This timeline comes from scripture and 'The Coming of the Lord" by
Elder Gerald N. Lund which is a compilation of the words of the
Prophets in the most accurate timeline we can get. Many items
in each stage may happen around the same time. References
will be added or linked to the best of my ability. Here's a link to where
you can buy "Coming of the Lord." *Please note that I do not earn any
money from this website or from purchases of this book.*
Lord Cleans His House First
"Upon my house shall it begin." This is the separation of the wheat from the tares and the olive Press, the parable of the Ten Virgins, and the end of the Hastening period. "Do not, therefore, be ye deceived." The Lord promised that those who aren't ready will be turned away and the first to fall.
Gerald N. Lund has a great chapter on this in great detail on page 69 of "The Coming of The Lord." No one likes to to think that they will be defined as "wicked" by the Lord, it is not a pleasant thing to think about. However, if we do not humble ourselves and take an honest look at our lives, how will we be able to make an accurate assessment? An accurate repair?
When Will This Happen?
Joseph F. Smith, the 6th Prophet of the Church, bore this witness in 1880 in General Conference, "...I further testify, that unless the Latter-day Saints will live their religion, keep their covenants with God and their brethren, honor the Priesthood which they bear, and try faithfully to bring themselves into subjection to the laws of God, they will be the first to fall beneath the judgements of the Almighty, for His judgement will begin at His own house." pg. 71
Revelation given to the early saints about the last days after they were driven out from Jackson, MO, "Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her. But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore afflictions, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire." In other words, the Saints who are not obedient will be visited with the same destruction that awaits the wicked. Obedience is the great and last test.
This sets the timeline. We know that the wicked will be destroyed after the righteous Saints leave their homes and gather to their Stakes. I believe that those Saints who are not doing all that they can reasonably do to be righteous will either be deceived in falling away from the church (socialistic programs, abortion as "women's rights", fake news media coverage, white Liberal-self racism, etc.) or they will not be obedient when the call comes from the First Presidency of the Church to leave their homes. This can be for a variety of reasons, all of which should always come last whenever obedience to the Prophet is concerned.
These will be reasons such as: I'm too old, I just had a baby, I have too many young kids, I just bought this house, I have bills to pay, I can't leave all my belongings behind, I'm not prepared, I don't believe we need to leave our homes, there is no danger here, I've been waiting for this appointment tomorrow for 3 months, I have other plans, I have too many other responsibilities, I can't leave my wealth behind, I can't leave my company behind, I don't do camping, I'm righteous so I'll be safe where I'm at - and many more.
Joseph Smith wrote this in his journal about the early Saints, "We have been chastened by the hand of God heretofore for not obeying His commands, although we never violated any human law, or transgressed any human precept; yet we have treated lightly His commandments, and departed from His ordinances, and the Lord has chastened us sore, and we have felt His arm and kissed the rod; let us be wise in time to come and ever remember that 'to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.'"
We all know the things that make up the usual wickedness that sometimes we forget another danger that is almost as great: complacency. We are either gaining light or losing it. More often than not, it is the simple things that keep us on the right road: service for others, studying the scriptures, praying daily, watching General Conference, going to church or having church at home, being worthy to have a Temple recommend, paying tithing, being grateful for our blessings and to live the Gospel in ALL aspect of our lives to the best we can, including voting, school, our vocations, etc.
When all of these things are combined and become a consistent, daily, lifelong habit and lifestyle, our testimony, faith, courage, gratitude, love and charity increase. This gives a great increase in obedience to the Lord and His Prophet by being obedient through the small things. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. Even the courage to literally leave the world behind to save your family by obeying the Prophet.
Why Will the Lord Clean His House First?
Elder Lund says, "This chastening will serve a valuable purpose in helping the Church prepare the world for the coming of the Lord. Many great tasks await the Lord's people if the world is to be ready for the return of the Savior. These Chastening judgements will tend to weed out the wicked and unfaithful membership of the Church so that the Lord will have a people who will carry out His will in all things."
