Revelation 4–5

Introduction

Revelation chapter 4 begins John’s vision of the future. John sees a door open in heaven and is invited to “come up hither” and glimpse God’s plan from a divine perspective. There he sees the throne of God, the earth in its celestial glory, and the many exalted beings singing praises to God and the Lamb. This is the blessed end for all of God’s faithful children from every dispensation. This is made possible because Jesus Christ, “the Lion of the tribe of Juda,” (Revelation 5:5) has “redeemed us to God by [His] blood” (v. 9) that we might be made “kings and priests” unto God (v. 10).

Prayerfully study Revelation 4–5and consider the following principles before preparing your lessons.

Some Important Gospel Principles to Look For

• Our Father in Heaven is the Creator of all things, and all those saved in the celestial kingdom will worship Him (see Revelation 4; 5:13–14; see also Isaiah 6:2–3; D&C 88:104).

• This earth has a temporal existence of seven thousand years from the Fall of Adam to the end of the Millennium. The earth will then become a celestial kingdom and be inhabited by the many sons and daughters of God who are exalted through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see Revelation 5:1, 9–11; see also Revelation 7:9–10; D&C 77:6–7, 12).

• Every creature will praise the Lamb of God, who was slain to redeem us in His kingdom (see Revelation 5:8–14; see also Isaiah 45:22–23).

Additional Resources

• The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, 456–58.

Suggestions for Teaching

Choose from the following ideas, or use some of your own, as you prepare lessons for Revelation 4–5.

Revelation 4. Our Father in Heaven is the Creator of all things, and all those saved in the celestial kingdom will worship Him.

(20–25 minutes)

Almost the entire book of Revelation after chapter 4 refers to events that were in the future in John’s day. To help students appreciate this chapter, consider singing or reading the words to “All Creatures of Our God and King” (Hymns, no. 62). Tell students that in chapter 4 they will learn of a time when this hymn will be fulfilled. Give them a copy of the accompanying chart as a handout, leaving the “Explanation” column blank. Have them mark the scriptures and complete the handout, working individually or in groups.

Revelation 4

What John Saw	Cross-Reference	Explanation
Throne of God (see vv. 2–3)	D&C 137:1–4	The throne in heaven upon which God sits
Twenty-four elders with crowns (see v. 4)	D&C 77:5	Faithful elders who belonged to the seven churches
Seven spirits of God (see v. 5)	JST, Revelation 1:4; 4:5	The servants over the seven churches
Sea of glass (see v. 6)	D&C 77:1; 130:6–9	The earth in its glorified state
Four beasts (see vv. 6–7)	D&C 77:2–3	Actual animals representing classes of glorified beings
Many eyes and six wings (see v. 8)	D&C 77:4	The beasts’ great knowledge and their power to move and act

When they finish, discuss what they learned. Use the following questions if desired:

• What was John to see while in heaven? (see Revelation 4:1).

• Who was sitting on the throne that John saw?

• Why would it have been important for the Saints in John’s day to know that those who died faithful to the gospel were wearing crowns before the throne of God?

• Why is it important for the Saints in our day to know that?

Have students read Revelation 4:8–11looking for the attitude of God’s creatures seen by John. Ask questions like the following:

• What do we learn from what the creatures said in verse 8?

• Why is giving glory, honor, and thanks to God so vital? (see v. 9).

• How can we better prepare ourselves to dwell in God’s presence for eternity? (see Mosiah 3:19; Helaman 3:35).

• According to verse 11, what is one reason that we worship God?

• What are some ways we can honor and worship God? (Discuss their answers.)

Testify that we truly worship God when we willingly submit ourselves to His will.

Revelation 5. This earth has a temporal existence of seven thousand years from the Fall of Adam to the end of the Millennium. Every creature will praise the Lamb of God, who was slain to redeem us in His kingdom.

(20–25 minutes)

Display the picture The First Vision (item no. 62470). Ask:

• Which of the individuals in this picture do we worship?

• Why do we worship the Father? (see Revelation 4:11for one reason).

• Why do we worship the Son?

Tell students that today we will discuss more fully why we worship Jesus Christ.

Give students a copy of the following quiz as a handout. Invite them to use their scriptures and answer as many questions as they can.

Revelation 5

1. What was contained in the book described in verse 1?

2. How long is the earth’s temporal existence?

3. Who was the only one who could open and read the book in verse 5?

4. What number change did the Prophet Joseph Smith make to verse 6?

5. Who did the spirits of God in this verse represent?

6. Were the four beasts in verse 8 actual animals? (see also Revelation 4:8).

7. Why was Jesus Christ able to open the sealed book?

8. How many angels did John see shouting praise to the Lamb? (see v. 11).

9. Who else praised Him?

Answers:

1. The “will, mysteries, and the works of God” concerning the earth during its temporal existence (see D&C 77:6).

2. Seven thousand years (see D&C 77:6).

3. Jesus Christ (see Revelation 22:16).

4. He changed the number seven to twelve (see JST, Revelation 5:6).

5. The Twelve Apostles (see JST, Revelation 5:6).

6. Yes, though in Revelation 4:8John describes them figuratively (see D&C 77:2–4).

7. Because of His atoning sacrifice (see v. 9).

8. “Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (v. 11).

9. “Every creature” (v. 13).

Correct the quizzes as a class, providing the cross-references and inviting students to write the answers in their scriptures. Discuss the following questions:

• If Revelation 5were a play script, who would be the leading character?

• What does He do that makes Him the leading character?

• From what you have learned, why do we worship Jesus Christ?

Have a student read the following statement by President Gordon B. Hinckley:

“Be strong in your testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is the chief cornerstone of this great work. Of His divinity and reality I bear solemn witness. He is the Lamb without blemish, who was offered for the sins of the world. Through His pain and because of His suffering I find reconciliation and eternal life. He is my Teacher, my Exemplar, my Friend, and my Savior whom I love and worship as the Redeemer of the world” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 75; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 52).