“The Second Coming,” Friend, Dec. 2002, 10
The Second Coming
Chapter 46
Jesus was talking to His disciples at a place called the Mount of Olives. The disciples asked Him when the wicked would be destroyed and when He would come again (the Second Coming). Matt. 24:3; JS—M 1:4
Jesus told them that before His Second Coming, false prophets would claim to be the Christ and that many people would follow them. But, He said, if the disciples obeyed His words, they would not be fooled by the false prophets and would be saved. Matt. 24:4–5, 24–27; Mark 13:21–22; JS—M 1:21–22, 37
He also said that before He comes again, there will be many wars, famines, pestilences (plagues), and earthquakes. The love of men shall wax cold, iniquity shall abound, and a terrible sickness will affect many people. JS—M 1:23–25; D&C 45:20–23, 31–32
The gospel will be preached to the whole world, but many people will not listen to the word of the Lord. JS—M 1:31
The sun will be darkened, the moon will not shine, and the stars shall fall from heaven. Matt. 24:29; Mark 13:24–25; JS—M 1:33
When He comes again, the righteous shall see Him coming down from the clouds with power and great glory. He shall send His angels to gather the righteous together. Matt. 24:30–31; Mark 13:26–27; JS—M 1:36–37
We can prepare for the Second Coming by doing what is right. We will know that His coming is near when we see the signs He has promised. No one knows exactly when He will come again, but if we are prepared, we can be with Him then. Matt. 24:44; Luke 21:36; JS—M 1:39–40
Illustrated by Paul Mann