What can the Lord do with unfaithful servants when He has a great work for us to do? What work can he accomplish here on Earth with the slothful? How could New Jerusalem be built when her people argue over politics, mince the words of the Prophets to fit their world view? No. We must become as one. We must become united in Christ and all that He stands for, for we have a great work to do.
How Will This Be Accomplished?
As already discussed, there will be Saints who are truly wicked who will be destroyed along with the rest. The more subtle ways that will leave Saints open for destruction is where the parable of the Ten Virgins comes into play. The five wise virgins represent the Saints who are prepared spiritually and physically for the wedding. The five unwise virgins represent the portion of the church who are not prepared spiritually, physically or grew comfortable and complacent. None of them were wicked, necessarily. Not truly. They became complacent in their calling, or in their service and ministering. They were lazy when it came to having church at home, reading their scriptures and praying often. Perhaps they smoked just one cigarette, took just a taste of alcohol, watched a rated 'R' movie, viewed a bit of porn. No big deal, everyone does it, right? Remember, He did not ask us to be perfect, but He does require obedience to the best of our abilities.
At worst, we become complacent and we do not repent because things "are not that bad" and thus we feel no need. The things we know that we shouldn't be doing become inconsequential. We find that we justify those actions more often than we used to. "It was just one time," becomes "I'll just do it one more time then I'll stop." Does it stop? This is the proverbial, "slippery slope," or as I like to call it, "Satan's Fly Trap." The further you go, the stickier it gets, the harder it is to get out. If we cannot get the basics of Christian 101 down, it's going to be that much harder to do the big stuff when it comes - such as the Law of Consecration.
President Heber C. Kimball said, "Persecution comes next and all true Latter-day Saints will be tested to the limit. Many will apostatize and others will be still not knowing what to do.... Before that day comes, however, the Saints will be put to tests that will try the integrity of the best of them. The pressure will become so great that the more righteous among them will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes." pg. 74
As mentioned before, another way that Saints will be taken will be due to deception. This is spiritual warfare that Satan has brought to our doorsteps, will continue to bring, and the political pressure, social pressure, spiritual pressure will all be brought to a breaking point if we do not build our firm foundation upon Christ and separate ourselves from the world, now. Those who do not act, will get left behind.
Some of the harder to overcome issues that will happen through deception will be the gathering of secret combinations. Click here for an amazing talk by President Ezra Taft Benson on secret combinations and the "death of America". We also know we will have the "mark of the beast" as spoken about in Revelation. There has been much speculation as to what this mark may be, where it will come from and how it will be thrust upon us. In light of recent news and events with covid-19, there has been some very disturbing things going on. Here's a recent article that may give us a sneak peek into that answer.
The basics of this article is this. There will be a call for a new vaccine to be mandatory to Americans. Those who refuse it will be "punished" with disincentives of various sorts. Part of the "incentives" to get this vaccine would include being allowed to get the next stimulus check- as long as you also get the mandatory Quantum Dot Tattoo along with it. This invisible tattoo (which comes from the credible MIT via the Bill Gates foundation) will act like a scan-able data bank and will be able to store your health history- specifically, immunization history. The idea is to keep American's safe from covid-19 by tracking who has had this vaccine and who hasn't. That in and of itself is horribly unconstitutional. President Benson specifically asked us to beware of giving up our freedoms for a little bit (or even a lot) of security in these last days in his talk- link given in last paragraph.
In conclusion, we need to beware of a great many deceptions in these last days if we are to make it to our gathering places. We may be villianized for not taking this vaccine or getting the tattoo in many ways, including the health and safety of America. What will you do your job threatens to fire you if you decide to not get this vaccine? What if it also keeps you from getting Unemployment benefits? Do you have three months worth of savings and food? A great mental preparation that I like to do, is to mentally picture - to the best of my ability - all the worst possibilities that may happen to make me not leave my home to gather and really think them through. I know this is not fun and can feel awful. However, a good plan now is better than a surprise, peer pressure, persecution and destruction later. Pray like crazy and make your plans ahead of time and tell yourself that you are planning ahead for great rewards in Zion and keeping your family safe. Plan ahead what you will do in the face of the worst circumstance. What is my greatest weakness that would keep me home and away from Zion?
