There is a big problem with the Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of the Bible. As this is not a real translation, but a creation based on the King James Version (KJV), it adds to and takes away from over 3400 verses throughout the Bible. Even the Book of Revelation was tampered with. As we look at Revelation 4:5, we see a big problem comparing the translations. In the KJV’s translation, “the seven lamps of fire burning before the throne” are described as the “seven Spirits of God”. This translation aligns with other Word for Word translations of the Bible and is not something that was just added to scripture. On the other hand, in the JST, the seven lamps are interpreted as the “seven servants of God”. This could possibly relate to the importance of the role of prophets or spiritual leaders in Mormonism. So, to sum it up, the difference lies in how each translation interprets what the “seven lamps of fire” symbolize. Either as the “seven Spirits of God” (KJV) or the “seven servants of God” (JST). See below for details…
Revelation 4:5 (KJV)
5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Revelation 4:5 (Joseph Smith Translation)
5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven servants of God.
In Revelation there is a warning from God that cautions people about not altering the words from this book of prophecy. To not add or subtract from it in any fashion of the word. This is important to remember since the Bible is divinely inspired through the Holy Spirt. There are consequences if someone dares add to the wording, for God’s plagues will be upon them, which are described in this book. Where those who take away from this prophecy will have their name removed from the book of life and will be shut out of the holy city. What happens to a person who does this? It is straight forward, actually. These people die and go to hell. This is where they will suffer in fire and brimstone until the Great White Throne Judgment Seat. At this point, they will be told by Jesus that their name is not in the Lamb’s book of life. Fear will set in as they are then told that the lake of fire is next, of which they will experience the second death. Even in their resurrected body will they die again. See below for details…
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 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 22:18-19)
“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)
