Doctrine and Covenants 77

Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

“Prophets gave the scripture, and prophets must interpret it. Holy men of old received revelation from the Holy Ghost, which they recorded as scripture; now men must have the same Holy Spirit to reveal what is meant by the scripture—otherwise there will be a host of private interpretations and consequently many different and disagreeing churches, which is precisely the condition in the religious world today” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1964, 38).

Bible Dictionary:

“Also known as the Apocalypse, a Greek word meaning revealed or uncovered. The message of Revelation is the same as that of all scripture: there will be an eventual triumph on this earth of God over the devil; a permanent victory of good over evil, of the Saints over their persecutors, of the kingdom of God over the kingdoms of men and of Satan. This is the subject on which Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Paul, Peter, and all the prophets have written. They spoke of a day of victory that would come, and that the end would be better (more glorious) than the beginning. The victory would be achieved through Jesus Christ.

“Such is the theme of the Revelation. The details about the beasts, the wars, the angels, the men, etc., contribute to the development of this theme. By a little study, the theme can be perceived even if the details are not completely identified. It may be in this sense that the Prophet Joseph Smith said that Revelation was ‘one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written’ (HC 5:342). However, the more fully the details are understood, the greater will be the appreciation of the theme. If we fail to catch a glimpse of the theme, we fail in our comprehension, no matter how many details we are able to understand” (Bible Dictionary, “Revelation of John”).

Doctrine and Covenants 77:3-4

The Prophet Joseph Smith:

Joseph Smith declared that the book of Revelation was “one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written” (in History of the Church, 5:342). When he made this statement, he was speaking at a general conference of the Church. He directed some of his comments to Elder Pelatiah Brown, who had been accused of preaching false doctrine about the book of Revelation. He cautioned Elder Brown and other missionaries not to teach about the specific symbols and details in the book and to instead preach the basic principles of the gospel. The Prophet’s counsel is also relevant to us as we study and teach from the scriptures:

“It is not very essential for the elders to have knowledge in relation to the meaning of beasts, and heads and horns, and other figures made use of in the revelations [by John the Revelator]. …

“… Declare the first principles, and let mysteries alone, lest ye be overthrown. Never meddle with the visions of beasts and subjects you do not understand. Elder Brown, when you go to Palmyra, say nothing about the four beasts, but preach those things the Lord has told you to preach about—repentance and baptism for the remission of sins” (in History of the Church, 5:340, 344).

Doctrine and Covenants 78:7

President Dallin H. Oaks:

“It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become” (“The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32).

Doctrine and Covenants 78:5–6

Elder D. Todd Christofferson:

“We might ask ourselves, living as many of us do in societies that worship possessions and pleasures, whether we are remaining aloof from covetousness and the lust to acquire more and more of this world’s goods. Materialism is just one more manifestation of the idolatry and pride that characterize Babylon. Perhaps we can learn to be content with what is sufficient for our needs” (“Come to Zion,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 39).

Doctrine and Covenants 78:15–16

President Joseph Fielding Smith:

“Adam was among the intelligences spoken of by the Lord to Abraham who were appointed to be rulers on this earth. He was Michael, a prince, and son of God chosen to come to this earth and stand at the head of his posterity, holding the ‘keys of salvation under the counsel and direction of the Holy One, who is without beginning of days or end of life’ [D&C 78:16]. This Holy One is Jesus Christ. On the earth Michael was known as Adam. In the pre-existent state he was a spirit like the others of our Father’s children” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957–66], 1:5–6). (See also Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, 2nd ed. [Church Educational System manual, 2001], 173.)

Doctrine and Covenants 78:20

Elder Orson Pratt:

"There is one revelation that this people are not generally acquainted with. I think it has never been published, but probably it will be in the church history. It is given in questions and answers. The first question is, ‘What is the name of God in the pure language?’ The answer says, ‘Ahman.’ ‘What is the name of the Son of God?’ Answer, ‘Son Ahman—the greatest of all the parts of God excepting Ahman’” (“Discourse,” Deseret News, May 23, 1855, 82 [part one of this discourse published in Deseret News, May 16, 1855, 76]; see also Documents, Volume 2: July 1831–January 1833, vol. 2 of the Documents series of The Joseph Smith Papers [2013], 215).

President Joseph Fielding Smith:

“Jesus Christ is also called Son Ahman. (See D. & C. 95:17.) Therefore his name is connected with the name of the place where Adam dwelt. For that reason Elder Orson Pratt gives it the interpretation of ‘The Valley of God’” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 1:310). (See also Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, 2nd ed. [Church Educational System manual, 2001], 173.)