Why is the knowledge of a second Elias important?
Without the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible and section 77 of the Doctrine & Covenants it would be impossible to distinguish between the two Eliases. Everyone should appreciate the miracles God performed with an uneducated young man who humbly subordinates his will to God. If God was able to do this for Joseph Smith, what might He do if we are humble, submissive and willing?
There are a number of reasons this is important. John the Revelator has seen the past and our future. The Lord revealed the Book of Revelation to John showing him the challenges he faces when fulfilling his latter-day mission. Verse 14 of section 77 asked about the book John was instructed to eat. When John ate the book it became both a mission and an ordinance for him. Said John, “…, I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.”[i]
The Mission and Ordinance of John
Eating the book was symbolic of John internalizing and accepting the mission the Lord had given him. The angel warned John when he first embarked on this mission it would be “sweet” as it entered his mouth but when fully digested John’s belly turned “bitter”. John’s mission would be bittersweet. John’s mission will be sweet, because the honest in heart embrace truth during John’s ministry. Bitter, because the rebellious suffer the wrath of God, which brings suffering to the unrepentant.
Nephi’s description of John
Another reason John’s extended ministry is prominent is Nephi’s description of John in 1 Nephi 14:19-27. Nephi records, “And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe. And the angel said unto me: Behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things; yea, and also many things which have been. And he shall also write concerning the end of the world. Wherefore, the things which he shall write are just and true; and behold they are written in the book which thou beheld proceeding out of the mouth of a Jew; and at that time they proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, the things which were written were plain and pure, and most precious and easy to the understanding of all men…, But the things which thou shalt see hereafter thou shalt not write; for the Lord God hath ordained the apostle of the Lamb of God that he should write them. And also others who have been, to them hath he shown all things, and they have written them; and they are sealed up to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of the Lord, unto the house of Israel. And I Nephi, heard and bear record, that the name of the apostle of the Lamb was John.” (emphasis added)[ii]
I have read this passage for many years, largely missing what Nephi said about John the Revelator. Emphasis placed on prior verses represent points discussed below:
- Nephi says John has seen past events and will see and write the events leading up to the end of the world. (side note: Nephi is seeing the pre-mortal John)
- John’s writings were originally included in the text of the Bible and were “plain” and “pure” and “most precious and easy to the understanding of men.” When Satan orchestrated the editing of the original Bible text, John’s writings were among those words the devil removed or altered. Redaction of John’s writings made the Bible difficult to understand and began the rise of the “mists of darkness” that cloud the way on the strait and narrow path.[iii]
- Verse 26 really stirred my curiosity when the angel tells Nephi that John shows these things to others and they write them. However, the records written by others are sealed to come forth in purity at a future time known as the “due time of the Lord.” Sounds exactly like the kind of work an Elias who “restores all things” would engage in. This is fascinating on so many levels. The idea of John visiting others is supported by Doctrine & Covenants 7 when the Savior tells Peter, “…, If I will that he (John) tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom. I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done. Yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth.” [iv]
- John is a ministering angel to “heirs of salvation” and appears to direct the heirs in carrying out the work of the Father rather than performing the actual work himself. When John assumed his “greater work” as a ministering angel his efforts might assume more of a supervisory/directorial role in preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.
After all that has been reviewed about John the Revelator it seems easy to appreciate more fully the Savior’s references to John in section 93 where the Lord says, “And John saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory, and the fulness of John’s record is hereafter to be revealed.”[v] Later the Savior returns to the subject of John’s record saying, “And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of John.”[vi] John’s record will be “plain” and “pure” and easily understood by all mankind.[vii] The records of John and those whom he reveals these things to will one day be made public for the entire world to read and judge for themselves, either to life everlasting or damnation. All of these points should give a greater appreciation of how appropriate and accurate it is to call John, “Revelator.”
What has just been read may be new. Hopefully it will give you things to think about and ponder that have perhaps never come to mind before. Of course all of this is my opinion and that gives you the freedom to accept or ignore the content as you choose. Either way, may this article bring something in the New Year that stimulates thoughts and provides a point of view that is at least interesting. Most of all may these thoughts motivate and inspire readers to consider the possibility more has been revealed than previously realized.
In conclusion, it is important to understand this is a universal process. One should never timid about what they do not know nor feel like they have “arrived.” Thinking one has “arrived” leads back to “what we know, that just ain’t so.” Attempting to understand the shear volume of the knowledge God possesses should keep everyone humbly following the Lord’s admonition to: “Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you:”[viii]
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