Even though I’ve read Revelation before, this December it has meant more to me than ever before. I never noticed before how many phrases and concepts from Revelation are prevalent in the Book of Mormon, including the New Jerusalem, the idea that we will be filthy still or righteous still at the Final Judgment, and the importance of the spirit of prophecy. It’s unsurprising that significant concepts from this book would find their way into the Book of Mormon, given that Nephi tells us at the beginning of the book that he saw what John would later see (1 Nephi 14:18-27).
In the course of studying the book this month, I’ve developed a better appreciation for its content and structure. Here is how I would outline the book:
- Introduction and seven letters to the churches (chapters 1-3)
- The book with seven seals (seven trumpets during the seventh seal) (chapters 4-11)
- The dragon, the beasts, the woman in the wilderness, and the Lamb (chapters 12-15)
- Seven vials with plagues, the fall of Babylon (chapters 16-18)
- The Marriage Supper, the Millennium, the New Jerusalem (chapters 19-22)
As I’ve become more familiar with the book, I’ve come to better appreciate its joyous message, as represented by the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah (Revelation 19:6, Revelation 11:15, Revelation 19:16), by the piece “Worthy Is the Lamb” from that same oratorio (Revelation 5:12-14), and by the piece “He Is the Root and the Offspring of David” from The Redeemer by Robert Cundick (Revelation 22:16-17, 20).
Overall, my study of Revelation this month has renewed my appreciation for the following principles:
- God governs the universe. We can approach Him with both reverence and with complete confidence. However chaotic things may seem in the short run, we can be assured of His ultimate triumph.
- God invites us to receive His blessings. He is reaching out to us in ways we may miss if we are not paying attention. His blessings are abundantly available to all of His children.
- Discipleship requires total commitment. When we choose to participate in an activity, especially in the gospel, we need to be all-in. We should also invite others to act and discover the joy of the gospel for themselves.
- The Second Coming of Jesus Christ will be a joyful occasion. The angels who initiated the Restoration empowered us to carry the gospel to the entire world and to prepare people for the Savior’s return. That work continues today. Like the people who welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem with palm branches, we will be overjoyed to be with Him. Like John, we can say with hope and anticipation, “Even so, come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20; see also Alma 13:25).