D&C 77 - Intro

Section 77 is pretty interesting and deals with the Joseph Smith Translation of the book of Revelation and is formed in a question and answer format. The IM gives background as follows: “After the return of the Prophet from Amherst, (Ohio,) he resumed his translation of the Scriptures. About the first of March, while engaged in this work, questions arose in regard to the meaning of some of the figurative and symbolic writings of John in the Book of Revelation. There are many things therein which the brethren did not understand, therefore the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received answer to his questions.’ The Book of Revelation is one of the grandest books in sacred literature, and the Lord clearly designs that the Saints should become familiar with it. Else, why this Revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants? But (section 77) is not a complete interpretation of the book. It is a key. A key is a small part of the house. It unlocks the door through which an entrance may be gained, but after the key has been turned, the searcher for treasure must find it for himself… The Lord has, in this Section, given His people a key to the book… As Champollion, by the key furnished in the brief test on the Rosetta stone, was able to open the secrets of Egyptian hieroglyphics, so the Bible student should be able to read the Apocalypse with a better understanding of it, by the aid of this key.”