After the Savior's resurrection, He stood "in the midst" of His apostles in Jerusalem and later "in the midst" of a large multitude in the Americas. When He returns to the earth, He will be in our midst. We will not only know He has returned; we will feel close to Him.
As a Thief in the Night
The Savior's Second Coming will be unexpected, so we need to be prepared. Like the Nephites at the time of the Savior's birth, we must "watch steadfastly," trusting that our faith will not be in vain. Although we don't know the timing of His return, if we walk in the light, we will be ready.
The Enmity of All Flesh Shall Cease
When the Savior returns to the earth, "the enmity of all flesh shall cease." After His ministry in the Americas, "there was no contention" for many years. We can look forward to that blessing, and we can prepare for it by reducing contention and building bridges of understanding.
The Lord Hath Brought Again Zion
The millenial hymn in Doctrine and Covenants 84:99-102 conveys the joy we will feel when the Savior returns. It acknowledges the roles of grace and covenants. It lists blessings which we will enjoy. It delights in the earth's triumph. And it praises God, listing nine of His divine attributes, including mercy.
Preparing the Way of the Lord
Isaiah prophesied that a messenger would cry, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord." This prophecy applies not only to John the Baptist but to all of us. We prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ by being peacemakers, praying for charity, garnishing our thoughts with virtue, and spending more time in the temple.
New Testament References in Doctrine and Covenants 63
Seven references to New Testament passages in Doctrine and Covenants 38 send an important message: Sincere discipleship prepares us to be with the Savior. Don't seek signs, succumb to lust, or break the law. Trust that He will transfigure the world and glorify those who follow Him.
The Eleventh Hour: Laboring with Urgency
In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, laborers are recruited for the final hour of the day. A similar pattern occurs in the Allegory of the Olive Tree. The Savior combined these two parables in an 1830 revelation to emphasize the urgency of preparing for His Second Coming.
Trembling Nations and Shaking Heavens
Ancient prophets foretold dramatic upheavals preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ—heavens shaking, nations trembling. Those prophecies have been reiterated in modern revelation. Though these events sound daunting, their purpose is redemptive: to awaken, gather, and bless. As Elder Renlund taught, we need not fear. We can prepare to meet the Savior with joy.
Called, Chosen, and Faithful
Those who are with the Savior at His Second Coming will be "called, chosen, and faithful." We have all been called. By humbling ourselves and exercising faith, we can be chosen. When we act consistently with the call over time, we demonstrate faithfulness
Old Testament Prophecies of the Second Coming
Four Old Testament prophecies quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith teach us how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ: 1. Strengthen families with priesthood power 2. Gather Israel and preach the gospel 3. Hear Him 4. Receive personal revelation