Revelation 13-14

Revelation 13-14 – to be discussed March 31
Day 1: Read Revelation 13:1-4 (with chapter heading and footnote 1a)
1. What does the chapter heading to Revelation 13 tell you about the beasts in this chapter?


2. Keeping in mind what the beasts represent, why do you think the beast that rises from the sea in Revelation 13:1 is described with characteristics of a leopard, bear and lion? Who gives it power and authority?


3. Why did all the world wonder after the beast? Who did the world worship?


BONUS: Rephrase the questions at the end of verse four in more modern language.


Day 2: Read Revelation 13:5-10, Bible Dictionary entry “Blasphemy,” Mormon 4:5
4. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Blasphemy.” Against whom or what does the beast’s mouth blaspheme?


5. [Note: The saints in verse 7 who will be overcome by the beast are those “whose names are not written in the book of life.” Similarly, “all that dwell upon the earth” in verse 8 refers to all the wicked.]
How do we sometimes give Satan power to war against us?



6. What does Revelation 13:10 indicate will happen to those who persecute the saints? Does Mormon 4:5 confirm this?


Day 3: Read Revelation 13:11-14
7. Describe the second beast. To whom did he encourage men to listen?


8. Can you think of any examples of a kind of person or entity today that looks like a lamb but speaks like a dragon? (No proper names, please.)


9. Why is it important for us to be guided by the witness of the Spirit, not basing our testimonies on miracles, signs or wonders?


Day 4: Read Revelation 13:15-18, D&C 1:16, Deuteronomy 6:4-9
10. Read D&C 1:16 with Revelation 13:15-16. What could the marks of Satan be?


11. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. What are the marks of Jesus Christ?


12. Does it sound like merchandise is important to those who worship the beast?


Day 5: Read Revelation 14:1-5, Review D&C 77:11, D&C 133:17-22
13. Where did John see the Savior standing in Revelation 14:1? Who was with him?


14. Read D&C 133:17-22 with Revelation 14:1-2. Where did Joseph Smith see the Savior standing? Whose voice sounds like many waters, according to this passage? How might that sound?


15. List characteristics of the 144,000 from Revelation 14:4-5. [Note: “not defiled” means morally chaste, clean.]

BONUS: Read D&C 84:95-102. When will this “new song” be sung? What is the message of the song?



Day 6: Read Revelation 14:6-12, Bible Dictionary entry “Babylon”
16. What kinds of voices do the angels of the restoration* use? Why do these angels command us to “Fear God and give glory to him”?


17. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Babylon.” What are three possible meanings for the city of Babylon?


18. What is the punishment for those who worship the beast and receive his mark?



Day 7: Read Revelation 14:13-20, D&C 12:1-4
[Note: Mark the second Beatitude in Revelation 14:13.]
19. From where did John see the angel come in Revelation 14:15? Read D&C 12:1-4. Who are being reaped?


20. Over what does the angel from the altar have power? Now who is being reaped? Into what will they be cast?


21. Where is the winepress of the Lord? Gethsemane? Armageddon? Neither? Both?



*From the Institute Manual: (55-29) Revelation 14:6, 7 . “And I Saw Another Angel . . . Having the Everlasting Gospel”
“Now, as to the actual work of restoration—what angel performed this mighty deed, this work which involves the salvation of all men on earth in these latter-days? Who restored the everlasting gospel? Was it one angel or many?
“It is traditional (and true!) to reply: ‘Moroni, son of Mormon, the now resurrected Nephite prophet, who holds the keys of “the stick of Ephraim” ( D. & C. 27:5 ), the one through whose ministry the Book of Mormon was again brought to light.’ The reasoning that the Book of Mormon contains ‘the fulness of the everlasting gospel’ ( D. & C. 135:3 ); that therein is God’s message of salvation for all of the earth’s inhabitants; and that this gospel message is now being taken by the Lord’s witnesses to one nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people after another. . . .
“. . . But other angels were yet to come—Moses, Elias, Elijah, Gabriel, Raphael, and ‘divers angels. . . . all declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little.’ ( D. & C. 128:21 .)
“Thus the angel Moroni brought the message, that is, the word; but other angels brought the keys and priesthood, the power. And in the final analysis the fulness of the everlasting gospel consists of all of the truths and powers needed to enable men to gain a fulness of salvation in the celestial heaven.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:528–30.)