Ten Signs of the Second Coming

Samuel the Lamanite visited the Nephite people just a few years before the birth and death of the Savior. Because they rejected him, he stood with courage upon the wall of their capital city and declared things the Lord put into his heart and mind. I recently had the opportunity to teach the gospel doctrine class as we considered Samuel’s prophecies.

The signs of the Savior’s birth, which focused on light, saved a people who professed to believe in Jesus Christ. I have always wondered how a society could have deteriorated to the point where a government would allow people to be put to death for their beliefs. Will we see a day where our government sanctions murder for a belief in Jesus Christ?

Samuel’s prophecies of destruction at the death of the Savior halfway around the world were fulfilled as powerful cataclysmic forces ripped through the Western Hemisphere. A modern prophet has declared that conditions and events similar to Samuel’s time will be fulfilled again in our day. We would do well to be familiar with Samuel’s teachings.

Preparing for the Second Coming

Consider these words of President Ezra Taft Benson delivered in General Conference of October 1986 as he offered us his landmark address on the keystone of our religion. “In the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. A major portion of the book centers on the few decades just prior to Christ’s coming to America.

“By careful study of that time period, we can determine why some were destroyed in the terrible judgments that preceded His coming and what brought others to stand at the temple in the land of Bountiful and thrust their hands into the wounds of His hands and feet.” By studying the Book of Mormon we learn how to be prepared to meet the Lord.

“Can anyone doubt that this book was meant for us and that in it we find great power, great comfort, and great protection?” And in April of 1987: “The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming” Let’s consider just a few of those parallels.

1. Strong Righteous Minority 1 Nephi 14:12 & Jacob 5:70

There were but few who were righteous, few who professed to believe in the Savior and few who endeavored to serve the master by declaring his teachings to the world. We find ourselves in a similar situation today. As the second advent of the Lord approaches, the number of those baptized into the Lord’s church is few compared to the world.

Critics have asked why the Mormon Church has just a few million members while there are so many billions of people in the world. They offer this as evidence that we cannot be the Lord’s servants, authorized to offer the ordinances of salvation to the world, as we claim. The scriptures offer evidence to the contrary. “Their dominions were small.”

We proclaim to the world that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only church authorized to perform ordinances required by the Lord to enter his kingdom. It is in the Mormon Church that you will find the Priesthood of God, men sanctioned by the Lord to act in his behalf administering baptism and other necessary, sacred ordinances.

2. Spiritual Outpourings and Miracles  Helaman 16:13-14, Joel 2:28-30 and D&C 45:39-42

Just prior to the Lord’s birth, “angels did appear unto men, wise men, and did declare unto them glad tidings of great joy.” Angels have appeared unto man again in our day as announced by the prophet Joseph Smith and many others. Angels declare unto men “glad tidings of great joy.” We proclaim that angels continue to visit wise men today.

A modern prophet has declared that the prophecy in Joel has been fulfilled. The Lord is pouring out his spirit upon all flesh. Young men see visions. Old men dream dreams of the Lord. Sons and daughters of the saints prophesy. Wonders in the heavens and in the earth are being shown forth. The meanings are being revealed to those who ask of God.

Many signs and wonders shall yet come to pass. Not all of that verse in Joel has been fulfilled. Perhaps we have seen some “blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke.” But “before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven.” That has obviously yet to be fulfilled.

3. Great Wickedness  2 Tim 3:1-5 and D&C 45:26-27

Who can doubt that ours is a day of wickedness or that we live in perilous times? These are indeed the last days. In Samuel’s day, the Nephites claimed to be a righteous people, favored of God and protected from evil. Like those self-deceived Nephites then, we live among a world that says black is white and white is black. They deny the power of God.

Wars and rumors of wars are non-stop. The whole earth is in commotion. Men’s hearts are failing them, meaning they are no longer standing for courageous ideals. Many say that Christ delays his coming. Perhaps he will wait until the end of the world. We live in a cold society, where iniquity abounds and the wicked are rewarded for their deceptions.

Even among the saints of the Lord, those who have been baptized into his church, we find many who find nothing wrong with the ways of the world. “Why do we judge and reject them? God would not do so,” they say. “Why do we condemn their teachings or practices as unnatural or ungodly?” Yet God continues to condemn wickedness today.

