian booklet with revelation bible charts that explain the symbols. The language and imagery is so chosen as to appeal to the maturing gospel scholar, to those who already love the lord and have some knowledge of his goodness and grace. For nonlds this book will provide a good summary of what lds scripture adds to the understanding of the apocalypse of john. The book depicts him as the risen, glorified son of god ministering among the churches 1. The book of revelation, also called revelation to john or apocalypse of john is the last canonical book of the new testament in the bible.
Includes definitions, symbols, ways of approaching the text, and different interpretations. This summary of the book of revelation provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of revelation. While the section headings provide context for the revelations, they dont tell the compl. The revelation of john the apostle byu new testament.
Understanding revelations in the bible biblical archaeology. Its message for the righteous continues to promote comfort and confidence. The bibles final book, revelation, can seem intimidating or downright impossible to comprehend, even for serious students of the scriptures. Johns work stands as a testament of the foreknowledge of god and has thereby given hope and assurance through nearly two millennia. Yet the book of revelation need not remain closed, at least for latterday saints who accept modern revelation. Filled with complex imagery, vivid depictions of violence, and challenging spiritual references, revelation is often set aside by readers in favor of more straightforward, easiertodigest biblical material. People have shied away from this book because of its use of symbolism and its cryptic references. Rns what the lds curriculum attempts to do with revelation. The time for understanding the book of revelation is now at hand. Lund in encyclopedia of mormonism a brief outline of revelation.
Understanding the book of revelation is a timely book as we approach the twentyfirst century. This view also ignores revelations prophetic character and, if carried to its logical conclusion, severs the book from any connection with actual historical events. When studying the revelation its very easy to feel lost. Is it possible for the book to be made easier for latterday saints to understand. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. Seeing the book of revelation as a book of revelation. Understanding the book of revelation and the book of. It is the final expression of and complement to the prophecies of the jewish prophets. The answers, direct from god, are contained in the collection of modern revelations called the doctrine and covenants. Applying the best available sources of commentary from a variety of scholars, donald and jay parry show that the book of revelation is meant for us to understand and that it is possible to understand it.
Many of the revelations reference passages in the bible old and new testaments. The book of revelation was written in the first century a. The versebyverse commentary on revelation introduction this commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it. The teachings of the bible are upheld and clarified. Apocalypticism was not a new phenomenon among christians. The bible dictionary of the lds edition of the king james bible places the. We provide photos showing the differences between the book of commandments and the doctrine and covenants and highlight the timing of changes. Messages of the book of revelation for latterday saints. A simple outline for the book of revelation is found in revelation 1. Fortunately, these were two of the topics addressed by the prophet in doctrine and covenants 77. Two book of mormon passages underscore the importance of the revelation of john for the latter days. The key to understanding is the mysterious book of revelation is comprehending its story flow. Through modern revelation, mormons know that there will be.
Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. Whether were looking for gospel meaning or struggling with understanding revelations in the bible, historical bible study can help us find our way. Now you can appreciate the book of revelation as never before. This book contains stories told from the point of view of those who experienced the revelations in the doctrine and covenants, giving us insight into their meaning. The teachings in the book of mormon coincide with the teachings of the bible. On sunday, july 28, upsas open heart conversation ohc will focus on the church of jesus christ of latterday saints lds and understanding the revelations given to prophet and church founder joseph smith. Understanding the book of revelation pamphlet is a basic guide to bible prophecy. It is, of course, the cryptic symbolism of revelation that makes it challenging to understand. God reveals a basic framework for understanding future events.
Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. Exploring the text of the doctrine and covenants,eds. Ridges shares his highly acclaimed approach to teaching the scriptures in this volume of the awardwinning gospel studies series, the book of revelation made easier. Book of revelation mormonism, the mormon church, beliefs. The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand. Ben witherington iii, author of the following article, asking the right question, once hitched a ride from a couple who believed the earth was flat. It starts out simply enough, it is a revelation in greek, apocalypse from jesus christ, it is a prophecy, and it comes as a letter to seven churches. In the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. Revelation reveals the events of the day of the lord revelation 1. Revelation 12 to 22 he that overcometh shall inherit.
In the first chapter, the risen and exalted christ is speaking to john. I purchased this book as a companion book to help develop a better understanding of the doctrine and covenants and the history and people at the time of many of the revelations. A few years ago, melinda wheelwright brown began to be bothered by the gulf between the divine. Bauckhams book will guide you into a richer understanding of the symbolism and their significance and literary art of johns prophetic imagination. Revelation then becomes merely a collection of stories designed to teach spiritual truth.
Jun 17, 2018 the book of revelation explained takes you on a easy to understand and eyeopening journey through the book of revelation. John, revelations of the encyclopedia of mormonism. This book is an invaluable resource for any home library. Relates to the things which are, that is, the then present state of the church, and contains the epistle of john to the seven churches, and his account of the appearance of the lord jesus, and his direction to the apostle to write what he beheld, ch.
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