In this lesson we covered the first few chapters of the book of Revelation. We focused on the history and teachings of John while he was exiled on Patmos. We focused on the way his inspired pattern for correcting behavior (praise, correct, promise) and how we could apply that in our lives.

1. “He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things”
GD NT Lesson 45: Revelation 1-3 & 12

2. Introduction
Jesus to Nicodemus he could be born again
John 3:4
The woman at the well was offered living
water
John 4:11
The apostles were warned about the “leaven
of the Pharisees”
Mark 8:15-16
What is the common thread? The words of
Christ were interpreted literally when
intended to be symbolic
Revelations is poetic imagery. It is intended
to teach through visual cues

3. Bruce R. McConkie
“Are we expected to understand the
book of Revelation?” and then
responded, Certainly. Why else did
the Lord reveal it? The common
notion that it deals with beasts and
plagues and mysterious symbolisms
that cannot be understood is just not
true. It is so far overstated that it
gives an entirely erroneous feeling
about this portion of revealed truth. If
we apply ourselves with full purpose
of heart, we can catch the vision of
what the ancient Revelator recorded.”

4. History
Written by John (one of the original apostles)
Banished to the island of Patmos (off west coast of present-day Turkey)
“Revelation” was translated from the Greek word “Apocolypse” = to make
known or uncover
Bible Dictionary: Revelation of John (para 1&2)
Purpose: triumph of Christ (hope), intended to help us make choices about
our day - not simply a play-by-play of the last days
Guidelines to Understanding Section
Written in two parts (1-3: church in his day, 4-22, future (not necessarily
in chronological order)

5. John sees several symbols
representing parts of the Church of
Jesus Christ
4 things we should do with the book of Revelation JST Rev 1:1-3 (pg
799)
Read, hear, understand (added in JST) and keep
Why was understanding added? How does understanding alter
how we ‘keep’?
How do we gain real understanding…if it is beyond us? 3 Nephi
17:3
Isn’t that comforting doctrine? We don’t need to be scholars,
just humble truth-seekers
Why is ‘keep’ so often overlooked when it comes to the book of
Revelation? Are we too focused on the interpretation of symbol

6. Chapter 1: Symbols
Revelation 1:10-12,
(interpretation given in vs 20)
Candlestick is a KJV word for
menorah/lamp (used oil in the
seven bowls). Olive oil is often
used as a symbol for the Spirit
(giving light, healing, peace)
How is this an appropriate
symbol for wards & branches
today? McConkie quote (next
slide)

7. Bruce R. McConkie
“Candlesticks carry light; they do
not create it. Their function is to
make it available, not to bring it
into being. So by using seven
candlesticks to portray the seven
churches to whom John is now to
give counsel, the Lord is showing
that his congregations on earth
are to carry his light to the world”
(Doctrinal New Testament
Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73],
3:442).

8. Chapter 1: Symbols
Where is the Savior in relation to the candlesticks?
Rev 1:13
He is not an absentee ruler, he is among us
Rev 1:14-16
What do golden girdle, white hair, fine brass,
and sunshine all connect with? Victory through
purity
vs 15, his voice as the sound of many waters
ATOT: Bridal veil falls in spring. The sound of
the river was soothing yet struck fear in me at
the same time.
How is His voice like that feeling?

9. Chapter 1: Symbols
vs 16, seven stars (vs 20, servants/leaders) of the Church, how is that an
apt symbol? They are constant, we can navigate by them. We can feel
secure that they rest in His hand.
vs 16, two-edged sword, Truth cuts deeply (1 Ne 16:2)
Truth will always motivate us to do something (either to be humble and
change or to be prideful and rebel)
2 different responses to Abinidi’s testimony: The wicked priests hear truth
and sought to kill him, Alma heard truth and was compelled by the Spirit
to flee
ATOT: teaching Sam to write a letter g. He wanted to do it "his way"
which looked like a q. Anyway that isn't the right way is, by default, wrong

