QA-John
Overview
This text, titled 'A key to the revelations of st. john,' presents Joseph Smith's authoritative interpretation of various symbols, figures, and timelines found in the biblical Book of Revelation (chapters 4-11). Structured as a catechism or Q&A, Smith redefines traditional Christian eschatology through the lens of emerging Mormon theology. Key assertions include the idea that the earth has a strict 7,000-year temporal existence, with each of the seven seals representing a millennium. The text introduces distinctively Mormon concepts into the biblical narrative, such as the 'Holy Order of God' (referring to the Melchizedek Priesthood) and the 'Church of the First Born.' Notably, it identifies the 144,000 as ordained High Priests from every nation rather than ethnic Israelites or a symbolic representation of the church. Furthermore, it asserts that animals have spirits in the exact likeness of their physical bodies and will enjoy eternal felicity. The text also identifies John the Revelator's eating of the little book as a specific mission and ordinance to gather Israel, linking him to the figure of 'Elias' who restores all things. By providing these specific, definitive answers, Smith positions himself as the sole prophetic authority capable of unlocking the mysteries of biblical apocalyptic literature, thereby subordinating the biblical text to his modern revelatory framework.
Key Figures
- John the Revelator: The biblical author whose visions are being interpreted; assigned a specific, ongoing mission to gather Israel as an 'Elias.'
- Four Beasts: Represent the glory of classes of beings (including animals) in their eternal felicity.
- Twenty-four Elders: Faithful deceased elders from the seven churches now in the Paradise of God.
- Four Angels: Angels with power to save, destroy, and commit the everlasting Gospel to the nations.
- Angel from the East (Elias): The angel with the seal of the living God, identified as an Elias who restores all things.
- 144,000: High Priests ordained to the Holy Order of God to administer the Gospel.
- Two Witnesses: Two prophets to be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days to prophesy in Jerusalem.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Earth's Sanctification and 7,000-year Temporal Existence
Assertion
The earth has a 7,000-year temporal existence and will eventually be sanctified, immortal, and eternal (represented by the sea of glass).
Evidence from Text
It is the Earth, in its sanctified, immortal, and eternal state... during the seven thousand years of its continuance, or its temporal existence
Evangelical Comparison
Smith asserts a strict 7,000-year timeline for the earth's temporal existence, corresponding to the seven seals of Revelation. He also claims the 'sea of glass' is the earth itself in a future sanctified, immortal state. Evangelical Christianity, while anticipating a New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21:1), generally avoids setting strict millennial timelines (like the 7,000-year theory, though some historical dispensationalists held similar views, it is not a core tenet). Furthermore, the sea of glass in Revelation 4:6 is typically interpreted by evangelicals as representing God's holiness, purity, and separation from creation, rather than the literal future state of the planet Earth.
Animal Spirits and Eternal Felicity
Assertion
Animals have spirits in the exact likeness of their physical bodies and will enjoy eternal felicity in their destined order.
Evidence from Text
the spirit of the beast, and every other creature which God has created... in the enjoyment of their eternal felicity.
Evangelical Comparison
The text claims that the four beasts of Revelation represent actual classes of beings, including animals, which possess spirits in the likeness of their temporal bodies and will enjoy 'eternal felicity.' Evangelical theology maintains a sharp distinction between humans, created in the image of God with eternal souls (Genesis 1:27), and animals. While Romans 8 speaks of creation groaning for redemption, the Bible does not explicitly teach that individual animals possess eternal spirits or are resurrected to eternal glory.
The 144,000 as Ordained High Priests
Assertion
The 144,000 are High Priests ordained to the Holy Order of God to administer the everlasting Gospel.
Evidence from Text
We are to understand that those who are sealed are High Priests, ordained unto the Holy Order of God, to administer the Everlasting Gospel
Evangelical Comparison
Smith redefines the 144,000 from Revelation 7 as 'High Priests, ordained unto the Holy Order of God' (a reference to the Melchizedek Priesthood in Mormonism). In Evangelical theology, the 144,000 are typically understood either literally as Jewish evangelists during the Tribulation (Dispensational view) or symbolically as the complete number of the redeemed Church (Covenantal/Reformed view). The concept of a restored earthly 'High Priesthood' directly contradicts the Evangelical understanding of Christ as the sole, final High Priest (Hebrews 7-10) and the universal priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9).
John's Mission as Elias
Assertion
John eating the little book was an ordinance and mission for him to gather Israel, acting as an 'Elias' to restore all things.
Evidence from Text
it was a mission, and an ordinance, for him to gather the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias; who, as it is written, must come and restore all things.
