Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Basic chronology
Great tribulation prior to the second coming (signs, wars, plagues). Christs glorious return and 1,000-year reign. Destruction of the wicked, first resurrection, earth returned to is paradisiacal state. Satan permanently defeated; second resurrection and final judgment. Earth celestialized; righteous dwell with God forever.
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John A. Widtsoe
Human curiosity is intrigued by whatever seems mysterious. Therefore, much effort has been expended to reduce such general prophecies to exact dates, times, and persons, This has been a waste of time and energy, as prophecy uttered under divine inspiration usually contains all that the divine will desires to reveal. It behooves those to whom the prophecy is made to prepare for coming events, to watch for them, and to recognize them when they do appear. If more is needed, the power that gave the prophecy will no doubt furnish the interpretation. . The present disturbed condition of the world has impelled many to look for prophecies relating to the last days. Several such compilations have been published. Quotations are made from leaders of the present, as of past dispensations. Carefully read, these statements add nothing to the prophecies recorded in our sacred books. The attempts to make them specific, such as to predict any country's downfall, or to identify certain present-day leaders with prophetic personages, are unjustified and misleading.
John A. Widtsoe
Prophecy may be interpreted only to the extent that it implies within its own statements that it shall be interpreted. If a prophecy is indefinite with respect to certain things, it is probably so intended. It is always wise to read and practice that which is clear and understandable, and to leave the dim and mysterious until further prophetic revelation is received. We concern ourselves only with that which is clear and understandable. We know that with the progress of time, increasing light will come, as we may have need. Moreover, we know that we should not waste our valuable time and energies on remote and doubtful matters, but rather direct our efforts towards the study and practice of the clearly stated principles of conduct embodied in the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the direct method of obtaining light and truth, the goal of every Latter-day Saint. Evidences and Reconciliations, 93, 9596
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Literal or figurative?
D&C 133:2627:
And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence. And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep.
Literal or figurative?
D&C 133:2324:
He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one landand the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.
Genesis 10:25:
And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg [separate, divide]; for in his days was the earth divided.
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I am an optimist
I stand here today as an optimist concerning the work of the Lord. I cannot believe that God has established his work in the earth to have it fail. I cannot believe that it is getting weaker. I know that it is getting stronger. I realize, of course, that we are beset with many tragic problems. I am a newspaper reader, and I have seen a good deal of this earth. I have seen its rot and smelled its filth. I have been in areas where war rages and hate smolders in the hearts of people. I have seen the appalling poverty that hovers over many lands. I have seen the oppression of those in bondage and the brutality of their overlords. I have watched with alarm the crumbling morals of our society. And yet I am an optimist. I have a simple and solemn faith that right will triumph and that truth will prevail. Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, October 1969
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Adam-ondi-Ahman
Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of Days; he means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael, he will call his children together and hold a council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. He (Adam) is the father of the human family, and presides over the spirits of all men, and all that have had the keys must stand before him in this grand council. The Son of Man stands before him, and there is given him glory and dominion. Adam delivers up his stewardship to Christ, that which was delivered to him as holding the keys of the universe, but retains his standing as head of the human family. Joseph Smith, July 1839 This, then, is the nature of the Priesthood; every man holding the Presidency of his dispensation, and one man holding the Presidency of them all, even Adam: and Adam receiving his Presidency and authority from the Lord, but cannot receive a fullness until Christ shall present the Kingdom to the Father, which shall be at the end of the last dispensation. Joseph Smith, October 1840
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133:18. The 144,000. 29:9. The wicked burn; the righteous purified.
Malachi 4:1 vs. Malachi 3:23; 4:23.
29:11. The millennial reign. 29:13. Resurrection of the just. 45:54. Resurrection of they that knew no law.
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29:12. The Twelve and other prophets judge alongside Christ. 45:35. Christ, our Advocate with the Father.
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