Gospel Principles
Unit 9: The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Chapter 41: Signs of The Second Coming
Concept 5: Knowing the Signs of the Times Can Help Us
"No one except our Heavenly Father knows exactly when the Lord will come. The Savior taught this with the parable of the fig tree. He said that when we see a fig tree putting forth leaves, we can tell that summer will soon come. Likewise, when we see the signs described in the Scriptures , we can know that his coming is near. (Matthew 24:32-33." 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.")
The Lord gave these signs to help us. We can put our lives in order and prepare ourselves and our families for those things yet to come.
We do not need to worry about the calamities but can look forward to the coming of the Savior and be glad. The Lord said, "Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled." (D&C 45:35). He said those who are righteous when he comes will not be destroyed
"57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.
58 And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation.
59 For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their awgiver." (D&C 45:57-59).
Discussion
How can knowing the signs of the Second Coming help us?"
Additional Scriptures
1 Corinthians 15:22-28 (the end cometh; death is done away)
"22 For as in Adam all die, even so Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ s at his coming .
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power .
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet .
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."
Matthew 16:1-4 (discern signs of the times)
"1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring, O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed."
Matthew 24 (signs of the Second Coming)
Jesus foretells the doom of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple Great calamities shall precede his Second Coming He gives the parable of the fig tree.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (watch for the signs and prepare)
"1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."
D&C 38:30 (prepare so we might not fear)
"30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear."
D&C 68:11 (we can know the signs)
"11 And unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the signs of the coming of the Son of Man; "