4. Rejection of the Lord’s Prophets and their Call to Repentance  D&C 1:14-16

There is no truer sign of a prophet than a call to repentance. If any of us think we have no need to repent then we deceive ourselves. There is always something we can do to improve ourselves and always something we can do better to please the Lord. The need to repent and turn to the Lord has never been greater than it is in the world today.

Do we seek to establish the Lord and his righteousness or are we more interested in “doing our own thing” until the end of our life? How diligent are we in giving heed to the words of the servants of the Lord, His apostles and prophets? Have we received all the ordinances that the Lord requires of us, including those in the house of the Lord?

For the most part, the world has ignored the invitation of the Lord’s prophets today to come unto Christ through baptism by his authorized servants. The day is coming that the arm of the Lord shall be revealed. Those who have taken the voices of the world for their guide will be cut off from the people of the Lord who shall be saved at his coming.

5. Conversion of Many Lamanites  Hel 15:12-13, D&C 49:24

One of the miraculous events that transpired before the Lord visited the people of the ancient American continent was the conversion of the Lamanites. These descendants of Father Lehi had lived as a dark and loathsome people for many generations. Once they accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ they became a fair and delightsome people.

In the last days, before the great day of the Lord shall come, the children of Father Lehi will blossom as the rose, be brought to the true knowledge of their Redeemer, and be numbered among his sheep. They shall flourish in the wilderness, meaning they shall be blessed in their many countries and build up families unto the Lord in righteousness.

In spite of great wickedness in many of their countries, including the United States, the children of Father Lehi have joined the church in great numbers throughout America. They have a great work to do in the very last days as they will assist in the building of the great temple complex in the center stake of Zion. It is their heritage and promise.

6. Prophecy of a Night with no Darkness  Hel 14:3-4 and Zech 14:1-7

Until I prepared this lesson, I’m not sure I fully realized that the prophecy of a night with no darkness would be fulfilled once again at the second coming of the Savior. We all know the story of the night without darkness as told in the Book of Mormon. It came to pass on a most traumatic day in the lives of the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I know I had read the scripture in Zachariah before but I had not understood that it was referring to a time other than when the Savior was born. If you read it carefully, you will discover that it makes reference to the day when the Savior’s feet will stand upon the Mount of Olives. Of course we all know this refers to the second coming of the Lord.

The Gospel Doctrine lesson manual makes reference to page 287 in the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. My library is currently in storage while we replace our flooring. In that quote, apparently Joseph teaches that the night without darkness will occur once again as one of the signs of the Savior’s return. Of course by then it will be too late.

Update: My library is out of storage. Page 287 of TPJS contains the quote about the “one grand sign of the Son of Man in heaven. But what will the world do? They will say it is a planet, a comet, etc. But the Son of Man will come as the sign of the coming of the Son of Man, which will be as the light of the morning cometh out of the east.” (DHC 5:336-337)

7. Prophecies of Signs and Wonders in the Heavens  Hel 14:5-6, Joel 2:30-31 and D&C 45:39-42

Besides the new star, the scriptures speak of many signs and wonders in the heavens and in the earth. We have already mentioned blood, fire, and pillars of smoke, the sun turned into darkness, the moon into blood and the stars falling from heaven. These are given for signs of the coming of the Son of Man and we should be carefully looking for them.

In modern terminology, perhaps we should be looking for such things as unpredicted meteorite showers, unusually large or numerous sunspots or flares on the sun, changes in the orbits of the planets, the appearance of numerous comets and asteroids, or even a repeat of the Peshtigo fires which some declared to be fire from the sky or burning sand.

Those who fear the Lord will be looking for the great and dreadful day to arrive. Fear means to respect or to give careful heed. He will not come unannounced. We should not be surprised when that day comes. The signs are known and foretold in advance. They are prophesied because he loves us and wants us to be prepared for that terrible day.

8. Denials of Signs, Wonders and Christ’s Coming  Hel 16:15-17, 2 Pet 3:3-4 and D&C 45:25-27

When these signs start to appear in the heavens, it is reasonable for men to look to the science of astronomy to understand and explain them. And there will, of course, be some very reasonable explanations that they are natural phenomenon even if they were not predicted. But should we not look to prophets for our explanations and reasons?

