LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 77
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram,
Ohio, about March 1832. Joseph Smith’s history states, “In connection
with the translation of the Scriptures, I received the following
explanation of the Revelation of St. John.”
1–4, Beasts have spirits and will dwell in eternal felicity; 5–7, This
earth has a temporal existence of 7,000 years; 8–10, Various angels
restore the gospel and minister on earth; 11, The sealing of the
144,000; 12–14, Christ will come in the beginning of the seventh
thousand years; 15, Two prophets will be raised up to the Jewish nation.
1 Q. What is the sea of glass spoken of by John, 4th chapter, and 6th
verse of the Revelation? A. It is the earth, in its sanctified,
immortal, and eternal state.
Note: The sea of glass is symbolic of saved peoples in heaven.
After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in
heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking
with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must
take place after this.” Revelation 4:1
Note: Joseph Smith missed the purpose for the book of Revelation.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ Revelation 1:1
2 Q. What are we to understand by the four beasts, spoken of in the
same verse? A. They are figurative expressions, used by the Revelator,
John, in describing heaven, the paradise of God, the happiness of man,
and of beasts, and of creeping things, and of the fowls of the air;
that which is spiritual being in the likeness of that which is
temporal; and that which is temporal in the likeness of that which is
spiritual; the spirit of man in the likeness of his person, as also the
spirit of the beast, and every other creature which God has created.
Note: The living creatures that are similar to Ezekiel 1 give glory to God.
And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living
creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature
was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third
living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature
was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six
wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or
night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and
is to come!” Revelation 4:6-8
3 Q. Are the four beasts limited to individual beasts, or do they
represent classes or orders? A. They are limited to four individual
beasts, which were shown to John, to represent the glory of the classes
of beings in their destined order or sphere of creation, in the
enjoyment of their eternal felicity.
Note: The living creatures that are similar to Ezekiel 1 direct worship to God.
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him
who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four
elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who
lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne,
saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were
created.” Revelation 4:9-11
4 Q. What are we to understand by the eyes and wings, which the beasts
had? A. Their eyes are a representation of light and knowledge, that
is, they are full of knowledge; and their wings are a representation of
power, to move, to act, etc.
Note: God sees everyone and everything.
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall
according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is
living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing
even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and
is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is
no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to
the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:11-13
5 Q. What are we to understand by the four and twenty elders, spoken of
by John? A. We are to understand that these elders whom John saw, were
elders who had been faithful in the work of the ministry and were dead;
who belonged to the seven churches and were then in the paradise of God.
Note: The 24 elders are representative of believers from all ages who worship God.
Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the
twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and
golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And
they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and
to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by
Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and
have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the
earth.” Revelation 5:8-10
6 Q. What are we to understand by the book which John saw, which was
sealed on the back with seven seals? A. We are to understand that it
contains the revealed will, mysteries, and the works of God; the hidden
things of his economy concerning this earth during the seven thousand
years of its continuance, or its temporal existence.
Note: The seven seals represent the final end times before the return of Jesus Christ.
I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great
earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon
became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig
tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the
sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and
island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the
great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave
and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the
mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us
from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the
Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to
stand?” Revelation 6:12-17
7 Q. What are we to understand by the seven seals with which it was
sealed? A. We are to understand that the first seal contains the things
of the first thousand years, and the second also of the second thousand
years, and so on until the seventh.
Note: The first seal reveals the anti-Christ.
Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the
four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.”
And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow;
and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to
conquer. Revelation 6:1-2
Note: The second seal reveals peace taken from the earth.
When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature
saying, “Come and see.” Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was
granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that
people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great
sword. Revelation 6:3-4
Note: The third seal reveals famine upon the earth.
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say,
“Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat
on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the
midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a
denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm
the oil and the wine.” Revelation 6:5-6
Note: The fourth seal reveals death upon the earth.
When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living
creature saying, “Come and see.” So, I looked, and behold, a pale
horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed
with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to
kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the
earth. Revelation 6:7-8
Note: The fifth seal reveals those slain for their testimony of Jesus Christ.
When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those
who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they
held. Revelation 6:9
Note: The sixth seal announces the wrath of God to come upon the earth.