Do whatever it takes to be faithful, vigilant and obedient. It has never mattered more and the stakes have never been higher. Remember that the great test to gather will come when we least expect it. It wasn't raining when Noah preached repentance in a drought with no clouds in sight.
In my opinion (I will write an article about it later), I personally believe that we may leave our home as early as this next Spring.
How Many Saints Will We Lose?
I have heard speculation that the number of Saints that we are estimated to lose due to wickedness, deception and complacency would reflect that of the war in heaven or about 1/3 of all members. However, I do not like speculation, though sometimes it is all we have to work with.
Here is an interesting quote from President Brigham Young in 1864, "Let the majority of the people turn away from the Holy Commandments which the Lord has delivered to us, and cease to hold the balance of power in the Church, and we may expect the judgements of God to come upon us; but while six-tenths or three-fourths of this people will keep the commandments of God, the curse and judgements of the Almighty will never come upon them, though we will have trials of various kinds, and the elements to contend with --natural and spiritual elements."
Does that mean we will lose four-tenths or only a quarter of our Saints? I believe all possibilities are open at this point for it remains to be seen what the Saints will choose.
Disease Will Sweep the Earth in Spite of Medical Advances
Great plagues, diseases and pestilences will run rampant upon the earth in one of the last efforts to bring people to repentance. God will not be mocked. "All their works will be brought to naught."
David J. Ridges in his book "65 Signs of the Times" writes about this on page 91. In D&C 109:30, Joseph Smith write, "And that all their works may be brought to naught, and be swept away by the hail, and by the judgements which thou wilt send upon them in thine anger, that there may be an end to lyings and slanders against thy people."
Why Does it Have to be This Way?
No matter how hard we or anyone else will try to find a fix for the judgements that God will bring, God will not be mocked by people who seemingly get away with blatant sin by medical advance 'fixes'. Why? These judgements are designed as a last push to get the people to turn to God before the destruction.
D&C 84:97, "And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work, which shall be cut short in righteousness--" These plagues will not be taken away even, perhaps, until Christ comes in the last days of which we are in.
Covid-19 will not be the first nor the last.
Half-Hour of Silence Ends
After the seventh seal was opened in 2000, there is silence in heaven for half an hour (~20.8 years.) Then the first angel blows his trumpet, signaling the beginning of the seven plagues.
For more math on this subject, read about the half-hour of silence in my article, "2021".
In Revelation 8:1, it reads, "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour." Again, for the detailed version, refer to the above article. In summary, the half-hour of silence should end around the year 2021, given that a half-hour in God's time is about 21 years and the 7th seal should have been opened in the year 2000.
Why is This Important?
Wouldn't you like to know an approximate time and time-frame for when the destruction will arrive? Wouldn't it be nice to know, to be prepared, to have hope away from this wicked place? Knowing when the half-hour of silence ends will tell us when the second half of the Tribulations begin - and when we want to be gone from our homes before its great destructions.
In Revelation 8, after the half-hour of silence ends, then begins the blowing of the seven trumpets by seven angels. Each trumpet ushers in a disease, plague or a disaster of some kind. Now, we do not know how often these trumps will sound once they begin. However, we do know that this period of time in the last days is called "The Great Tribulations" or "Time of Trouble" (Daniel 12:1, Matt 24:21, Jer. 30:7) and it is a period of 7 years via the math found in Daniel 9.
The Tribulations: This time of trouble or tribulation is further split in half, each half represents a period of 3 1/2 years. The first 3 1/2 years is called "The Time of Trouble" or "The Tribulations". This is the gearing up, "early signs of labor" half or roughly Stages 1-2 in my "Timeline of The Seventh Seal" article. There are many who believe that this began with the first solar eclipse in Spring 2017. We are coming up to the halfway point in this seven year period between these two solar eclipses, read 2021.
