Creationism and the Book of Revelation: An Outline of the Last Days

By Douglas K. Johanson

This book, Creationism and the Book of Revelation: An Outline of the Last Days, by Douglas Johanson deserves serious consideration from anyone who is a seeker of truth, both scientific and religious. He has created a book that will challenge and provoke serious thinking about the doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the expanding knowledge from the scientific community. In this fascinating text, those two sources are successfully brought together, and the result is a faith inspiring exploration of the magnificent power of our Eternal Father. This book is a pleasure to read and it is my privilege to recommend it highly.

Daniel W. McAllister, PhD, Associate Professor, Lee Business School,
University of Nevada at Las Vegas

In Creationism and the Book of Revelation: An Outline of the Last Days, Douglas K. Johanson skillfully uses his background in science and his intense study of the scriptures to show how truths about the physical universe and latter-day revelation and other scriptures help one see truths in The Revelation of St John the Divine. In significant and expansive detail, Johanson provides many answers to important questions about the great plan of God.

Richard Dilworth Rust, Professor Emeritus of English,
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

"... contains a detailed, chronological outline of the last days.
... helps science and religion come together.
The scriptures would be fulfilled exactly as given.
God loves each and every one of His children ..."

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Jun 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9781489716583

Douglas K. Johanson

Douglas K. Johanson earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics with minors in physics, aerospace studies, and German and a master's degree in education. He served in the USAF for twenty years as a plans officer and as an F-111 navigator. Afterwards, he taught high school math and German. He is a life-long student and lover of the scriptures and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Janice, have six children and twenty-five grandchildren.

Book preview

Copyright © 2018 Douglas K. Johanson.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book.

LifeRich Publishing is a registered trademark of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

LifeRich Publishing

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Biblical scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible. The Joseph Smith Translation used where indicated. The LDS 2013 Version used for all other scripture.

ISBN: 978-1-4897-1658-3 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-1659-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-1660-6 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018905756

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 6/7/2018

The products (services) offered by Douglas Kenneth Johanson are neither made, provided, approved nor endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Any content or opinions expressed, implied or included in or with the goods (services) offered by Brother Johanson are solely those of Brother Johanson and not those of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Intellectual Reserve, Inc. approves the use of the LDS scriptures in this book (including JST). The other scriptures used are from the King James Version, which is in the public domain.

The cover image is Worlds Without End by Greg Olsen

© Greg Olsen. By arrangement with Greg Olsen Art, Inc. For information on art prints by Greg Olsen please visit,

www.GregOlsen.com or call 1-800-352-0107.

Image credits.

Front Cover: Greg Olsen.

Galactic Center: Yuri Beletsky (ESO), modified by Douglas K. Johanson.

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap131201.html

Starburst Galaxy: ESA/Hubble and NASA

https://apod.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/apod/apod_search [M94]

The Great Plan of God: Katie Moyes

Birth: Katie Moyes

How Everyone Fits into the Plan: Douglas K. Johanson

There is no Up or Down in Space: Douglas K. Johanson

The Ride: Douglas K. Johanson

The Sign of the Son of Man: Katie Moyes

Idumea’s Pathway: Douglas K. Johanson

Dedicated to Jack Johanson

(November 18, 2008–December 29, 2008),

who was privileged to take

the shortcut through mortality,

leaving behind family who love and miss him.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1:   Where Are We?

