Gramps,

Was climate change ever prophesied in scripture or by modern-day prophets?

Avery

Answer

Avery,

This is an interesting question because the phrase “climate change” is modern, but the idea of significant changes in the earth’s environment appears in both scripture and the teachings of modern prophets. From a Latter-day Saint perspective, however, it is important to distinguish between scientific discussions about climate change and prophetic teachings about the condition of the earth in the last days.

Neither the Bible, the Book of Mormon, nor modern prophets have specifically prophesied what we call climate change today. However, they have foretold widespread environmental disturbances, natural disasters, and changes affecting the earth before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ taught that the earth would experience unusual conditions before His return. In the New Testament, He said:

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (Matthew 24:7)

The Savior also taught:

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations.” (Luke 21:25)

These prophecies are part of what Latter-day Saints call the “signs of the times.” The Church’s Guide to the Scriptures explains that signs of the times are events that will precede the Savior’s return and help prepare the faithful for His coming.

The Doctrine and Covenants contains some of the strongest descriptions of environmental disturbances in the latter days. In a revelation given through Joseph Smith, the Lord declared:

“And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:31)

The same revelation speaks of earthquakes, storms, and widespread destruction occurring in the last days. Later revelations describe the earth being shaken and the elements reacting to God’s power and purposes.

One of the most striking passages is found in Doctrine and Covenants 88:88-90:

“For after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people.

 

For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.

 

And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.”

Notice the imagery: earthquakes, storms, and seas moving beyond their boundaries. While Latter-day Saints may see parallels between these descriptions and modern environmental concerns, the scriptures do not explain the scientific causes behind such events. Their focus is on spiritual preparation rather than environmental science.

The Book of Mormon contains similar prophecies. Mormon foretold:

“Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth.” (Mormon 8:31)

The word “pollutions” has caused some readers to wonder whether Mormon was describing modern environmental problems. While that is an interesting possibility, the Church has not officially interpreted this verse as a prophecy specifically about modern climate change. The chapter’s broader context focuses on the wickedness and conditions of the latter days.

Modern prophets have likewise emphasized the sacred nature of the earth and our responsibility to care for it. President Russell M. Nelson taught:

“The earth and all life upon it are of divine origin.”  (The Creation)

In that same General Conference address, President Nelson explained that the earth was created by God for His children and has a divine destiny in the plan of salvation. This doctrine encourages respect for the planet and gratitude for God’s creations.

Latter-day Saints believe that the earth itself will one day be renewed and receive a paradisiacal glory. Just as people are resurrected and glorified, the earth also has an eternal future in God’s plan.

At the same time, Church leaders have generally avoided issuing official declarations on specific scientific theories or political approaches to climate change. Instead, they have focused on principles such as stewardship, gratitude, avoiding waste, and caring for God’s creations.

Because of this, the Church has not officially identified modern climate change as a specific fulfillment of prophecy. Some Latter-day Saints may see connections between increasing reports of droughts, floods, severe storms, wildfires, or other environmental challenges and the scriptural prophecies concerning the last days. However, the Church has not made such an official connection.

That distinction is important. Prophecy tells us that the earth will experience significant disturbances before the Second Coming. Science seeks to understand the physical causes of environmental changes. These are related questions, but they are not the same question.

The scriptures consistently direct our attention toward faith, repentance, covenant keeping, and discipleship rather than speculation about exactly how every prophecy will unfold. The purpose of Signs of the Times is not simply to satisfy curiosity, but to encourage preparation and faithfulness.

Ultimately, the central message of scripture is not that we should become experts at identifying every environmental trend. Rather, it is that we should be prepared to meet the Lord whenever He comes.

So, was climate change specifically prophesied in scripture or by modern prophets? Not in the way the term is commonly used today. Neither scripture nor modern prophets have identified modern climate change as a specific prophetic event. However, scripture clearly teaches that the earth will experience unusual disturbances, natural disasters, and dramatic changes before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Modern prophets have likewise taught that the earth is God’s creation, that it has a divine destiny, and that we have a responsibility to care for it wisely. For Latter-day Saints, those teachings provide a framework for understanding both prophetic signs and our duty as stewards of the world God has given us.

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

In Jacob 6, “the world shall be burned with fire” is mentioned in several verses.  Currently, there are many wildfires around the world.  Is this what Jacob 6 is speaking of?  Or is there going to be some other type of burning?

Christi

Answer

Christi,

With news reports of devastating wildfires across North America, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, it’s understandable why some Latter-day Saints wonder whether these fires are the fulfillment of Jacob’s prophecy that “the world shall be burned with fire.”