The Great Tribulations: This is the second and last half of the 3 1/2 years of tribulations or as I like to call, "the end game" where points are counted and earthly judgements applied. This is the final destruction of the majority of the wicked on Earth. This period is known as "The Day of Jehovah" or "The Great Tribulations." In the aftermath, little of mankind remains (D&C 5:19, Isaiah 24:6). This is often referred to as the "great labor pains" in Christ's comparison of it to a woman in labor. Many believe that this portion begins around the midway point of the solar eclipses. The next solar eclipse happens in Spring 2024, which will put the midway point from around December 2020 roughly through Spring 2021. Prepare for these "labor" pains now (are we not seeing them now?) before they get worse this winter. We're in for a rough time until we can leave our homes!
Socialism-Communism
This is Satan in Politics and the beginning of the end of America as we know it. This big government allows the entrance for the mark of the beast. This is what tears down the Constitution and causes it to "hang by a thread." Only the Saints will "save" it by bringing the same principles to the New Jerusalem.
Elder George Q. Morris of the Twelve said that Communism was one of the last signs to show that the Second Coming was near. He said, "Another sign of great importance was the rise of an evil power (speaking of Joseph Smith's previous talk)...The Savior recognized the domination of Satan over the world generally, and called him the prince of the world, but in a special way...he has entered into the politics of the world among the nations of the world, and already subjugated about one billion people of the world, and by a dire, sanguinary, and deadly philosophy has brought death to millions and has brought slavery to almost a billion people..." "Coming of the Lord" pg. 19
Are we not seeing this happen already to the greatest degree we have ever witnessed in American history? Many groups seek to take away or Constitutional rights and make no secret about it. President Benson said this in the October 1961 General Conference, "No true Latter-day Saint and no true American can be a socialist or a communist or support programs leading in that direction. These evil philosophies are incompatible with Mormonism, the true gospel of Jesus Christ." Article here.
He then gives us a list (bottom of article) of six things we can do to combat Socialism-Communism:
First, we should become informed about communism, about socialism, and about Americanism. What better way can one become informed than by first studying the inspired words of the prophets and using that as a foundation; against which to test all other material. This is in keeping with the Prophet Joseph Smith’s motto, “When the Lord commands, do it.” (Ibid., Vol. 2, p. 170.)
The Foundation for Economic Education, Irvington-on-Hudson, New York on which President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., served as a board member, continues to supply sound freedom literature. We should know enough about American free enterprise to be able to defend it. We should know what makes it possible for six percent of humanity–living under our free economy–to produce about one-half of the earth’s developed wealth each year.
We should know why paternalism, collectivism, or unnecessary federal supervision will hold our standard of living down and reduce productivity just as it has in every country where it has been tried. We should also know why the communist leaders consider socialism the highroad to communism.
Second, we should accept the command of the Lord and treat socialistic communism as the tool of Satan. We should follow the counsel of the President of the Church and resist the influence and policies of the socialist-communist conspiracy wherever they are found–in the schools, in the churches, in governments, in unions, in businesses, in agriculture.
Third, we should help those who have been deceived or who are misinformed to find the truth. Unless each person who knows the truth will “stand up and speak up” it is difficult for the deceived or confused citizen to find his way back.
Fourth, we should not make the mistake of calling people “communist” just because they happen to be helping the communist cause. Thousands of patriotic Americans, including a few Latter-day Saints, have helped the communists without realizing it. Others have knowingly helped without joining the party. The remedy is to avoid name-calling, but point out clearly and persuasively how they are helping the communists.
Fifth, each priesthood holder should use his influence in the community to resist the erosion process which is taking place in our political and economic life. He should use the political party of his choice to express his evaluation of important issues. He should see that his party is working to preserve freedom, not destroy it. He should join responsible local groups interested in promoting freedom and free competitive enterprise, in studying political issues, appraising the voting records and proposed programs, and writing to members of Congress, promoting good men in public office and scrutinizing local, state, and federal agencies to see that the will of the people is being carried out. He should not wait for the Lord’s servants to give instruction for every detail once they have announced the direction in which the priesthood should go. Each member should exercise prayerful judgment and then act.