10. Chapter 1: Symbols
Rev 1:17-18
What is John’s response to seeing the power and majesty of the Savior?
How does the Savior comfort him? A tender touch & testimony.
Keys in ancient time were rare and worn around the neck. They signified authority and
power.
What does keys of ‘death and hell’ mean? 2 Ne 9:10, death = death of the body, hell =
death of the spirit.
How does Christ have the keys of death and hell? Resurrection and atonement.
Rev 3:7, He has the key to allow us access to the Father. He alone can open or shut it.
Yet his promise in vs 8 is reassuring - the door is wide open.
Mormon 9:3-4, he may not have to shut the door, if we are unworthy, we will be
uncomfortable entering (the door is always open)

11. The Lord tells the seven branches in Asia
about the blessings promised to those who
overcome
Chapters 2 & 3 contain the words of the Lord to each of the seven branches (example of his
‘in the midst of them’ leadership).
The verses deal with their strengths and weaknesses of each area.
The Savior’s correction pattern (Michael Wilcox book)
1. Praise for the positive
2. Correction for the negative
3. Promises offered if the transgressions are overcome
Why do we often skip step 1 and 3?
What does step 1 offer? Trust and comfort.
Why is step 3 important? Freakonomics: We response to incentives
It gives hope and determination to change.

12. To Ephesus
Praise: Rev 2:2-3
Correction: Rev 2:4
Promise: Rev 2:7
What is the tree of life?
1 Ne 11:21-22, Love of
God
Why is this the most
desirable of all blessings?

13. To Smyrna
Praise: Rev 2:9
How can we be in poverty but be “rich”
no needed correction: Rev 2:10
Promises: Rev 2:11
What is the second death? Spiritual death.
Alma 12:16, 32

14. To Pergamos
Praise: Rev 2:13
Correction: Rev 2:14, Balaam - OT prophet, was strong at first but eventually
gave in to Balak’s offer of riches and taught him how to weaken the army of
Israel.
Promises: Rev 2:17
hidden manna= sacred, not revealed to everyone (knowledge received in the
temple)
white stone = D&C 130: 10-11, gift of revelation
new name = associated with a change in authority, a fresh start, the
beginning of an era (The pope takes a new name, Kings & Queens receive a
new name at coronation)

15. To Thyatira
Praise: Rev 2:19
Correction: Rev 2:20
Jezebel, Ahab’s wife who brought
the worship of Baal back into Israel.
She was cast out of a window and
all of their descendants were killed.
Promises: Rev 2:26-27, JST (pg 799),
offers a much softer promise.
How are we like clay in the hands of
the potter?

16. To Sardis
Correction comes first (there is not much left to
compliment): Rev 3:1-2, hypocrisy: they have a
reputation for being Saints but are not living up to
it
Praise: Rev 3:4, a few remain faithful
Promises: Rev 3:5
What is the ‘book of life’? Bible Dictionary: sum
total of one’s thoughts and actions.

17. To Philadelphia
Praise: Rev 3:10-11
No correction (I’m sure they weren’t
perfect but he chose to focus on their
good)
Promise: Rev 3:12
What does a pillar do…especially in
Greek architecture? It hold up the
edifice, strengthens from within, is
permanent, brings beauty.
What does it mean to have his name
written on us? We will become like Him.

18. To Laodicea
Not much room for praise
Correction: Rev 3:15-17
How are we spiritually “lukewarm”
Gordon B. Hinckley: “Each of us has to face the matter—either the Church is
true, or it is a fraud. There is no middle ground. It is the Church and kingdom
of God, or it is nothing” (“Loyalty,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 60).
They had shifted their affection to worldly things. They aren’t against the
church, they just don’t feel its need.
ATOT: MTV Cribs, the houses were amazing but they were empty.
Promise: Rev 3:19-21, he shows an increase of love (just like he recommends in
D&C 121:43-44)

19. Conclusion
Rev 3:20
The door to our hearts is shut
He is knocking, calling out quietly
Why don’t we open it?
We don’t recognize the voice
Our house is a mess, we haven’t been
‘trimming our lamps, watching for him’
ATOT: Going to Katie’s house and
waiting in the driveway
If any man hear my voice and open the
door, I will come in (despite the state)