Sign 46 - Radical Terrorism Begins

Year:1975

The book of Helaman begins in 52 BC (1974). In the first chapter we encounter terrorism for the first time among the Nephites and Lamanites. This new threat becomes the main theme of Satan’s efforts beginning in 53 BC (1975) and continuing for 71 years until 21 AD (2046) (3 Nephi 5:6). The Book of Mormon authors have included this pattern of terrorism as a warning for us in the latter days. The terrorists are called the Band of Kishkumen or Gadianton Robbers.

Helaman 1:9

9 Now when those people who were desirous that he should be their governor saw that he was condemned unto death, therefore they were angry, and behold, they sent forth one Kishkumen, even to the judgment-seat of Pahoran,and murdered Pahoran as he sat upon the judgment-seat.

The goal of these people is to gain power by robbing and murdering.

Helaman 2:8

8 … [I]t was the object of all those who belonged to his band to murder, and to rob, and to gain power, (and this was their secret plan, and their combination)….

Until this point the wars have been between the righteous and the wicked; Between the Nephites and their converts and the Lamanites and their followers. From Helaman chapter 1 until 3 Nephi chapter 6, Mormon tells us about a new threat which is terrorism caused by the Gadianton Robbers. Now the people must fight wars on two fronts. First the wickedness of the Lamanites and second the terrorism of the Gadianton Robbers. The Gadianton robbers have passwords and secret signs to identify them from the people who did not belong to the band. They make secret covenants with Satan to murder, plunder, steal, and commit all manner of iniquity.

There are currently 56 groups of modern day terrorists, who are comparable to the Gadianton robbers. They began practicing their terrorism in about 1975. In the Book of Mormon, they continue their terrorism for 71 years until they are finally defeated in a great and terrible battle. This is comparable to the battle of Armageddon.

On May 7, 1995 President Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke at a Church Educational System fireside on ‘the drama of all ages’. He said "It is in the name of freedom that terrorists now seek to destroy the institutions of society established to guarantee freedom. Read the first few verses of Helaman, chapter 12, and you will learn why terror will be visited upon mankind." (Pres. Packer Tells of 'drama of All Ages' , LDS Church News, 1995, 05/13/95)

Helaman 12:1-6

1 And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.

2 Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.

3 And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.

4 O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain things of the world!

5 Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom's paths!

6 Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide.

Terrorism is happening in the last days to chastise the wicked because of their great iniquity and refusal to follow the counsel of the Lord. It is part of God’s plan which includes all manner of afflictions including warfare, death, famine, pestilence and natural calamities. Hopefully it will bring many to Christ through repentance. Otherwise, they will be destroyed with the wicked at the Second Coming.