You can use your intellect exclusively to explain away these things when they begin or you can accept the words of the prophets that they are signs of the closeness of the return of the Savior. There will be scoffers in the last days who say that all things remain as they were from the beginning of creation; in other words, this is all normal.

Even when the whole earth is in commotion, with more and more powerful earthquakes, the sea heaving itself beyond its bounds, volcanos in unusual places, numerous and unusual comets, meteors and asteroids, men will say that there is some other reasonable explanation, but that it has absolutely nothing to do with the prophesy of Christ’s return.

9. Prophecies of Great Storms and other Natural Destruction Rev 16:18-21 and D&C 88:87-90

By the time this sign rolls around, it will be too late. The day of the Lord will be upon us. But we will not be able to say that we weren’t warned. There will be many signs leading up to the great storms and natural destruction that will occur when the Savior comes. Read the Book of Revelation carefully to understand some of those signs.

There will be voices, loud sounds from within our planet as it communicates with the approaching heavens. The Lord has said that he comes with the City of Enoch. We are taught and believe that it will be a physical return of a large portion of our planet that was broken off. Can you imagine what that will be like when they come close together?

Thunders, lightnings, great earthquakes, mountains being cast down, valleys raised, a great hail from heaven and stars falling into the sea. This hail will not be water or ice. It will be large pieces of rock and earth. In other words, they are meteorites and asteroids. The earth will tremble to and fro at the approach of the Lord and the City of Enoch.

10. Prophecy of the Destruction of the Wicked  Isa 26:20-21, Mal 4:1, D&C 1:9-14 and D&C 133:40-44

The Lord warns the righteous to be prepared for that great and dreadful day. He tells us to seek safety indoors, to hide ourselves for a little moment until the destruction passes. It will be a hot day. It will burn as an oven. All those who are out of doors will burn like stubble in the field. Only those who are besieging Israel will be out of doors that day.

The wicked will be destroyed by the brightness of his coming. The Lord has warned them and has told us to warn them, but they heed not the warnings and prophecies. We are to prepare for the day when the anger of the Lord is kindled, when the sword bathed in heaven shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth. It will be a great and terrible day.

Because of their disobedience and their determination to fight against Israel, the wrath of God will be poured out without measure. They have sealed up their destruction. They have willfully rebelled and chosen to seek the destruction of the people of the Lord. The presence of the Lord shall be as melting fire, but the righteous shall be caught up.

Summary and Conclusion

This is one of the longer essays I have written. I have worked on it for over a week as I have pondered the signs prophesied by Samuel that will be fulfilled again in the very last days. We are fast approaching those days which the righteous need not fear. We have been warned and we know what to expect. We will be prepared when it comes.

There are so many more signs of the second coming that we could add to this list but these are the ones specifically mentioned by Samuel we have been taught will come to pass again before the Lord returns. I have written much about the natural explanations of how some of these events will come about, but they are not acceptable to science.

I am grateful for the assignment to teach this lesson that helped me focus my mind on these conditions and events that are obviously coming to pass again just as they were in the days before the Lord visited the Nephites. The Book of Mormon is indeed a guide for our day to be prepared for these terrible events that must come when Christ returns.

17 thoughts on “Ten Signs of the Second Coming”

    1. Thank you Diane. I taught this lesson almost six months ago. It was one of my favorite Gospel Doctrine classes ever, and not because I taught it. I felt the sprit so strongly helping me prepare and then teach. It was in teaching this lesson that I learned there will be a new star at the Second Coming. Denver Snuffer mentioned that in a recent post on his blog (3-3-13) that it would also be a sign that he (Denver) had taught the things the Lord told him to teach. I’m thinking that needs more explanation but am hesitant to ask him.

      1. Diane Godbout

        Where does it say there will be a new star at his second coming,the new testament explains how he’ll be making his appearance and what’s going to happen to the wicked and the righteous.

      2. Hi again Diane. Start with Zech 14:7: “But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.” This is describing a day that will occur at the second coming of the Lord.

        Now read Hel 14:4-5 from the Book of Mormon where Samuel describes the similar event that occurred at the birth of the Savior.

        “…there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened…And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.”

