11/20 RS Lesson: Gospel Principles #43 & 44 "Signs of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ"

Sister Lathen taught a very important lesson this past Sunday on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the signs we are given forewarning us that He will be returning to Earth.  


Throughout history, followers of Christ have looked forward to the Second Coming as a time of peace and joy, but through this lesson we were reminded that the people on earth must endure some great trials and calamities prior to witnessing His return.  Some of the signs foretelling the Second Coming of Jesus Christ have already been or are now being fulfilled, whereas other signs will be fulfilled in the future.  A few of the negative signs that the RS sisters mentioned include:    

• Wars/Violence
• Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Tsunamis
• Insect infestations
• Abnormal seasonal changes

On another note, there are also positive signs related to the Second Coming, which the sisters mentioned as:

• The return of the gospel through Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon
• Increased missionary work throughout the world
• Temples being built
• Growing interest in genealogy work

We must keep in mind that the Lord provides us with these signs so that we understand the importance of getting our lives in order now to prepare ourselves and families for things that are yet to come.


As we look forward to the Second Coming, we learn more about our mission on earth and many sisters agreed that our mission involves working together to establish this church, accepting the Atonement in our lives, being baptized, leading by example, and preaching the gospel.  


When Jesus comes again, He will do the following things:

1. He will cleanse the earth.  This time by fire (D&C 101:24-25), whereas the first time was during the days of Noah and the cleansing was done by water.
2. He will judge His people.  The people will be divided, the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46). 
3. He will usher in the Millennium.  This is the thousand-year  period where Jesus will reign as King on earth.
4. He will complete the First Resurrection.  
5. He will take his rightful place as King of heaven and earth.

Until this happens, all we can do is prepare ourselves for the Savior's return.  Accepting the gospel and applying it to our lives to live each day as best as we can, just as Jesus taught when He was on earth.  We, as Latter-day Saints, are lucky enough to look to the prophet for guidance and follow his counsel.  By living worthily, will can then look forward to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ with happiness instead of fear.     


Additional Scriptures
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (watch for the signs and prepare)
D&C 38:30 (prepare so we might not fear)
John 14:2-3; Matthew 26:64 (Jesus to prepare a place and come again)
Matthew 13:40-43 (the Judgement predicted)
1 Corinthians 15:40-42; D&C 76; 88:17-35 (kingdoms of glory)
Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 11:15; 1 Nephi 22:24-26 (Jesus to reign as King)