Peter tells us that Jesus Christ (who he calls “a lamb without blemish and without spot”) was chosen “before the foundation of the world” to save us (1 Peter 1:19-20).
Multiple Book of Mormon prophets declared the same truth. For example, King Benjamin taught his people that the Atonement of Jesus Christ was “prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord” (Mosiah 4:6-7).
In the book of Revelation, John dramatizes this event from our premortal existence, using the symbol of a book.
I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
Revelation 5:1
Joseph Smith explained that this book “contains the revealed will, mysteries, and the works of God; the hidden things of his economy concerning this earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 77:6). Or we could characterize the book even more simply, as this week’s Come Follow Me manual does, by saying that the book contained “Heavenly Father’s plan” for His children.
In John’s vision, an angel asks, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” (Revelation 5:2). During the anxious pause that followed, everyone present realized that they were unable to “open the book.” None of us could fulfill God’s plan. As this realization hit home, John tells us that he “wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon” (Revelation 5:4).
Then, he heard news which turned his grief into joy. “The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (Revelation 5:5).
At that moment, everyone present burst out in joyful song, knowing that God’s loving plan for us would be fulfilled by our Savior. Here are the words they sang:
Thou art worthy to take the book,
and to open the seals thereof:
for thou wast slain,
and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood…Worthy is the Lamb
Revelation 5:8, 12; see also Revelation 4:11
that was slain
to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Then, they added these words, expressing their gratitude both to God the Father, the author of the plan, and Jesus Christ, who would fulfill it: “Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Revelation 5:13; see also Revelation 7:12). Finally, four of the heavenly beings who were present said, “Amen,” a Hebrew word which means basically, “That is the truth.” (Revelation 5:14).
This scene from John’s vision represents such a powerful testimony of the Savior that it serves as the grand finale of George Frederic Handel’s oratorio “Messiah.” I hope you enjoy this performance of the piece by the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square:
Today, I will be grateful for our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and for the Savior who makes it possible for that plan to be fulfilled for each of us.