Sixth, and most important of all, each member of the priesthood should set his own house in order. This should include:
Regular family prayer, remembering especially our government leaders.
Getting out of debt.
Seeing that each member of the family understands the importance of keeping the commandments.
Seeing that the truth is shared with members of the family, with neighbors, and with associates.
Seeing that each member is performing his duties in the priesthood, in the auxiliary organizations, in the temple, and in the civic life of the community.
Seeing that every wage earner in the home is a full tithe payer and fulfilling other obligations in financial support of the kingdom.
Providing a one-year supply of essentials.
The Anti-Christ
Satan loves to mimic the Savior any chance he gets. He becomes the puppet master of this Anti-Christ who assists the first great beast as it's mouthpiece in Revelation 13. The first great beast is that "great and abominable church". This Anti-Christ will do many great, but false miracles and create the "Mark of the Beast". We do not know who it is or how long they have been around doing this work. Or perhaps there may be many "Anti-Christs".
Option 1:
This Anti-Christ, as spoken of in Revelation 13, creates this "image of the beast" which is usually thought to be an idol of some sort. The people are deceived or even forced upon pains of death to worship this "image". A sort of sign that goes with this image is the "wound by a sword, and did live," referring to the first great beast "the great and abominable church" which went through a time where it was wounded and most believed it dead, but was able to rise again. Some believe that this MAY refer to the time in history when the great Catholic church, which ruled in power greater to that of a King, was overthrown in 1798 by Napoleon to which they declared, "the last pope has resigned!" However, the church recovered to new heights within time. *Please note that we love our fellow Catholic brother and sisters, and this is by no means, any sort of judgement, but I have to include it.*
A great presentation on this subject is given by Mark Finley who is not of our church but does a great job with many scriptural and historical references, I highly recommend it.
Option 2:
Ironically, another line of thinking is that this Anti-Christ will be Jewish, having the same name as Jesus, as according to John 5:43. It could be argued that the Jews were dealt a "deathly blow" many, many times over thousands of years. “And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” Revelation 13:12. The very name "Anti-Christ" means this person will come posing as Christ and any gentile would never be received by the Jews.
In Jewish Prophecy, the Anti-Christ will have the following characteristics:
He will be a direct descendant of King David of the tribe of Judah.
He will not only be a religious leader, but the greatest political leader the world has ever seen.
He will supervise the rebuilding of the Third Temple (then desecrates it with the "image").
He will restore the Sanhedrin and the sacrifices.
He will bring the Jewish people together in the land of Israel.
This prophecy revolves around Daniel 9:27:
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
A prophetic day is equal to one literal year, thus a "week" here would be seven years. They believe that this scripture speaks about 'he' being the Anti-Christ may take part in this "covenant" (Peace treaty). Half-way through this seven year period, "oblation" or Temple worship will stop due to the destruction that will come. Thus, this "Abrahamic Accord" that President Trump has helped to broker between Israel, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain may prove to be a beginning of the fulfillment of that prophecy. More middle-eastern countries are expected to join as well.
A possibility for the Anti-Christ: did you know that Putin's mother is allegedly a Shelomova Jew? He also is known to visit and pray at the Wailing Wall on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and was offered full Israeli citizenship in 2005? A curiosity, indeed.
Option 3:
Another idea that I believe is a possibility for the identity of the great beast that this Anti-Christ will work for may be Communism. We have become very close to completely eradicating Communism from the world governments which has allowed us to preach the gospel to all corners of the earth, which was prophesied by President David O. McKay. He said, "A new religious freedom must come. God will overrule it [Communism], for that people must hear the truth and truth in simplicity. Truly there is much for the Church to do in the coming century." "Coming of the Lord" pg. 40. However, we know that the great evil of Communism will make a come-back in these last days!
Mark of the Beast
This mark is instituted by the Anti-Christ that ultimately serves as one of Satan's seals (in their hand and forehead) to mark who are his people - which mimics God's version of His seal (Temple Sealing, perhaps?) In some passages of Revelation it is clear that this mark of the beast or seal will allow some of the calamities to "see" the difference between God's people and the wicked such as the 5th trumpet section in chapter 9 so that only the wicked with Satan's seal are given plagues and destroyed.