Jacob certainly speaks about fire in strong terms. In Jacob 6, he warns people to repent before it is too late:

“For behold, after that ye have been nourished by the good word of God all the day long, will ye bring forth evil fruit, that ye must be hewn down and cast into the fire?” (Jacob 6:7)

Later, he adds:

“O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate… until the time cometh that ye shall be burned with unquenchable fire.” (Jacob 6:10)

So, is Jacob talking about the kinds of wildfires we see today? According to the scriptures and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the answer is no.

Jacob is referring to a future event connected with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ—a worldwide cleansing by divine power, not simply a series of natural disasters.

Throughout the scriptures, prophets consistently teach that before the Millennium begins, the earth will undergo a great cleansing. Fire is one of the symbols—and also one of the means—God will use to remove wickedness from the earth.

The Savior Himself taught:

“For after today cometh the burning—this is speaking after the manner of the Lord—for verily I say, tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up.” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:24)

Notice that the Lord isn’t describing ordinary forest fires. He’s speaking about a specific future judgment upon the wicked.

The prophet Malachi gave the same prophecy hundreds of years earlier:

“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble.” (Malachi 4:1)

The Savior repeated Malachi’s prophecy almost word-for-word when He visited the Nephites (see 3 Nephi 25:1), showing that it applies to His future Second Coming.

Modern revelation gives even more detail. Doctrine and Covenants 101 describes the events surrounding Christ’s return:

“Every corruptible thing… shall be consumed; and also that of element shall melt with fervent heat.” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:24–25)

The Apostle Peter also described this future event:

“The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also… shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10)

These scriptures point to something far greater than localized wildfires. They describe a worldwide cleansing that prepares the earth for the reign of Jesus Christ.

That doesn’t mean today’s disasters have no significance.

Jesus taught that earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and other calamities would increase before His return (see Matthew 24; Doctrine and Covenants 45). These events are often called “the signs of the times.” They remind us that His coming is drawing nearer.

President Russell M. Nelson has taught that although the last days will become increasingly difficult, our focus should be on spiritual preparation rather than fear. He said:

“During these perilous times of which the Apostle Paul prophesied, Satan is no longer even trying to hide his attacks on God’s plan. Emboldened evil abounds. Therefore, the only way to survive spiritually is to be determined to let God prevail in our lives, to learn to hear His voice, and to use our energy to help gather Israel.”

President Nelson’s counsel reminds us that, while natural disasters may increase, the Lord wants His disciples to prepare spiritually rather than be consumed by fear or speculation.

The earth itself is also described in scripture as needing to be renewed.

Just as people are baptized by water and later receive the baptism of fire through the Holy Ghost, the earth follows a similar pattern. After being cleansed by the Flood in the days of Noah, the earth will someday be cleansed by fire before entering its millennial glory.

President Joseph Fielding Smith explained:

“Christ will come in the day of wickedness, when the earth is ripe in iniquity and prepared for the cleansing, and as the cleanser and purifier he will come, and all the wicked will be as stubble and will be consumed.”

His statement echoes the prophecies of Malachi, Peter, and modern revelation that the future burning is a divine cleansing of the earth in preparation for the Millennium.

Another important point is that many references to fire in scripture are both symbolic and literal.

Fire often represents God’s judgment, His holiness, His presence, and purification. When Jacob warns of being “cast into the fire,” he calls people to repentance before the final judgment. His primary concern isn’t explaining the mechanics of the future destruction but urging people to choose Christ while there is still time.

That message remains just as relevant today.

Whether someone lives near a wildfire or halfway around the world, Jacob’s invitation is the same: repent, come unto Christ, and remain faithful.

It’s also worth remembering that the righteous need not live in fear of these prophecies.

Doctrine and Covenants 38:30 contains one of the Lord’s most comforting promises:

“If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.”

The purpose of prophecy isn’t to frighten us. It’s to help us prepare. The Lord repeatedly reveals future events so His people can hope rather than fear.

So, are today’s wildfires the fulfillment of Jacob 6?

Not according to LDS doctrine.

Wildfires are tragic natural disasters that can remind us we are living in a fallen world and that the signs of the times continue to unfold. But Jacob’s prophecy points to a future, divinely directed cleansing of the entire earth associated with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the Millennium.

Rather than trying to identify every fire, earthquake, or storm as the fulfillment of a specific prophecy, the scriptures invite us to focus on something much more important: our own discipleship.

Jacob closes his sermon with a loving invitation that still speaks to us today:

“Repent ye, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you.” (Jacob 6:5)

That is ultimately the message of Jacob 6. The coming burning of the Earth is real, but it is not meant to cause panic. It is meant to encourage repentance, strengthen faith, and remind us that Jesus Christ is preparing the earth—and His people—for a glorious new beginning when He returns to reign.

Gramps

Gramps,

I am looking for the story regarding yellow dog which is related to conditions before the second coming.

