Understanding the Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 77:2–3—What Do We Know about the Beasts That John Saw?

John saw glorified life forms that, though unfamiliar to us, are an important part of Heavenly Father’s creations. The Prophet Joseph Smith said of these creations: “I suppose John saw beings there of a thousand forms, that had been saved from ten thousand times ten thousand earths like this,—strange beasts of which we have no conception: all might be n in heaven. The grand secret was to show John what there was in heaven” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith,291). At another time he said: “The four beasts were four of the most noble animals that had filled the measure of their creation, and had been saved from other worlds, because they were perfect: they were like angels in their sphere. We are not told where they came from, and I do not know; but they were n and heard by John praising and glorifying God” (History of the Church,5:343–44). Certainly this revelation opens our eyes to a universe much more complex and grand than we often suppose.

Doctrine and Covenants 77:15—What Do We Know about the “Two Witnesses”?

Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught: “These two shall be followers of that humble man, Joseph Smith, through whom the Lord of Heaven restored the fulness of his everlasting gospel in this final dispensation of grace. No doubt they will be members of the Council of the Twelve or of the First Presidency of the Church” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary,3:509).

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you studyDoctrine and Covenants 77.