According to Rev. 13:16, those who do not have this mark in their hands or foreheads will not be able to buy or sell and will be persecuted.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Imagine being forced to choose between getting the "mark of the beast" and being able to buy food for your family. You refuse to deny Christ? Congratulations, you just earned a tax penalty. You refuse to be forced to take the covid-19 vaccine that comes with the required Quantum Dot Tattoo which stores your digital immunization record? Be prepared to lose your job, health services, government services such as public school for your kids and be prepared to endure severe public criticism.
This, (and much more) will lead to strong persecution of all Christians. It's happening now and is gaining momentum. We've seen demands to pull down statues of religious icons such as Christ and various Saints as just reparations for the Black community. Claims of "white supremacy" and "systemic racism" abound. These are just a quick peek into what 2021 may look like. What will you do if this Quantum Dot Tattoo turns out to be the mark of the beast? Talk with your family and your spouse and decide now what you will choose when the time comes!
Many Will Refuse to Believe the Signs
Many people will be so far removed from God and His word and in how they conduct their lives that they will either pay no attention to the signs or see them and scoff saying that everything is still as it was.
2 Peter 3:3-4
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Unfortunately, I have had many Saints literally scoff or shrug off the idea of these prophecies happening in our lifetime and refuse to even talk about it. Educate yourself, pray for personal revelation, read your scriptures, know what the next signs will be, and read the current (and pertinent older ones) General Conference talks such as the one in my Current Event Article that will testify to your heart that we are indeed in the last days.
Constitution Hangs by a Thread
The collective cry for socialism-communism, or big government and thus the destruction of the Constitution, from the masses paves the way for the destruction of those same principles that we fought against even in the premortal life. Satan wanted us to come to Earth without the ability to choose for ourselves so that we would have a guaranteed way back home to heaven, and Satan's reward being God's glory. Jesus knew that is was infinitely better for us to be able to choose for ourselves though it would have many dangers and the possibility to fail. The many different ways these Socialistic-Communistic policies will tear down the Constitution will ultimately lead to a massive Civil War, mobocracy and so on.
In D&C 101:77, 80, we know that the Constitution was established by God and divinely inspired. Many prophets have prophesied the danger this precious document would be in severe danger. President Brigham Young said, "Will the Constitution be destroyed? No: it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as Joseph Smith said, "The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction." "Coming of the Lord", pg. 57
Elder Orson Hyde of the Twelve who was there when this prophecy was first presented by Joseph Smith said, "...the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and said he, "If the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the elders of this Church." President John Taylor believed that the Constitution would be saved, not physically- as in the literal document- but saved in principle and re-created again in the New Jerusalem. Pg. 58.
Elder Orson Pratt agreed with both of these prophecies with his own, "...He will speedily fulfill the prophecy in relation to the overthrow of this nation, and their destruction. We shall be obliged to have a government to preserve ourselves in unity and peace; for they, through being wasted away, will not have power to govern; for state will be divided against state, city against city, town against town, and the whole country will be in terror and confusion; mobocracy will prevail and there will be no security, through this great Republic, for the lives or property of this people." Pg. 59
Temples Will Close
In Daniel 12:11 he says, in speaking of the latter-days, that the "daily sacrifice" or Temple worship will be taken away for 3 1/2 years before the abomination of desolation. This desolation refers to the destruction of Israel when Christ comes to save them via the Second Coming. Christ tells us that this abomination of desolation will happen twice. First time was when Rome destroyed Jerusalem, the second will be at Armageddon.
This prophecy also revolves around Daniel 9:27:
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
I wrote about this scripture above under the heading "The Anti-Christ". So I don't think I need to repeat myself. However, this prophecy supposedly happens midway through this last seven year period known as the Tribulations. At the end of this seven years is when Christ comes. We have already witnessed an unprecedented "temporary" closing of our Temples world-wide due to covid-19. Elder Oaks in my article, "Current Events" said this about this time during covid-19, "This is not the end of the world but merely a test. A trial run for the Second Coming if you will - physically and spiritually. If you've been following the counsel from the prophet about ministering, emergency preparedness, and at-home Church, you have no need to fear you passed the test.”