I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great
earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon
became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig
tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the
sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and
island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the
great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave
and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the
mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us
from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the
Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to
stand?” Revelation 6:12-17
8 Q. What are we to understand by the four angels, spoken of in the 7th
chapter and 1st verse of Revelation? A. We are to understand that they
are four angels sent forth from God, to whom is given power over the
four parts of the earth, to save life and to destroy; these are they
who have the everlasting gospel to commit to every nation, kindred,
tongue, and people; having power to shut up the heavens, to seal up
unto life, or to cast down to the regions of darkness.
Note: The four angels will release the judgments of God upon earth.
After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of
the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should
not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another
angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And
he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to
harm the earth and the sea Revelation 7:1-2
9 Q. What are we to understand by the angel ascending from the east,
Revelation 7th chapter and 2nd verse? A. We are to understand that the
angel ascending from the east is he to whom is given the seal of the
living God over the twelve tribes of Israel; wherefore, he crieth unto
the four angels having the everlasting gospel, saying: Hurt not the
earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants
of our God in their foreheads. And, if you will receive it, this is
Elias which was to come to gather together the tribes of Israel and
restore all things.
Note: This angel holds back destruction until the Jewish witnesses are gathered.
And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they
will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of
heaven to the other. Matthew 24:31
Note: Elijah is prophesied in Malachi chapter 4 and Revelation chapter 11.
10 Q. What time are the things spoken of in this chapter to be
accomplished? A. They are to be accomplished in the sixth thousand
years, or the opening of the sixth seal.
Note: the 144,000 Jewish witnesses are sealed for protection from the wrath of God.
Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of
the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to
whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm
the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of
our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of those who were
sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the
children of Israel were sealed: Revelation 7:2-4
11 Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and
forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel—twelve thousand
out of every tribe? A. We are to understand that those who are sealed
are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer
the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every
nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given
power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to
the church of the Firstborn.
Note: the 144,000 Jewish witnesses are sealed for protection from the wrath of God.
“For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Revelation 6:17
12 Q. What are we to understand by the sounding of the trumpets,
mentioned in the 8th chapter of Revelation? A. We are to understand
that as God made the world in six days, and on the seventh day he
finished his work, and sanctified it, and also formed man out of the
dust of the earth, even so, in the beginning of the seventh thousand
years will the Lord God sanctify the earth, and complete the salvation
of man, and judge all things, and shall redeem all things, except that
which he hath not put into his power, when he shall have sealed all
things, unto the end of all things; and the sounding of the trumpets of
the seven angels are the preparing and finishing of his work, in the
beginning of the seventh thousand years—the preparing of the way before
the time of his coming.
Note: The first four angels announce judgements of God upon earth.
So, the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to
sound. The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled
with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees
were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. Then the second
angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire
was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a
third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships
were destroyed. Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell
from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers
and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third
of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water,
because it was made bitter. Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third
of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars,
so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not
shine, and likewise the night. Revelation 8:6-12
13 Q. When are the things to be accomplished, which are written in the
9th chapter of Revelation? A. They are to be accomplished after the
opening of the seventh seal, before the coming of Christ.
Note: The fifth and sixth angels release demons upon unrepetitive mankind.
But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not
repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship
demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can
neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders
or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Revelation 9:20-21
14 Q. What are we to understand by the little book which was eaten by
John, as mentioned in the 10th chapter of Revelation? A. We are to
understand that it was a mission, and an ordinance, for him to gather
the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias, who, as it is written,
must come and restore all things.
Note: The seventh angel reveals the finality of the judgement of God.
The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his
hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created
heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are
in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be
delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel,
when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He
declared to His servants the prophets. Revelation 10:5-7
Note: The seventh angel is not Elijah.
15 Q. What is to be understood by the two witnesses, in the eleventh
chapter of Revelation? A. They are two prophets that are to be raised
up to the Jewish nation in the last days, at the time of the
restoration, and to prophesy to the Jews after they are gathered and
have built the city of Jerusalem in the land of their fathers.
Note: Moses and Elijah will prophesy in Jerusalem for three and a half years.
“Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, which I commanded him in Horeb
for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send
you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day
of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the
children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come
and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:4-6
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led
them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured
before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as
white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
talking with Him. Matthew 17:1-3
And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one
thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are
the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of
the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their
mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he
must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that
no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over
waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues,
as often as they desire. When they finish their testimony, the beast
that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them,
overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the
street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt,
where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes,
tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days
and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who
dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts
to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on
the earth. Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from
God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on
those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to
them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their
enemies saw them. In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a
tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were
killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Revelation 11:3-13
Note: Joseph Smith missed the purpose for the book of Revelation.
“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10