Who Shall Be Able to Stand: Finding Personal Meaning in the Book of Revelation

by S. Michael Wilcox

Book by Wilcox, S. Michael

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Church, Lds, Spirituality, Lds Non Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

S. Michael Wilcox is an instructor at the institute of religion adjacent to the University of Utah. A frequent speaker at Brigham Young University Education Week, Michael also conducts tours of the Holy Land, Church history sites, Europe, China, and Central America. He received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Brigham Young University, a master’s in media from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in educational philosophy. He is the author of House of Glory and When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered.

Reviews

[MykeWeber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books. This mark my second reading of it. S. Michael Wilcox is a master of symbolic language and has for me made the Book of Revelation now, a most motivating, inspiring work of hope and anticipation, whereas it once, for me, was one of threat, dread and anxiety. I’m so grateful to inspired teachers who so kindly open my eyes to God’s truths.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that a book review cannot adequately review. The authors depth of understanding expressed in humility and clarity. Clarity where clarity is justified, and with reserve were reserve is justified. This is one of those books that I expect to reread and ponder multiple times. But, of course, it does not replace the reading of the scriptures themselves.

Things I got out of this book:
1. The book of Revelation draws heavily upon the Old Testament. Or perhaps it would be better to say that the images and ideas tie together.
2. Just like Joseph Smith said, it’s a very clear book. For it to be clear, a person needs to relax and understand what the Lord is trying to say, what the Lord has revealed to John and to many other of his prophets.

[Skye Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has become one of my new favorite books. I started reading the book of Revelations last week and although I had studied it other times in the past, I immediately realized that I truly did not understand what I was reading. So I picked up this book and it completely opened my eyes. The Book of Revelations started to not only become clear to me, but I have realized that it is also so applicable to my daily life. There are beautiful treasures found within the text to uplift, inspire, elevate, and help lead us down the correct path in this mortal journey. S. Michael Wilcox did an excellent job explaining the symbolism, and gives just the nudge you need to clearly see what is happening within the text. Love, love, love.

[Cheya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd time I've read this book and I still rate it with 5 stars. I like how Wilcox approaches the Book of Revelation with a figurative rather than literal perspective. He helped me understand some of the symbolism, metaphors, and imagery that John used in writing. I especially liked Chapter 19 which talks about the marriage of the bridegroom and the glorious promises the Lord makes to those who will be prepared to enjoy the wedding feast. It filled me with much hope and a greater desire to follow Him. Both times I've read this book was on the kindle and, though I highlighted a lot, I miss being able to thumb through and reread the highlights like I can in a paper book. I may have to break down a buy the book for a third reading.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going through this book--along with reading the actual book in the New Testament--was the first time I really studied the book of Revelation. I love Michael Wilcox's insights! He made it seem so much more accessible and meaningful. The symbolism that John used wasn't nearly as bizarre or abstract after Brother Wilcox's explanations and discussion.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a re-read for me. Love this book! It is so full of insight and food for thought. I gain a greater appreciation for the Book of Revelation and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very in-depth, scholarly, and comprising so much historical context, so many cool metaphors, and all the different books of scripture and the ways they speak to one another (ultimately helping us to understand individual books like that of Revelation.) The experience is not just an intellectual exercise but also a spiritual one, with multiple correct interpretations being possible. And always, intermixed, should be the love, hope, and plan of the Lord.

It is also cool to see that so many things within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints specifically can be found to correlate with passages of Revelation --- I think a lot of people don't realize that. And I also enjoyed things like how we can use and apply the book The Song of Solomon within the gospel (I don't often hear very much about how it actually fits), about Armageddon not necessarily being an event but a place, about why the bottomless pit is bottomless, etc.

Overall, S. Michael Wilcox's books are really great gospel studies, and I enjoy them!

[Mary Sasala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author though I have heard a couple of his speeches. This book was a fantastic companion while reading the book of Revelation. It is best read while reading the book as each chapter of this book gives corresponding commentary on each chapter of Revelation.

What I loved most about this book is he taught me how to read the difficult book of Revelation. His commentaries of course were phenomenal and soul searching. But by the time I finished, I felt comfortable reading and learning my own personal lessons from the book of Revelation.

The other great aspect is he spends so little of his time guess when the Second Coming is or trying to read the signs of our times. Rather he takes Revelations as guidance go how to live right now, today. What does John hope you do after reading his vision. This made the book of Revelation much more applicable to life now, regardless of the arrival Christ in some future date.

[Sharan Carlyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading and studying Revelations in depth the last 3 years. I’ve always liked what Michael Wilcox has written along with his lectures.

I found this book amazing! I really enjoyed and appreciated his explanations of the chapters. It was a wonderful, educational read.

Parts of the book that I have not understood as clearly as I wanted in the scriptures, Brother Wilcox made them come alive.

Yes I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Revelations and is looking forward to that glorious day when our Savior Jesus Christ appears.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book lives up to its title

Rather than trying to tie specific verses to specific events, the author applies the symbolic and figurative language of the book of Revelation to the broad generalities of the human condition. That approach allows the reader to derive personal meaning from what can otherwise be a very confusing and hard to understand book of scripture. I had not previously understood or recognized how closely connected Old Testament books are to Revelation.

[Erneilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's approach to the Revelation of St. John is less the usual trying to match up the powerful symbolism of the book with historical and current events than to loo at that symbolism in its broader interpretation of types and shadows, looking back at similar symbols in the Old Testament, particularly Daniel, Ezekiel and Isaiah. His prose is excellent - he is one of my favorite LDS authors.

[Garret Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible insights. A valuable resource for anybody wanting to better understand the book of Revelation. While I did sometimes get lost in Wilcox's tangents, all in all, I highly recommend the book. It opened up meaningful interpretations and explained difficult passages in a meaningful way.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very scholarly, insightful discussion of the possible meanings and applications of the Book of Revelation chapter by chapter. It was rather long slow read for me, but helpful in trying to understand the symbolisms in this book from a Latter Day Saint perspective.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Michael Wilcox's books. He has a way of looking at things (especially symbols) that is very different from my own, and I appreciate the perspective. I especially liked how he related so much of the imagery in Revelation to books and prophets in the Old Testament.

[Cynthia A. Nicholls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do much to learn

It has been an eye-opening experience to read this book. I especially love the connection between Revelation and the Old testament. I see this book as relating to my life now and brings me joy as I anticipate the coming of the savior and the new jerusalem.

[Tnelson95747gmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so very helpful in understanding Revelation!! I loved this book!

[Camala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love his books and insights, unfortunately I had to return it before I could finish. Enjoyed what I was able to read.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be more appropriately subtitled "The Personal Meaning I Found in the Book of Revelation". While it's good and worth reading, it's less an instruction for how to interpret and derive meaning from the last book in the Bible than a tour of what the author thinks about each chapter. That's not to say you can't imitate his approach and come up with some personal meaning, but the book doesn't do a lot to help you come up with your own ideas.

The author is clear about his approach: figurative more than literal. That's a good idea both because a lot of the literal interpretations have been pretty covered, and because it's easier to find personal meaning that way. Similarly, the author uses numbers as a reference instead of a measurement. Instead of asking "Why are there 12 of these and 7 of those?" he asks "Where else are the numbers 12 and 7 used in the Bible and how are they used there? How did John reference those uses to bring their meaning into his message?" So it's similar to looking for previous uses of John's symbols and imagery.

The author relates to Old Testament symbols and imagery very well, and there are extended discussions from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Joel, and others. Wilcox contends that John is referencing these prophecies and intends for most of their meaning to apply, whether John has explicitly stated it all or not, and I believe him.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book! I really enjoy S. Michael Wilcox. This book was on the book of Revelation: not a literal commentary with a time line or anything like that. More themes, principles, patterns. This was excellent! He shows how "clues" in wording send you back to the Old Testament to stories that John obviously knew and how that relates to what John is saying. And what he's NOT saying. Who knew Ezekiel was so important to understanding Revelation! I've marked up my scriptues even more!! :) I LOVE learning how the scriptures work!!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It not only helped me to understand the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, but it helped me learn how to better study the scriptures in general. The connections between the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price seemed so obvious and logical I wonder I wasn't seeing it before. I feel like I need to begin rereading so that I can absorb even more of the symbolism. The book also inspired me to read more poetry which has been a soul stretching joy.

[Deborah Hecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm finally done with this book. I took my time, but it was worth getting through. There is so much symbolism in the Book of Revelation, that it is very intimidating reading it. This companion book helped to understand some of it. I'm not sure I got as much out of it as I should have, but I did learn a little something. I will probably read both books again at least once if not more, to get more out of both.

[Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed his style of explaining the book of revelation. The biggest impact that book had for me was changing my approach to reading this book. Now I keep in mind that I should view the book like poetry: full of symbolism, emotion, and the need to ponder. Good book for those who are beginners with this book of scripture.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much and things were made very clear as Wilcox devotes a chapter to each chapter of Revelation, using other scriptures, particularly Isaiah, to clarify meaning. What is difficult is to know what to read figurately and what is literal. Trying to read with both meanings can give greater depth to what can be puzzling. More readings are ahead.

[Becky Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book. It was easy to read, not like a "textbook." Wilcox covered broad theme, and didn't say stuff like "Hitler is the anti-christ in Revelations," or "Iran is going to start Armeggedon." I appreciated that. I learned some new ways of looking at the world and the Book of Revelations.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how this book tied the book of Revelation to the old testament. I have read other commentaries on the book of Revelation and I felt like this one presented some understanding that I hadn't considered before. It takes an often misunderstood book and makes it very digestible. Great study companion for Revelation.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to a few of Michael Wilcox's classes on the Book of Revelation--he is amazing at bringing the often arcane and confusing book alive and making it interesting for latter-day readers. This book basically covers his class. Highly recommended.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is really great if you're studying the Book of Revelation in the Bible. Another one that my husband and I read together. It provided a lot of neat insights and made the scriptures easier to apply to life.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I loved the spiritual/emotional aspects of the Book of Revelation. I read this in conjunction with "Opening the Seven Seals" by Richard Draper. It was wonderful to get the scholastic view along with the emotional.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Michael Wilcox. I find that I can get valuable insights without feeling like I'm getting a lot of "milk". The book isn't a verse by verse commentary. I read a chapter in the Book of Revelation, then read the corresponding chapter in this book. It was a great way to do it.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been clueless my whole life. I am so thankful for smart people to explain the "mysteries" of the scriptures. I'm lov'n the learn'n!