Chapter 9 (JSCB)

"And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars." (Revelation 12:1 – KJV)

"And there appeared a great sign in heaven in the likeness of things on the earth: a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars." (Revelation 12:1 – JST)

Notable changes to Revelation 12:1:
• KJV: Speaking of things going on in heaven, it simply states "there appeared a great wonder in heaven."
• JST: Speaking of things going on in heaven, it says that there was "a great sign in heaven in the likeness of things on the earth."

The King James Version (KJV) of Revelation 12:1 describes the appearance of "a great wonder in heaven". We see a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. The Joseph Smith Translation (JST) changes the description of the event from a "wonder" to a "sign". This alteration suggests that the event is not a spectacle to be marveled at. Instead, it is a symbol or important sign of things to come. The JST also adds the phrase "in the likeness of things on the earth." This suggests that the woman clothed with the sun represents or symbolizes something that exists on the earth. This is the problem. Too many things are being suggested, when people have no right to add these thoughts to the Bible.

The changes in Revelation 12:1 are not subtle, as I described above. The following statement was added into the verse, “in the likeness of things on the earth”. This in itself distorts the entire verse and changes the meaning. A wonder in heaven has nothing to do with things on earth. For Joseph Smith to write this in, he simply thought he knew better than what the Bible translators have done. Lastly, a wonder is much different than a sign. A wonder is a feeling of admiration, caused by something that is unexpected. When it happens, we are left in awe. A sign, however, are miracles that God uses to reveal His Power. It confirms that He is God and that his Words are true in scripture. So, why would someone change the word, "wonder" to "sign"? I would love to find out.

"And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." (Revelation 12:4 – KJV)

"And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven and did cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman which was delivered, ready to devour her child after it was born." (Revelation 12:4 – JST)

Notable changes to Revelation 12:4:
• KJV: Speaking of the woman, the dragon "stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered."
• JST: Speaking of the woman, the dragon "stood before the woman which was delivered."

The King James Version (KJV) of Revelation 12:4 describes a woman that is "ready to be delivered". However, a dragon stands before her ready to devour her child "as soon as it was born." This imagery suggests that the dragon is poised to attack the woman and her child immediately upon the child's birth. The Joseph Smith Translation (JST) changes the timing of the dragon's action and tries to clarify the sequence of events. The JST states that the dragon is standing before the woman who has already "delivered" the baby. How he intends to devour her child "after it was born." This alteration causes confusion to the reader. Was the woman pregnant or has she recently delivered her baby? That is the question.

The child to be born is Jesus. Ever since Herod found out that a king would be born, he wanted Him killed. This was the dragon, or Satan, speaking through this man. Thankfully, Jesus was born and was safely guided into the desert, or Egypt, for a few years. Jesus fulfilled His ministry on earth, although Satan continually tempted and tried Him. And being caught up to heaven with His Father, the woman was protected. This lady is the church, and has been given a cloak of protection. This is why Christ's church stands supreme today with no apostasy. There are tares that have come in, which try to cause certain people to go astray. Therefore, this change to the storyline, by Joseph Smith, is demonstrative of a work of Satan. To change what happened in scripture is demonic.

"And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." (Revelation 12:6 – KJV)

"And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she had a place prepared of God that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore years." (Revelation 12:6 – JST)

Notable changes to Revelation 12:6:
• KJV: After the woman fled into the wilderness, God would feed her "a thousand two hundred and threescore days."
• JST: After the woman fled into the wilderness, God would feed her "a thousand two hundred and threescore years."

The King James Version (KJV) of Revelation 12:6 describes a woman fleeing into the wilderness. This is where she has a place prepared by God and is fed there for "a thousand two hundred and threescore days." However, in the JST it is changed to three and a half thousand years. Instead of days, Joseph said that the duration of time that the woman was fed in the wilderness is in years. As I have been taught, there are 365 days in a year. Changing days to years does not make any sense. So, why would Joseph change it to "a thousand two hundred and threescore years"? This significant alteration extends the timeframe to over three times its original length. What people don't realize is, the time in Revelation was given to us to calculate, not change. The total number of years before the events take place is not written down in scripture for a reason.

