Year:1955
Scriptures:
D&C
52:14
14
And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may
not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth
deceiving the nations—
The
Lord uses particular words and presentations in His own way to teach
us the things we must know in order to gain eternal life. He uses
parables, allegories, symbols, metaphors and patterns among other
techniques. There is a special purpose in the Lord’s patterns to
help us be prepared for His second coming.
“
‘l
give you a pattern in all things’ is one of the Lord's greatest
gifts and promises…. There are patterns for all worthy things if we
will search for them. And behold, it must be done according to the
pattern which I have given unto you (D&C
94:2).
There is no other proven way.” (Marvin
J. Ashton, The
Measure of Our Hearts
[Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1991], 38)
When
a pilot is flying to a particular destination he knows the
approximate time that he will arrive. This is because he knows where
he is now and the pattern he must follow to arrive at his
destination. However, his time of arrival is only an estimate.
There are many weather conditions that will effect his flight such as
storms, turbulence, winds, numerous clouds and downdrafts. But he
has a compass and precise flying instruments, experience and faith
that he will arrive safely. The exact time of arrival is not known
but the closer he approaches his destination, the better his estimate
is to when he will arrive. He can’t control the elements or
weather, but he can follow a proven pattern to assure his safe
arrival at his destination.
We
can similarly determine the season of the second coming by learning
the pattern the Lord has given us in the scriptures. We also have
the instrument of the Holy Ghost to give us daily direction. By
observing the pattern, or signs of the times, listening to the
guidance of the Spirit and exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,
we can determine the season of His coming. The closer we get to that
time, the more precise our estimate becomes. When a pilot flies over
a known landmark, he knows where he is and can refine his estimate of
when he will arrive. But still, the exact time of arrival is not
known.
A
Pattern Of His Second Coming In Scripture
“…in
the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second
Coming. A major portion of the book centers on the few decades just
prior to Christ's coming to America. By careful study of that time
period we can determine why some were destroyed in the terrible
judgments that preceded His coming and what brought others to stand
at the temple in the land of Bountiful and thrust their hands into
the wounds of His hands and feet.” (Ezra
Taft Benson,
The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [Salt
Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 59)
The
Book of Mormon Another Witness of Jesus Christ is a book of
scripture. It is 535 pages long and speaks extensively about Christ.
In fact the Savior is mentioned every 1.6 verses throughout the
book. “The Book of Mormon is a history book, but it is much more
than that. Except for about seven pages, this book was written
primarily by four men, and all four of those men saw our day, and
they put things in that record which would help us become a multitude
in our day…. Read the Book of Mormon with this question in mind:
‘Why did the writer put this particular thing in this record?
Nephi, Jacob, Mormon and Moroni had voluminous records at their
disposal. Why did they choose this particular thing?’ …go to the
Book of Mormon and see whether or not the Book of Mormon gives
guiding principles concerning these modern problems, concerning war,
organized crime, sin, pride within and without the Church….” (Dr.
Daniel H. Ludlow, November 12, 1963, BYU Speeches of the Year, 1963
6)
The
resurrected Savior appeared to the people of ancient America in 34 AD
(3
Nephi 11:1-10).
Three hundred and nineteen pages or 60% of the Book covers a period
of 165 years preceding this appearance. These selected events which
lead up to the coming of the resurrected savior in ancient America
gives us a pattern of similar events that will occur in the last days
leading up to His second coming in glory. The record keepers wrote
less than a hundredth part of the things that happened to the people
(Words
of Mormon:5).
But that part that was written was selected especially for the people
in the latter days. It gives us a pattern so we can understand the
signs of the times and prepare ourselves for the second coming of
Jesus Christ. If we are prepared His coming will not be as a thief
in the night catching us unawares
The
Time Of His Second Coming Is An Estimate
Mark
13:28-37
28
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender,
and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
29
So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass,
know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
30
Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all
these things be done.
31
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
32
¶ But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels
which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
33
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
34
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his
house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work,
and commanded the porter to watch.
35
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house
cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the
morning:
36
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37
And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
No
man knows the day or hour of the second coming. But just as we know
that the summer is near when the fig tree puts forth its leaves, so
we know the second coming of the Savior is near by watching the signs
of the times.
We
do not know the time of the second coming, but we have made an
estimate of when that time will be. This estimate is based on
observing the signs of the times as they occur, developing a model of
the prophesied events, and determining a time-line sequence from the
pattern given in the Book of Mormon. The accuracy of the estimate is
determined by the accuracy of interpreting the signs of the times
that are used in the model. Any errors or misinterpretations make
the estimate less accurate. Also, time durations between events and
their sequence are general which also affects the accuracy. But as
we see the predicted signs fulfilled, we can refine the model and
increase the accuracy of the prediction. So as time progresses and
the signs occur, we become more and more confident that the second
coming is near, even at our doors.
