To clarify a point from last weeks lesson:
I made a statement based on D&C 76:32-39 that sons of perdition will not be resurrected. That is a false statement. All of God’s children born upon this earth will be resurrected.
Sons of perdition will have no power over the second (or spiritual death) . they are doomed to suffer the wrath of God with the devil and his angels in eternity.
They will have to spend the thousand years of the millennium in the prison house prepared for them and remain unresurrected until the afternoon of the second resurrection.
1. The Savior will return to the earth in power and great glory.
Ever since the plan of salvation was presented to our Father in Heaven’s children, we have known that Jehovah would be our savior. His roles have been, are, and will be many; among them:
The firstborn of the Father
Advocate of the Father’s plan
The creator of this and countless other worlds
The God of the Old Testament, of Abrahm, Isaac and Jacob
The Savior of the World, who was born of a mortal mother, grew in wisdom and strength in a mortal body, preached the gospel to those who would give ear, atoned for our sins, and was crucified ending his mortal existence.
Teacher of the gospel to the spirits in prison
The Resurrected Savior who showed himself in the flesh to those In Jerusalem, and in the New world
Restored the gospel to the earth once again, in 1820 when He, along with the Father, appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in a grove of trees in Palmyra, NY.
Continually reveals his secrets unto his servants, the latter-day prophets to guide and direct His church today
When all the prophecies have been fulfilled, and when the gospel has been preached to all nations, He will come again, with power and great glory, to gather the righteous and destroy the wicked and usher in a millenium of peace where He will rule and reign personally upon the earth.
As members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, we are privileged to have additional revelation regarding the second coming of the Savior. The Doctrine and Covenants is where many of these revelations have been recorded for our benefit.
A. When will He come?
We do not know the exact date or time He will come, but, we know that we are close.
When the angel moroni appeared to Joseph on the night of Sept. 21, 1823, He revealed to Joseph the existence of an ancient record which Joseph would later be given and translate at a later time.
The major part, however, of the message Moroni gave to Joseph that night was a recitation of many biblical prophecies, all prophesying of the second coming of the Lord. One which we are very familiar is that of the 3 and 4th chapters of Malachi:
JSH 1:36-39
36 After telling me these things, he commenced quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament. He first quoted part of the third chapter of aMalachi; and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter of the same prophecy, though with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles. Instead of quoting the first verse as it reads in our books, he quoted it thus:
37 For behold, the aday cometh that shall bburn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn as cstubble; for they that come shall burn them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
38 And again, he quoted the fifth verse thus: Behold, I will reveal unto you the aPriesthood, by the hand of bElijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the cLord.
39 He also quoted the next verse differently: And he shall plant in the hearts of the achildren the bpromises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.
The theme of the last days and the Second Coming have been an integral part of the restoration from the very beginning. We have seen many prophesied events already take place and await the fulfillment of the ones remaining.
The doctrine of the Second Coming was so important that, in the first 7 years of the church’s organization, the Lord declared, “ I come quickly!” ( D&C 112:34) twelve times and the time of His coming was “soon at hand” ( D&C 29:9).
Let’s read through some of these verses:
D&C34:7,12
7 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the atime is soon at hand that I shall bcome in a ccloud with power and great glory
12 And verily, verily, I say unto you, I come aquickly. I am your bLord and your Redeemer. Even so. Amen.
D&C110:16
16 Therefore, the akeys of this bdispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful cday of the Lord is near, even at the doors.
D&C 49:6-7
6 And they have done unto the aSon of Man even as they listed; and he has taken his power on the bright hand of his cglory, and now reigneth in the heavens, and will reign till he descends on the earth to put all enemies dunder his feet, which time is nigh at hand—
7 I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the aday no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes
What is the point of not knowing when He will come again?
Bruce R. McConkie
“Deliberately and advisedly the actual time of his coming has been left uncertain and unspecified, so that men of each succeeding age shall be led to prepare for it as though it would be in their mortal lives.” (DNTC 1:675)
Gordon B. Hinckley
“ Certainly there is no point in speculating concerning the day and the hour. Let us rather live each day so that if the Lord does come while we are yet upon the earth we shall be worthy of that change which will occur as in the twinkling of an eye and under which we shall be changed from mortal to immortal beings..We need not fear the day of his coming; the very purpose of the Church is to provide the incentive and the opportunity for us to conduct our lives in such a way that those who are members of the kingdom of God will become members of the kingdom of heaven when he establishes that kingdom on the earth.” ( We Need Not Fear at his Coming.” 1979 Devotional Speeches of the Year, Provo: Brigham Young University Press, p. 83).