Planet Earth

Olea

Shinehah

Idumea

Shinehah’s Domain

The Milky Way Galaxy

Kokaubeam

Outside the Milky Way Galaxy

Chapter 2:   The Great Plan of God

Chapter 3:   How We Fit into the Plan

Life as an Intelligence

Life as a Spirit

Life as a Mortal

Life in the Spirit World

Life after the Spirit World

Outer Darkness

The Telestial Kingdom

The Terrestrial Kingdom

The Celestial Kingdom

Our Third Estate

Perfect Preparation

Chapter 4:   Kokaubeam and Kolob

Chapter 5:   Creation of the Heavens

The Laws of Creation

The Scientific Theory of the Creation

The Johanson Theory of the Creation

Creation of the Heavens

Day One

Day Two

Chapter 6:   Creation of the Earth

The Four Epochs of Creation

Creation of the Earth

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Day Six

Day Seven

Epoch Three

Vegetation

Adam

Garden of Eden

Animals

Eve

The Fall

Chapter 7:   Future Creations

The Infinite Atonement

Our Class

A Modern Parable

Chapter 8:   John’s Book of Revelation Is Our Guidebook

The First Four Seals

The Fifth Seal

Calendar Alignment

The Day and Hour

The Restoration of All Things

The Sixth Seal

Chapter 9:   Astronomical Signs and Changes

Past Astronomical Signs

The Sign of the Sun, Moon, and Stars

Heaven and Earth Shaken and Moved

The Ride

Confirmations of the Ride

Chapter 10:   Geographical Signs and Changes

Past Geographical Changes to the Land

Changes to the Land during the Sixth Seal

Changes to the Waters during the Sixth Seal

Chapter 11:   The Sixth Seal

Group One

Group Two

Group Three

Chapter 12:   The Seventh Seal

The Voices of Thunderings and Lightnings

A Time of Earthquakes, Famine, Plagues, and War

Seven Angels with Trumpets

Trumpet One

Trumpet Two

Trumpet Three

Trumpet Four

Trumpet Five

A Multidimensional Book

Seven Levels

The Battle of Evil

The Battle of Goodness

Seven Angels with Golden Vials and Plagues

Trumpet Six

Trumpet Seven

Chapter 13:   The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Three Watches

The Great and Dreadful Arrival of Jesus Christ

His Arrival

The Destruction of All Enemies

The First Resurrection

The Day of Judgment

Baptism of Fire

Geographical Changes

Entrance into the Terrestrial Kingdom

Chapter 14:   The Millennium and Celestialization

A Different Place

A Time of Peace and Righteousness

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Bliss Comes to an End

The Celestialization of Earth

Scriptures Used

Preface

This book began as an in-depth personal study of the events of the last days (eschatology). I wanted to know the sequence of events leading up to and including the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I gathered all the relevant scriptural passages I could find.

He wants us to be well informed on the subject.¹ I was amazed how often the events of the last days were mentioned in the scriptures. My biggest surprise was how many relevant prophecies are in the Old Testament. The Lord ensured the events of the last days are thoroughly covered in all the scriptures.

I used a computer to collect and sort these passages into groups and topics. I would compare all the references to a specific event. I would consider exactly what they said. This brought new insights. My background is in mathematics, and so I tend to assume a very literal interpretation of God’s word in most cases. I have rarely been disappointed in this approach. All His prophecies have been or will be fulfilled with exactness.

The Revelation of St. John the Divine contains a detailed, chronological outline of the last days of the earth and its inhabitants. The upcoming generation will see many of these prophesied events unfold before their eyes. Any eschatology should be organized within its framework. That was the Lord’s objective in revealing the vision of Revelation to John.

I had the opportunity to spend a year as a member of the Brigham Young University faculty in the Mathematics Education Department (2002–03). I taught calculus classes and helped teach the math methods class. During a meeting for the faculty the week before classes began, we were challenged to use the scriptures more in our instruction, except for math and science. Because I taught math, I was slightly offended. I had the scriptures in digital form on my computer where I could search for any word or phrase I needed. I challenged myself to see how often I could find a passage of scripture that related to the daily calculus lesson. To my astonishment, I was able to find a relevant passage for every lesson of calculus I and II. (A few were stretches.)

How is that possible? There is a wealth of principles and there are many examples given in the scriptures. The gospel principle of eternity correlates very well with the mathematical concept of infinity. Another calculus concept is boundedness—the fact that there is a maximum value for a function. Abraham taught, These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all.² There is no doubt, that when it comes to intelligence, God is the greatest. He is the upper bound in this case. After reading this passage, my students clearly understood the mathematical concept.

I was often asked why there was such harmony between mathematics and the scriptures. The true gospel of Jesus Christ and correct science should work hand in hand. Mathematics is a science of pure truth and takes the necessary time to prove the correctness of each and every theorem. Mathematical proofs are developed line by line. Each step is confirmed by a property that was proven before. The gospel is also based upon pure truth. The gospel is learned line upon line, precept upon precept.³ If we continue its study, the next line may be something not known before.⁴ The true gospel of Jesus Christ and true science can work hand in hand, and I have found that they always do!

I have always been fascinated with astronomy and enjoy looking at the pictures we have today of God’s handiwork.⁵ My study of the last days took a detour when I read the book, The Kolob Theorem.⁶ It formulated many ideas, some of which I had already supposed to be true, especially the physical organization of heaven. Dr. Hilton states that our Heavenly Father is the god of the Milky Way Galaxy.⁷ He is, and until we wrap our minds around that concept, we cannot progress far in understanding His handiworks. Shortly after reading The Kolob Theorem for the second time, I knew that my studies of the last days needed to be changed. I had to incorporate truths about the physical universe in order to provide the correct context for the truths in Revelation.