In my experiences, a pre-test is never too far from the real deal. I recommend watching Brother Goddard's presentation I will post soon. He has a great compilation of modern prophets and Apostles warning us that the time is soon. He also shows a timeline with great evidence that shows that we will start the Great Tribulations (last 3 1/2 years) in 2021, of which we will want to be gone and gathered. If this is so, we will see our Temples permanently closed sometime between now and Spring, perhaps, and leaving our homes will not be far behind.
Missionaries Come Home
The Lord will call the Missionaries home when the chaos and catastrophe(s) come. Then the Lord will "preach" His own sermons to the nations of the earth with "fire, sword, tempests, earthquakes, hail, rain, thunders and lightning and all manner of fearful destruction."
D&C 33:3
3 For behold, the field is white already to harvest; and it is the eleventh hour, and the last time that I shall call laborers into my vineyard.
Have we already passed this eleventh hour? I believe we have. The last call to missionary work is the greatest- the hastening! President Monson began this last great effort back in 2012 in a wonderful announcement. When this eleventh hour is over, then is the "time of the gentiles" at an end and missionaries will be permanently called home.
President Brigham Young gave this prophecy, "When the testimony of the Elders ceases to be given, and the Lord says to them, “Come home; I will now preach my own sermons to the nations of the earth,” all you now know can scarcely be called a preface to the sermon that will be preached with fire and sword, tempests, earthquakes, hail, rain, thunders and lightnings, and fearful destruction. What matters the destruction of a few railway cars? You will hear of magnificent cities, now idolized by the people, sinking in the earth, entombing the inhabitants. The sea will heave itself beyond its bounds, engulfing mighty cities. Famine will spread over the nations and nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom and states against states, in our own country and in foreign lands; and they will destroy each other, caring not for the blood and lives of their neighbors, of their families, or for their own lives." Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young.
D&C 43:24-29 and Luke 21:24 both talk about this time when the time of the "gentiles" will be over and that God will give his "sermon" in the last days via calamities. This recall will happen due to great chaos and strife and will happen around the same time as the Temples will permanently close. We are now seeing chaos and strife with the riots, mobs, destruction and looting in many states. Many reports are coming in from multiple sources calling directly for a Revolution, Civil War, and more and more violence to happen around or after this critical election. Gun stores are sold out and people are in great anxiety.
Pure Remnant Flees - The Gathering
Before the worst of the calamities begin and the Lord has sufficiently "pressed" His people in the Olive Press to remove the less obedient and slothful servants and preserve the obedient remnant, He will have His Prophet call them forth to gather together to their Stakes. Then when the time is right, select groups (chosen due to regions?) will go together to where the New Jerusalem will be built while the rest of the Saints the world over will stay close to their Temples and Stakes. This gathering gives the faithful remnant the best protection from the ensuing destruction.
President Brigham Young said, "Perhaps some of you are ready to ask, 'Cannot the Lord save us as well where we are as to gather together?' Yes, if the Lord says so. But if He commands us to come out and gather together, He will not save us by staying home."
Similarly, Joseph F. Smith said, "The gathering of this people is as necessary to be observed by believers, as faith, repentance, baptism, or any other ordinance. It is an essential part of the Gospel of this dispensation, as much as the necessity of building an ark by Noah for his deliverance, was a part of the Gospel in his dispensation. Then the world was destroyed by a flood, now it is to be destroyed by war, pestilence, famine, earthquakes, storms, and tempests, the sea rolling beyond its bounds, malarious vapors, vermin, disease, and by fire and the lightnings of God's wrath poured out for destruction upon Babylon."