We Must Prepare for the Second Coming
D&C133:4-10
4 Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify yourselves; gather ye together, O ye people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have not been commanded to atarry.
5 Go ye out from aBabylon. Be ye bclean that bear the vessels of the Lord.
6 Call your asolemn assemblies, and bspeak often one to another. And let every man call upon the name of the Lord.
7 Yea, verily I say unto you again, the time has come when the voice of the Lord is unto you: Go ye out of Babylon; agather ye out from among the nations, from the bfour winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
8 Send forth the elders of my church unto the anations which are afar off; unto the bislands of the sea; send forth unto foreign lands; call upon all nations, first upon the cGentiles, and then upon the Jews.
9 And behold, and lo, this shall be their cry, and the voice of the Lord unto all people: Go ye forth unto the land of Zion, that the borders of my people may be enlarged, and that her astakes may be strengthened, and that bZion may go forth unto the regions round about.
10 Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the aBridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the bgreat day of the Lord.
We are given very specific ways to prepare here
a. sanctify yourselves (consecrate ourselves)
· Be steadfast in righteousness D&C 27:15;
· .Be repentant. D&C 34:6; 39:19–20; 43:20–23.
· Have the Holy Spirit as your guide D&C 45:56–57.
b. gather together
· Stand in holy places D&C 45:32; 87:8; 101:22–23. (Stand in holy places.) What does it mean to “stand in holy places”? What are some of these holy places? (They could include our temples, our chapels, our homes, and the stakes of Zion.) What can we do to keep ourselves worthy and holy even when we are in worldly environments?
c. be ye clean
· Be clean in body. Be clean in mind. Be clean in language. Be clean in dress and manner
d. call your solemn assemblies
· solemn assemblies are held to enhance the Saints’ spirituality and to give added emphasis to the importance of the assembly’s purpose
· Some solemn assemblies are held in temples, some in the Tabernacle, and others in stake centers. Whatever the purpose or location of the assembly, the sacredness of the event is paramount.
e. speak often one to another
· We are our brother/sister’s keeper. When we keep in close contact, we are more aware of one another’s needs and are more personally committed to help.
f. let every man call upon the name of the Lord (prayer)
· what power is there in prayer? It can change the night to day.
g. send forth elders to all nations
· in Dec. 2008, there were over 52,000 full time missionaries serving in 348 missions all around the world
h. strengthen the stakes of Zion
· Develop personal spiritual strength, influence our families and friends to do the same, serve our member and nonmember neighbors, and accept calls from priesthood leaders to serve in the Church.
Many times when we think of preparing for the second coming, our minds turn to spreading the gospel to all nations. Although this is a worthy cause and one the Lord would have us do, please notice it is only one of many things we need to be doing.
Why are you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Is it because you have a testimony of Jesus Christ and His eternal mission? Is it because you believe that this is the same gospel He has always taught throughout all ages? If so, then you are every day preparing for his assured return. The church, as an organization, gives you all the tools you require to abide the day when he comes again.
Gordon B. Hinckley
“We need not fear the day of his coming; the very purpose of the Church is to provide the incentive and the opportunity for us to conduct our lives in such a way that those who are members of the kingdom of God will become members of the kingdom of heaven when he establishes that kingdom on the earth.” ( We Need Not Fear at his Coming.” 1979 Devotional Speeches of the Year, Provo: Brigham Young University Press, p. 83).
Take advantage of all the church has to offer. Build a strong testimony, a strong family, a strong ward, and a strong stake . Build Zion where you stand.
President John Taylor
“And Zion that is on the earth will rise, and the Zion above will descend, as we are told, and we will meet and fall on each other’s necks and embrace and kiss each other.” (JD 2:103)
THAT , brothers and sisters, is why you are here, in Lazona Ward, in Mesa, Arizona, in the US at this very time in eternity.
Watch for the signs of the Savior’s coming
As we prepare, we also need to be watchful. The Lord has revealed many signs that will proceed his second coming:
Already fulfilled:
o The fulness of the gospel will be restored D&C 45:9; 133:57–58.
o God’s kingdom will be established on the earth.) D&C 65:2–6.
o Priesthood keys will be restored.) D&C 110:11–16.
o The gospel will be preached throughout the world.) D&C 133:8–9, 36–39
Currently being fulfilled:
a. The gospel will be preached throughout the world.) D&C 133:8–9, 36–39
o There will be great weeping, despair, and fear. Men’s hearts will fail them.) D&C 29:15; 88:91
* “The commotion and tribulations of the last days surely lead to fear, anxiety and panic. Adverse economic conditions cause people to fear losing their jobs and consequently their ability to provide food and shelter forthemselves and those who depend upon them. Raging violence causes many to fear for their personal safety. Dim prospects for the future create discouragement and dispair.” (Behold I come Quickly, Brewster, Hoyt, p.173)
o There will be famines, scourges, sickness, and desolation.) D&C 29:16; 45:31; 112:24
o There will be wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth will be in commotion.) D&C 45:26; 63:33.