Evangelical Comparison
The text claims that John the Revelator's eating of the little book (Revelation 10) was an 'ordinance' and a mission to gather the tribes of Israel, identifying him as an 'Elias' who must restore all things. Evangelicalism interprets the eating of the scroll (similar to Ezekiel 3) as John internalizing God's prophetic word—sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach due to the judgments it contains. Evangelicals do not believe John was given an ongoing, immortal mission to gather Israel, nor do they use the term 'Elias' as a title for various restorers, understanding Elijah's prophetic fulfillment primarily in John the Baptist (Matthew 11:14) and the future witnesses.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text introduces Mormon priesthood theology (High Priests, Holy Order) into the biblical text and asserts a strict 7,000-year temporal timeline. It also redefines biblical symbols to fit 19th-century Mormon doctrines.
Theological Gap (Explained)
The primary theological gap lies in hermeneutics and Christology/Ecclesiology. Joseph Smith employs an eisegesis that retrofits emerging Mormon priesthood concepts (e.g., 'High Priests, ordained unto the Holy Order of God') into the apocalyptic imagery of Revelation. Evangelicals hold that the Melchizedek priesthood is held exclusively by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:24), and the need for earthly, mediating high priests was abolished at the cross. Furthermore, Smith's interpretation of the 144,000 as these specific Mormon priesthood holders fundamentally alters the biblical understanding of the Church and Israel. The text also introduces the idea of angels having the power to 'seal up unto life, or to cast down to the regions of darkness,' which in Evangelical theology is a prerogative belonging solely to God. By claiming that John the Revelator's eating of the book was an 'ordinance' to gather Israel, Smith shifts the focus from the biblical proclamation of God's judgment and redemption to a procedural, ordinance-based system of gathering administered by a restored hierarchy.
For All Ages
Imagine you have a secret code book, and someone comes along and says, 'I am the only one who knows what the code means.' Joseph Smith did this with the Book of Revelation. Instead of letting the Bible explain itself, he said the symbols meant things that fit his new church, like having 'High Priests.' Christians believe Jesus is our only High Priest now, and we don't need new prophets to change what the Bible says.
Friction Points
Universal Priesthood / Christology
Asserts the existence of earthly 'High Priests' who administer salvation, contradicting Christ's exclusive role as High Priest.
Sola Scriptura
Imposes extra-biblical, authoritative interpretations onto the biblical text, altering its original meaning.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"High Priests"
In This Text
An office in the Melchizedek priesthood held by men (the 144,000) who administer the gospel.
In Evangelicalism
The ultimate mediator between God and man, fulfilled perfectly and finally by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14).
"Elias"
In This Text
A title or office of restoration, applied here to John the Revelator and an angel from the East.
In Evangelicalism
The Greek form of Elijah, referring specifically to the historical prophet or his typological fulfillment in John the Baptist.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Completing the salvation of man, enjoying eternal felicity, being sealed unto life.
How Attained: Administered by High Priests of the Holy Order, and angels committing the everlasting Gospel.
Basis of Assurance: Being sealed by the proper priesthood authority.
Comparison to Sola Fide: The text implies salvation is mediated through a specific priesthood hierarchy ('ordained unto the Holy Order of God, to administer the Everlasting Gospel... to bring as many as will come'), contrasting with Sola Fide where salvation is received directly by faith in Christ without earthly priestly mediation (1 Timothy 2:5).
Mandates & Requirements
Implicit Obligations
- Accept Joseph Smith's prophetic authority to interpret scripture
- Believe in the restored priesthood structure (High Priests, Holy Order of God)
Ritual Requirements
- Ordination to the Holy Order of God (implied for the 144,000)
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- When you read Revelation 7 about the 144,000, how do you reconcile the text saying they are from the twelve tribes of Israel with the interpretation here that they are High Priests from every nation?
- Hebrews 7 says that Jesus holds His priesthood permanently because He lives forever, and we no longer need earthly high priests. How does that fit with the idea of 144,000 High Priests?
- If the Bible is God's word, how should we determine what its symbols mean? Should we look at how the Bible uses those symbols elsewhere, or rely on a newer interpretation?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The desire for understanding mysteries.
The Bible acknowledges that God has mysteries, but the ultimate mystery revealed is Christ Himself. We don't need esoteric keys to understand the core of salvation; it is plainly revealed in the Gospel.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
By placing the administration of the Gospel and the power of sealing into the hands of a specific earthly priesthood hierarchy (High Priests of the Holy Order), the believer is forced to depend entirely on the institution for their eternal security, rather than resting directly in Christ.
If the plain reading of scripture (e.g., 144,000 from the tribes of Israel) can be completely redefined by a modern prophet to mean something entirely different (High Priests from every nation), the believer can never trust their own reading of God's Word. They must always wait for the institution to tell them what the Bible 'actually' means.