Doctrinal Study
Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Overview
As Jesus Christ ascended into heaven at the completion of His mortal ministry, two angels declared to His Apostles, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Since that time, believers have looked forward to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
When the Savior comes again, He will come in power and glory to claim the earth as His kingdom. His Second Coming will mark the beginning of the Millennium.
The Second Coming will be a fearful, mournful time for the wicked, but it will be a day of peace for the righteous. The Lord declared:
“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.
“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.
“For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:57–59).
The Lord has not revealed exactly when He will come again: “The hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes” (Doctrine and Covenants 49:7). But He has revealed to His prophets the events and signs that will precede His Second Coming. Among the prophesied events and signs are:
Apostasy from gospel truth (see Matthew 24:9–12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3).
The Restoration of the gospel, including the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ (see Acts 3:19–21; Revelation 14:6–7; Doctrine and Covenants 45:28; 133:36).
The restoration of priesthood keys (see Malachi 4:5–6; Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16).
The coming forth of the Book of Mormon (see Isaiah 29:4–18; 3 Nephi 21:1–11).
The preaching of the gospel throughout the world (see Matthew 24:14).
A time of wickedness, war, and turmoil (see Matthew 24:6–7; 2 Timothy 3:1–7; Doctrine and Covenants 29:17; 45:26–33; 88:91).
Signs in heaven and on the earth (see Joel 2:30–31; Matthew 24:29–30; Doctrine and Covenants 29:14–16; 45:39–42; 49:23; 88:87–90).
The righteous need not fear the Second Coming or the signs that precede it. The Savior’s words to His Apostles apply to all who prepare for His coming and who look forward to it with joy: “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” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:35).
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Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
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Topical Guide, “Jesus Christ, Second Coming”
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Bible Dictionary, “Coming of Jesus Christ”
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Guide to the Scriptures, “Second Coming of Jesus Christ”
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Index to the Triple Combination, “Jesus Christ, Second Coming of”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“They That Are Wise”
“The Second Coming of Jesus Christ”
“The Ten Virgins”
“The Second Coming”
Learning Resources
Church Magazines
“The First Coming and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ,” New Era, December 2016
Erin Sanderson, “Jesus Christ Will Come Again!” Friend, December 2015
R. Scott Lloyd, “Book of Mormon: Gathering Israel, Preparing for Second Coming,” Ensign, April 2013
Jennifer Maddy, “The Scriptures Teach Me about the Savior’s Birth and Second Coming,” Friend, December 2011
“The Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Ensign, March 2009
“Q&A: Questions and Answers,” New Era, May 2006
“The Second Coming,” Liahona, December 2002
Diane Nichols, “Sharing Time: What a Joyful Day!” Friend, December 2001
Sydney S. Reynolds, “Sharing Time: When He Comes Again,” Friend, December 1999
Susan L. Warner, “Sharing Time: I Believe That Jesus Will Come Again,” Friend, September 1995
Lenet Hadley Read, “Elijah and Elisha: Foreshadowing the Latter-day Work,” Ensign, March 1988
Study Manuals
In the News
“Missionaries Need Doctrine of Christ Written on Their Hearts, Elder Russell M. Nelson Teaches,” Church News
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Second Coming,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children
“The Second Coming of Jesus Christ,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, chapter 19
Media
Audio
“How to prepare for the 2nd Coming?” The Latter-day Saints Channel Q&A, episode 37
“The Second Coming of Jesus Christ,” Scripture Stories—Doctrine and Covenants Stories, episode 15