        Now add this from a modern prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson: “The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 3; or Ensign, May 1987, 4). He also said, “In the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5–6; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6–7).

        If you put them together, we learn: 1) A new star appeared at the Savior’s birth. 2) A night of no darkness is prophesied at the time of the Savior’s second coming. 3) A modern prophet has testified that many of the same things that happened at the birth of the Savior will appear at his Second Coming.

        Conclusion: The night of no darkness prophesied by Zechariah indicates a new star at the time the Savior is to return to the earth. To me the logic is inescapable and irrefutable. I tried to explain this in point six in my essay. I hope this additional explanation helps. Thanks for visiting and commenting.

  1. Pingback: A New Star Will Soon Shine Forth | Latter-day Commentary

    1. Show me where it says s new star will appear at the second coming,or else drop it.The new testament and Revelations make it clear how he will come!

      1. Sorry Diane. I don’t mean to offend or argue. The idea of a new star at the Second Coming of Christ is not unique with me. Perhaps this supporting material from Professor Keith Perkins of BYU regarding the interpretation of Zechariah 14:6-7 may be helpful:

        “Will the sign of his first coming—the new star, the day and night and day as though it were one day—be the same sign of his second coming? (see Zechariah 14:6–7).”

        Source: http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/joseph-smith-translation-restoration-plain-and-precious-things/12-jst-second-coming-Christ

        And for what it’s worth, some people also believe Rev 9:1 refers to this star: “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.”

        1. Diane Godbout

          The most important thing to be focused on is preaching repentance,according to the D+C and being ready spiritually for the second coming anyway.

      2. Amen. You are absolutely correct. That’s what this church has been doing so well these many years – inviting us to repent and come unto Christ is the best preparation. The way we treat others shows us how prepared we are. Thank you so much for adding your delightful comments. You got me thinking and digging. God bless.

  2. I have learned a lot from your articles and felt so spiritual, some made me want to weep for some reason I am thankful for your review on Glory of Vision too because I was like you, being caught up in the beginning of the book and then was surprised to see what he had to say in the ending of the book, pondering about earthquake in SLC in the fall and also technology in remote areas, but technology was shut off in the whole world, but I felt connected with white stones so felt that part could be true on others, I was like wow..okay. making me wish that I am translated as well I wish I have more strong spiritual with my Heavenly Father, I wonder sometimes if He is really with me and answers what I need because I see not happen yet. I long to have visions etc but not happen yet so maybe I am not worthy yet but thank you for sharing articles I am not done reading yet and loving your articles Thank you again.

  3. Also want to add that I love your article on Second Coming of Jesus Christ so plan to print it out and read it again.

  4. I believe that the Second Coming is very near.

    I a talk given in Oct. general conference of 1961, Ezra Taft Benson spoke of conditions in America that would bring to pass the “abomination of desolation” on the Gentiles. In part he said:

    “But on the other hand, if the gentiles on this land reject the word of God and conspire to overthrow liberty and the Constitution, then their doom is fixed, and they “. . . shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant”. (1 Nephi 14:6; 3 Nephi 21:11, 14, 21; D&C 84:114-115, 117)

    Who cannot see that the Gentiles of this nation are rejecting the word of God and conspiring to overthrow liberty and the Constitution?

    This “abomination of desolation” according to Joseph Smith Matthew is the event that leads us into the Second Coming. We read:

    32 And again shall the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled.
    33 And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken. ..
    36 And, as I said before, after the tribulation of those days, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory;

    The events we are presently witnessing regarding the Gentiles rejecting the word of God and conspiring to overthrow liberty and the Constitution are upon us. It is the Second Coming, according to Ezra Taft Benson that will preserve liberty and freedom in America.

    For a more complete treatment of this subject please visit my blog: http://www.ayearwithnorainbow.com/abomination_of_desolation.htm

  5. Thanks for your thoughts on this topic. I think the mess going on in the middle east is part of the sign of wars and rumours of wars. It’s spinning out of control and will likely require most nations to get into the conflict. Many military veterans and pundits have commented that this could lead to another world war. With the amount of nukes spread throughout the world, the next world war could be Armageddon. I really enjoyed your blog post!

  6. Pingback: Thoughts on the End of the World – Latter-day Commentary – Last Days – Signs of the Times

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