Signs of the Second Coming: No Cause for Fear
Some serious things have been foretold before the Savior comes again. But you have good reasons not to fear.
He Comes Again to Rule and Reign, by Mary RL Sauer
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, will come again. He taught this truth very plainly (see Matthew 24). Many people would like to know when this will happen, but Jesus said, “of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36).
However, the Lord has revealed several signs that will precede His Second Coming. Many of these are exciting and wonderful, such as the Restoration of the gospel, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and the gathering of Israel.
But then there are … other signs. For example:
-
Signs in the heavens (including the sun, the moon, and the stars) and on earth (including fires, tempests, storms, and vapors of smoke).
That all can sound frightening. In fact, the Savior said that in the last days, many people’s hearts will fail them because of fear.
Now, maybe you look at the problems around the world, as well as the personal trials you face, and feel overwhelmed and anxious. Perhaps you wonder what you have to look forward to if things are only going to get scarier and more difficult leading up to the Second Coming.
But this is not how Jesus Christ would have you—one of His disciples—anticipate His return.
The Lord’s Message to His Disciples
Even with all the turmoil and upheaval of the last days, the Savior has said to His disciples, “Be not troubled.” Why? Because “when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:35).
Jesus Christ has told us to “fear not” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:41) and “be of good cheer” (Doctrine and Covenants 61:36). So, instead of focusing on the calamities to come, it may be best to shift our focus.
Here are three important ways you can “fear not,” look forward to the glorious Second Coming, and say, with John the Revelator, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
1. Look to the Prophet
The Savior warned that there would be many false Christs and false prophets before His coming who would deceive many people. All around us, there are loud, confusing, and negative voices trying to lead us astray. In the last days, Satan will “rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good” (2 Nephi 28:20). Even the very elect will be pulled away from the truth.
But the Lord has given us a huge help. He has called prophets to bless and guide us. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will not and cannot lead us astray. The Savior said, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38). You can ask Heavenly Father for the Holy Ghost to confirm the truths they teach, such as President Russell M. Nelson’s recent teachings: “The best is yet to come, … because the Savior is coming again!” And: “He is preparing to come again. May we likewise prepare to receive Him.”
And as you follow their teachings “in all patience and faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 21:5), you can see how they bless your life.
Elder Allen D. Haynie of the Seventy has said: “When I was a child, [the] prophecies of the last days scared me and caused me to pray that the Second Coming would not come in my lifetime. … But now I pray for the opposite. …
“… We do not need to fear. The doctrine and principles that we must follow to survive spiritually and endure physically are found in the words of a living prophet.”
As you follow the guidance of prophets and apostles, your fears will give way to faith, hope, and joy.
2. Stand in Holy Places
The Savior has said that amid the calamities of the last days, “my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:32). These holy places include our homes, meetinghouses, and temples.
Regarding temples, President Nelson has taught that “our safest insurance is to continue to be worthy of admission to His holy house.” And “increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming.”
Eventide, by Yongsung Kim
3. Prepare the World
One role the Church of Jesus Christ plays in the last days is to help prepare the world for His coming. And you can help by participating in His work.
You can share the gospel with others and help bring God’s light and truth to those “who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12).
You can also perform baptisms in the temple for those on the other side of the veil who lived and “died without a knowledge of [the] gospel, who would have received it” (Doctrine and Covenants 137:7).
With so much negativity in the world, you can be a light to others and help bring healing to the world. You can help prepare a people to whom the Savior can come who will be ready to receive Him.
That’s a big responsibility and something wonderful to look forward to.