All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “They Overcame … by the Blood of the Lamb” CFMCorner Dec 8, 2023 22 min read Updated: Dec 11, 2023 CFM: December 11–17 Revelation 6–14 Videos and Podcasts Video/ Podcast ​Lesson Extension ​Additional Materials Scripture Central Revelation 6-14 Study Guide Follow Him Revelation 6-14 Part 1 , Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line Revelation 6-14 Teaching with Power Revelation 6-14 ​ Don't Miss This Revelation 6-14 ​ ​CFM New Testament Revelation 6-14 ​Unshaken Revelation 1–5 ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) ​ ​The Interpreter Foundation Revelation 6-14 ​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh ​Teaching Helps with John Hilton Revelation 6-14 ( not yet posted ) ​ ​Scripture Gems Revelation 6-14 ​ ​Ponderfun Revelation 6-14 ​Talking Scripture Revelation 6-14 ( Bryce on Temple Symbols , 7 , 8-10 , 11 , 12 Show Notes: Temple Symbols , 7 , 8-10 , 11 , 12 ​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class , New Testament Revelation 1–5: Notes , Slides , Handout arnt29_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 11.70MB In last week's lesson, I mentioned that I had recently made some new friends at a CFM gatthering. One of whom is Oak Norton, the developer of Scripture Notes . Oak and I met this week for a one-on-one, where he walked me through his website, and I must say, it's pretty great. One challenge I've faced in my own studies is effectively searching for specific words or phrases in the Triple Combination. For Bible research, there are several tools like Blue Letter and Bible Hub that facilitate in-depth research, but doing an in depth exploration of the Book of Mormon can be a bit more challenging. The search functions on LDS Tools are useful but they can be somewhat cumbersome, additionally there isn't an easy way to save my searches and incorporate things like video or media options. Scripture Notes addresses many of these issues. It not only enhances search capabilities but also integrates seamlessly with Blue Letter, Bible Hub, Webster's1828 Dictionary, and other tools, which I greatly appreciate. The program is packed with incredible features, many of which are available in the free version. There's also a premium paid version ($5/month or $50/year) that offers additional functionalities, and for what I do, the extra features are worth the investment. Oak has given me permission to share some of his tutotials and such. I'm excited to play with this more, and see how I can incorporate some of these features into my own study. Overview: Example of what you can do with Scripture Notes: Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson In last week's lesson there was a lot of background information provided. While that information is a lot to take in, it really helps one to make better sense of the Book of Revelation, and that information is foundational for the things we will be studying in this lesson and in the lessons to come. So if you have not had a chance to look at last week's lesson do that now, before moving on, or a lot of what is presented in the lesson this week is not going to make sense. The Book of Revelation through the Lens of Latter-day Saint Teachings: An Analysis Introduction The Book of Revelation, a profound piece of scriptural text, holds a special place in Latter-day Saint (LDS) theology. While sharing common grounds with traditional Christian and Jewish perspectives, LDS interpretations infuse unique doctrinal insights that add depth to its understanding. Particularly, the first fourteen chapters of Revelation, laden with rich symbolism and prophetic imagery, are seen through the lenses of ongoing revelation, pre-mortal existence, and the Latter-Day gathering of Israel. Review In our previous lesson , we delved into the Book of Revelation, exploring it through a Jewish lens to better understand its historical and cultural context. We examined the period in which Revelation was written, considering the Jewish roots of the text alongside the early development of Christianity and the growth of the Church. A key focus was on the symbolism used in Revelation, interpreting it from both Jewish and LDS perspectives. This approach involved utilizing scriptures and various tools and scholarly resources to unravel the layers of meaning embedded in the text. We also discussed the importance of Jewish culture and learning traditions, especially in the context of numerical representation. The ancient practice of using the alphabet for numerical values was highlighted, given that our modern Hindu-Arabic numbering system was not yet in existence at the time Revelation was written. This insight is crucial for understanding how Jewish and early Christian audiences would have interpreted the text, particularly with its numerous references to Temple imagery and prophetic traditions. In summarizing Revelation chapters 1 to 5, we touched upon the opening of the text, where