In the Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, the prophet occasionally spoke from verses in the Book of Revelation, and discussed their application to the present.

Regarding the breadth of the subjects treated by John, President Benson said:"John saw the end from the beginning; he saw the Creation, he saw the gospel dispensations, he saw the establishment of the Church in the meridian of time, he saw the great apostasy, the falling away, and he saw the angel flying through the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach to men who dwell on the earth, he saw the Restoration, and he saw the final winding-up scene. (See Rev. 14:6.)

"And do you remember what he said? He said, `And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books. . . . ' (Rev. 20:12.)

"And so it will be with us - each and every one of us. We, too, will be expected to stand before the judgment bar of God; and when that time comes, I have the conviction in my heart that the question will not be, "What office did you hold?" but "Did you serve me with all your heart, might, mind and strength?" That will be the real test!

"And so, how important it is as leaders in the Church, as teachers - wherever we serve - as a Primary teacher, as a home teacher, as a head of an elders quorum, as a secretary - how important it is that we serve Him with all our heart, might, mind and strength, that we too may stand blameless before God at the last day."

This is the last in a series on the New Testament. This feature will resume in January with regular articles about the Book of Mormon.

President Benson also commented, "In the Church and kingdom of God, there is no unimportant office or calling or service. (See 1 Cor. 12:12-25). We are all in it together; and the Lord has a way of magnifying us." (Teachings, p. 452-3.)

Regarding symbolism in the 12th chapter of Revelation, President Benson said: "We live in a time of which the Lord spoke when He said that "peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion" (D&C1:35). We live in that day which John the Revelator foresaw when "the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Rev. 12:17.)

"The dragon is Satan; the woman represents the Church of Jesus Christ. Satan is waging war against the members of the Church who have testimonies and are trying to keep the commandments. And while many of our members are remaining faithful and strong, some are wavering. Some are falling. Some are fulfilling John's prophecy that in the war with Satan, some saints would be `overcome.' " (Rev. 13:7; Teachings, p. 399-400.)