Joseph Smith altered the Bible to try to make things easier for people to read and interpret. Unfortunately, not liking the dates in scripture is one thing, but changing dates is another. Going from days to years makes the timing of events entirely different. This is what happens when people change the Biblical text instead of examining it. Only with the power of the Holy Spirit can we properly understand the Bible. We also see that "hath" was changed to "had". This is seen in the phrase, “she hath a place prepared of God”, and it being changed to “she had a place prepared of God”. Seeing how “hath” represents the term “have”, it means that the woman has a place prepared for her by God. Where “had” means that the woman once had a place prepared for her by God, but it is no longer the case. This severely alters the events in Revelation.

"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels." (Revelation 12:7 – KJV)

"And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought against Michael." (Revelation 12:7 – JST)

Notable changes to Revelation 12:7:
• KJV: After Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, "the dragon fought and his angels."
• JST: After Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, "the dragon and his angels fought against Michael."

The King James Version (KJV) of Revelation 12:7 describes a war in heaven between Michael and his angels. We have the dragon on one side and his angels on the other. At first, we see the dragon being outnumbered by Michael and the angels. It is written, "there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon". However, the war became evened out when "the dragon fought and his angels". The JST adds the fact that "the dragon and his angels fought against Michael", leaving out the angels that were with Michael. Both versions convey the idea of a war in heaven between righteous and evil forces. The JST changes the sequence of events. Michael is added to the ending, while angels in heaven are excluded as the war progressed.

This one sentence change causes the story line to go adrift. “The dragon fought and his angels” (KJV) was changed to “the dragon and his angels fought against Michael” (JST). What is happening here? The word “fought” was moved after the word “angels”. The phrase, “against Michael” was added to the ending of the verse. What is the problem with doing all this? For one, in the KJV, the dragon is leading the charge with the angels behind him. Where in the JST, the dragon and the angels are simply fighting together. Also, in the KJV, we have Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon and his angelic hosts. Where in the JST, Michael alone is fighting against the dragon and his angelic hosts. Does this change things? Absolutely. The story in verse 7 is no longer the same.

"And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven." (Revelation 12:8 – KJV)

"And the dragon prevailed not against Michael, neither the child nor the woman, which was the church of God, who had been delivered of her pains and brought forth the kingdom of our God and his Christ." (Revelation 12:8 – JST)

Notable changes to Revelation 12:8:
• KJV: Speaking of the dragon and his angels in verse 7, we learn that they "prevailed not."
• JST: Speaking of the dragon verse 7, we learn that "the dragon prevailed not against Michael."
• JST: An extra phrase was added to the verse. It is written, "the dragon prevailed not against Michael, neither the child nor the woman, which was the church of God, who had been delivered of her pains and brought forth the kingdom of our God and his Christ."

The King James Version (KJV) of Revelation 12:8 describes the outcome of the battle in heaven. Speaking of the dragon and his angels, they "prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven." This suggests that the dragon and his forces are defeated and cast out of heaven. The Joseph Smith Translation (JST) changes the outcome of the battle. It is written, "the dragon prevailed not against Michael, neither the child nor the woman." This alteration emphasizes the ultimate victory of God's forces over the dragon and his followers. It also identifies the woman as "the church of God." However, the JST is all false. For one, Michael and his angels defeated the dragon. Second, the church was not on the earth until after Jesus was born and came into his ministry. Jesus brought forth the kingdom and started the church.

In summary, the words “the dragon”, was added in, which does not exist in any word-for-word translation of the Bible. Even the following sentence was added in. It is written, “against Michael, neither the child nor the woman, which was the church of God, who had been delivered of her pains and brought forth the kingdom of our God and his Christ.” That statement replaced “neither was their place found any more in heaven.” So, examining the KJV, it teaches that the dragon prevailed not against Michael and his angels. Therefore, the dragon, which we know is Satan, was cast out of heaven. Regarding the JST, it teaches that the dragon did not prevail against Michael only. How the church of God was delivered, bringing forth Jesus and His kingdom. That is a lot to add to one verse.

"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelation 12:9 – KJV)

"Neither was there place found in heaven for the great dragon, who was cast out that old serpent called the devil and also called Satan, which deceiveth the whole world, he who was cast out into the earth. And his angels were cast out with him." (Revelation 12:9 – JST)

Notable changes to Revelation 12:9:
• KJV: Speaking of Satan, "the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan."
• JST: Speaking of Satan, there was no more room in heaven for him. It is written, "neither was there place found in heaven for the great dragon, who was cast out that old serpent called the devil and also called Satan."

