34 - Rev. 19-22 - King of Kings,

Introduction

  • The thirty fourth session of roundtable discussions concludes with final chapters of the book of Revelation.

  • Participants:

    • Brother Victor Ludlow

    • Brother Jeffrey Marsh

    • Brother Richard Draper

    • Brother Joseph McConkey

Overview of Revelation Chapter 19

  • Verse 1: "…I heard a great voice of much people in heaven saying, Alleluia…"

    • This signals a shift from destruction to triumph and is a reflection of heavenly joy in anticipation of the second coming.

  • The chapter foreshadows the Second Coming, which is noted as a significant event visible to the whole world.

Multiple Comings of the Lord

  • The concept of various appearances of the Lord Jesus Christ prior to the Second Coming:

    • Acts 3: Peter prophesies of the appearances of Father and Son leading to restoration.

    • Malachi: Prophecy concerning the Savior's appearances in temples during the latter days.

    • 3 Nephi 21: Mention of the Savior appearing in New Jerusalem.

    • Doctrine and Covenants Section 27: The Savior projected to appear in the Valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman.

    • Section 133 of Doctrine and Covenants: 144,000 will be gathered in preparation for the Bridegroom's coming.

The Concept of Destruction and Restoration

  • The Second Coming marks an end to the current state of destruction brought about by "Babylon."

  • Babylon:

    • Viewed as ancient power with influence across cultural and commercial aspects.

    • Isaiah's chapters 13 and 14 foretell Babylon's downfall, representing worldly philosophies contrary to God’s will.

    • A parallel drawn between Babylon and contemporary influences that distract from the true doctrines of salvation.

Babylon's Influence and Inevitable Collapse

  • Babylon’s ideology presents salvation through means outside of God’s plans. It involves:

    • Materialism and immediate gratification misleading many into false belief systems.

    • The eventual self-destruction of Babylon as a result of wickedness and abandonment by those who once thrived on its philosophies.

  • Revelation 17:16: Describes Babylon being consumed by those who supported it.

  • Revelation 18:15: Merchants who profited from Babylon lament as its reality collapses.

  • Hugh Nibley's Analogy: Life resembles a play where Babylon is on stage while preparations for a new order, Zion, are occurring behind the scenes.

The Second Coming in Chapter 19

  • Chapter 19 is a definitive moment that illustrates the Lord’s return:

    • The righteous rejoice as they anticipate His coming.

    • Verse 7: "…the wife hath made herself ready," alludes to the preparation of the saints akin to a bride preparing for a marriage.

    • Function of Zion: A culture and community, rather than merely a physical location.

Divine Preparation and Endowment

  • The process of preparation for receiving the Lord when He returns emphasizes holiness and righteousness among the Saints.

  • Verse 9: Highlights the beatitude for those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb, indicating the importance of participation.

  • Verse 11: John sees the Lord on a white horse, symbolizing victory and authority with imagery depicting His righteousness.

The Two Suppers

  • There are two contrasting events:

    • The marriage feast for the righteous.

    • The supper of the great God, where the wicked will face judgment (Revelation 19:17).

  • The imagery suggests a significant separation between the saved and the lost.

Millennium and Binding of Satan (Chapter 20)

  • With the Second Coming initiating the Millennium:

    • Verse 2: Satan is bound for a thousand years, signifying a period of peace and order on the earth.

    • The text emphasizes both the power of the priesthood and the righteousness of the saints in binding Satan.

  • After the Millennium, a period of peace will transition into the release of Satan:

    • Verse 7: "When the thousand years has expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison", which raises concerns about potential wickedness returning.

Final Judgment and Eternal Perspective

  • The conclusion of Chapter 20 transitions to individual accountability and divine judgment for all people.

  • Those who overcome through faith will inherit everything (Revelation 21:7).

    • Overcoming is defined as believing in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:5).

Vision of the New Heaven and Earth (Chapter 21)

  • Verse 1: God promises a new heaven and a new earth following final judgment.

  • The intimate presence of God among His people is emphasized in Verse 3: "The tabernacle of God is with men."

  • Comfort and hope: Verse 4 affirms no more suffering, encouraging the enduring faith.

  • Brigham Young's assertion is referenced, recognizing the eternal joy outweighing temporal struggles.

Temple and the Absence of Chaos in Heaven

  • Verse 22: John sees no temple in heaven, suggesting the completion of genealogical work and victory over foreign influences (chaos symbolized by the sea).

  • The culmination of God’s purpose is to restore humanity to His presence where individuals become like Him.

Final Thoughts on the Book of Revelation

  • The dialogue emphasizes the distinct understanding of the Bible experienced through the lens of the Restoration of the gospel.

  • Quote from Joseph Smith History emphasizes the importance of spiritual revelation and understanding.

  • The interplay of prophetic insight and the ministering of the Holy Spirit allows for deeper comprehension of sacred texts, leading to insights unavailable to others.

  • Encouragement to embrace the teachings of the gospel and the prophetic experience as a means for personal edification and spiritual growth.