“How You Can Prepare for the Second Coming,” Liahona, Aug. 2025.
How You Can Prepare for the Second Coming
President Russell M. Nelson gives four ways to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ in preparation for His arrival.
The Second Coming, by Harry Anderson
Many people eagerly await Christ’s Second Coming. They excitedly prepare for Him just as they would if a friend or relative were coming to visit from afar. Others may worry about events preceding His coming. But preparation for these events could make the time leading up to the Savior’s coming a time of joy.
President Russell M. Nelson encourages us to prepare for the Lord’s arrival by making “our discipleship our highest priority.” Here are four things he has taught that we can do to strengthen our relationship with the Savior.
1. Rededicate yourself to Jesus Christ
“Jesus Christ will return to the earth as the millennial Messiah,” President Nelson said. “So today I call upon you to rededicate your lives to Jesus Christ.”
President Nelson invited us to come unto Christ and offer our whole souls to Him (see Omni 1:26), testifying that “this is the secret to a life of joy!”
This process of rededication may look different for everyone. But taking part in activities and practices that grow your testimony of the Savior will help you become more devoted to Him. Pray to discover ways you can devote yourself further to Jesus Christ.
2. Worship in the temple
One of the best ways we can improve our discipleship is regular temple worship. When we spend time in the temple, we learn of Christ and come closer to Him. “Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple,” President Nelson taught.
Having a regular appointment in the temple can enhance and build your discipleship and love of the Savior. President Nelson said, “If you have reasonable access to a temple, I urge you to find a way to make an appointment regularly with the Lord—to be in His holy house—then keep that appointment with exactness and joy.”
3. Help gather scattered Israel
President Nelson has made it clear that we should be serious about gathering Israel. “For centuries, prophets have foretold this gathering [see Isaiah 11:11–12], and it is happening right now! As an essential prelude to the Second Coming of the Lord, it is the most important work in the world!”
Gathering scattered Israel includes assisting others in making and keeping covenants. It encompasses missionary, temple, and family history work. We want others to come to Jesus Christ and feel His love.
4. Study the Savior’s sacrifice
Learning more about the Savior is another way to grow your discipleship. President Nelson said, “I urge you to devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
Regular study of Jesus Christ’s Atonement can help you strengthen your testimony of His power. It can encourage you to repent and become more like the Savior.
With His help, we can become better. “There is no limit to the Savior’s capacity to help you,” President Nelson taught. “His incomprehensible suffering in Gethsemane and on Calvary was for you! His infinite Atonement is for you!”
A Joyous Day
As President Nelson taught:
“Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority. …
“… The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ.”
As we draw nearer to Him, He will draw nearer to us (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:63). And when He comes again, He will “wipe away all tears” (Revelation 21:4). It will be a joyous day.
The author lives in Utah, USA.