The book, Earth: In the Beginning,⁸ altered my understanding of the creation and answered many questions I had about it. Dr. Skousen’s book correlates true geology with the words and actions of the Creator.⁹ Like a mathematician, he substantiates stages of earth’s creation. His description aligns science with the words of God. Some of his concepts and his terminology are included in this book. The creation needed to be included in this eschatological outline to provide the proper context.

As I continued to study and analyze these scriptures, even more new and precious truths were opened up to me. I then realized that this personal study needed to be shared with others.

Often one must step back and allow the pieces of the Lord’s puzzle to fit together into a larger framework. When this is done, things will align in ways that were not seen before. There were several situations when I asked my calculus students to do something even though they were hesitant. I told them to have faith that it would work out. They tried, and the calculus worked. The same is true in studying the scriptures. Always assume that the Lord’s words are correct and see how things can make sense.

Some of us shy away from studying the scriptures when we come across perceived conflicts and do not know which way to go. Instead of turning back from the fork in the road, we must seek, having faith, and the answer will be found.

What do I mean by perceived conflicts? God loves each and every one of His children whom He sends to earth.¹⁰ He also requires that everyone be baptized to enter His kingdom.¹¹ Church members know that there is an answer to this perceived conflict.¹² The rest of the world does not. What about Christ’s second coming? Does He come to the entire earth¹³ or does He come to the Jews?¹⁴ What about conflicts with religion and true science? A rainbow is a natural phenomenon that happens when sunlight and raindrops meet. The prophet, Joseph Smith, said that rainbows would be taken from the earth.¹⁵ How can this be? What about signs like the sun going dark and the moon turning to blood?¹⁶ Science sees no way those could happen, but God definitely foretells them.

These seem to be conflicts. Many people simply hope that someday they will be resolved, which is okay. But if we search, having faith that the answer can be found and if we are willing to accept the answer, He will reveal the truth.¹⁷ You will find that there is no conflict.¹⁸ (A possible resolution to each of these examples will be given in this book. Even much of the symbology found in the scriptures becomes clearer.)

As I collected information and tried to make sense of it all, the scriptures kept telling me, Search and find what the Lord already said. He knew that you would ask. He will let you understand. As answers were found, new questions arose. The answers to the subsequent questions were also found in the scriptures over and over again, time after time.¹⁹ All I had to do was look. I know there are more answers in the scriptures than we realize to more questions than we know to ask.

To be fair to earlier generations, they did not have the scientific knowledge about God’s creations that we have today. They were often stymied by false notions. They once thought the earth was flat and the center of the universe. They did not have all of the scriptures that we have. They did not have computers that could search any word or phrase desired. We have these now and should be using them.

Every word of God is pure.²⁰ Only the best available scriptures and revelations will be used. The King James Version of the Bible is used, both the New and the Old Testaments. There are other scriptures available, and they will also be used—the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ; the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C); and the Pearl of Great Price. Although not all Christians accept them, there are millions who do. The reader should at least accept the fact that these scriptures are not necessarily wrong and that they could contain truths. The claims found in this book are in complete harmony with the Bible. They are also in harmony with these latter-day scriptures. The reader will see how they enrich the Bible.

All references are aligned with the 2013 LDS edition of the scriptures. When an Old Testament prophet is quoted in the Book of Mormon, the Book of Mormon version is used because its translation has not been corrupted.²¹ Some footnotes in the Bible include other translations of a term. On occasion I will use one of those. If there is a Joseph Smith Translation available for a passage, the JST translation is always used. The Lord’s words were and will be fulfilled in perfect detail.²² Only with the correct words can we learn the correct details about what is to come in the last days.

This book is not published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or any other Christian denomination. I have stayed as close to the scriptures as possible. If there is any prejudicial selection on my part, it is in which scientific theories I accept as truth.

It is not my place to interpret the scriptures,²³ but it is impossible to discuss them very deeply without unintentionally doing so. As you read, you may start on what you consider as solid doctrine and soon be in a place that is new. You will wonder if this new idea is correct.²⁴ You may say to yourself, That is just the opinion of the author. Or you may think, That might not be true.

No concepts presented here (in a positive light) will be contrary to the holy word of scripture. You will find as new concepts are presented, they will be explained and backed up with scripture. Often they are an extension of what is generally accepted. So where does that leave the reader?

