“December 25–31. Revelation 15–22: ‘He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things,’” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 (2022)
“December 25–31. Revelation 15–22,” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: 2023
The City Eternal, by Keith Larson
December 25–31
Revelation 15–22
“He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things”
Sometimes the biggest obstacle to learning is our assumption that we don’t need to learn—that we already know. As you read the scriptures, be open to new insights that the Lord wants to give you.
Record Your Impressions
As you may recall, the book of Revelation begins with the Savior declaring Himself to be “the beginning and the ending” (Revelation 1:8). Fittingly, it ends with similar words: “I am … the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). But what does that mean? The beginning and the end of what? The book of Revelation powerfully testifies that Jesus Christ is the beginning and end of everything—of the great, sweeping drama of human existence and salvation. He is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). And He is the King of kings who brings an end to wickedness, sorrow, and even death itself and ushers in “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).
Yet before this new heaven and new earth arrive, there is much for us to overcome: plagues, wars, rampant wickedness—all of which Revelation vividly describes. But Jesus Christ is with us during this part too. He is the “bright and morning star” that shines in the dark sky as a promise that dawn is coming soon (Revelation 22:16). And it is coming soon. He is coming. Even as He invites us, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28), He also comes to us. “I come quickly,” He declares. And with hope and faith that has been purified in the fires of latter-day adversity, we answer, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
The Lord invites me to flee Babylon and inherit “the holy city.”
After witnessing the destruction and perils of the last days, John saw a future day that can be summed up in the Lord’s declaration “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). One way to understand what that means is to contrast John’s description of Babylon, the symbol of worldliness and wickedness (see Revelation 16–18), with his description of the new Jerusalem, symbolic of celestial glory in God’s presence (see Revelation 21–22). The chart below might help you:
|
Babylon |
New Jerusalem |
|---|---|
Babylon | New Jerusalem |
Babylon | New Jerusalem |
Babylon | New Jerusalem |
Babylon | New Jerusalem |
Babylon | New Jerusalem |
What other differences do you see?
You might also ponder what it means for you to “come out of” Babylon (Revelation 18:4). What do you find in Revelation 21–22 that inspires you to do so?
The Last Judgement, by John Scott
All of God’s children will be judged out of the book of life.
Suppose an author offered to write a book about your life. What details or experiences would you want included? If you knew that your future actions would also be recorded, how would you approach your life differently? Think about this as you read Revelation 20:12–15. What do you hope will be written about you in the book of life? How would you describe the Savior’s role in your book of life? In your opinion, why is it significant that it is called “the Lamb’s book of life”? (Revelation 21:27).
If the thought of standing before God to be judged is uncomfortable for you, consider reading Revelation 21:1–4. Referring to these verses, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has said:
“That Day of Judgment will be a day of mercy and love—a day when broken hearts are healed, when tears of grief are replaced with tears of gratitude, when all will be made right. Yes, there will be deep sorrow because of sin. Yes, there will be regrets and even anguish because of our mistakes, our foolishness, and our stubbornness that caused us to miss opportunities for a much greater future.
“But I have confidence that we will not only be satisfied with the judgment of God; we will also be astonished and overwhelmed by His infinite grace, mercy, generosity, and love for us, His children” (“O How Great the Plan of Our God!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 21).
How do these truths affect the way you view the Final Judgment? What do these truths inspire you to change in your life?
See also Bible Dictionary, “Book of life.”
Do these verses mean that there cannot be any additional scripture besides the Bible?
Some people have cited Revelation 22:18–19 as a reason to reject the Book of Mormon and other latter-day scripture. You can find an answer to this objection in Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “My Words … Never Cease” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 91–94).
Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening
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Revelation 15:2–4.As your family discusses these verses, which refer to “the song of Moses” and “the song of the Lamb,” you might read the song of Moses in Exodus 15:1–19, along with other songs mentioned in the scriptures, like Doctrine and Covenants 84:98–102. Why might those who get “the victory over the beast” (Revelation 15:2) feel like singing songs like these? Perhaps your family could sing a hymn or children’s song of praise.
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Revelation 19:7–9.Perhaps you could look at wedding pictures from your family history or talk about a time when your family attended a wedding celebration. Why is a marriage a good comparison for the Lord’s covenant with His Church? (See also Matthew 22:1–14.)
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Revelation 20:2–3.How does 1 Nephi 22:26 help us understand what it may mean for Satan to be “bound”?
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Revelation 22:1–4.What might it mean to have the Savior’s name “in [our] foreheads”? (Revelation 22:4; see also Exodus 28:36–38; Mosiah 5:7–9; Alma 5:14; Moroni 4:3; Doctrine and Covenants 109:22; David A. Bednar, “Honorably Hold a Name and Standing,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 97–100).
For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
Suggested song: “When He Comes Again,” Children’s Songbook, 82–83.
Improving Our Teaching
Follow up on invitations to act. “When you follow up on an invitation to act, you show [your family members] that you care about them and how the gospel is blessing their lives. You also give them opportunities to share their experiences” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 35).
Christ in red robes sitting upon a white horse.