Victor

Answer

Victor,

Among Latter-day Saints, there are numerous stories, predictions, and traditions that have circulated for generations. Some come from documented statements of prophets and apostles, while others have been passed down by word of mouth and have become part of Mormon folklore. One of the most famous examples is the so-called “Yellow Dog Prophecy.”

Many Church members have heard references to it, often connected with predictions of national collapse, civil unrest, economic hardship, or the Constitution being in danger. But what exactly is it, and does it have any official standing in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

The short answer is that the Yellow Dog Prophecy is not an official doctrine of the Church, and no verified version of it has been accepted as authentic by Church leaders.

The Yellow Dog Prophecy is the name commonly given to a collection of alleged prophetic statements attributed to early Church leaders, especially the Prophet Joseph Smith.

The prophecy exists in numerous versions. Depending on who is telling the story, it may include predictions such as:

• The United States experiencing severe internal turmoil.
• Economic collapse and widespread suffering.
• The Constitution hanging by a thread.
• Foreign troops or foreign influence on American soil.
• Latter-day Saints gathering in places of safety.
• A statement that people would exchange valuable property for a “yellow dog” in times of desperation.

The last idea is generally believed to be where the prophecy received its popular name.

The problem is that no single, reliable version exists. Different retellings contain different details, and many versions contradict one another.

There is no verified record showing that Joseph Smith delivered the Yellow Dog Prophecy in the form commonly circulated today.

Historians who have examined the subject have noted that the prophecy does not appear in Joseph Smith’s known revelations, sermons, journals, or official records.

That does not mean every element of the stories is completely fictional. Some parts appear to draw on genuine statements by Joseph Smith about future troubles, the Constitution, and the destiny of the United States. Over time, however, these ideas seem to have become mixed with later recollections, rumors, embellishments, and speculation.

As a result, it is difficult—if not impossible—to separate fact from folklore in many versions of the prophecy.

The Church has consistently encouraged members to rely on authenticated scripture and the teachings of living prophets rather than unofficial prophecies.

A useful principle comes from President Harold B. Lee, who warned:

“If it is not in the standard works, you may well assume that it is speculation.”

While President Lee was speaking broadly rather than specifically about the Yellow Dog Prophecy, his counsel applies directly to stories and predictions whose sources cannot be verified.

Likewise, Church leaders have repeatedly cautioned members against becoming preoccupied with rumors, sensational predictions, and alleged revelations that do not come through authorized channels.

The Church teaches that official doctrine is established through scripture and the united teachings of living prophets and apostles—not through anonymous documents, chain emails, internet posts, or folklore.

Although the Yellow Dog Prophecy itself is not considered reliable, some of its themes are rooted in genuine prophetic teachings.

For example, Joseph Smith did teach that the Constitution would face serious challenges in the future.

One frequently quoted statement, recorded years after his death by several individuals, says that the Constitution would one day “hang by a thread” and that the elders of Israel would help preserve it.

Church leaders have spoken positively about the Constitution’s inspired nature and the responsibility of citizens to support the righteous principles of freedom.

However, even here, caution is necessary. Various versions of the “Constitution hanging by a thread” statement exist, and historians continue to discuss the exact wording and historical reliability of different accounts.

The important point is that belief in the Constitution’s inspired nature stems from the established teachings of Church leaders, not from the Yellow Dog Prophecy itself.

Similarly, scriptures and modern prophets have taught that difficult times will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Wars, natural disasters, social upheaval, and spiritual challenges are clearly discussed in both ancient and modern revelation.

Because these themes are real doctrines, stories like the Yellow Dog Prophecy sometimes seem believable. But that does not make every detail authentic.

There are several reasons.

First, people naturally want information about the future. Predictions about coming events often attract attention, especially during times of uncertainty.

Second, dramatic stories are memorable. A prophecy involving economic collapse and trading valuable possessions for a yellow dog is far easier to remember than a careful historical discussion about sources and documentation.

Third, many members sincerely want to prepare for difficult times and protect their families. That desire is good and consistent with gospel principles. Sometimes, however, it can lead people to place too much confidence in unofficial predictions.

President Dallin H. Oaks has repeatedly emphasized the importance of obtaining truth from reliable sources and following current prophetic counsel rather than rumors and speculation.

A balanced approach would include several principles:

1. Treat it as folklore rather than doctrine.
2. Recognize that no authoritative version exists.
3. Focus on confirmed teachings found in scripture and official Church sources.
4. Follow the counsel of living prophets regarding preparedness, self-reliance, and faith.
5. Avoid fear-based speculation about future events.

The gospel does not require members to believe the Yellow Dog Prophecy. A faithful Latter-day Saint can completely disregard it and lose nothing essential to salvation or discipleship.

Gramps

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