The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or more of these ideas as part of the lesson.
Have a class member read Revelation 20:4–6. To help class members understand these verses, share the following information (on the next page):
The First Resurrection, or the resurrection of the just, will begin at the Savior’s Second Coming. Those who will receive a celestial or terrestrial reward will come forward in this resurrection (D&C 88:98–99). The Second Resurrection, or the resurrection of the unjust, will not begin until the end of the Millennium. Those who will receive a telestial reward and the sons of perdition will come forward in this resurrection (D&C 88:100–102).
The following chart provides additional information about each of the seven seals. The chart may also be useful in understanding the structure of the book of Revelation. Note that events are listed chronologically, according to the time periods in which they occurred. They should not be confused with the dispensations of the gospel.
Seal
Major Events
First seal
The creation and fall of Adam and Eve; the ministry of Enoch and the translation of his city into heaven (Revelation 6:1–2).
Second seal
Noah and the Flood (Revelation 6:3–4).
Third seal
Ministries of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses; the Exodus; the period of reign by judges (Revelation 6:5–6).
Fourth seal
The period of reign by kings; the division of the kingdom; the conquering of the kingdoms (Revelation 6:7–8).
Fifth seal
The birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; the establishment of his Church and the ministry of the Apostles; martyrdom of the Apostles; the Apostasy (Revelation 6:9–11).
Sixth seal
Continuation of the Apostasy; restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith; signs of the times manifest (Revelation 6:12–17; 7:1–8).
Seventh seal
Wars, plagues, and desolation; Second Coming of the Lord (Revelation 8:1–19:21). Millennium of peace (Revelation 20:1–6). Satan loosed for a season, the last great battle, and the final judgment (Revelation 20:7–15).
After the seventh seal
The earth is celestialized (Revelation 21:1–22:6).
Point out that John gave the most attention to the events of our time period and the one to come. The book of Revelation was written for our day, and our lives will be blessed as we study it and prepare for the Second Coming of the Savior.
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