Let
me reiterate that no man knows the day or hour of the second coming,
but by watching the signs we can know the season thereof. The dated
estimates of events given in this blog are only estimates.
But as we refine these estimates with time, we can better determine
the season of His coming and be prepared.
Time
Sequence Of Events In The Book Of Mormon
“We
have in the Book of Mormon a superlative collection of stories,
lessons, precepts, and warnings which, if pondered and studied, will
help to prepare us as Latter-day Saints for perilous times that
surely shall be. The decades preceding Christ's first coming may
serve as a pattern or type of the years preceding his second coming.
President Ezra Taft Benson has explained: ‘In
the
Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming.
A major portion of the book centers on the few decades just prior to
Christ's coming to America. By careful study of that time period, we
can determine why some were destroyed in the terrible judgments that
preceded His coming and what brought others to stand at the temple in
the land of Bountiful and thrust their hands into the wounds of His
hands and feet. From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of
Christ live in times of war. (A
Witness and a Warning, pp. 20-21)’”(Joseph
Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet, Doctrinal
Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 4
vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1987-1992], 3: 327)
“The
portion of the Book of Mormon record that immediately precedes the
visit of the resurrected Lord to the Nephites (Hel. 10 through 3 Ne.
11) contains a number of historical events that prefigure, or typify,
similar events that will occur when Jesus returns to the earth at his
second coming. Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: ‘It is no
surprise to spiritually literate souls to learn that the prophecies
of the First Coming are but types and shadows of similar revelations
relative to the Second Coming.’ For example, wars and rumors of
wars existed among the Nephites, and they also are among the signs of
the times approaching the Second Coming (Hel.
11:1; 3 Ne. 3:4; D&C 45:26, D&C 45:68 68; 63:32).
The willful rebellion of individuals that existed among the Nephites
will be found again in the last days (3
Ne. 6:17-18; 7:7; D&C 64:34-36; 112:24).
Famines and plagues existed among the Nephites and serve as signs of
the times (Hel.
10:6; 12:3; D&C 43:25; 84:96; 87:6; 45:31).
People rejected the Lord's prophets and will do so again (Ne.
6:23; 7:14; D&C 1:14; 133:71; 135:1; 136:35).
The pride that existed in the church will be found again before
Christ comes (3
Ne. 6:11-14; D&C 41:1; 50:2; 63:63; 98:19).
Murders existed then, and they do so now (Hel.
10:18; 11:4; D&C 45:33, D&C 45:68 68; 63:33; 130:12).
“Many
other parallels exist between the period preceding Christ's
appearance to the Nephites and the period preceding his second
coming. These include the existence of secret combinations, (3
Ne. 6:25-30; 7:7; 9:9; Moro. 8:34-40; Ether 8:20-25; D&C 38:28;
42:64; 123:13)
the persecution of the righteous, earthquakes and great disturbances,
(3
Ne. 8:6-19; D&C 29:13; 43:18, 25; 45:26, 33, 48; 49:23; 88:88-89)
and tempests, thunderings, and lightnings (Hel.
14:23, 26; 3 Ne. 8:5-6; 10:14; D&C 43:20-25; 87:6; 88:88).”
(Donald
W. Parry and Jay A. Parry, Understanding
the Signs of the Times [Salt
Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1999], 455)
The
record keepers of the Book of Mormon kept very accurate records of
the times when events occurred. You can easily trace the historical
timeline from the time the prophet Lehi left Jerusalem in 600 BC
until the resurrected Savior appeared to ancient America in 34 AD.
In fact, the approximate time period for each page is given at the
bottom of each page. This makes it easy to identify when events
occurred.
If
we can identify an event or events that occurred in the Book of
Mormon and correlate it to events that have already occurred in these
latter days, Then we can establish a baseline.
D&C
52:14
14
And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may
not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth
deceiving the nations—
The
Lord uses particular words and presentations in His own way to teach
us the things we must know in order to gain eternal life. He uses
parables, allegories, symbols, metaphors and patterns among other
techniques. There is a special purpose in the Lord’s patterns to
help us be prepared for His second coming.
“
‘l
give you a pattern in all things’ is one of the Lord's greatest
gifts and promises…. There are patterns for all worthy things if we
will search for them. And behold, it must be done according to the
pattern which I have given unto you (D&C
94:2).
There is no other proven way.” (Marvin
J. Ashton, The
Measure of Our Hearts
[Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1991], 38)
When
a pilot is flying to a particular destination he knows the
approximate time that he will arrive. This is because he knows where
he is now and the pattern he must follow to arrive at his
destination. However, his time of arrival is only an estimate.
There are many weather conditions that will effect his flight such as
storms, turbulence, winds numerous clouds and downdrafts. But he has
a compass and precise flying instruments, experience and faith that
he will arrive safely. The exact time of arrival is not known but
the closer he approaches his destination, the better his estimate is
to when he will arrive. He can’t control the elements or weather,
but he can follow a proven pattern to assure his safe arrival at his
destination.
We
can similarly determine the season of the second coming by learning
the pattern the Lord has given us in the scriptures. We also have
the instrument of the Holy Ghost to give us daily direction. By
observing the pattern, or signs of the times, listening to the
guidance of the Spirit and exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,
we can determine the season of His coming. The closer we get to that
time, the more precise our estimate becomes. When a pilot flies over
a known landmark, he knows where he is and can refine his estimate of
when he will arrive. But still, the exact time of arrival is not
known.
As
I pondered Alma 50:23…there never was a happier time among the
people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the day of Moroni,
yea, even at this time…. I wondered what the happiest time was
in my life. It was about 1955, the year I graduated from high school.
Ten years earlier was not too happy a time as we were still involved
in the Second World War. And ten years later in the sixties,
everything was going down hill as the perilous times of wickedness
began in the last days.
The
happiest of times is a grand key in the Book of Mormon that
correlates the patterns used to determine signs that will precede the
Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Imagine, compared to the previous 500
years, these were the happiest times the people of Nephi had ever
experienced. And from that time until Jesus Christ appeared to them
in 34 AD, they experienced great tragedy and calamity.
Alma
28:2
2
And thus there was a tremendous battle; yea, even such an one as
never had been known among all the people in the land from the time
Lehi left Jerusalem; yea, and tens of thousands of the Lamanites were
slain and scattered abroad.
About
10 years before the happiest of times the Nephites and the Lamanites
had the greatest battle ever since they left Jerusalem 500 years
earlier. This corresponds to the Second World War which is the
greatest battle that has occurred in the dispensation of the fullness
of times.
Alma
51:2-5
2
Nevertheless, they did not long maintain an entire peace in the land,
for there began to be a contention among the people concerning the
chief judge Pahoran; for behold, there were a part of the people who
desired that a few particular points of the law should be altered.
3
But behold, Pahoran would not alter nor suffer the law to be altered;
therefore, he did not hearken to those who had sent in their voices
with their petitions concerning the altering of the law.
4
Therefore, those who were desirous that the law should be altered
were angry with him, and desired that he should no longer be chief
judge over the land; therefore there arose a warm dispute concerning
the matter, but not unto bloodshed.
5
And it came to pass that those who were desirous that Pahoran should
be dethroned from the judgment-seat were called king-men, for they
were desirous that the law should be altered in a manner to overthrow
the free government and to establish a king over the land.
About
67 BC (1959) a contention arose over the form of government. Those
who wanted it to change were called Kingmen. This began a great
conflict between good and evil which began the perilous times of
wickedness.
2
Timothy 3:1
1
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
The
emergence of the Kingmen is a pattern in the Book of Mormon of the
beginning of the perilous times of wickedness prophesied by Paul in
the New Testament. A great increase in the devils power over his own
dominion occurred in the 1960’s. This was a transition period. This
was a time when the wicked began to be more wicked, and the righteous
began to be more righteous.
The
happiest of times of the Nephites and the happiest of times in these
latter days are correlated events which give us a baseline of the
events that will occur before the second coming. This is a grand key
which helps significantly to understand the sequence and season that
many of the signs of the times will occur.
The
year that the happiest of times occurred to the Nephites (Alma 50:23)
is recorded at the bottom
of the scriptural page which was 71 BC which was 104 years before the
Resurrected Savior came to ancient America. I wrote in my scriptures
the corresponding year 1955 which is the happiest of times in these
latter days. The first coming of Jesus Christ to the Nephites,
as recorded in the Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 12:8 occurred in 34 AD. If
we add 104 years to 1955 we get 2059 as the “estimated” time of
the Second Coming. We have a baseline of what has already occurred
and what will occur and we can fill in other signs of the times to
fit this baseline.
Signs
Of The Times
This
blog is a summary of events (or 116 signs of the times) leading up to
the second coming of Jesus Christ. It begins with the birth of Jesus
Christ in 1 BC and concludes with his second coming in 2059 AD. In
between these two events are 114 other events which have or will
occur prior to the second coming. Sixty two events have already
happened. Fifty four events have yet to happen.
How
to correlate years between the Book of Mormon and the fullness of
times.
To
convert a BOM BC date to a Latter Day AD date: 2026 - (BOM) BC date
= AD date
To
convert a BOM AD date to a Latter Day AD date: 2025 + (BOM) AD date
= AD date
Examples:
Omni
12 Mosiah1 made king in 206 BC
2026
– 206 (BC) = 1820 AD
Alma 50:23 Nephite happiest times in 71 BC
2026
- 71 (BC) = 1955 AD
3
Nephi 12:8 First coming of Christ to Nephites in 34 AD
2025
+ 34 (AD) = 2059 AD