John introduces the setting and purpose of his revelation. The chapters are rich with symbolic imagery and references to divine authority and power, setting the stage for the unfolding visions and messages that John receives. These initial chapters lay the groundwork for understanding the rest of Revelation, rooted in the deep Jewish and early Christian traditions that shape its narrative and thematic elements. Revelation 1: Prologue and Vision of Christ In LDS thought, Revelation begins with a reaffirmation of the principle of ongoing revelation. Christ's revelation to John mirrors the LDS belief in continuous divine communication through modern prophets. This resonates with the Jewish emphasis on the revelatory process, though LDS teachings uniquely underscore the continuity of prophecy into the present day. Revelation 2-3: Letters to the Seven Churches These chapters are interpreted as timeless guidance, applicable to the LDS Church across all ages. The conditions of the ancient churches are seen as reflective of challenges facing modern believers, emphasizing the need for steadfastness in faith and adherence to divine commandments – a theme also prevalent in Jewish teachings. Revelation 4-5: Heavenly Vision, Throne Theophany, and the Book with Seven Seals The heavenly council scene in these chapters has particular significance in LDS doctrine, aligning with beliefs in a pre-mortal existence and a grand heavenly council. Christ's role as the Redeemer and the only being worthy to open the seals is central. The depiction of divine sovereignty and celestial worship shares commonality with Jewish reverence for God's majesty. This Week In the sections we cover this week, we pick up from last week’s lesson and begin to examine the text from the lens of the Restoration. In verse 5 of last week’s lesson, we were introduced to the concept of Throne Theophany. The term “theophany” is derived from two Greek words: 1 . Θεός (Theos): This means “God” in Greek. 2. φαίνω (phaino): This means “to appear” or “to show, bring forth light” in Greek. The Hebrew word used for this word in the Septuagent is הֵאִיר, which means “the light,” as in Gen 1:17. Thus, “theophany” literally means “appearance of God,” “God giving light/ enlightenment,” or “manifestation of God”. This term is often used to describe instances in religious texts where God appears to humans in a tangible form. An article written by Blake Ostler, titled The Throne-Theophany and Prophetic Commission in 1 Nephi: A Form Critical Analysis can p rovi de some valuable insight into the the visionary experience of John that we are examining this week in the Book of Revelation. Throne theophany, as explored by Blake Ostler, is a concept that holds a significant place in religious literature, including the Book of Mormon and the Book of Revelation. This pattern typically depicts a righteous individual, overwhelmed by their society's immorality, who is then spiritually uplifted to experience a divine revelation. In this vision, the individual witnesses God enthroned in celestial majesty, surrounded by a heavenly assembly. This scene is not merely a narrative element but symbolizes the divine authority bestowing a sacred mission upon the prophet or messenger. This powerful imagery of God’s throne room serves as a direct commissioning from God, reinforcing the prophet's legitimacy and their divine mandate. Ostler's analysis finds parallel expressions in the Book of Mormon, particularly in 1 Nephi with Lehi's vision, and in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation, John's vision of God’s throne room is rich with symbolism and celestial grandeur, showing God amidst heavenly beings. This vision reinforces John's role as a prophet, similar to Lehi’s experience, underscoring a universal pattern of divine commissioning found in both biblical and pseudepigraphic texts. The concept of throne theophany thus serves as a crucial link between these texts, providing a deeper understanding of the nature of prophetic experiences and revelations. It highlights the continuity of divine-human interaction across different religious traditions, emphasizing the consistency of God’s communication with His chosen messengers. In the next several chapters, John continues to describe his visionary experience with the Throne Room of God drawing upon many symbolic concepts to articulate his message. Revelation 6-7: Opening of the Seals and Dispensationalism LDS interpretation of the opening of the seven seals often correlates with different periods of human history, known as dispensations. Each seal is thought to represent a distinct dispensation, from Adam to the present day, aligning with the LDS belief in the restoration of the gospel in the latter days ( Seven Dispensations ) . This perspective also ties into the notion of the gathering of Israel, a crucial element in both LDS and traditional Jewish eschatology. Revelation 8-11: The Trumpets The sounding of the trumpets is typically