* There are currently 7 ongoing wars throughout the world which each result in more than 1000 deaths annually.
o The love of men will become cold, and iniquity will abound.) D&C 45:27.
*Today’s society has turned from worshipping Deity to worshipping the things of this world: Material possessions, power, prestige, and pleasures. The self-centered approach to life is epitomized in the selfish slogan, “ Look out for number one.” Society is presently plagued with increasing evidences of love waxing cold: rudeness, divorce, lawsuits, abuse, rape, beatings, gang violence, murder, theft, vandalism, freeway and drive by shootings. In general there has been a turning away from love, courtesy and consideration for others. (Behold I come Quickly, Brewster, Hoyt, p.
There will be earthquakes, tempests, and great waves of the sea. Men will harden their hearts against God and fight each other.) D&C 45:33; 88:89–90.
Yet to be fulfilled:
a. The New Jerusalem will be built. It will be a place of peace and safety for the righteous in the last days. D&C 45:66–71
o Where will the New Jerusalem be built?
a. Articles of Faith 10
10 We believe in the literal agathering of Israel and in the restoration of the bTen Tribes; that cZion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will dreign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be erenewed and receive its fparadisiacal gglory.
b. the building of a temple in the New Jerusalem
D&C57:2-3
2 Wherefore, this is the aland of promise, and the bplace for the city of cZion.
3 And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the acenter place; and a spot for the btemple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the courthouse
c. the building of a temple in Old Jerusalem
Orson Pratt: “ The Temple at Jerusalem will undoubtedly be built, by those who believe in the true Messiah. It’s construction will be, in some respects different from the Temples now being built. It will contain the throne of the Lord , upon which he will at times, personally sit, and will reign over the house of Israel for ever. It may also contain twelve other thrones, on which the twelve ancient Apostles will sit, and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. It will, very likely, have an apartment, with a table, on which food and drink will be prepared, such as are suitable to the taste and happiness of immortal resurrected beings, thus fulfilling the words of Jesus- “Ye that have followed me in the regeneration [resurrection] shall eat and drink at my table and sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” [Matthew 19:28] (JD 19:20; italics added)
d. the full return of Judah to Israel
Bruce R. McConkie: “ Portions of Jewish Israel hold forth in various nations or have gathered in a political sense to the land of their fathers. This gathering, however, is simply one that puts persons of the proper lineage in the same geographi local where their ancestors dwelt; it is not the true gathering of Israel of which the prophets speak.. It may be prelude therto,. the gathering of Israel consists in believing and accepting and living in harmony with all that the Lord once offered his ancient chosen people..” (NWAF pp. 511,515,519)
e. the gospel preached in all the world
f. the return of the lost tribes
g. the gathering of prophets at Adam-ondi-Ahman in Missouri
Joseph Fielding Smith: “At this gathering Adam, the Ancient of Days, will again be present..[he] will sit. There will stand before him those who have held the keys of all dispensations, who shall render up their stewardships to the first Patriearch of the race, who holds the keys of salvation.. then he will make his report.. to his superior officer, Jesus Christ. Our Lord will then assume the reins of government; directions will be given to the Priesthood; and He, whose right it is to rule, will be installed officially by the voice of the Priesthood there assembled. (WP, pp. 289-91).
h. The raising up of two great prophets to minister in Israel
Bruce R. McConkie: These two shall be followers of that humble man, Joseph Smith, through whom the Lord of Heaven restored the fullness of his everlasting gospel in this final dispensation of grace. No doubt they will be members of the Council fo the Twelve or of the First Presidency of the Church. Their prophetic ministry to rebellious Jewry shall be the same in legth as was our Lord’s personal ministry among their rebellious forebears.” (DNTC 3:509-10
At the end of their designated ministry-“when they shall have finished their testimony,” the Revelator tells us- “the beast ..shall overcome them, and kill them.” For three and one-half days, their dead bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem while the wicked of the world “shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” (Rev. 11:7-10)
Jerusalem, at this time, will be overrun and ravished by the wicked.. and just when it seems that they have won the battle, the two slain prophets raise to their feet, a great fear falls upon those who see. They hear a great voice from heaven saying unot them, Come up hither, and they ascend to heaven in a cloud. In the same hour, an great earthquake levels 1/10 of the city, 7000 are slain. The remainder are frightened and give glory to the God of heaven. (Rev 11:11-13)
i. The Battle of Armageddon
Bruce R. McConkie taught that Armageddon would be “a religious war. The forces of antichrist are seeking to destroy freedom and liverty and right; they seek to deny men the right to worship the Lord; they are the enemies of God. The one-third who remain in the land of Israel [see Zech 13:8-9] are the Lord’s people. They believe in Christ and accept Joseph Smith as his prophet and revealer for the last days. (MM, pp. 465-66).
