Friday, June 24, 2011

Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

In order to help us prepare for His Second Coming, the Lord has placed various signs to watch for within the scriptures.  In Mark 13, here are many verses that have signs that the Lord has made sure to give us.  Included are the Lord’s request for us to watch for times when people will deceive us (v. 5), His request for us to be prepared to share our testimonies in front of those who may not believe us (v. 9), and His request for us to prepare for His coming at all times, since we don’t know the time of His arrival (vs. 33, 35, and 37).  All of these are here to help us be better prepared for when the Lord comes, so we need to heed to this advice.

Not only is advice given in the New Testament to help us, but the Lord has provided more words of advice for us in the Doctrine and Covenants, and in the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew.  In D&C 87:8, the Lord says that we need to stand in holy places and be not moved.  In JST-Matt. 1:32, He says that we will see the abomination of desolation be fulfilled.  In JST-Matt. 1:37, the Lord says that if we treasure up His word, we won’t be deceived.  In JST-Matt. 1:46-50, it is said that we need to be prepared at all times, because no one knows when He will come.  If we are prepared, then we don’t need to fear.  In D&C 33:17, the Lord advises us to be faithful and pray always.  In D&C 45:56-57, the Lord says that we need to be wise, and receive His truth.  We must also have the Holy Ghost as our guide, and we need to work hard to not be deceived. 

The Lord doesn’t want to come to a world full of people unprepared.  He wants to make sure that we are as prepared as we can be when He comes.  That is why He has provided us with signs and advice.  As long as we take this advice and use it well, we will have no need to fear.  His love of us all will save us.  We just need to do our part.  As long as we study the scriptures, and follow His requests, we will not be surprised at the signs that arise.  

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