I often summarize these new concepts throughout the book. I ask you to study²⁵ and assess whether or not you think they are what God gave us in the scriptures.²⁶ As you do this, consider the big picture. Consider the facts learned from science and the facts revealed from God. Prove all things.²⁷ Search the scriptures. They can help resolve your questions.²⁸ Then pray about them. Let the promptings of the Holy Ghost be your real guide.²⁹ Upon Him, you can rely.³⁰ He that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost.³¹

Although this book is written to inform and to challenge thinking, it should also strengthen your testimony of our Heavenly Father. We will look at the grand scale of what He has done for us and what He plans to do. You will develop a pride in Father’s works and the sacrifices He and Jesus Christ have made for us.³² The symbology of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son, Isaac,³³ is only a fraction of Their love and sacrifice for us. They certainly deserve our most sincere gratitude. In writing this book, my love for Heavenly Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost has increased dramatically.

I must thank Them, but I must also thank others who helped me write this book. My wife, Janice, provided the patience of Job in letting me spend the time that has been necessary to complete this. My son, Dr. Adam Johanson, was indispensable in educating me on the astronomy involved. He ensured that the astronomical details are correct. He, Janice, Terri, Don, and my late brother-in-law, David, were very helpful in proofreading the manuscript. Thank you!

Endnotes

The scriptures can all be found digitally, online, at: https://www.lds.org/scriptures

1 See The Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) 11:22

2 Abraham 3: 19

3 D&C 98: 12

4 See John 13: 5–7 KJV, Ephesians 3: 5 KJV

5 See the NASA website: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html

6 Dr. Lynn M. Hilton, The Kolob Theorem, Granite Publishing and Distribution, LLC, Orem, Utah, 2006

7 Ibid, page 9

8 Dr. Eric N. Skousen, Earth: In the Beginning, Verity Publishing, Orem, Utah, 1996

9 See Moses 6: 63

10 See I Nephi 19: 9

11 See John 3: 5 KJV

12 See I Corinthians 15: 29 KJV, D&C 138: 33

13 See Isaiah 40: 5 KJV

14 See Zechariah 14: 1–5 KJV

15 See Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith, Junior, Ed, Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, 1938, reprint 1969, March 10, 1844, pp 340–341

16 See Revelation 6: 12–13 KJV

17 See Jacob 7: 23

18 See Acts 15: 15 KJV

19 See Acts 2: 17–18 KJV

20 Proverbs 30: 5

21 See I Nephi 13: 23–26

22 See III Nephi 1: 25 KJV

23 See II Peter 1: 20–21 JST

24 See I Corinthians 4: 1 KJV

25 See II Timothy 2: 15 GR KJV

26 See Acts 17: 11 KJV, II Peter 1: 5 KJV

27 I Thessalonians 5: 21 KJV

28 See Psalm 119: 104–105 KJV

29 See Moroni 10: 5, James 1: 5 GR KJV

30 See John 14: 26 KJV, Ephesians 5: 14 KJV

31 I Nephi 10: 19, see I Nephi 15: 11, John 7: 17 KJV

32 See John 5: 17 KJV

33 See Genesis 22: 1–13 KJV

Introduction

Do you thirst for knowledge? Do you wish to feast upon the words of Christ¹ as we are commanded to do? Then this book is for you.

The glory of God is intelligence.² What does this mean? Is it saying that His intelligence is what creates His glory? Or does it mean that as His children grow in intelligence, that His glory is thereby expanded? Or, does it mean both? This could be why we are encouraged to gain knowledge and wisdom and why we have trials in life.³

Do you wish to be prepared for the Second Coming? Do you want to know what is going to happen? Do you want to be able to stand with Him at that great day? And what does that really entail? This book will outline the events leading up to and including His Second Coming. It will conclude with the celestialization of earth. (The physical change of the planet into a heavenly state.) Knowing what the scriptures say will allow you to recognize false ideas and prevent the enemy of God to exercise his power⁴ to distract. You will be better prepared.

This book combines prophesies found in the scriptures with facts discovered by modern science. True science and true religion are not only compatible, but they enhance each other as you will see. They become two different types of witnesses of God.⁵

God is the author of all scripture.⁶ He prepared each and every word, phrase and sentence very carefully. He knew that some would read His words figuratively and that others would read them very literally.⁷ He ensured that both are correct in most cases. This book usually follows the literal interpretation.