The King James Version (KJV) of Revelation 12:9 describes the great dragon. He is identified as the devil and Satan. This is when "the great dragon was cast out" to the earth along with his angels. This imagery conveys his expulsion from heaven and his subsequent activity on earth, where he deceives the whole world. The Joseph Smith Translation (JST) attempts to clarify the events. It was changed to there was "no place found in heaven for the great dragon". This alteration emphasizes his complete expulsion from the heavenly realm and suggests that he has no place or authority there. The JST adds the conjunction, "also", before the title, "Satan". This suggests that the dragon is known by both names, "devil" and "Satan." This change reinforces the idea of his dual nature and his role as both a deceiver and an adversary.

Furthermore, the JST adds the phrase "he who" before the description of the dragon's deception. This addition emphasizes his role as the deceiver of the whole world. It also highlights his desire and responsibility in leading people astray. These changes have distorted the real story in Revelation 12:9. The events in the JST don't make sense when looking at the King James version. In the KJV, "the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent", speaking of being cast out of heaven. While the JST tries to fill in the gaps as we've seen before. It reads, "neither was there place found in heaven for the great dragon, who was cast out that old serpent". This leaves the reader thinking that Satan had to leave since there is no more room for him. This is false, as we know that he was cast down to earth like lightning for wanting to be like the most High.

Isaiah wrote, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." (Isaiah 14:12-15) Speaking of Jesus, our Lord, he spoke of this. It is written, "and he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." (Luke 10:18) How interesting that Lucifer was cast out of heaven for his desire to be like the most High, which is to be a God. I say this since Mormons want to be like God and become a God. This desire comes from Satan.

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11 – KJV)

“For they have overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their own lives but kept the testimony even unto death." (Revelation 12:11 – JST)

Notable changes to Revelation 12:11:
• KJV: Those who are called overcomers in Christ Jesus are the following. It is written, "and they loved not their lives unto the death."
• JST: Those who are called overcomers in Christ Jesus are the following. It is written, "for they loved not their own lives but kept the testimony even unto death."

The King James Version (KJV) of Revelation 12:11 describes how the martyrs overcame the dragon. This was by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. It also mentions that they "loved not their lives unto the death". This shows their willingness to sacrifice their lives for their faith in Jesus. The Joseph Smith Translation (JST) changes the phrase "loved not their lives unto the death" to "loved not their own lives but kept the testimony even unto death." This alteration tries to emphasize that the martyrs were faithful in keeping their testimony. Even at the cost of their own lives, they were willing to give it up. So, the martyrs' victory over the dragon was a result of their unwavering commitment to their testimony. This was regardless of losing their lives for Christ's sake. This brings up some big red flags. Our faith in Jesus is not the same as a testimony. Joseph Smith added to the verse, "kept the testimony", to mean kept their faith in the Mormon church. This is what this phrase means.

In Revelation 12:11, the phrase, “but kept the testimony”, was added into the verse without even thinking in the JST. Do you know the reason why Joseph added this? It is because Mormons are told that if they do not keep their testimony, they will be sentenced to outer darkness in the next life. This is a lie from Satan to keep people in this false religion. This was the beginning of Joseph's Smith's reign during the formation of his church. He told people that his version of the Bible was the 'inspired version'. What he wrote down was supposedly the true doctrines in scripture. People at large also believed this information, and were faithful and obedient to their prophet. Their church's testimony was more important than anything else. For in this, they could be exalted to Godhood. Or so they said. My friends, this is what happens when people add in the phrase, "but kept the testimony" into the Biblical text. This contributes to the idea that salvation is achieved through good works.

"Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." (Revelation 12:12 – KJV)

"Therefore rejoice, O heavens and ye that dwell in them. ”And after these things I heard another voice, saying, “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, yea, and them who dwell upon the islands of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”" (Revelation 12:12 – JST)

Notable changes to Revelation 12:12:
• KJV: All those who inhabit the earth and sea are in trouble with God. It is written, "woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea!"
• JST: All those who inhabit the earth and islands of the sea are in trouble with God. It is written, "woe to the inhabiters of the earth, yea, and them who dwell upon the islands of the sea!"

