The City Eternal, by Keith Larson

December 25–31

Revelation 15–22

“He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things”

What does the battle between good and evil described in Revelation teach you about the importance of following Christ here on earth? After pondering this principle, consider the needs of your class members. What truths from Revelation can help them make righteous choices?

Invite Sharing

As class members come to the end of their New Testament study, encourage them to share their thoughts about the New Testament. Invite them to share how their scripture study has helped them better know Jesus Christ and become more like Him.

Teach the Doctrine

Revelation 17–18

We must separate ourselves from the wickedness of the world.

• It’s not particularly pleasant to read about the wickedness and fall of Babylon in Revelation 17–18, but it is instructive because Babylon can be a symbol of the wicked world we live in today. Maybe you could divide these chapters among class members and ask them to look for answers to questions like these: Why are people drawn to Babylon, or worldliness? Why is Babylon dangerous? What will happen to Babylon? What warnings did John give to help us avoid Babylon’s fate?

• After reading Revelation 18:4, class members could discuss how they can “come out of” Babylon and “be not partakers of her sins.” They could share scriptures or messages from Church leaders that have helped them resist the temptations of Babylon, or the world. Consider watching the video “Dare to Stand Alone” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) or reading Elder Quentin L. Cook’s statement in “Additional Resources.” Class members could share ideas about how to apply the two principles Elder Cook mentioned. In what sense do we “come out” of Babylon? (see, for instance, Isaiah 52:11; Doctrine and Covenants 25:10). What can we do to encourage others to do the same?

Dare to Stand Alone

Revelation 19–20

We can prepare for the Lord’s Second Coming and the Day of Judgment.

• The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is frequently called “the great and the terrible day of the Lord” (Joel 2:31), and based on Revelation 19–20, that seems like a good description. Consider writing on the board some of the events described in Revelation 19:5–21; 20:1–15. Invite class members to find the verses that describe these events. Why are these events called great and terrible? What do we learn from these verses about the Savior and those who follow Him? What can we do now to be among those who will rejoice at the time of His coming?

• To inspire a discussion about the book of life and the final judgment, you could invite class members to create a simple book by folding a piece of paper into fourths. They could then read Revelation 20:12–15; 2 Nephi 9:14; 29:11 and ponder what they would want to have written about them in the book of life. Invite them to write those things in their books, and invite a few class members to share something they wrote. What choices can we make now so that these things will be written in the book of life? To help class members not feel discouraged about their own spiritual progress, consider sharing counsel from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 40–42).

The Last Judgement, by John Scott

Revelation 21:1–22:5

If we are faithful, we will be blessed with celestial glory.

• Though the latter days are prophesied to be filled with wickedness and peril, the reward John saw for the faithful far exceeds the tribulation that precedes it. To help class members explore this beautiful conclusion to Revelation, you could invite them to review Revelation 21:1–22:5, looking for phrases that inspire them to strive for celestial glory. What promises are made to the faithful? How does this description help us when we face our current challenges and trials?

Additional Resources

Choosing righteousness over Babylon’s wickedness.

Elder Quentin L. Cook taught:

“We cannot avoid the world. A cloistered existence is not the answer. In a positive sense, our contribution to the world is part of our challenge and is essential if we are to develop our talents. …

“… Members of the Church need to be involved in the world in a positive way. How then do we balance the need to positively contribute to the world and to not succumb to the sins of the world? [See Doctrine and Covenants 25:10; 59:9.] Two principles will make a significant difference.

1. Let people know you are a committed Latter-day Saint. …

2. Be confident about and live your beliefs” (“Lessons from the Old Testament: In the World but Not of the World,” Ensign, Feb. 2006, 54–55).

Improving Our Teaching

Respect others’ agency. “People are more likely to make meaningful changes in their lives when those changes come from their own exercise of agency. When you extend invitations to act, be sure to respect the agency of those you teach” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 35).