Time to Flee
Elder Lund said that the key by which the Lord would deliver his Saints from His wrath was to gather quickly to Zion before His judgements were poured out in full measure. "Coming of the Lord" Pg. 84
Joseph Smith also gave this same warning in 1834 for our day, "Without Zion, and a place of deliverance, we must fall; because the time is near when the sun will be darkened, and the moon turn to blood, and the stars fall from heaven, and the earth reel to and fro. Then, if this is the case, and if we are not sanctified and gathered to the places God has appointed, with all our former professions and our great love for the Bible, we must fall; we cannot stand; we cannot be saved; for God will gather out his Saints from the Gentiles, and then comes desolation and destruction, and none can escape except the pure in heart who are gathered." Pg. 84
All throughout scriptural history, many times have God's people been REQUIRED to FLEE and to leave their homes. A few examples; Noah and his family, Jaredites during the fall of Babel, Abraham and Lot, Moses and the Israelites, Nephi and Lehi's family, and the early Saints, etc. Nephi chastens his wicked brothers in 1 Nephi 17 for being angry and blaming him for all the hardships they've had to suffer due to leaving their home. Nephi educates them on this very fact that the Lord has done this for His people many times and will deliver them if they are obedient.
Joseph Smith WARNED, "There will be here and there a Stake for the gathering of the Saints. Some may have cried peace, but the Saints and the world will have little peace from henceforth. Let this not hinder us from going to the Stakes; for God has told us to flee, not dallying, or we shall be scattered, on here, and another there. There your children shall be blessed..." Pg. 92
Designating Gathering Places
President Lee gave us some peace as to how we will know where to go to gather. "...the Lord has placed the responsibility for directing the work of gathering in the hands of the leaders of the Church to whom he will reveal his will where and when such gatherings would take place in the future. It would be well before the frightening events concerning the fulfillment of all God's promises and predictions are upon us, that the Saints in every land prepare themselves and look forward to the instruction that shall come to them from the First Presidency of this Church as to where they shall be gathered and not be disturbed in their feelings until such instruction is given to them as it is revealed by the Lord to the proper authority."
One Last Great Warning
I wanted to add this more as a note but it is so incredibly crucial. I have had the unfortunate experience of seeing and hearing many people, including Saints, getting ready for a war and some Saints are even calling to gather together an army of Zion similar to the time when the early Saints made their battalions.
DO NOT RAISE YOUR ARMS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR. There will NOT be any last days army or militia of Saints. Joseph Smith was warned in a revelation saying, "And those who will not take up the sword against their neighbor will flee to Zion for safety." If you kill or hurt anyone out of offense (I still presume that home defense is still okay), you will not be able to get to Zion safely or at all.
Brigham Young warned, "The time is nigh when every man that will not take up his sword against his neighbor must needs flee to Zion." In 1831, the Lord warned the Saints that they must purchase the land of Zion and not obtain it "through the shedding of blood, for if they did shed blood they would be scourged from city to city." "Coming of the Lord" pg. 108. However, we may still need firearms for defense as Joseph F. Smith gave a prophecy that showed the need for defense while we walk together to Zion as there still may be some conflicts. Pg. 111
Many have taken this in confusion, this large group of people walking in a caravan towards the New Jerusalem or Zion, was described at one point by Orson Pratt as the Army of God and how terrifying the group may look as it wends its way. However, if you read his full description, IT IS NOT A MILITIA. Just a spiritual army that he says will be led similar to Moses's Israelites- a cloud by day, pillar of fire by night with angels round about. Page 109. Remember, God said in these last days, that HE will preach his own sermons, HE will be our defender.
In Conclusion
I would press upon your mind once again to study out in your mind now, the choices you may have to make in the future, what you and your family might have to face with things such as the mark of the beast and the forms it might come to you as, how you will prepare now to overcome such great obstacles in the very near future, do you have food storage, water and water filters, spiritual armor such as a Temple recommend, doing your ministering and knowing and looking for the signs that lead us ever closer to leaving our homes and gathering together.
When we have to flee our homes, will you have second thoughts? Know what your weaknesses might be that day and write down, study and pray how you and your family will overcome it so that you do not get left behind!
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