The King James Version (KJV) of Revelation 12:12 describes the heavens and their inhabitants rejoicing. At the same time, a woe is pronounced upon the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea. This imagery demonstrates how people on earth and on sea are in trouble with God. They have given into the devil, as his schemes are ramped up before he is taken out. In the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), another voice speaks the message of woe to the inhabitants of the earth. This alteration suggests that a separate entity was emphasizing the seriousness and importance of the warning. It could have possibly been an angel or a representative of God. The JST tries to clarify who will be impacted. How the woe is pronounced upon the inhabitants of the earth, as well as those who dwell upon the islands of the sea. It is not just what is on or in the sea, as the KJV says. Joseph also puts great emphasis on the land masses surrounding the sea. This is a very bad addition to the text.

What was added to this verse when comparing the Joseph Smith Translation with the King James Version Bible? The phrase, “and after these things I heard another voice, saying” (JST), was added in. This removes the fact that this was a continuous voice from the heavens. This voice starts with Revelation 12:10. It is written, “and I heard a loud voice saying in heaven…” (KJV) Who was this other voice, if not the same voice in verse 10? Nobody else, but the same voice. The voice keeps speaking until verse 12. You see what happened? We now have Joseph speculating about the events in this chapter. Saying a different person or angel speaks in verse 12 is wrong. So, what was removed in this verse? The phrase, “and of the sea” was removed and replaced with “yea, and them who dwell upon the islands of the sea.” (JST) Instead of everything in the sea, Joseph changed it to people who dwell on Islands in the sea. Is sea the same thing as islands in the sea? Absolutely not.

“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, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:12-15)

The Apostle John wrote about a real hell and lake of fire for the wicked. This includes people who are willful sinners in this life, along with false prophets like Joseph Smith. This can be seen by looking at all the verses he changed in the Book of Revelation and the Bible alike. It is odd that Mormons don't seem to care about what Joseph did. Instead, Joseph Smith is revered to an almost divine level. They say he restored the Bible to its original state and honor him for his work. Statues have been built for him, songs are sung to praise him, and his birthday is celebrated enthusiastically. To the Mormons, Joseph Smith is the gatekeeper to heaven. This is evidenced by the words of Brigham Young. He said, "no man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith." (Joseph Smith: Legacy of a Prophet, Robert L. Miller, 1994)

However, many view this as blasphemy and a gross distortion of Christian doctrine. The belief that Joseph Smith will attain Godhood and grant others access to heaven is wrong. Those who believe in the one true God know this to be a heretical teaching. Furthermore, Joseph Smith's status as a prophet is called into question because of his actions. I am specifically speaking of his alterations to the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. But you can also look at his dealings with women and children while married.

Joseph Smith's "Joseph Smith Translation" (JST) is one of the most wicked and awful Biblical translations in existence. This is because it is not a translation from ancient manuscripts. Instead, it is a rewrite of the King James Bible (KJV). He made thousands of changes to the Biblical text. The following was written on the BYU website. "Joseph Smith, the first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, made a 'new translation' of the Bible, using the text of the King James Version. This work differs from the KJV in at least 3,410 verses and consists of additions, deletions, rearrangements, and other alterations that cause it to vary not only from the KJV but from other biblical texts." (Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible (JST))

The Book of Revelation is one of the most altered books in the JST. There are dozens of verses that have been changed. The consequences of these actions are severe. With this altered translation of the Bible, Joseph Smith's name has been removed from the Book of Life. This means he is condemned to hell and awaits his final judgment. This is a just punishment for a false prophet who willfully changed the word of God without any regrets.

Joseph Smith is suffering in hell along with many other Mormons who helped him change the Bible. This may be difficult to understand if you are in the Mormon church. However, the truth of God's word is clear. Those who alter God's Word will face dire consequences. The Bible warns about this. It is written, "and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:19) Hell is real, and the lake of fire awaits those who do not repent and turn to Jesus Christ. It is important for Mormons to wake up and hear the truth of God before it is too late.

A question to consider that some may ask is the following. “What if Joseph had repented and destroyed the JST? Would he be forgiven? Of course, he would have. God is merciful to those who turn from their wicked ways and to Jesus for salvation. Despite the harsh reality that this didn't happen with Joseph, it is important to love those who follow him. Jesus wants us all to show love and compassion to all people on earth. This applies to the Mormon community. The goal is not to condemn, but to share the truth of the Bible, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It is through His sacrifice that all people, regardless of their past mistakes, can find forgiveness and eternal life. As Jesus said, "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Amen.