j. There will be signs and wonders in the heavens and in the earth.) D&C 34:9; 45:40–42; 88:87.
o The sun darkened, moon turned to blood, stars fall from the heavens, and many other wonders and signs.
The Lord counseled us to “be not troubled”during the turmoil of the last days (D&C 45:35). How can we maintain hope and avoid feeling distressed when we are surrounded by the wickedness and turmoil of the last days? (See D&C 38:30
When He Comes Again
· Christ will come to earth in power and glory. a. D&C 29:9–11; 45:44.
· All nations will tremble when He comes. D&C 34:8, 11; 63:34.
· The Savior will put all enemies under his feet D&C 49:6.
· He will come in red apparel- signifying a time of vengeance upon the wicked D&C 133:46–53.
o When the Lord Jesus Comes again, it will be not as the Prince of Peace, not as the Suffering Servant, not as one who descends below all things, but as the Man of War and the God of Battles who will wage war and overthrow kingdoms and spread destruction as he did when Joshua and Gideon and David led his people anciently. The Millennial era will not be ushered in by the righteousness of the people. Christ will come in the midst of war such as has never been known before in the whole history of the world. All the nations of the earth will be engaged. Those who oppose freedom and liberty and Christianity and the Jews will attack Jerusalem. The focal point will be the ancient battlegrounds of Megiddo and Armageddon. In the midst of this war, ‘this same Jesus’ who ascended from Olivet ‘shall so come in like manner’ as he went up into heaven. (Acts 1:11). His feet shall once again stand upon the Mount of Olives. And in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, which is between Jerusalem and Olivet, he shall sit to judge the heathen nations. (NWAF, p. 637)
· He will come to the Mount of Olives, a great earthquake will cause the mount to divide and shake the entire earth. John the Revelator tells us that “cities of the nations” of the world will fall as a result of this great quake and that islands will flee and mountains would disappear. (Revelation 16:18,20). The earth begins the physical changes needed to transform into it’s terrestrial state.
· 144,00 will Stand with Him D&C 133:18
o Joseph Smith, “ saviors on Mount Zion” who will be accompanied by “an innumerable host that no man can number.” (HC, 6:365)
*The Wicked will be destroyed D&C 88:22-23
o Those of a telestial nature will be swept from the face of the earth, and only those capable of living celestial and terrestrial lives will remain.
*The Saints who have died will be resurrected and come forth to meet the Savior
* The worthy saints among the living are “quickened and..caught up to meet him.”
· Not only the Jews, but those in all nations shall weep because of their unbelief and wickedness. The Jews will recognize Jesus as the Savior. The more righteous of the people will repent and be baptized, cleansing them of their sin and uncleanness (Zech 13:1)
· Those who have received the gospel in spirit prison will be resurrected.
The Millennium will be a time of joy and peace.
The Savior’s Second Coming will usher in the thousand-year period called the Millennium.
What will life on earth be like during the Millennium?
o Everyone will be able to see the Savior D&C 101:23.
o All the wicked will have been destroyed D&C 101:24
o The earth will become new. D&C 101:25.
§ It will return to it’s paradisiacal glory-back to the condition in which it was before it was cursed through the fall of Adam.
o People and animals will live in peace. D&C 101:26.
o People will be granted what they righteously desire. D&C 101:27.
o Satan will be bound and will have no power to tempt anyone D&C 101:28; see also D&C 45:55; 88:110.
o There will be no sorrow or death. D&C 101:29.
o A person will grow old, then be changed suddenly from mortal to immortal. D&C 101:30–31.
o The Lord will reveal all things about the earth and heaven, including how the earth was created and what will become of it. D&C 101:32–34.
o Children will grow up without sin. D&C 45:58.
o The Lord will be the king and lawgiver for the whole earth. D&C 45:59; 133:25.
Conclusion
The Lord has revealed more information about the Second Coming and the Millennium to us than to any other group in the history of the world. With this information, we can be prepared and steadfast in righteousness as His prophecies are being fulfilled all around us. We should look forward with joy to the time when the Savior will return and usher in the millennial reign of peace and righteousness.
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