Question
Dear Gramps,
Why does God keep the time of the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ a secret? What could be the harm in knowing? How could anybody take advantage of it unfairly? After all, He gave Samuel the Lamanite a fairly good time frame for His first coming. And knowing that didn’t seem to hurt anybody. So why keep the time of the 2nd Coming such a big secret?
Robert
Answer
Robert,
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is not merely a theological concept; it represents the fulfillment of divine promises and the culmination of God’s plan for humanity. According to the scriptures, Jesus will return to the earth in glory, bringing with Him the hope of salvation and the establishment of His kingdom. As stated in the Book of Mormon, “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). This event is anticipated as a time when righteousness will prevail, and the faithful will be rewarded.
The significance of this event is emphasized by the teachings of modern prophets. President Gordon B. Hinckley emphasized that knowing the date of the Second Coming would diminish the self-discipline required to live according to gospel principles. He stated, “To know when these events will occur would take from us much of the self-discipline needed to daily obey the principles of the gospel.” This perspective encourages believers to focus on living righteously rather than fixating on the timing of Christ’s return.
The scriptures provide numerous signs that indicate the approach of the Second Coming. These signs serve as both warnings and encouragements for believers to remain vigilant and prepared. In the New Testament, Jesus spoke of various signs, including wars, natural disasters, and moral decay. For instance, in Matthew 24:6-7, He said, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”
In addition to these signs, the Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of revelations given to Joseph Smith, outlines specific events that will precede the Second Coming. For example, D&C 88:95-98 describes a time of silence in heaven followed by the unveiling of the Lord’s face, where the faithful will be caught up to meet Him. These prophetic insights remind believers that while the exact timing of the Second Coming is unknown, the signs are evident and should not be ignored.
Throughout history, God has sent prophets to prepare His people for significant events, including the Second Coming. In modern times, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have provided guidance on how to recognize the signs of the times and prepare spiritually. Elder Dallin H. Oaks has encouraged members to be proactive in their preparation, stating, “While we are powerless to alter the fact of the Second Coming and unable to know its exact time, we can accelerate our own preparation and try to influence the preparation of those around us.”
The teachings of these prophets serve as a beacon of hope and direction, reminding believers to focus on their spiritual growth and readiness. As President Thomas S. Monson once said, “Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us.” This assurance encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Preparation for the Second Coming involves both spiritual and practical steps. The first step is to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, scripture study, and participation in church activities. Engaging in these practices helps individuals to strengthen their faith and become more attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Additionally, believers are encouraged to live righteously and serve others. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 illustrates the importance of being prepared. Five of the virgins were wise and brought extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and unprepared. When the bridegroom arrived, only those who were ready were able to enter the wedding feast. This parable serves as a reminder that spiritual readiness is essential for meeting the Savior when He returns.
Moreover, believers should strive to be aware of the signs of the times and the events unfolding in the world. Understanding these signs can help individuals recognize the importance of their spiritual preparation. As Elder Neil L. Andersen stated, “The Lord has set His hand to prepare the world for His glorious return. These are days of great opportunity and important responsibilities.” By being informed and proactive, believers can navigate the challenges of the last days with faith and confidence.
Gramps