Modern science is a gift from God.⁸ He plans and controls what we discover and when we discover it.⁹ However, He leaves it up to man to either see His hand in it or not. Unfortunately, many try to disprove His existence. Others try to substantiate what is politically correct instead of true. King Lemhi noticed, How blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!¹⁰ It is easy to ignore the difference between theory and law. It is easy to pull data out of context to misprove things. (They make it look like something is true when it is really false.) We must be careful accepting everything we hear that is reported to be fact.

Many years ago science taught that the earth was flat. Not that long ago, science taught that our sun was the only star with planets. Now, we have identified thousands of planets orbiting other stars. True science is understanding more and more of God’s handiwork. True scientists are recognizing that He lives and has been very busy.

Some ideas in this book require thinking outside the box on the part of the reader. Paul said, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared. ¹¹ Some concepts in this book run contrary to long-held, but false traditions.¹² Nevertheless, they are aligned with the scriptures of God and with true science.

This book does not have the answer to every question.¹³ It does show that for every question we have, to which God feels we need the answer, He will give it if we but ask in faith.¹⁴ We obtain a testimony of pure truth when we seek, contemplate, and listen to the spirit.¹⁵

The upcoming generation will see many of the prophesied events unfold before their eyes. Those prophecies will be fulfilled with exactness.¹⁶ Those living in such tumultuous times will need a living prophet and the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Having a good knowledge of the scriptures will make things easier. That is why this book was written. That is why it needs to be read and studied.

The first half of this book describes the creation of the heavens and the earth. The context is thereby set so you can understand the events of the last days as described in Revelation.

We will first look at the question, Where are we? Answers come from astronomy, but they are enhanced by the scriptures. This knowledge lays the foundation for things we will discuss later. We must understand the Great Plan of God to understand why the earth and its inhabitants are here and where they are heading.

Only with these foundations can we understand the mechanics of creation as detailed in the scriptures and as confirmed by modern science. We will look at the creation of the heavens and then look at the creation of the earth. We will see how they fit together.

With that foundation, we can turn our attention to the book of Revelation and use it as an outline of and a guidebook to what the future will be like. We will outline the events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, explore the events of the Second Coming itself, become envious of the Millennium, and rejoice in the celestialization of earth. We will appreciate the love of our Heavenly Father more than ever before.

This book is written for those who believe, or at least for those who have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is written for those who accept the Holy Scriptures as revealed to the prophets.¹⁷ It is written for those are willing to follow the prophet of God. If you do not qualify in these areas, it is suggested that you first read the scriptures and sincerely pray to God about their validity and worth. After you do this, you will be ready. We must ensure our own salvation above all else.¹⁸ Then we can help others to do the same.¹⁹ Then we should prepare for the Second Coming.

Some readers may feel too wise²⁰ to accept the ideas found in this book. If this is you, do not let pride get in your way. Study the footnotes and pray.

This book resolves many issues between science and religion that were thought to be impossible. Some readers side with science because they consider God to be a simpleton and incapable of doing what He says. He is neither. He is incomprehensibly intelligent.²¹ He is incomprehensibly powerful. He organized science for us. Some readers side with erroneous religious traditions and close their eyes to discovered facts from science. False religious notions have caused many conflicts as have false scientific theories. The two sides can come together after accepting this book.

We can and should learn more than we currently know. If we live in faith, if we listen and study, we will be blessed with increased understanding. I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more.²²

This book covers most of the passages in the Revelation of St. John the Divine. Blessed are they who read, and they that hear and understand the words of this prophecy … for the time of the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.²³ You will be blessed if you read, study, ponder, and accept John’s words.

Endnotes

1 II Nephi 32: 3, see II Nephi 9: 51, II Nephi 31: 20 Jacob 3: 2 and 4: 8

2 D&C 93: 36

3 See D&C 130: 19, JS–History 1: 26

4 Mosiah 27: 9

5 See John 5: 31–47, 8: 17–18 KJV, II Corinthians 13: 1 KJV

6 See Alma 17: 2, D&C 20: 11, 35

7 See I Nephi 22: 3

8 See D&C 121: 26

9 See I Corinthians 2: 9–16 JST

10 Mosiah 8: 20

11 I Corinthians 2: 9 KJV

12 See Acts 24: 1–14 KJV

13 See I Nephi 13: 34

14 See Moroni 10: 4–5

15 See James 1: 5 KJV, Enos 1: 15, D&C 18: 18

16 See D&C 1: