100 Signs of the Times (Family Deluxe Edition): Leading Up to the Second Coming of Christ (Latter-day Saint Books by David J. Ridges)

by David J. Ridges

A big one is to listen to the words of our modern prophets.

Another way we “treasure up” His word is to study the scriptures.

we invite the Holy Ghost to rest upon us.

Another is to guide us to avoid deception.

as we become more and more familiar with the signs of the

times, we will recognize that they are being fulfilled all around us. Consequently, our testimonies will be strengthened and our confidence in the Second Coming will increase.

we see that those who are righteous at the time of His coming are described as “blessed.” This is a scriptural term that often means “happy.”

As we treasure up His word, under the tutelage of the Holy Ghost, we gain sound knowledge. Such knowledge brings stability and testimony, which brings assurance and peace.

To the spiritually alert and wise, these prophecies become a great means of strengthening and confirming personal testimony. Increased faith brings increased peace.

Sometimes, misunderstandings of doctrine can lead to “being troubled,” that is to say, unnecessary fear or concern when discussing the signs of the times, the Second Coming, the Millennium, etc.

we need to carefully avoid setting a “deadline” in our own thoughts as to when He will arrive. We need to especially avoid forming timetables in our own mind and teaching or seriously suggesting them to others. This could lead to deception. He will be here the moment He arrives.

As faithful members listen to the Lord’s servants, they are kept informed.

As “children of light,” we have the opportunity to “enjoy the journey” and to “be of good cheer,” as counseled often by President Thomas S. Monson.

President Hinckley’s prophetic counsel reminds us to avoid getting caught up in the prevailing pessimism and fatalism that permeates much of the thinking of our day.

The word “failing” means “to run out of.” Thus, the phrase “Men’s hearts failing them for fear” can mean that there will be much depression and despair in the final days before the Second Coming.

one of the devil’s effective approaches for deceiving is to attempt to do away with decent heroes.

“beasts” referred to in the chapter “represent degenerate earthly kingdoms controlled by Satan.”

This is not the case.

We conclude that only the wicked and those who foolishly ignore

the counsel of the prophets to live the gospel, to live within their means, and so forth, will fall under the control of the “beast” in the last days before the coming of the Lord.

Elder L. Tom Perry,

In Jewish culture, forehead symbolizes loyalty. Thus, the mark of the beast in people’s foreheads would symbolize that they are loyal to Satan and his front organizations.

some have been heard to say that even though we can’t know the day and hour, we can know the month and year.

Some make elaborate calculations, based on personal interpretation of scriptures combined with the statements of prophets to narrow down the timing.

others claim that our prophets and apostles today do indeed know the exact day and hour, but have been instructed not to tell us.

King Benjamin tells his people that the time “is not far distant” when the Savior will be born. “Not far distant,” in this case, turns out to be 124 years.

What a great blessing to be led by

true prophets of God! It brings peace and stability and allows us to use our strength and energy in worthwhile pursuits.

but not exploring it.

This statement is questionable.

In this prophecy, the word, “slaves,” refers to oppressed people everywhere during the last stages of the world before the Savior’s coming.

This would include rebellion against oppressive regimes and cultures.

It can include women fighting for equal rights, men fighting for equal opportunity, children leaving family and cultural tradition in order to gain higher education, factions within countries demanding ...